Noyce Scholar Profile
Kristina Toth
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Math and Science, grades 4-8
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Texas at Arlington
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
Dallas ISD
Background:
I live and grew up in Midlothian, Texas with my wonderful husband, Miki. I am just now beginning the education program at University of Texas Arlington and absolutely love it! I am a proud member of the Honors College and would like to further my studies into graduate school. Research has always interested me, and I am currently conducting research on Hispanic-English Language learners’ self-efficacy towards science under Dr. Ann Cavallo. I am looking forward to beginning my field experience and hope to make a positive impact on each student in my classroom.
Why do you want to teach:
One day, in desperate need of a job, I had asked my mom if she knew of any place that might be hiring. She had said that Mansfield ISD was looking for substitutes for the upcoming semester. I decided to go with her idea, not really knowing what to expect. As soon as I walked into the classroom and started to teach the kids their lesson, I knew that I had experienced my true calling. I absolutely loved it–the kids, their curiosities, their personalities. I was amazed by it all. From that point, I changed my major from Biology to education and the rest is history!
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
Upon arrival at one of my sub assignments, I found a note that the regular teacher had left me about one of her classes, warning me to be careful because the students were normally terrible in their behavior. Making a mental note of this, I carried on with the day’s lesson, making sure that each child was consistently involved and answering their questions. I was surprised to see that each student was behaving quite well during the entire class period. Before class had ended, I thanked the students for behaving so well and after I did, one student who was leaving the classroom replied, “Thank you for acting like you actually care about us.” That one comment has never left my brain!
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
I am very fortunate to be a part of such a prestigious program that has lifted many of my financial burdens. I enjoy being able to network among other professional scholars and to advance my knowledge in science education.
