Noyce Scholar Profile
Jarvis Ridges
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: MAT Secondary Mathematics Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Georgia State University/Urban Mathematics Education Ptrogram
Current academic or teaching status:
Third Year
School and school district:
Benjamin E. Mays High School, Atlanta Public Schools
Background:
Prior to teaching, I worked in the corporate sector for more than 15 years. I went back to school to complete my undergraduate degree, then decided to pursue graduate studies in mathematics education.
Why do you want to teach:
I wanted to teach for as long as I can possibly remember. Growing up in an urban environment, I’ve always had a heart for children who have been “othered.” When I found out about the Noyce program, I realized that the opportunity to receive valuable training and insight would allow me to realize my own dreams while contributing to the success of others.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
One of my students began the semester several weeks after school had already begun. As with all of my new students, I gave him a diagnostic assessment to gather information about prior knowledge before introducing the new material. “Bob” refused to do any work, telling me that he was “tired of testing” and would be perfectly fine with a zero for the day. Even after contacting “Bob’s” guardians, he refused to do any work in the classroom. Several class periods later, after observing the classroom dynamics and how hard other students were working, “Bob” decided to contribute to one of the discussions. Being praised for taking such a giant leap, I could sense his confidence level skyrocket almost immediately. I even sent a “good note home” explaining his enthusiasm for that day’s lesson. “Bob” began to ask more questions, share more of his solutions, (even when he wasn’t so sure that he was correct), and volunteer to tutor many of his peers. It was through this memorable experience that I witnessed the power of positive affirmations for our children, and how high expectations can stimulate learning that lasts.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has given me the opportunity to cultivate relationships with so many talented individuals who share my passion for educating our nation’s youth, which has contributed to my professional growth as an educator.
