Pleasant Home School’s new first grade teacher Erin Watkins is excited to come back to her home county for her first year in the classroom.

“I am very excited to start Monday,” Watkins said. “Especially to be at Pleasant Home, I am very fortunate and blessed.”

Watkins is a Covington County native and graduated from Straughn High School.

“I have always loved Covington County,” Watkins said. “Ever since I knew that I wanted to be a teacher I wanted to come back and teach here.”

Watkins’ teachers made such a big impact in her life that she wants to follow in their steps.

“Looking back I always had teachers that made a positive impact in my life,” Watkins said. “Now I want to be like them and make a difference in my students’ lives.”

Watkins graduated from LBW Community College and then transferred to Troy University where she finished her education. She believes that Troy has prepared her for a successful teaching career.

“I was able to do a lot of student teaching with my internship,” Watkins said. “I had the best teachers and they prepared me to be the best possible teacher I can be and prepared me for all of the challenges I will face as a teacher.”

Watkins is looking forward to having a positive impact in her students’ lives.

“I am ready to have a positive relationship with all of my students,” Watkins said. “I have always wanted to teach, so being able to do this is living out my dream.”

Watkins’ goal for this year is to provide a top-notch education for her students.

“I am ready to teach these kids the foundation of what it is to have a great education and a great life,” Watkins said. “That is what teaching is all about, to make sure these kids get the education they need.”

Watkins was a majorette during her time at Straughn High School and while at Troy University, and hopes to bring that to Pleasant Home one day.

“In my free time I teach baton lessons,” Watkins said. “Pleasant Home doesn’t have majorettes, but hopefully I can change that one day.”

Watkins married her husband, Zach Watkins, on May 26 of this year. He works as a mental health technician at Beacon Children’s Hospital in Luverne while pursuing his degree.