Florence Educator Begins Teaching Career at Former Elementary School
Florence, S.C. — On a momentous Saturday morning, Hayleigh Watrous celebrated the culmination of her lifelong ambition by receiving her degree in Early Childhood Education. This significant milestone not only marks the achievement of her educational goals but also heralds the beginning of her journey as a kindergarten teacher at Pate Elementary School in Darlington, the same school where she embarked on her educational path as a young student.
Watrous expressed her excitement, stating, “I believe teaching is a calling, and it’s something I knew I was meant to do from a very young age. I’m thrilled to begin my teaching career where my journey began.” Her dedication to education has been evident from a young age and is now transforming into reality as she prepares for her new role.
A Journey Through Education
Watrous, a 2021 graduate of Wilson High School, began interacting with Francis Marion University (FMU) during her junior year of high school. After participating in dual enrollment courses, she found her passion in education and decided to graduate a year early to pursue teaching more aggressively. “FMU provided me with a strong foundation,” Watrous remarked, grateful for the emphasis on practical experience within the program.
She described the supportive faculty at FMU as instrumental in her growth. “My professors have all been so caring. They have challenged us to be our best while providing guidance and encouragement.” Thanks to the mentoring she received, Watrous feels well-prepared as she steps into her first classroom.
Experiential Learning and Community Engagement
Throughout her academic career, Watrous engaged in various practical experiences at local schools and the Richardson Center for the Child, a unique facility that employs a research-based curriculum to enhance individual learning experiences. She completed her practicum across different grades, including a Montessori classroom for 3-5 year-olds.
Additionally, as a South Carolina Teaching Fellow, she participated in professional development initiatives, including an insightful experience at the EdTech Conference, where she learned valuable classroom management techniques and innovative teaching strategies.
Watrous played an active role on campus as a member of multiple organizations, including her involvement as a Teaching Children of Poverty (TCOP) Scholar and in the Education Club. She served as vice president of membership experience in her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, where she coordinated community service projects that allowed her to give back to the local community.
An Enriching Experience Abroad
Her education journey included a travel-study program in Ecuador at the Wildsumaco Biological Station, which she described as an enlightening experience that broadened her perspective on teaching. “This opportunity was eye-opening and helped me develop a more inclusive and empathetic approach to education,” she stated.
A Bright Future Ahead
As she prepares for her new role at Pate Elementary, Watrous is eager to foster a vibrant and nurturing classroom environment. “I can’t wait to create an engaging space where students are enthusiastic about learning,” she emphasized. With her passion for education and her deep connections to Darlington, she is set to make a significant impact on her students’ lives, inspiring the next generation just as she once was.
