Jennifer Blandin '26M

Jennifer Blandin teaches sixth grade at Penderlea School, a K-8 campus in Pender County. A residency teacher, she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Watson College of Education in May.

Blandin holds a degree in social science with a concentration in government from Campbell University. The background, she said, built a strong foundation in critical thinking and civic responsibility—skills she brings into her classroom each day.

Although she initially planned to attend law school, Blandin found herself drawn to teaching.

“Teaching allowed me not only to be present for my own children, but also to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” she said. “It didn’t take long to realize this wasn’t just a practical decision—it was a calling.”

She entered the profession through North Carolina’s lateral entry program, teaching in both private and public schools, including a charter school. After stepping away to spend time with her family, she returned to the classroom three years ago as a third grade residency teacher and chose to pursue her master’s degree at UNCW.

“When I returned, my license had expired, and I knew I wanted to come back stronger,” she said. “The residency program allowed me to grow professionally while actively teaching, which has been incredibly valuable.”

Balancing a full-time job, graduate coursework and family responsibilities was challenging at first, Blandin said, but the experience strengthened her time management and organizational skills.

“The MAT program at Watson has strengthened both my confidence and my practice,” she said. “It refreshed foundational knowledge while introducing new strategies, research-based practices and resources I use in my classroom every day.”

For Blandin, teaching is rooted in purpose.

“My ‘why’ has become the students I’ve taught over the years—students who have impacted my life in lasting ways,” she said. “Watching them grow and staying connected with many of them reminds me why this work matters.”

She encourages others considering the profession to stay focused on that purpose.

“There will be challenging days—days when you feel uncertain or question yourself—but those moments are far outweighed by the impact you make,” she said. “If you stay grounded in your purpose, it will carry you through.”

Blandin said programs like Watson’s MAT in elementary education are essential for preparing teachers to meet the needs of today’s students.

“Education is constantly evolving, and having access to both hands-on experience and strong academic support makes a tremendous difference,” she said. “At the end of the day, everything comes back to the students. Seeing their growth—academically and personally—is what makes this work so meaningful.”