Apex High welcomes new teacher Megan Amend this year, teaching Animal Science levels 1 and 2. She is welcomed with open arms, coming directly from NC State to Apex High as her first real teaching job other than a semester last year as an intern assistant teacher. Ms. Amend is a wonderful teacher who is passionate about her animal science studies and has a contagious personality. I got a chance to sit down with her and ask a few questions about herself: 

What is your experience with teaching?

This is my first year teaching ever; I taught for one semester last year at Currituck High School in the Outer Banks. It was the only high school in the county. I taught horticulture and animal science. 

Where are you from?

I was born in Wake Forest, here in North Carolina.

What degree/degrees do you have and what are you currently teaching?

I graduated from NC State with a major in agricultural education with minors in animal science and biology. This year I teach animal science 1, and then next semester I will also be teaching animal science 2. 

Are you single or married? And do you have any pets? Or kids?

I’m currently in a relationship but not married. I have four classroom pets. They are two guinea pigs, a bunny, and a gecko. 

What did you do before coming to Apex? 

I graduated from college this past May, and before coming to Apex, I had this sort of internship at Currituck for one semester where I was teaching there. 

Why did you become a teacher?

I have a strong passion for animals and agriculture and sharing it with others. I also just love helping people, too. I want to share the love, my love, in the form of teaching to others. 

What other jobs did you have before teaching?

I worked at a Lebanese restaurant in high school. Then I worked at an Italian restaurant for a bit as a hostess, then as a server in college. Oh, I also worked at a wedding venue for a little bit.

Why did you choose your subject area?

I love animals, and I love learning about them. I also love biology, which is inclusive in this subject matter very often. There is a combination of many things that inspired me in addition to learning about animals. 

What are your thoughts on Apex so far? How does it compare to other schools?

I really love the community among the teachers; I really like the amount of administration it has. I also really like all the resources available to the teachers. Currituck didn’t have as many resources. I really like the use of technology here. One thing I could say I dislike about it is the size; it’s just a little big for me. It’s hard getting used to all the people here, like in the hallways, and navigating all four floors. 

What advice would you give students? 

“Put yourself before your work.” And always follow your passions in life when you go past high school.

Who is or has been an inspiration to you?

Both of my parents just because they are very hard working and dedicated to their family and their jobs. 

What was your most memorable moment as a teacher?

Teaching all the students how to do fire drill safety with all the animals and then seeing who all could get the best time doing that. 

Ms. Amend is excited for her first year teaching, ever! Even better, it’s her first year at Apex! She is a very qualified and excitable teacher who loves to share her passion for animal science and biology with like minded students ready to learn and adapt their skills in the classroom. She looks forward to making more memories with students and teaching them the subject she is passionate about.