Noyce Scholar Profile
Karen Tatum
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: MAT Secondary Mathematics Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Georgia State University-Urban Mathematics Education Program
Current academic or teaching status:
First Year
School and school district:
Frederick Douglass High School, Atlanta Public Schools
Background:
I am a native of Atlanta who attended Atlanta Public Schools and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School. I went to Georgia State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. I worked in the banking industry for thirty years as a programmer analyst. I just completed the requirements for receiving my Masters of Arts in Teaching Mathematics Education at Georgia State University. I am married and have three sons. I am involved in my church, taught children in Sunday School for years, but now attend the adult classes and really enjoy bible study. I directed a children’s choir for years, but now I am just a backup. As you can tell, children are a recurring theme in my life. I do adult things also. I was a Toastmaster a few years back. I love music, reading and going to restaurants with friends. The most interesting thing I have done lately was to attend Fulton County’s Citizen University this spring. I learned everything there is to know about Fulton County government and what my tax dollars are doing for me. I graduated in June, 2009 from that class.
Why do you want to teach:
The following quote is at the beginning of my philosophy of education: “The aim of education is to provide children with a sense of purpose and a sense of possibility and with skills and habits of thinking that will help them live in the world”. (Alice Waters in Wong & Wong, 2009, p. 83). I believe that all children can learn and that they can learn mathematics. I want to effectively communicate mathematics to children. Teachers can provide students with a sense of purpose and possibilities while providing them with skills and habits of thinking and living in a mathematical world.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I received a card and gift from one of my students after I completed my student teaching. The card was from a boy in the 9th grade. He thanked me for being his teacher and said that he liked the way that I taught because he could understand when I explained things. I was so touched because I thought that all of the students did not even care or pay attention. So the fact that one student cared or thought enough to say thank you, made the entire student teaching experience worthwhile.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has provided me with resources to add to my teacher’s toolkit. The resources have aided me in developing instructional strategies, classroom management strategies, and professional development. The opportunity to share and discuss teaching in an urban setting has been invaluable. I really appreciate the support and encouragement from my fellow Noyce scholars.
