Amy Halter

Amy Halter of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ is a Special Education middle school Mathematics teacher. She is enrolled in Ramapo’s Master of Educational Technology program. One goal is to raise the skills of her students so that they pass the state mandated NJASK test. “My lessons plans are based on actively engaging students individually and collectively to encourage confidence and initiative.” Many of Amy’s students, she notes, do not have access to computers, calculators and other supplies at home. Amy, who has a 4.00 grade point average, says the MSET program will meet the aspects of growth she needs to complement the traditional style of teaching. “Technology is adaptable to diverse learning styles and all performance levels.”

Ryan Yaiser

Ryan Yaiser of Sussex, NJ is a Mathematics major who is pursuing certification in Secondary Education. Ryan began helping her friends with math, which evolved into a career path. “I loved teaching people new ways to solve problems,” Ryan says, “and helping them succeed. I loved seeing their faces after completing a problem or starting to get the hang of a concept.” A second year Noyce recipient, Ryan has enjoyed the challenge of working with underserved students. “I would love to make a difference in these students’ lives and help them to achieve something they never thought possible,” she says. Ryan, who has a 3.03 grade point average, is a desk assistant at Ramapo College.

I would like to thank the NOYCE program and the people that made this scholarship possible. It has helped me financially so that it was possible to accomplish everything I want to and give me opportunities I would not have had.

Kelly Millet

Kelly Millet of Boonton, NJ is a middle school Science teacher. She is enrolled in Ramapo’s Master of Educational Technology program. Kelly has been teaching since 2006. Prior to that, she was an environmental geologist for a consulting firm. “I knew this life experience would enhance my ability to connect with students,” she says. Kelly continually looks for new and creative ways to explain science concepts to her students. “Science is my platform for helping students understand the world around them and to become independent thinkers and problem solvers.” Kelly, who has a 4.00 grade point average, says, “The satisfaction of a student grasping a difficult or new concept is the best reward at the end of the day.”

Ryan Fanelli

Ryan Fanelli of Cranford, NJ holds teacher certification in Chemistry and Physical Science. He’s been a science teacher at Paramus High School for three years and is enrolled in Ramapo’s Master of Educational Technology program. “Reaching out to students who have given up on school has become an ambition of mine.” Ryan is proud that he’s been able to take several disillusioned and apathetic students to academic levels they would not have reached on their own. He has aptly observed that socioeconomic status is not always the best indicator of high-need districts. Ryan, who has a 4.00 grade point average, says, “All students, especially those in high need, require trained and dedicated teachers to keep them involved, engaged and motivated.”

Michael Morici

Michael Morici of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ is a Mathematics teacher in a town in which 35 percent of students receive free or reduced lunch, and many are enrolled in the ESL program. A graduate of Ramapo College, he is enrolled in Ramapo’s Master of Educational Technology program. He says of his teaching position, “I am committed to this high school, as a high needs school, because like the guardians who want better for their children, I also want better for my students.” Michael, who has a 4.00 grade point average, says working in a high-needs school betters him professionally and in return, betters the students because he improves his teaching skills for their benefit.

Marym Mohiby

Marym Mohiby of Pomona, NY is majoring in Chemistry and has a Mathematics minor. Growing up a student in high-needs districts influenced Marym’s decision to become a teacher. She recalls that her teachers, particularly Science and Mathematics, made every effort to teach materials related to the subjects. Marym plans to pursue a master’s degree in Organic Chemistry. Marym, who has a 3.64 grade point average, says, “I want to help and empower students whose parents can’t afford for them to go to a private school. I want to help these students with what I have learned so that they may become the scientists or mathematicians of the future.”

