Noyce Scholar Profile
Liberty Nichols
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics, Secondary Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Northern Colorado
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Franklin Middle School, Weld County School District 6
Background:
I am a Northern Colorado native and have wanted to become a teacher since elementary school. I was daunted, however, by the reactions of my peers and the lower pay and so considered other (ultimately unfulfilling) career paths before finally deciding that teaching was my true passion. As a non-traditional student, I have the drive to succeed that I did not have at eighteen, straight out of high school.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach because I love kids and enjoy helping others achieve their goals. I hope to engage students in the problem solving process and help curb the epidemic of math phobia.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I have limited firsthand experience of teaching so far, but I have been a tutor for six years and have had several students tell me that I was the only one who successfully helped them understand the concepts. Those comments always stand out in my mind because they encourage me when I get frustrated by reminding me that I am doing something good.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has meant a great deal to me! The interview process and subsequent award gave me a vote of confidence from the committee. The money itself means that although I intend to spend my career in a public school setting I may not be saddled with as much debt as many of my colleagues after graduation.
