Noyce Scholar Profile
Rabia Shahbaz
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:
Fifth year of teaching in high school
School and school district:
Tucker High School in Dekalb County; Currently in Meadowcreek High School in Gwinnett County
Background:
I was born in Pakistan and completed my bachelor’s education with major in mathematics and statistics. I came to the USA in 2000. I started as a substitute teacher in Gwinnett County Public Schools to learn about schools in the USA. In order to meet the certification requirement, I enrolled in the Master’s program for secondary mathematics education in Georgia State University. I was fortunate to be selected for the Robert Noyce Urban Mathematics Educators Program. The program not only facilitated my education monetarily, but also trained me well for teaching in urban schools.
Why do you want to teach:
I started teaching at a very early age by tutoring my siblings at home. I worked as a tutor in a private after-school tutoring center during my college years in Pakistan. When I came to the USA, I wanted to adopt teaching as a profession. I enjoy teaching and feel enthusiastic seeing students learn and grow in their knowledge. I also feel that I have a major role to play in society by educating the young generation. A lot of kids these days do not know their potential and do not have any motivation to do well in school. I like to instigate students’ interest in mathematics.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I started teaching at a very early age by tutoring my siblings at home. I worked as a tutor in a private after school tutoring center during my college years in Pakistan. When I came to USA, I wanted to adopt teaching as a profession. I enjoy teaching and feel enthusiastic seeing students learn and grow in their knowledge. I also feel that I have a major role to play in society by educating young generation. A lot of kids these days do not know their potential and do not have any motivation to do well in school. I like to instigate students’ interest in mathematics.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
Noyce program means a lot to me. It supported me during my master’s program, and it still is supporting me through an online professional learning community. Noyce program trained me to teach students in high need schools. I learned how to play a role of teacher, mentor, and a role model in the lives of my students. Being a minority in this country, I can very well relate to the students in urban schools. Through the Noyce program, I learned how important it is to motivate students in urban schools and be there to support them as they have less support from society.
