Education
- Majored in biology at Gardner Webb University
- Studied culinary arts at Gardner Webb University
- Earned a Master’s degree in education from Moreland University
Responsibilities
- Teaches biology and chemistry
Starr’s Mill welcomes science teacher Chantel Watkins to the Panther family. Before coming to Starr’s Mill, Watkins taught both as an itinerant substitute for biology and math. She also previously taught in Korea.
Watkins is currently teaching chemistry and biology.
“I loved biology, but you have to know chemistry to know biology,” Watkins said.
Watkins earned her Master’s degree in education after she started teaching in Korea. She entered a program that allowed her to teach and earn her degree at the same time. The way Watkins ended up teaching in Korea was actually unintentional, with her initially going with her sister as a vacation before eventually falling in love with the country.
After eight years in Korea, she had to come back to the states due to her parent’s health declining. Before coming to Starr’s Mill, Watkins covered for a teacher at Fayette County High School for the first four weeks of school. After that, Watkins was a long-term substitute at Starr’s Mill and found that she really enjoyed teaching here.
“I wish I could take the school with me in my pocket, ” Watkins said.
A piece of advice that Watkins wishes to leave with the Starr’s Mill student body is that before you decide on a culinary arts degree stop by to see her.
“There are other ways to become a chef besides going into culinary arts,” Watkins said. “And I hadn’t known that until my last year in the course.”
Watkins spends her time taking care of her family. With help from both her sister and mom, she developed an interest in K-drama even before her time in Korea.