Noyce Scholar Profile
Sarah Skidmore
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, Grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Wittenberg University
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Springfield, OH
Background:
I am from Troy, OH where I live with my parents Jay and Kathy, and my younger sister Samantha. I graduated valedictorian at Miami East High School in Casstown, OH. I loved my high school and hope to end up teaching there one day. There I played basketball, volleyball, and track. I am now a senior at Wittenberg University. I play on the Women’s Varsity Basketball team, am Treasurer of Kappa Delta Pi, Co-President of Ivy Ring, a member of Mortar board, Pick & Pen, Alpha Lambda Delta, Omicron Delta, Peer Helpers, Stem scholar, Emerging Leaders, and Athletes for Christ.
Why do you want to teach:
I have had some of the best teachers a student could ask for. I had an amazing 3rd grade teacher who made me love school and inspired me to teach. From there on, some of my best teachers were my math instructors who knew how to reach students on so many levels. These teachers were mentors for me, supporting my academics, athletics, and helping me with personal life issues as well. I want to be the type of teacher and mentor that these amazing people were for me. I come from an amazing, supportive community, and I can’t wait to be a part of one like that again some day. I love math and I want to instill that love in as many students as possible because so many grow up hating math and thinking it is useless. I have had so many people try to tell me not to go into teaching, but I don’t think a true teacher goes into teaching for the money. I know it isn’t the most well-paid profession, but I feel called to do it because it is something I am passionate about, and that is what keeps me going!
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I haven’t had too many actual teaching moments so far, but I was able to tutor a 7th grade math student a few years ago. It took some time for her to feel comfortable around me, but once she did, I was able to see her truly grow and prosper. She wasn’t afraid to ask me questions, she was excited to share her class success with me, and she truly looked forward to our weekly tutor sessions. I knew she was a bright girl; she just needed someone to invest some time in her. This inspired me only that much more to want to teach mathematics and show how much I truly care for all of my students and their learning.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
I am honored to be a recipient of this scholarship, especially as it was just being implemented. To me it means that someone recognizes my passion for my subject area and for wanting to share it with others. This scholarship allows me to truly appreciate the beautiful college I have been lucky enough to spend my four years at, and it provides me with incredible connections for the future. I love the idea of having a mentor that I will remain in contact with as I start my journey next year out of college. I am grateful for the amazing scholarship and the experiences it is providing.
