Jennifer Nail

Occupation: Mathematics teacher at Pocahontas County High School

Education: Graduated from Capital High School in Charleston, in 2008. Received undergraduate degree in 2012 in comprehensive mathematics and mathematics education from Concord University.

Hobbies: In college I was very involved in organizations. I’m a member of the national Delta Zeta sorority, as well as various honor societies. I enjoy reading, simple crafting, cooking and trying new foods. I’m mildly addicted to Pinterest and I would love to travel more. I like to try new things and interact with people.

Favorite Book(s): I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. I grew up reading the Harry Potter series, have read the Lord of the Rings trilogy and I’m currently working on Stephen King’s Dark Tower series. As far as genres go, I like science fiction, fantasy and historical fictions.

Educational Influences: My first grade teacher, Mrs. Vanscoy, and my high school math teachers Mr. Vencil and Mr. Ferrell. These teachers were the ones who helped me find my subject.

Fresh out of college, Jennifer Nail found herself preparing for a different type of classroom – her own.

Nail will begin her teaching career this year at Pocahontas County High School in the mathematics department. It may be her first full-time job in a school, but it isn’t her first time working with students.

“I have worked with children through the Morris Enrichment Center in Charleston since graduating from high school,” she said. “Through this program, I worked with elementary school age children during the summer, helping to organize and facilitate a summer camp program with them.”

While in college, Nail observed at middle and high schools in Mercer County and did her student teaching at Pikeview Middle School and Pikeview High School in the same county.

Nail heard the call to be a teacher at a very young age.

“I’ve wanted to be a teacher since the first grade,” she said. “Mrs. Vanscoy, my first grade teacher, who was, at least to my first grade self, the perfect blend of strict with caring. My high school math teachers Mr. Vencil and Mr. Ferrell were also influential teachers in my education. I didn’t enjoy math until I got into the upper levels of the subject where it became more of a challenge.”

Along with several of her teachers, Nail was influenced and driven to become an educator by the support of her family.

“My family always pushed us to achieve without forcing it upon us,” she said. “Although my father passed away very early in my life, I always wanted to think that he would be proud of my achievements. He was a band director and I knew he would be proud if I followed him into education.”

As Nail prepares for the new year, she is excited to find her place in the school.

“I’m looking forward to being in a smaller school again,” she said. “Though I have not been to the school since interviewing, it seemed to have a very friendly and congenial atmosphere which I’m excited to be a part of.”