Noyce Scholar Profile
Fernando Villa
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics, Physics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, Physics, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Texas El Paso
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
El Paso Independent School District
Background:
I was born and raised in El Paso, got married and had a family early. I worked for 16 years and decided to return to school after putting my wife through school first–she is currently a Social Studies teacher. I have three kids ages 10, 15, 17 and have been coaching a little league football team for the past six years.
Why do you want to teach:
While I was working, I was responsible for mentoring and training supervisors for management,I would search for the best method of getting them information in a way they understood. I took it personally that they would acquire the skills needed to get promoted. Also coaching kids was something I really enjoyed, watching them grow before your eyes. I would get them scared, shy and uncoordinated, and after a season, these kids were confident, sure of themselves and strong. I want these kids to see themselves grow, and I want to provide them instructions about life so that they have the best opportunity.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I am fascinated with the “a-ha” reaction. I have witnessed many good teachers who show a little more patience and persistence that demonstrate this phenomenon at work.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
I am grateful for the relationships it brings to me, the guidance and the peer support. It supplements the confidence to finish out school and when in the classroom, it equips you with many resources and tools to give these kids the best education that I can possible give.
