GEM-SET

Angela Skaggs
High School Science Teacher
Magoffin County High School
Salyersville, KY

Current career position: I am a high school science teacher. I have been teaching for 12 years. I am currently teaching Chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology to junior and seniors at Magoffin County High School.

Education: Being from a small town, I pursued a college education from local community college right out of high school. I then went to a larger college, Easter Kentucky University, and received my Bachelors of Science. I obtained my Master's in Education from Morehead State University. I am currently working on becoming an Instructional Supervisor for our districts school system.

Most exciting part of my career: I enjoy teaching and try to show students that science can be fun and exciting. I worked with several young women a few years ago as a mentor to help them become more aware of the careers in science. We had a wonderful time and the young women were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities in the science area.

Toughest barriers to overcome to arrive at your current position: The toughest barrier for me has been being from a small town where there's not a variety of jobs in science. However, I was blessed with a wonderful high school science teacher that encouraged me to pursue a career in science. The second toughest barrier is working in a male dominated field. I am one of two female science teachers at our high school and have found myself to be in the minority at most all professional meetings I attend. I think I have proven myself to many of my male co-workers and am finding that most males are accepting of women in science.