NC State Awards Math Education
Teaching Scholars
August 31, 2009-- NC State University announced the 2009 cohort of Noyce Mathematics Education Teaching Scholars (METS). The Noyce METS program is funded with about 1 million dollars from the National Science Foundation. Noyce Scholars receive substantial financial benefits for tuition, living costs, conference travel and technology materials.
The College of Education’s Noyce METS program aims to increase the number of highly qualified secondary mathematics teachers prepared at NC State University with a double major in a mathematical science and mathematics education. These scholars develop an understanding of mathematics needed for teaching, are well-prepared to be leaders in technological innovation to improve student understanding, and are committed to working with students in high-needs school districts.
The Noyce METS program at NC State University selected nine scholars to join the five scholars from the 2008 cohort as part of a national organization of Noyce scholars. The 2009 cohort includes four undergraduate scholars and five graduate scholars:
During Taylor Brucki’s senior year as an aerospace engineer, he realized that he wanted to teach at the high school level. Taylor states, “As a teacher I want to make a positive difference in the lives of my students, and I want to help educate them for life inside and outside of the classroom.” Taylor is enrolled in the Masters of Arts in Teaching degree program in Secondary Mathematics.
Morgan Early earned bachelor degrees in mathematics and communication from NC State University in 2008. As a teaching assistant for the Mathematics Department, she thoroughly enjoyed being in a mathematics teaching environment. She is currently a Master of Science student in Mathematics Education and pursuing secondary licensure. Morgan is excited about devoting her time to high-needs high schools in North Carolina.
Rachel Hubbard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Penn State University. As a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, Rachel realized her real passion in life was to become ahigh school mathematics teacher. She is enrolled in the Masters of Arts in Teachingdegree program for Secondary Mathematics.
Lauren Mann is a graduate student in the Masters of Arts in Teaching degree program in Secondary Mathematics. She received her undergraduate degree in Mathematics from UNC-Chapel Hill. She worked for several years in Information Technology. Lauren is excited about the opportunities to become a better teacher through the Noyce program.
Larry Umberger graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from NC State University in 2005. For Larry, the NOYCE Scholars program is giving him the opportunity to return to school and have a second chance to realize his dream of becoming a math teacher. His desire to teach in high needs schools stems from his belief that everyone should be provided the same opportunities to succeed.
Kristen Casstevens is a junior pursuing a double major in Mathematics Education and Mathematics. As a graduate from a high-needs school district, she realizes the necessity of highly qualified teachers committed to excellence. Kristen has witnessed the challenges students face in high-need schools and want to do her part to make a difference in a district where she can be of most use.
Allyson O’Neill is a junior double majoring in Mathematics Education and Mathematics, and possibly a minor in Statistics. She noted that her drive to become a high school math teacher has come from witnessing the impact her father, a high school math teacher, had on his students. She cannot wait to have a classroom of her own where all her students can succeed.
Nicholas Pylypiw is a junior double majoring in Mathematics and Mathematics Education. He strongly believes that ALL students can and should learn mathematics. As a teacher, he plans to use his firm grasp of mathematics and expectation theory to provide a challenging environment for students in high need districts.
Jenna Rice is a junior double majoring in Mathematics Education and Statistics. She wants to be a teacher in a high needs school because she wants all students to have a quality education in mathematics. Jenna hopes to provide her future students with the opportunity to learn mathematical concepts in a more meaningful way.
The College of Education’s Noyce Scholars work together as a community with faculty at NC State, and students and teachers at local high needs high schools such as Southeast Raleigh High School. The principal investigator of the Noyce METS program is Dr. Hollylynne Lee, an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator in Mathematics Education. The co-principal investigators are Dr. Karen Hollebrands, an Associate Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator in Mathematics Education; Dr. Pam Arroway, an Associate Professor and Co-Director of Graduate Programs in Statistics; and Dr. Irina Kogan, an Assistant Professor in Mathematics.
For more information about or to apply to the Noyce METS program, Click Here or contact Tyrone Washington, the Noyce METS program manager. The priority deadline for undergraduate and graduate applicants is March 1, 2010. Due to timelines in graduate admission, late graduate student applications are also considered with a deadline of May 1, 2010.
