Noyce Scholar Profile
Katie Soto
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics & Science, grade 6
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Current academic or teaching status:
5 years teaching
School and school district:
Park Middle School, Lincoln Public Schools
Background:
My hometown is Lincoln, NE. I received my education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I have been teaching for 5 years at Park Middle School in Lincoln. I enjoy working out, home improvement projects, spending time with nieces and nephews, and reading for pleasure.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to equip students with the tools and resources necessary to become active life-long learners and instill in them a passion for inquiry and problem solving.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
Last spring I had the opportunity to work with a student teacher from Doane College. I was enthusiastic about sharing my classroom and teaching experience with a young professional beginning her educational career. I was excited to be given the opportunity to provide a positive learning experience for her and to help her grow in her teaching ability. Under my supervision, the student teacher taught whole group and small group lessons. I was able to provide descriptive feedback regarding her strengths and areas for improvement. I offered guidance in the areas of classroom management, lesson design, classroom instruction, and assessment.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Robert Noyce Master Teaching Fellows program offers many benefits to its participants, but one aspect of the program that excites me the most is the leadership opportunity it makes possible. In the next five years, I envision myself continuing my work in Lincoln Public Schools as a math educator, and hope to hold a leadership position in the mathematics department. I would like to be given the opportunity to share my mathematical knowledge and experiences with colleagues through professional development and the supervision and mentoring of novice practitioners. I would also love to be a part of the graduate education for other math teachers at the university. I feel the Robert Noyce Master Teaching Fellowship program would provide me with the skills needed to successfully accomplish these leadership roles.
