Noyce Scholar Profile
Jami Renner
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 5-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior Year
School and school district:
n/a
Background:
I am a single mom of an eight-year-old boy. I was in banking for almost eight years before deciding to complete my degree. I played volleyball my first year out of high school and still play today. I have coached a high school team as well.
Why do you want to teach:
I would like to teach junior high or middle school. This appeals to me because I feel at that age students not only need and are looking for a role model, but they still have the ability to be molded into great students. As a teacher, I want to be that role model for them and help direct them in a way that will lead them to ultimate success.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
Since I am still completing my degree and field time, my experiences are limited. What has stuck out recently is not so much being in front of the classroom, but the feedback my students gave me after teaching a lesson. It was an eighth grade math class and the students were very respectful in their responses to me but yet still delivered ideas for me to improve on. Not only did I look to their teacher as a mentor for myself since obviously she is doing something right, but their feedback allowed me to truly see how I was coming across to “the student.” I feel since they are the center of teaching, their voices should count.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program not only helped relieve a financial burden while attending school, but I am also anxious to utilize all the resources provided through the program to grow my knowledge of and ability in teaching. I think and hope it will help me open the doors and accomplish my dreams of being able to reach students in a way that gets them excited to learn and even go beyond what is expected of them. I see the Noyce program as a beautiful red door that opens to an abundance of resources for myself as a teacher and that allows me to be able to constantly improve my game.
