Jackie Tingen, originally from Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, graduated in 2018 with a M.A. in instructional technology education. She completed her B.S. in elementary education from Campbell University.
Currently, Jackie is an instructional technology facilitator for Johnston County Public Schools in Willow Springs, North Carolina. She works with grade K-5 teaching students how to use Chromebooks, Google Apps for Education, coding, and other computer science related activities.
“We also explore other STEM concepts, such as engineering, and try to make science, technology, engineering, and math relevant to their current and future life choices,” noted Jackie.
"I chose Appalachian for grad school because my brother-in-law got his undergrad there. When we went to his graduation many years ago, I fell in love with the campus and the small town Boone had to offer. I was already enrolled at Campbell University for my undergrad at the time, but I knew one day I would attend App State. Sure enough, when I decided to pursue my masters, I immediately knew where to apply. Even though I was a distance student, I made sure to visit the campus at least a few times per year. "
In addition to working with students, Jackie also helps teachers incorporate educational technology into their curriculum. “I assist them with making technology meaningful and not just a replacement for an encyclopedia or notebook," she said.
Jackie is also the school garden coordinator, where she helps students learn about where their food comes from and how important pollinators and composters are.
Impacting Education in Her Community
Jackie is making an impact on education in her community.
“As an educator, I feel that it is very important to connect our school with members of our community,” she said.
Jackie invites guest speakers to her school to talk about their careers, and she builds relationships with local businesses to help fund certain activities that take place at the school.
“We need local businesses to help fund certain activities so that they see that they are not alone and that their support circle is so much bigger than just their school family.”
Jackie Tingen
