Noyce Scholar Profile
Kiera Willis
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics, Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
California State University Dominguez Hills
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
N/A
Background:
I have wanted to be a teacher since Kindergarten. I discovered that math was what I wanted to teach in the 8th grade. I was fascinated by the use of variables in equations, and was even more interested once I got to pre-Calculus and AP Calculus I. Math was always something I was good at throughout school so I knew that teaching math was my calling.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach because I love math and love helping others. I have always filled the role of a teacher’s assistant in my math classes because my classmates needed help. I would help clarify anything that seemed confusing or try different approaches to understanding how to get to the answer. I love knowing that I have helped someone understand math problems.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I was helping a 9th grade student with Algebra because he was struggling, and the methods I taught him were very helpful. His grade in math class went up, and it felt good knowing that I was the cause of his doing better.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce Program is a huge plus in my life because it has helped me get the tools needed to be steps closer to becoming a math teacher. I would not know what to do or where to go to get started with my career if I was on my own; I would not have the great people in the program to go to when I had questions about my future. I would be confused and lost. I thank the Noyce program for being there for me, and I will forever greatly appreciate their confidence in me.
