Noyce Scholar Profile
Meoshe Williams
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Applied Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Southern California, Math for America LA
Current academic or teaching status:
3
School and school district:
Ramon Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts, LAUSD
Background:
I was born and raised in Mobile, Al. I graduated from the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science and went on to earn a BS in Applied Mathematics from the Georgia Institute of Technology. I received my Master’s of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California.
Why do you want to teach:
I’ve always had a passion for mathematics. For as long as I can remember, math was always very interesting to me. While in high school, I found myself helping my peers in their math classes as well as volunteering to tutor students in the neighborhood. Not only was math fun for me, but I’ve always enjoyed working with children–from my first job as a gameroom attendant at Chuck E. Cheese to my college work study job as a mentor and tutor for middle and high school students. For me, teaching gives me the opportunity to combine two things that I love–math and kids! I love to see students’ eyes light up when they finally understand something mathematical. I want to inspire students and encourage them to always try their best and never give up!
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
There are many memorable teaching experiences but one that stands out in particular was during a class activity in my repeat Geometry class. This particular class had been a challenge to engage because all of the students were in Geometry for at least the second time; some were in the class for the third time. After many attempts at making practicing problems fun for the students, I finally succeeded. Although I never had a problem with the students doing what I asked, I wanted them to be happy while they were learning. While the students were working on the activity, I overheard a conversation. One student said, “Hey, do you know what time this class ends?” Another student in her team said, “I don’t know. Who cares? I’m having fun!” The student then replied, “I know, me too! But I have to use the restroom, and I don’t want to miss anything!” It was awesome to see the students so engaged in the mathematics–learning and having fun at the same time.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program, Math for America Los Angeles, has meant a lot to me. I feel so blessed to be part of such a wonderful fellowship with amazing teachers and coaches. I have learned so much about teaching and feel that I am growing each year as an educator. The support thus far has been phenomenal, and I look forward to many more years as a high school math teacher.
