Noyce Scholar Profile
Benjamin Wright
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: B.A., Mathematics
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Texas in Arlington
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior year
School and school district:
N/A
Background:
My youth was spent traveling to and from states every 4 years, giving me insight into different kinds of people, and a diverse experience of school systems. Much of my focus during high school was in theatre arts, giving me the skills that I used to create and run a charity theatre program for 4 years. After my first year of college, I made the decision that I did not want to make theatre my life and career, but I wanted to use my skills and talent as a performer to make more of a difference. My other strong subjects were calculus and physics, so I shifted more in that direction.
Why do you want to teach:
I have always loved teaching other people. Teaching is one of the most, if not THE most, important professions. Without it, nothing we accomplish can truly be passed down, can truly last. It provides an environment for children to grow and mature into adults, and provides them with the skills to make a difference in the world. I have always loved watching someone learn and really understand something for the first time, that moment of joy when they really get it. Mathematics is a subject in particular I want to help students enjoy, and become interested in, since at the current time, its popularity is quite low. I have had my share of both great and terrible teachers in my life, and I know how much each of those experiences has affected me, and I want to add more positive experiences to other students lives.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My 8th grade history teacher always comes to mind. Aside from generally being fun and easy to relate to, she successfully got students engaged in learning, using a variety of props and tools while story telling about the nations past. Encouraging us to listen and call out how the props relate to the lesson, she made us all very keen listeners, hoping to “win” by recognizing the relationship first. However, the main reason she stands out to me is that in the entire year, I never saw her have an issue with any students. She wasn't passive or lax at all, but we could tell that she cared about us and genuinely wanted what was best for us. While some students were less attentive during class than others, no one caused distractions or made any kinds of problems, simply because of her relationship with the class.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has given me the opportunity to meet and find other people in a similar place, and provided me with the chance to participate in events and conferences that give extra support and insight into the field of teaching. In addition, the Noyce program has provided me with funds to complete the rest of my education without having to take out more debt, which has made my schooling much more manageable, and has made me more and more excited about the field I am entering.
