Noyce Scholar Profile
Elvira Spadafora
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics/Secondary Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Loyola Marymount University
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Venice High School, Los Angeles Unified School District
Background:
Even though I grew up in Los Angeles, CA, my parents are originally from Italy. My first language was Italian, and I remain fluent in the language. I went to Notre Dame Academy High School and am currently attending Loyola Marymount University. During high school, I started to volunteer for a lot of programs at schools, parks, and libraries in which I could interact with and teach kids/students. These programs led me to becoming a cheer coach, which I greatly enjoy and am the most proud of out of all my activities. Since I was a gymnast and a dancer, I am able to combine my love for the two along with cheer.
Why do you want to teach:
Ever since I was a kid playing “teacher” with my stuffed animals, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. After 6th grade, I also developed a passion for mathematics. I have always enjoyed my math classes and had great math teachers. During high school, I realized, why not combine my two passions into one and become a math teacher. Since I have always been enthusiastic about math, I would love to share my passion and knowledge with others. I also know that math is usually the subject some students do not like. I want to change this attitude and demonstrate to them how valuable math is and how fun it can be when it is learned and understood.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
A memorable teaching experience occurred during my student teaching at Venice High School. It made me proud of my decision to become a teacher and in a way has made me feel as if I have already accomplished something important for me and for others. I have a bright student in two of the classes I am teaching, algebra and geometry. This student would always attend algebra but never come to geometry. When I approached him about this, he wasn’t very willing to talk at first but later admitted that he didn’t like geometry and didn’t come to class since he was convinced he would never be successful in it. After pushing him and motivating him to attend class, I was very happy to see him walk into my classroom for geometry one afternoon. He continued to attend class regularly, caught up with assignments and ended up getting an A on a test. He was very surprised, and I was very proud and happy to tell him that with hard work and motivation, he was able to succeed.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
I am very grateful for the Noyce Program. For one, I have been able to meet people who care about my professional growth and development and who have been very supportive and have acted as mentors for me. Secondly, the Noyce Program has reaffirmed my realization that becoming a teacher is a very valuable asset for students and communities. It is with great happiness that I say I am a teacher. Finally, the Noyce scholarship has helped me financially, which has allowed me to put all my focus and dedication into my education and teaching.
