Noyce Scholar Profile
Kim Poli
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mechanical Engineering and Social Work
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Act! Program
Current academic or teaching status:
Final Semester
School and school district:
Depere High School and Parkview Middle School, Ashwaubenon, WI
Background:
I have worked in the field of engineering since earning my degree in 1982. My work experience includes design, project management, supervision, drafting, and process improvement. Many of the skills I developed during this time, I believe, are also valuable in teaching. I worked as an adjunct instructor at a local technical college to get some teaching experience and enjoyed it very much so I enrolled in the Act! Program to earn a teaching license.
Why do you want to teach:
I really love to teach and find it very challenging and rewarding. My base of knowledge, life/work experience and maturity are valuable assets for teaching.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
As part of my coursework, I had several opportunities to help out in a high school in Milwaukee. The students faced many challenges – including behaviors, language differences and academic abilities. Despite these challenges, many of them were interested in learning and appreciated some additional help. This experience reminds me that, no matter what the school or classroom situation, there are students who are interested in learning.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has been a great financial help in making my career transition, and it also enables me to be part of an organization working to improve education.
