Noyce Scholar Profile
Nicole Wilson
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Math, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of South Carolina
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior
School and school district:
Airport High School
Background:
I’m a senior mathematics major at University of South Carolina (USC) with hopes to participate in USC’s five year master’s program. Currently, I work at a restaurant and attend USC as a full-time student. I’ve been part of three different practicums at RNE High School, Blythewood High School, and White Knoll High School. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with all of the students at these schools, and am really excited to one day have my own classroom!
Why do you want to teach:
My high school calculus teacher actually made math fun. He also taught me more than just math, and has inspired me to want to teach. I just hope to one day be as great a teacher as he was for me.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My first student teaching experience was amazing. I will never forget it. I was placed into a struggling Algebra I class full of freshman who all hated math. When I went up to the front of the classroom and taught the lesson I had planned out, they all started working. I feel like I actually got across to them, and it made me feel like I had found what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program is an excellent way to get my master’s degree. I’m hoping it will also help me get my foot in the door at a school. Most importantly, however, I’m hoping it will teach me to be a great leader and teacher.
