Noyce Scholar Profile
Jessica Woodruff
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 8-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Texas at Tyler
Current academic or teaching status:
Third year undergraduate, Junior
School and school district:
Field Experience at Hogg Middle School, Tyler Independent School District
Background:
I am currently majoring in mathematics and minoring in biology at the University of Texas at Tyler. Additionally, as part of my honors program research requirement, I conduct research in Dr. Blake Bextine’s research lab. My poster presentation “Comparative phylogenetic analysis of evolutionary and coevolutionary pathways within the potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli)” recently received second place at the 2012 SWB/SEB Entomological Society of America Meeting, held in Little Rock, Arkansas, March 3-7.
Why do you want to teach:
Teaching is an exciting challenge. It’s not just about showing the students the content but motivating them to learn. Becoming effective at communicating, managing, and inspiring students is an ongoing process. Good teachers never stop learning or trying to improve themselves. I want to rise to the challenge and connect with my students and help them build the tools they will need to face today’s world.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I want more experience in the field. Every time I go out, I learn something new about teaching and about the students who I teach. Right now, each experience is memorable because I am still on my way to becoming a teacher.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce Program has enabled me to focus on my studies and my passion for teaching.
