Noyce Scholar Profile
Chris Pokorny
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Middle School / High School
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Pacific University
Current academic or teaching status:
MAT Graduate Student
School and school district:
Woodburn, Oregon
Background:
I graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1997 with a degree in mathematics. Since then I’ve had a variety of past jobs and experiences. I’ve worked with both kids and adults. I have also had the opportunity to work with physicians and in various business settings. I spent nearly a year in Japan teaching English. These experiences have helped me realize why I will enjoy teaching.
Why do you want to teach:
I love working with kids and want to have a positive impact on their lives. Teaching will be rewarding on a number of levels. The satisfaction that comes when kids understand a tough problem or are able to see a concept for the first time makes your time and effort all worth it.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I spent time working in Osaka, Japan, teaching English to a variety of individuals. Since I spoke very little Japanese and my students were mostly beginning English language learners, it was challenging, at times, to come up with ways to communicate a lesson plan. But it was always inspiring to have students come to you with new vocabulary that they had looked up independently of any assignment simply because they had a passion for learning English. That passion was shared by a number of my students and it was something that was so refreshing to see – a passion for learning.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program, for me, is an affirmation of the importance that mathematics and science should play in the education of young people. It is wonderful that the NSF has taken on the challenge of encouraging individuals with a strong background in the sciences to become a fresh batch of teaching professionals. I look forward to helping students gain the confidence and skills required to excel and achieve in our evolving society.
