Influential Woman · Education

Jaclyn DAndrea

Student Support Services Manager, Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy

Charlotte, Nc, NC

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Master's in Education and Teaching for K-6 Degree 2016 Member North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented (NCAGT)

Her Story

About Jaclyn

I've been in education for 12 years, though it took me a while to find my way here. I always toyed with the idea of becoming a teacher, but I took other avenues first until I finally realized the first dream was the best dream. Before teaching elementary school, I thought I would want to work with college life, advising fraternities and sororities, but it just wasn't as fulfilling. I felt like I was pushing papers, doing a lot of research, and really spending my time at a desk rather than out and about within a community. Now I teach first grade at a gifted charter school, where I'm able to take a lesson idea and go in depth and really get creative, not just open up a teacher manual and turn to page 5. I try to find ways where I can connect whatever we're doing to something that's practical, not just counting apples and doing word problems that you're never really going to do again in life. For example, I've had first graders create a blueprint for a zoo where they create different structures and measure it and find the perimeter so they can build proper fencing. I'm really trying to help them see what we're doing in first grade and how that can connect to fifth grade, giving them the chance to ask questions like, well, what is the point of this? And if I can't figure it out in that moment, being able to pause and get the answers for them.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Jaclyn

01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I think for many young women, it is the daunting task of knowing what you're going to start at financially. It can be really overwhelming that you get out of college, you have this degree to start teaching, and unfortunately, it is not a profession where you're going to make the figure you want away. To always increase your pay, you have to do extra certifications, and it could be like, well, what is the point of this? And that's when you really need to surround yourself with great mentors that can help you navigate this without feeling so burnt out and frustrated. One of the problems that we have is asking teacher questions is so easy in this day and age, where a parent can send an email at 7:30 at night, and you feel as if you must respond. It's sometimes hard to unplug because you want to be there for your students, but really finding that balance can be frustrating, too, for young women getting into the field. I've always had my email connected to my phone because you never know when someone might text you something, send you an email, and it's a convenient factor, but it's hard at 7:30 at night to turn away from that when you're like, oh, well, it's just 5 minutes of my time, I'll do it. But over time, that really can wear you out.

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