Noyce Scholar Profile
Mai Nguyen
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: MAT Secondary Mathematics Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Georgia State University/Urban Mathematics Education Program
Current academic or teaching status:
Third Year teaching
School and school district:
Currently teaching at Tri-Cities High School, Fulton County (GA) Schools
Background:
I came to America when I was nine years old. Knowing that I would get a free education in the United States is a joy since my parents had to work very hard to pay for my education in Vietnam. Children in America who received free education are very fortunate. I was not good at math, but I liked to prove to my family and myself that I can do math. Therefore, I majored in it and obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Berea College in Berea, KY in 2005. After that, I taught at Riverdale High School in Riverdale, GA. Then, I pursued my master’s degree in Mathematics Education at Georgia State University through the TEEMS program. After graduation, I applied to work in the Atlanta Public Schools or DeKalb County Schools. There were many events that happened to prevent me from working in any of these two school systems. By destiny, I was hired by Tri-Cities High School, the school where I spent four years of my high school education. I worked very hard and smart trying to find ways to teach mathematics that require students to be active learners. Seeing students try to solve math problems and engage in the learning process give a joy to my heart and mind.
Why do you want to teach:
I like to help people to understand and know mathematics. Mathematics is a difficult subject to learn and understand for many people, including me. However, I managed to get help to understand math. Therefore, I would like to give back to the community.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
A memorable teaching experience happened a few weeks ago. A student was confused on how to get to the next step in solving a problem. When he realized what to do next with my help, his eyes were bright and a happy smile appeared on his face. He said, “I got it. Let me try it on my own.” It makes me happy that I was able to help him. I have made a difference in someone’s life. This memorable teaching experience reminded me why I want to be a teacher.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program means a lot to me. It enables me to teach mathematics. It guides me through my teaching career. I also like the support it has been providing me.
