Noyce Scholar Profile
Meredith Troy
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Physics and Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Science and Mathematics, Grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Wittenberg University
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Springfield, OH
Background:
I grew up in Cincinnati, OH, the youngest of three girls. Growing up, I was surrounded by pets and so at college I got involved with a program that helps to socialize service dogs in training. At Wittenberg University, I am also a TA for the Physics Department and work as a tutor in the Math Workshop. When I was little, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher, and all of my experiences in college have confirmed that teaching is what I am passionate about.
Why do you want to teach:
Many of my teachers not only passed on their content knowledge to me, but also acted as mentors who helped me grow as a person. I want to become a teacher to help students find what they are passionate about. I want to help students understand and become interested in physics and math, to learn more about themselves, and to help them realize their potential.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
Last semester, when a group of my students finished a lab early, I got the chance to talk with one of the girls in the class who I was having trouble getting engaged in the classroom. I spent the time talking with her and learning a little bit more about her background and what she wanted to do at college the following year. Over the following week, I noticed an increase in her participation in class and saw that she was more willing to come to me with questions that she had about the material.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce Program will provide me with mentors and support as I start teaching. I feel that having the ability to share experiences and seek guidance from a teacher with who I have worked closely for a couple of years will really help me when I get my own classroom. Having a mentor who has seen me grow as a teacher and who knows my strengths and weaknesses will help me through the difficulties and challenges faced by beginning teachers.
