Florence Native Comes Full Circle: Hayleigh Watrous Begins Teaching Career at Her Childhood Elementary School

For Florence native Hayleigh Watrous, becoming a teacher has always been a lifelong dream. On Saturday morning, that dream became a reality as the Early Childhood Education major received her degree. Adding to the excitement, Watrous recently accepted a position teaching kindergarten at Pate Elementary School in Darlington – a meaningful milestone, as it is the same school where she began her own education as a kindergarten student.

“I believe teaching is a calling, and it’s something I knew I was meant to do from a very young age,” says Watrous. “I’m so excited to begin my teaching career in a kindergarten classroom at the same elementary school where my journey in education began.”

Watrous, a 2021 graduate of Wilson High School, had her first interaction with Francis Marion as a high school junior. After completing the Middle Years Program at Wilson, she enrolled in dual enrollment courses at FMU. She enjoyed her experience so much that she decided to graduate from high school a year early and get a headstart on making her dream of becoming a teacher a reality.

Watrous feels confident going into her first classroom, thanks to the strong foundation she received at FMU. She also credits the dedication of the faculty, many experiential opportunities, and support that she will continue to receive from her education professors for preparing her to take the reins.  

“One of the things I love most about FMU is the faculty,” says Watrous. “My professors have all been so caring. They have challenged us to be our best while also providing guidance and encouragement – not just in academics, but for our profession as a whole.”

Her education journey at FMU included practical, hands-on experience at a number of local schools and at the Richardson Center for the Child, a unique child care center that uses research-based curriculum to enhance the individual learning experience and is located on campus. Her practicum experiences, all in Florence One Schools, included a 3-5K Montessori classroom and second and third grades.

A South Carolina Teaching Fellow, Watrous also participated in professional development opportunities alongside current educators. One standout experience was attending the EdTech Conference, where she gained a deeper understanding of classroom management and learned about new technology and teaching strategies. 

Watrous was deeply involved in campus life, balancing her academic pursuits with her roles as a Teaching Children of Poverty (TCOP) Scholar, member of the Education Club, and a leader within the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She met some of her closest friends through Alpha Delta Pi and received additional growth opportunities. She served as vice president of the membership experience and director of community service in her sorority, coordinating volunteer opportunities with the Miracle League and Hope Health.

In addition, she spent one Maymester in a travel-study program in Ecuador at the Wildsumaco Biological Station. This experience, she says, was eye-opening and will make her a more well-rounded and adaptable educator as she developed a more inclusive and empathetic approach to teaching during her time abroad.

Now, Watrous is eager to bring her passion into her new role at Pate Elementary.

“I’m thrilled to begin my teaching career where my journey began,” says Watrous. “I can’t wait to create a vibrant, nurturing environment where students are engaged and enthusiastic about learning.”