Noyce Scholar Profile

Andy Nguyen
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Liberal Studies
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
The Fullerton Mathematics Teacher and Master Teacher Fellows Project
Current academic or teaching status:
Teacher for five years
School and school district:
Anaheim Union High School District
Background:
I am a California State University Long Beach graduate with a multiple subject, single subject (in mathematics), and an administrative credential. I’ve taught multiple subjects at the elementary level and mathematics in middle school. Being highly skilled in technology, I’ve also conducted workshops for the Anahaim Union High School District Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) to help new and veteran teachers incorporate technology in their classrooms. Currently, I’m working on a grant that would have students using iPods and educational apps to help reinforce and engage students on mathematical ideas. During my free time, you can find me on the local mountains snowboarding or scuba diving at the clearest beaches.
Why do you want to teach:
Throughout elementary school all my teachers made learning enjoyable. I thought they truly loved their jobs, and it seemed that teaching made them happy because their hearts were in it. Because of my teachers, I loved school and enjoyed going to it daily. I wanted to pass on my passion for learning to others.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My memorable teaching experience comes annually when my students come back from high school to visit during Open House. They share stories about lessons and projects we did in class years ago and sing math songs that I taught them when they were in middle schools.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program allows me to work with highly skilled teachers who share the same goals as I do. The program has created opportunities for me to collaborate with other teachers to improve my teachings.