Erin Horne has been an educator for only four years but already she has found her niche.
She obtained a B.S. degree in chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry from Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, and a PhD in biochemistry from Tulane University. She earned her teacher’s license through William Carey’s alternate route program in the fall of 2020.
Her first teaching job was at the E.H. Keys Alternative Education Center (AEC) in Ocean Springs. After two years, she moved to the main campus at Ocean Springs High School where she currently teaches algebra to freshmen and a few sophomores. This fall, she will move to teaching chemistry.
Horne was a research scientist and a stay-at-home mom before deciding to become a teacher.
“Teaching gives me the opportunity to share my experiences and knowledge with students who are still making decisions that will affect their path in life,” Horne said.
Her favorite part about teaching is making connections and building relationships with her students.
“I used to think teaching was all about imparting information to students, but I quickly discovered that my interactions with my students is the most important and my favorite part of my job.”
She finds inspiration from a quote by Albert Einstein: “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
Horne credits Stephanie Alison, her first administrator when she became a certified teacher, for influencing her and encouraging her to find a balance between being a teacher and caring for her family.
Horne comes from a family of educators. Her brother is an instructor at the University of Southern Mississippi and her sister-in-law is an administrator in the Pascagoula-Gautier school district. She was recognized as Teacher of the Month in November 2020 and September 2021 while at the AEC.
When not working, Horne loves to read, work in the garden with her chickens, and exercise by running or attending barre class. She is currently enrolled in USM’s STEM Education certificate program.
Horne has been married for 26 years and has three children. Her oldest son is 25 and has a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in music performance. Her fifteen-year-old son is a football player and tuba player. Her daughter is 10 and loves to play soccer.
