Jennifer Hurst is a first year teacher at Watauga High School Photo Cred: Jennifer Hurst
Sofia Carmichael
Growing up in Avery County and going to school at Appalachian State University, new teacher Jennifer Hurst has built strong connections between the two counties. However, when deciding on a job position, Watauga ultimately had her heart.
Originally, Hurst wanted to go to college to be a veterinarian, but when her life took an unexpected turn, she was prompted to explore different fields of study. After her first year in college, she discovered she had a passion for biology, and teaching would be her outlet for this newfound interest.
“I wasn’t originally planning to be a teacher. My mom was a teacher but I never really thought I would,” said Hurst. “I heard from a former teacher that there was a program for STEM professionals entering the classroom, and part of my inspiration to do that was that I loved science and especially biology.”
While Hurst’s love for biology initially motivated her to study education, helping students was what ultimately led her to pursue teaching. She wanted to make sure students were adequately challenged and could find an interest in learning.
“When I got to college it was harder than I had expected even though I had had an easy time in high school,” said Hurst. “I really wanted to enter teaching, particularly to help students like me who were capable but just weren’t being pushed, and that's my original passion.”
Advanced placement (AP) courses serve as a significant opportunity because of the increase in rigor and the more in-depth concepts taught in the curriculum. After Hurst’s high school experience, she was eager to continue her studies in Biology.
“I have always wanted to teach AP Biology. It was my favorite class when I was in high school,” said Hurst. “Regular biology is a lot of memorization whereas in AP Biology you get more into a scientific thought process and I really like that.”
Hurst has felt incredibly welcomed by the science department and faculty at Watauga High School. She is excited to start fostering stronger connections with students and teachers alike, as she embraces the change in environment.
“I look forward to building on what I already do well with [at the school] and what I know this department does so well,” said Hurst. “I am learning a lot. It energizes me and my work to change things.”
Hurst had some worries about the transition, but she soon recognized how inviting the community was and that ultimately helped to subside her fears.
“I had this goal in mind that I might make this transition to Watauga eventually,” said Hurst. “It helped with some of my fear, when I knew that I really wanted this. I love Avery, but I always thought I might end up here.”
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