Noyce Scholar Profile
Allison Starring
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Stonehill College
Current academic or teaching status:
Fourth year undergraduate, senior
School and school district:
N/A
Background:
I was born and raised in Barrington, Rhode Island. In 2011 I began studying Mathematics and Secondary Education at Stonehill College where I have been given so many great opportunities, such as this scholarship. Along with a passion for teaching, I love to dance and spend time with friends and family.
Why do you want to teach:
I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher, but I never knew what I wanted to teach. My pre-calculus teacher in high school, however, made me more interested in math and helped me realize I wanted to teach that subject. She had so much passion and excitement not only for math but for teaching which made all her students want to learn. I really enjoy helping others and becoming a teacher would allow me to help students everyday.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
At this point in my undergraduate experience I have only observed in classrooms, however, just being in classrooms has taught me a lot about teaching. In one classroom where I observed a junior student told his teacher that all he had to do to graduate was pass all of his classes. The teacher then spoke with the class about determination. He said that after high school you cannot just do the bare minimum and expect to be successful. Although he veered from his lesson plan, I thought it was an important life lesson to point out. As a teacher, I not only want to teach math but also life lessons.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
Being chosen to be a Noyce Scholar is such an honor. Not only will this opportunity help me financially, it will also prepare me to become a strong teacher. Having recently received this scholarship, I am excited to begin utilizing its resources and opportunities.
