Noyce Scholar Profile
Vanessa Riehm
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics; secondary
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
California State University, San Bernardino
Current academic or teaching status:
I have been a Noyce scholar for over three years. I have experience teaching high school and middle school students.
School and school district:
Shandin Hills Middle School; San Bernardino City Unified School District
Background:
I was once a student at the district that I will be teaching. I can relate to the economic and social background of many of these students. I feel this will give me an advantage in understanding the needs of my students. I am the first in my family to go to college. I returned to college after raising three children.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach because I want my students to value their educations as much as I value mine. I feel that I can help my students make the connection between mathematics and real-world applications and show them that learning can be fun! I had one particular teacher that always stood out in my mind because he believed in me when I was full of doubt in myself and my abilities, because of him I grew to love mathematics. I want to be the same inspiration for my students.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I happened to run into a former student (she was a senior at the time that I was teaching in her class) and she thanked me for helping her graduate. She told me that because of my belief in her and all of the help that I gave her, she was able to finally “understand” math and graduate with her class. She is currently a student at San Diego State University. I was truly touched to hear that I had made an impact on someone’s life.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has given me hands-on experience and guidance from many excellent and experienced mentors. I feel that I am better prepared to teach to my potential because of my experiences with Noyce. The support that I have received while in this program has been instrumental to my success.
