Meet Watauga’s Newest Science Teacher

Olivia Pound holds her rabbit, Lucy, in her cap and gown after graduating from Appalachian State in the fall. Photo credit: Olivia Pound

Aspen Hickman, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

A new semester means new classes, new lunches, and new routines. For students, the spring semester promises spring break and AP exams, as well as new teachers and challenges. For Olivia Pound, the spring semester is her first as a science teacher at Watauga High School. 

“I applied in October,” said Pound. “I graduated on Friday, December 12, and I started the Monday after, which was the week before winter break started. So I was here for a week, then winter break, and then I've been here for two more weeks.” 

Pound was first hired as the In-School Suspension (ISS) coordinator in December, after student teaching with Joshua Roberts during the fall semester. As ISS coordinator, Pound monitored students serving ISS and helped them stay on top of their schoolwork. After only a week as ISS coordinator, Pound applied to be a science teacher, the field in which she earned her degree.

“I applied for the science teacher position, and then my second week as the ISS coordinator, I had an interview for the science position,” said Pound. “And then I got it that week. I start on January 20.”

Pound will be teaching Physical Science and Earth and Environmental Science in the spring semester, but teaching wasn’t Pound’s original ambition when she went to college.

“I had gotten into college for marine biology, but before I even went, I was like, I don't think that's what I want to do. It just didn't feel right. I love talking with people. I love socializing and being able to do something different every day,” said Pound. “I switched my major over to geology, earth, and environmental science education. I was like, what a great way to do all the sciences and be able to interact with people.”

Unlike many of Watauga’s teachers, Pound isn’t from Watauga or even North Carolina. She hails from Chicago, an almost 11-hour drive from Boone. 

“I came to App State to study geology,” said Pound. “There's not a whole lot of rocks in Illinois. It's very flat and also very city-like. So I came to App State to study geology and be in the mountains. I'm a hiker, camper, all those things, so it was kind of a perfect fit”.

Once in Boone, Pound was determined to stay. App State allowed her to easily switch majors and become a teacher. While student teaching with Mr. Roberts, Pound grew to love Watauga.

“While I was student teaching here in the fall of 2025, my goal was to work here,” said Pound. “I just love the science department here. I love the staff. I think the students are awesome. I love the administration. The school is a really nice fit for me, and I didn't want to lose that, you know. That's a really unique situation to find coworkers who you enjoy, and I just felt like I could be a good fit here, and Boone is awesome. So I'm excited to stay.”