Noyce Scholars 2022
Best of the best
We’d like to introduce you to our current class of Noyce Scholars. These students are not only exceptional in their current scholarly endeavors, but are 100 percent dedicated to top-notch mathematics education and the students they will serve.
Amanda Bertoch
Question: What is your vision for the Math classroom you will be responsible for after Noyce?
Answer: For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a teacher. When I was younger, after I learned something interesting at school, I would sit my younger brothers down and teach them what I learned and called it ‘playing with them’ because I enjoyed it so much. I have had some amazing teachers who have all helped and inspired me in different ways and I want to be able to do that for others. My goal is to create a safe learning environment that is welcoming and equitable for everyone.
Question: You’re outstanding, why teach?
Answer: I want to make learning math a positive experience for my future students, and I believe that I will be able to do that after my time with Noyce.
Lita Forse
Question: What is your vision for the Math classroom you will be responsible for after Noyce?
Answer: My goal for the math classroom that I am creating is to make a place where everyone can learn. To learn, a student must feel comfortable being their full self in the classroom. I make it my personal responsibility to know each of my students and be able to make math matter to them.
Question: You’re outstanding, why teach?
Answer: I want to teach to impact the way that people view mathematics. As I learned mathematics, I felt like the subject was not being represented with the beauty that can exist in mathematics. It was often just something that students had to learn, and I want to teach to make math applicable to each and every student that walks into my classroom.
Josh Latella
Question: What is your vision for the Math classroom you will be responsible for after Noyce?
Answer: I envision my future classes exploring the social and liberatory aspects of mathematics.
Question: You’re outstanding, why teach?
Answer: I teach because it is a meaningful and fun challenge. In teaching, I serve my community; provide my students a stable, caring adult; and just get to think about how people learn.
Maya Ozanich
Question: What is your vision for the Math classroom you will be responsible for after Noyce?
Answer: My vision for the future math classroom that I will be responsible for after Noyce is that it is an accepting and encouraging environment in which all students are able to explore the endless possibilities of mathematics. I hope to bring the practices of rehumanizing mathematics into my future classroom so that I can create an equity-centered classroom for all students to prosper. A goal of mine is to answer the common question of “when will we use this?” by letting students connect the mathematical applications to the real world. Another one of my biggest goals for my future classroom is to encourage my students to have an open mindset about mathematics. I want my students to put aside their fear of failure to be able to explore different methods of solving, make connections, and understand the true meaning behind math concepts because that is where the most significant learning takes place.
Question: You’re outstanding, why teach?
Answer: Throughout my education, I have had multiple educators who I have looked up to, and who have made me passionate about math. Truthfully, I have also had many educators that have pushed me away from mathematics. Both groups of people have made me excited about becoming a mathematics teacher. I cannot wait to apply similar teaching techniques and lessons to those who have been exceptional before me, so that I can get my future students passionate about the opportunities that mathematics provides. My aunt and my grandfather fall under the category of these inspiring figures in my life, and I am more than honored to follow in their footsteps. I hope that I can learn from those who have made my mathematics career difficult by learning from their methods and improving upon them so that I can encourage my future students to have a positive mindset about mathematics. I am so excited to be a part of the mathematics education community so that I can encourage a passion in future mathematicians.
Madison Pap
Question: What is your vision for the Math classroom you will be responsible for after Noyce?
Answer: My vision for a Math classroom after the Noyce program is simply happiness. I hope that my future students walk into the classroom and leave the classroom happy and loved. I will encourage commotion to fill the room full of questions and knowledge. May math be looked at as a subject to not be anxious about but a subject anyone can learn and understand.
Question: You’re outstanding, why teach?
Answer: When I’m asked why I want to teach it’s because I want to change the lives of generations to come. I want my future students to feel always welcomed no matter who they are. I think being a teacher is one of the most rewarding jobs. Seeing a child light up when they understand a subject and you being the one that helped get them to that point. I hope to be there for my students inside and outside of the classroom, so they know there is always someone supporting them through all their life adventures.