Noyce Scholar Profile
Amy Simpson
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Middle Childhood Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Math and Social Studies, grades 4-9
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
SEOCEMS Noyce Scholars Program at the University of Rio Grande
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Wellston Middle School, Wellston City School District
Background:
I am from Wellston, Ohio. Wellston is a small rural town, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I was in fifth grade, I decided that I wanted to be a math teacher. My teacher made math fun and inspired me to do well. Since then my goal has been to become a math teacher and teach at Wellston. I attend the University of Rio Grande. I chose Rio because it is a small college, and they have one of the best education programs in Ohio. I have taught in different grade levels and at different schools. I have worked with the SIFE team at the Rio to perform different community service projects. We went around to local school districts and taught students about economics. Every year in college I have been a member of Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges. I am also a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta National Academic Honor Society for Freshmen. I received a Certificate of Recognition of Excellence from ETS for my outstanding score on the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching Grades 5-9.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach because I enjoy working with students and helping them succeed. Giving someone the gift of knowledge is the best thing I can ever give someone. My teachers made a difference in my life, and I want to make a difference in my students’ lives as well. When I was little, I used to play school with my little brother. I would always teach him about math. I enjoyed teaching back then and still enjoy it today.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I have had many memorable teaching experiences, but this one is the first that came to my mind. I was student teaching in math, and there was a student who was shy and never asked for help. He didn’t participate in class either. One day I could tell that he was struggling because he only had one problem done, and it wasn’t correct. Instead of asking for help he just sat there. I asked him if he needed some help, and he said “yes.” So I worked one-on-one with him. I showed him how to work out the problems and then had him try some on his own. He told me that he understood the problems and thanked me for helping him. I was surprised that he thanked me. From that day on he would ask me for help when he needed it. He also participated more in class. I feel like I made a difference with him. He came out of his shell and started to succeed in math.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has meant a lot to me. It has given me the financial support that I need to finish college. It has allowed me to be a member of the Noyce community. All of the people I have met have inspired me. We share our experiences, and we know we are not alone. We are all facing the same kinds of issues in the classroom, and we are here to offer suggestions to one another. Having this support is very comforting. It has also given me the opportunity to attend the Noyce Conference in Indianapolis on April 7th and 8th. I am looking forward to the conference. It is a privilege to be a member of the Noyce community, and I am very thankful to be member.
