NCSU College of Education Newsletter Announcing the 2009 Cohort

Second Cohort (2009)

Graduate Scholars

Taylor Brucki

My name is Taylor Brucki, and I have lived in North Carolina for the majority of my life. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from NC State in May, 2009. During my senior year of engineering, I underwent a drastic change of heart in what I wanted to do with my life, and I realized my desire to teach at the high school level. I have seen many cases where the quality of high school teaching left something to be desired in the students, and I want to be the kind of teacher who can change that classroom mindset. 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. This change must start in high needs districts where I believe it is needed the most. The NOYCE program will be a great help to me in returning to school and receive my Master’s degree in Teaching, specializing in 9-12 mathematics. The transition from engineer to teacher will be a difficult and unconventional path. I believe that with the help of the scholarship program and the great staff in the College of Education, I can become a teacher that can make a difference in the world.

Morgan Early

I recently graduated from NC State in 2008 with degrees in Mathematics and Communication. My desire to teach and develop educational programming began to become more prominent my sophomore year in college. At this time, I became a teaching assistant for the Mathematics Department and thoroughly enjoyed being in a mathematics teaching environment. I am currently an M.S. student in Math Education and am excited about devoting time to high-needs high schools in North Carolina. I love questions and inquiry and am excited about showing high school students why Math really can be useful and fun for anyone!

Rachel Hubbard

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I received my B.S. in Civil Engineering from Penn State University where I also commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. I spent a little over three years stationed in Wichita, KS as a Civil Engineer Officer when I realized my real passion in life was to become a high school mathematics teacher.  I am currently enrolled in the MAT program for Mathematics Education at NC State.  I believe the NOYCE Scholars program will provide me with the skills and experience necessary to provide a quality mathematics education to each student in my classroom.  I look forward to continuing my graduate studies as a participant of this program.

Lauren Mann

I am a graduate student in the MAT program for Mathematics Education. I received my undergraduate degree in Mathematics from UNC-Chapel Hill and have been working in the Information Technology for some time. I recently decided to change careers and become a secondary teacher in Math to help struggling students learn math skills. The Noyce scholarship is allowing me to pursue this new direction without the worry of how I am going to finance it. It also broadens my training and gives me the opportunity to work with kids in high-need districts while taking classes so I get on the job experience. I am excited about the opportunities to become a better teacher through the program.

Larry Umberger

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 I graduated with a B.S. in Business Management from NC State University in 2005.  After graduating, I got a job working for an engineering consulting firm in downtown Raleigh.  I spent the last four years working there and though I enjoyed the work, I could not fight my lifelong desire to become a math teacher.  It took me a while to get to this point in my life, but the NOYCE Scholars program is giving me the opportunity to return to school and have a second chance to realize my dream.  My desire to teach in high needs schools stems from my belief that everyone should be provided the same opportunities to succeed.  I believe this starts with caring teachers who are willing to reach out to all students.  I hope that through this program and with the education I receive here at NC State, I will be able to spread my passion for math to students of all backgrounds.

Undergraduate Scholars

Kristen Casstevens

My name is Kristen Casstevens and I am from East Bend, NC. When I applied to NCSU, I knew right away that I wanted to pursue a double major in Mathematics Education and Mathematics in order to become a high school math teacher. This decision came easily because of my passion for young people and sharing my knowledge with others. It is also indicative of my devotion to obtaining a higher understanding of mathematics that will not only challenge me personally, but benefit my future students. As a graduate from a high-needs school district, I realize the necessity of highly qualified teachers committed to excellence. I have witnessed the same challenges students face in these schools and want to do my part to make a difference in a district where I can be of most use. Becoming a Noyce Scholar will not only prepare me with the resources I need, but also with the motivation of belonging to a like-minded program.

Allyson O'Neill

My name is Allyson O’Neill and I am from Columbia, Maryland. I am a junior doubling in Secondary Mathematics Education and Mathematics, and hopefully getting a minor in Statistics. Since I was a little girl I have always known I wanted to be a teacher. My drive to become a high school math teacher has come from witnessing the impact my father, a high school math teacher, had on his students. I just hope one day to be an amazing teacher like my father. I think the need for qualified teachers in high need school districts is growing everyday. I cannot wait to have a classroom of my own where I hope to provide a great learning environment where all my students can succeed. I am excited to be part of the Noyce Scholars Program and I am looking forward to all of the opportunities the scholarship program provides!

Nicholas Pylypiw

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I am a junior double majoring in Mathematics and Mathematics Education.  Despite common misconceptions, I strongly believe that ALL students can and should learn mathematics.  As a teacher, I plan to use my firm grasp of mathematics and expectation theory to provide a challenging environment for students in high need districts.  I look forward to collaborating with my fellow NOYCE scholars and continuing my education at NCSU.

Jenna Rice

My name is Jenna Rice, and I am from New Bern, North Carolina. I am a junior double majoring in Mathematics Education and Statistics at N.C. State University. I want to be a teacher in a high needs school because I want all students to have a quality education in mathematics. I hope to provide my future students with the opportunity to learn mathematical concepts in a more meaningful way, because I believe that students with a solid foundation in math are more likely to do better in school, and in life. By being actively involved in the NOYCE program, and in my studies, I hope to become an effective math teacher that will make a positive difference in the lives of my future students.