Noyce Scholar Profile
Sarrita Scott
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 Program
Current academic or teaching status:
First year
School and school district:
Young Middle School, Atlanta Public Schools
Background:
I was born in Washington and raised in Illinois with a few years in Georgia and Florida. I obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Georgia State University – Atlanta in 2009. I remained at Georgia State to pursue a degree in Mathematics Education. After graduation, I was hired by the Atlanta Public Schools as an eighth grade mathematics teacher, teaching the advanced students. I have always known that I wanted to teach and share the love of education with those younger than me. During my college years, I was able to see that it was mathematics that really grounded me. I am challenged everyday as I work hard to explain why math occurs to my students.
Why do you want to teach:
I have always wanted to teach. I love the ‘ah-ha’ moment in students when I am the teacher, and they get it. I enjoy explaining math to students and helping them to have their own opinion on education. Helping students and sharing the moments with them of being a student is rewarding. I enjoy watching students grow and mature. It is a feeling that is rarely felt, but is exciting when students come to you as a teacher for advice.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My most memorable moment of teaching was when a student worked harder and harder for every test and slowly began to raise her test scores. She went from failing the tests to getting a Mid B. But by the time she was getting a B, this grade was no longer acceptable, and she was unhappy with herself. By the end of the year she did receive at least one A on the test. It was exciting to watch her work hard for the grade she was getting and really try to be the best.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has helped me to get together with other scholars to discuss educational issues. It has been nice to have experienced teachers answer questions for me and help me when I don’t know where to start with my students. I like to talk out my lesson planning, and the Noyce Program has allowed this. I have appreciated the funds to focus on education more than working and being able to get all that I can from the Master’s Program.
