Anna Jarnagin ’23MAT: ‘Having a Distance Learning Environment Was What I Needed To Be Able To Go Back to School and Work Full Time’

After earning her degree in biology and working in a lab for a number of years, Anna Jarnagin ’23MAT decided to take the leap and become a high school science teacher. 

She applied to the College of Education’s Master of Arts in Teaching program and, this December, will graduate with her degree and continue her career as an educator at Green Level High School. 

Learn more about Anna Jarnagin ’23MAT:

Hometown: Wilmington, North Carolina

Degree: Master of Arts in Teaching in science education

Activities (Research or Extracurricular): I am a full-time teacher with a residency license. I also love to play beach volleyball, travel and try new restaurants!

Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?

It was the best option for me. Having a distance learning environment was what I needed to be able to go back to school and work full time. The NC State College of Education is highly ranked as well, so it was the obvious choice! 

Why did you choose your area of study?

My undergraduate degree is in biology. I wanted to be a high school science teacher! 

What’s your next step? What do you have planned after graduation?

I am already teaching at Green Level High School! I love it!

How has the College of Education prepared you for that next step?

My professors and advisors have greatly prepared me for success. Walking into the school on the first day, I felt prepared and ready to go despite never doing formal student teaching.

What do you eventually hope to accomplish in your field?

Teacher of the Year 🙂

Tell us about an experience you had with the College of Education that had the biggest impact on you or your career.

Assistant Teaching Professor Matt Reynolds helped me greatly throughout my MAT. He gave me really great advice that helped me graduate quicker.

Why did you choose education?

I have always wanted to be a teacher. I finally decided to take the leap after working in a lab for a couple years. 

This post was originally published in College of Education News.