FC native finds passion in teaching

Franklin County native Erin Masterson has always found joy in helping and teaching others. She said she discovered at a young age that she wanted to be a teacher, so it seems fitting that’s exactly what she’s doing now.

“I believe teaching is my passion,” she said.

Masterson is almost through with her first semester of teaching second grade at Tharptown Elementary School.

She graduated from the University of North Alabama in May with a Bachelor of Science in education. Before that she attended Northwest-Shoals Community College, where she completed her basics. She is an alum of Russellville High School.

“My first year is going wonderful. My room is filled with 17 joyful second-graders, and they make every day a day to remember,” Masterson said.

In her classroom she teaches every subject, but she said reading is and will always be her favorite.

“I have always been a big reader, so I am passionate about teaching children how to read. I believe reading is the foundation of everything else in the education world. If you can read, you can do anything,” Masterson said.

She takes that passion for teaching into more than just the classroom setting, though. For the past few years she has surrounded herself with opportunities to teach children.

“Whether it was teaching dance class, tutoring or in the classroom, I was doing what I love the most. Every day in the classroom is a new day; it is truly never a dull moment, and I love that,” she said.

Masterson said her first classroom of students will truly be a class she will never forget.