Fury Nardone

Fury Nardone of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ earned a B.A. in Mathematics. She also received teacher certification in Mathematics for grades fifth through eighth, Special Education, K – 12 and Elementary Education. She’s been a middle school teacher for five years and is enrolled in Ramapo’s Master of Educational Technology program. Fury says, “It is important to give my students the background they need to know how they use math everyday without even realizing it.” She looks forward to creating 21st century learners and being able to use technology and interactive white boards in her classroom. Fury, who has a 4.00 grade point average, says, “All students, regular education and special education, should be totally immersed in the school community. Let them have diverse school experiences to foster their selfesteem.”

Alicia Rose Kettler

Alicia Rose Kettler of Nutley, NJ is an Environmental Science major. She also is working toward teacher certification in Elementary Education so she will be ready to teach middle school math and earth science and high school earth science. “This diversity is the challenge I am looking for and is why I chose teaching as my career,”Alicia says. She credits a devoted high school Math teacher for instilling in her a desire to teach. Alicia has held various positions that involved teaching, including working as a tutor at the Sylvan Learning Center. Observing children who “light up with understanding” has reinforced her commitment.

The NOYCE scholarship is for students who want to teach in high-need districts. It provides recipients with a support group during school and after graduation. They also help find teaching placement.

Kaitlin McGlynn

Kaitlin McGlynn of Hazlet, NJ is a Mathematics major who is pursuing teacher certification in Math. She serves as vice president and treasurer of Pi Mu Epsilon, the Mathematics Honor Society and treasurer of Kappa Delta Pi, the Education Honor Society. Kaitlin is president and treasurer of the Irish American Club and is a member of the Math Club and Future Teachers at Ramapo. Kaitlin, who has a 3.64 grade point average, plans to attend graduate school to earn a master’s in School Administration. She says, “The Noyce Scholarship has helped ease my financial stress. Without it, I would not be able to consider going back to school for quite some time.”

This scholarship has allowed me to be able to focus on my school work instead of my finances. I am able to put much more time and energy into my course load since I do not have to work every weekend. I have been able to put some money aside for graduate school and the NOYCE Scholarship will be a key ingredient in helping me accomplish my goals of achieving a master’s degree in education.

Sarah Brown

Sarah Brown of Hazlet, NJ is a Biology major with a Psychology minor. She is pursuing teacher certification in Biology and has earned a 3.70 grade point average. “Receiving this scholarship has allowed me to not only attend college without the worries of financial burden, but has kept me motivated and made me appreciate every opportunity I have,” Sarah says. She works and, in her spare time, enjoys reading.

Ryan Yaiser

Ryan Yaiser of Sussex, NJ is a Mathematics major who is pursuing certification in Secondary Education. Ryan began helping her friends with math, which evolved into a career path. “I loved teaching people new ways to solve problems,” Ryan says, “and helping them succeed. I loved seeing their faces after completing a problem or starting to get the hang of a concept.” A second year Noyce recipient, Ryan has enjoyed the challenge of working with underserved students. “I would love to make a difference in these students’ lives and help them to achieve something they never thought possible,” she says. Ryan, who has a 3.03 grade point average, is a desk assistant at Ramapo College.

Kaitlyn Corizzi

Kaitlyn Corizzi graduated from Ramapo College with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a grade point average of 3.55. She also earned a minor in Physics and teacher certification in Mathematics. Kaitlyn is currently in her second year of the Master’s in Educational Technology at Ramapo. She is working at Hackensack High School teaching Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. She is co-advisor of the Math Club and the Going Green Club.

It will allow me to purchase equipment for my classroom and to better teach my students with new technologies.

Phillip Michael Schulties

Phillip Michael Schulties of Ridgewood, NJ is a Biology major who is pursuing teacher certification in Biology and General Science. Mike believes teaching in a high-needs school district will be rewarding and challenging. He views the shortage of science teachers in these districts as disadvantageous for the students. In addition to inspiring students in high needs districts to gain a global perspective, Mike wants to share his love of science with them. “The broad strokes and tiny intricacies in the study of living things holds my attention for unending hours and drives my curiosity further.” Mike, who has a 2.77 grade point average, says he’s been preparing to meet the challenge of teaching for a long time. His numerous substitute teaching and tutoring positions attest to that.

