Noyce Scholar Profile
Ren Reich
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Jr High or High School
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
CSU Northridge
Current academic or teaching status:
Sr. Year
School and school district:
Christadelphian Heritage School
Background:
My love for math began the second time I took algebra. My love for teaching math began 5 years ago when I volunteered to teach at my kids private school. I taught all different levels of math and regained my love for Algebra and Geometry.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach math because I had such amazing teachers that brought out the best in me when I didn’t have much confidence. I want to be able to do that for other kids. I really want to reach the kids who are struggling, or have no interest in math.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
This may sound a bit silly, but today would be that memorable moment. I prepared a lesson for a Jr High Algebra class in a neighborhood that was 100 percent not from my culture. I wasn’t sure if the kids would respond to me or accept me because I was white. To my great delight, they responded well to my questions and enjoyed my presentation and even thanked me. It felt great.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce Program has opened my eyes to new ideas and teaching styles I have never thought of. For instance, we had a guest speaker who came in and explained algebra tiles with us. Who knew Algebra could turn into play time?
The Program has also been an encouraging support team and that is exactly what I need right now.
