Noyce Scholar Profile
Frances Rios
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Texas at El Paso
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
El Paso and Ysleta Independent School Districts
Background:
I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Both my parents are of Mexican origin. I have four sisters who are older than I am.
Why do you want to teach:
I was in the graduating class of 2009 at Bowie High School. During my high school career, I was lucky enough to have some of the best teachers–from this came the inspiration to become a teacher. My high school teachers were much more to me than just my instructors; they became my role models, my heroes, my friends. That’s what I want to become in the future for my students–someone they can count on, not just someone who teaches them.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
In my freshmen year I had geometry with the strictest teacher on campus, but I loved that class. She was an amazing teacher. Our final test was passing the TAKS test (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills), and she had mentioned before that whoever didn’t pass the test was going to be “stuck” with her for another year. The day the results were in she stood in front of the class with a serious face, everyone felt the tension, but with a smile she said, “Well I guess y’all will be having a new math teacher next year.” Everyone was relieved, but yet everyone knew they would miss her, her strictness, but mainly the way she made learning so enjoyable.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
Noyce has changed my college experience completely. Being involved in this program has helped me meet people who aspire to have the same career as I. It has helped me gain knowledge from teachers who have years of experience and have worked with a variety of students, as well as helping me with tuition and the other expenses that college brings.