Tomas Villa

Tomas Villa of Nutley, NJ is Chemistry major. He says he’s learned a great deal about the subject, classroom management and instructional strategies at Ramapo College. He looks forward to teaching in a high-needs district so he can connect with the students on a personal level. Tomas, who has a 3.01 grade point average, says, “I value the importance of learning science, and I want to help motivate students to achieve their full potential throughout their education.”

Kofi James

Kofi James of East Orange, NJ is a Mathematics major seeking teacher certification in secondary education. Kofi says, “Coming from a high-needs school district, I can relate to these students culturally and psychologically.” He views himself as an advocate for education and strives to improve the mathematical skills of high school students. He readily accepts his responsibility to act as a positive role model, rather than merely an authoritarian figure to students. Kofi, who has a 2.87 grade point average, was born in Trinidad andTobago and became a U.S. citizen this past February.

This gives me the financial support I need, and the scholarship is aligned with my future career path of working in an urban school district. It will provide me with a mentor who can show me the workings of the teaching field and how to be an effective teacher.

Lisa Wallin

Lisa Wallin is majoring in Biology while pursuing teacher certification, also in Biology. Lisa is from Norwood, NJ and is in her senior year. She has earned a 3.37 grade point average. For the past three years Lisa has been a volunteer EMT in her hometown and on the Ramapo College EMS. She works at a local animal shelter. Last summer she worked as a biology assistant and teacher for Ramapo’s Upward Bound program. “I’m currently student teaching at John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson,” Lisa reports. “My career goal is to teach in the more overlooked, urban areas.”

This scholarship has supported and increased my motivation to not only teach in urban areas, but to truly make a difference in its academic environment.

Jacqueline Katz

Jacqueline Katz of Red Bank, NJ is a Biology major and a Chemistry minor. She is also pursuing teacher certification in Secondary Education. On campus she is co-chair of the Relay for Life Planning Committee, co- sponsor and chair of the Biology Club, a member of the Dance Club, and a Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassador. “This scholarship will assist me in achieving my goal of teaching Biology/Chemistry in an urban school district.” Jacqueline, who has a 4.00 grade point average, also plans to attend graduate school to study Molecular Genetics.

Patrick Wall

Patrick Wall is majoring in mathematics while pursuing teacher certification also in mathematics. Patrick is a junior and has earned a 3.83 grade point average. Since 2006 Patrick has been a lifeguard at the Tenafly Swim Club, where he has also been a diving coach and swim instructor. He has also been a lifeguard and pool assistant manager at the Alpine Country Club and the Englewood Field Club. Patrick plans to teach high school mathematics.

The NOYCE scholarship is important to me because it helps to provide a better education to those in high needs districts.

Tyler Kneidl

Senior Tyler Kneidl is majoring in physics. He is also pursuing teacher certification in physics. Tyler is from Montague, New Jersey and earned his associate’s degree in electronics engineering technology from DeVry University before attending Ramapo. He is an assistant varsity football coach at Sussex County Technical School, his alma mater. At Ramapo Tyler is president of Tau Delta Phi Fraternity and the Inter-Fraternity Conference, and has been involved in a number of volunteer activities. “While we must accept and understand differences, as educators we cannot allow that to deter an equal education,” Tyler says. “I believe we need to teach students with high expectations.”

Jonathan Rosenthal

Jonathan Rosenthal majored in biology with minors in chemistry and Latin American studies. He is from Verona, New Jersey and earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.42. During his Ramapo College career Jonathan worked as a tutor for Brainstorm Tutoring and the Office of Specialized Services. He was also a tennis instructor at Raza’s Tennis Camp, and a museum guide at the Liberty Science Center. He has been a member of the Verona Rescue Squad since 2002. This fall Jonathan is conducting his student teaching in the Newark Public Schools, teaching biology and environmental science.