A Turning Point: How Watauga High School Shaped Ogle’s Career

Ms. Ogle, Watauga’s Entrepreneurship and Sports Marketing Teacher has taught at Watauga High School for 8 years and is deeply passionate about her students. She has built strong relationships with her students and fellow teachers, leaving a mark at Watauga. 

Lillon Henline, Feature Desk Lead

Two schools. Two different environments. Two different experiences for one teacher. Ms. Ogle, the Entrepreneurship and Sports Marketing teacher at Watauga High School, previously taught for nine years at South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. During her time at South Meck, Ogle experienced a fast-paced and often challenging school environment filled with disruption and safety concerns. That experience made her appreciate her transition to Watauga, where teaching feels safe, supported, and rewarding. 

“When I came here, it was like night and day,” said Ogle. “The kids here made teaching fun again.”

The most noticeable difference for Ogle was the way students interacted with teachers and each other, creating a more positive and supportive learning environment. That atmosphere allowed Ogle to take a completely different approach to teaching. 

“The kids here are respectful, and they actually want to learn,” said Ogle. “I’ve never been cussed out, and I’ve never been scared of anybody.” 

With frequent conflicts and consistent behavioral issues, Ogle found teaching at South Meck a daily struggle. Kids weren't receptive to Ogle simply doing her job, and at times, she felt unsafe. 

“I feared for my life a couple of times. Seriously,” said Ogle. “I pretty much got cussed out every day. It was exhausting. It was stressful.” 

Located in an urban area of Charlotte, South Meck drew students from a wide range of neighborhoods, including areas where crime and gang activity created additional challenges for teachers. 

“You can only do so much. I tried to make it fun, but if they're more interested in running the streets than learning, I really couldn’t teach anything,” said Ogle. “Other kids were scared of some of the students because you never knew when they were going to go off. It was getting worse. I had to get out of there.”

The difference at Watauga was immediately clear, providing Ogle with a safe and respectful learning environment, allowing her to fully focus on teaching. Students were engaged, attentive, and created positive relationships with peers and teachers, a contrast to Ogle's experience at South Meck. 

“I always tell my kids that I just came up here on a whim, and it ended up being the best thing I’ve ever done,” said Ogle.

With a supportive environment in place at Watauga, Ogle has been able to connect on a deeper level with her students and create a classroom environment where learning feels enjoyable and meaningful. That connection has allowed her to help students grow academically and personally.

“I actually get to know my kids here, and that makes all the difference. I want them to succeed, not just in class, but in life,” said Ogle. 

After years of survival-mode, Ogle gets to focus on what matters most: her students. Watauga wasn't just a new job; it was a turning point in her career– in her life. Her experience at South Meck made her appreciate Watauga's positive learning environment, which has shaped her into the teacher and person she is today.  

“This school has given me the chance to teach the way I’ve always wanted,” said Ogle. “I’ve never felt more supported as a teacher than I do at Watauga.”