Noyce Scholar Profile
Ray Westbrook
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:
Lehman College - CUNY
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Intern, District 10 Bronx, NY
Background:
I know firsthand why people choose to live in New York City; it is an incredible place to be. There is anything and everything you could want or imagine here. I was raised and live in the suburbs. I have enjoyed Jones Beach, the Statue of Liberty, Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium, Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, Madison Square Garden, Broadway theatre, the opera, and many, many more wonderful events and moments in my life. The city also has many other benefits including educational opportunities, great health care services, and professional opportunities. I enjoy calling New York home.
Why do you want to teach:
Today’s students need the resources to become successful citizens for tomorrow. I would like to share what I have learned and experienced in a way that encourages student growth and makes a positive impact on the lives of all children.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
When I was a sophomore in high school, my geometry teacher posed this problem to the class: If I were to give you a penny today and two pennies tomorrow and four pennies the next day and so on for a month, would you take that or a lump sum of $500,000.00? It turned out that 2 to the 31st power was quite a sum indeed. I have since learned how to solve many mathematical problems.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
I have just gotten involved with the program. The Lehman Urban Teacher Education program has taught me that teaching and learning go hand in hand. I believe that the Noyce program will take my teaching and learning to an even higher level which should benefit my future students.
