Teacher spotlight: Getting to know Mrs. Chuckery

Mrs. Megan Chuckery is A.W. Beattie's Veterinary Sciences instructor for  first-year students. We asked a few questions to learn more about her, and we will feature another staff member next week.

What was your first job?

I volunteered at a zoo for years, but my first paying job was at a place called “Corn Dog on a Stick”…

Why did you become a Veterinary Sciences teacher?

It was actually by chance! I had a friend who was teaching in post-secondary education at a Veterinary Technician College. She asked if I would be interested in an adjunct faculty position. I thought I would try it even though I never pictured myself as a teacher. Turned out, I loved it! When I had the opportunity to come to Beattie and start a new program from the ground up, I jumped at the chance!

What do you enjoy most about the Veterinary Sciences field?

I always tell my students that I only have two hands to help animals. When I teach, I send out dozens and dozens of hands that are willing and able to help animals, too.

What do you feel is the key to teaching?

FUN! I truly believe that you can make anything fun. If the students are enjoying themselves, they are going to be more engaged and excited about learning even the most mundane topics.

What can you be found doing when you’re not teaching?

I will be spending time with my husband and two sons, ages six and three. We love to have “adventures” in the form of traveling and trying new things. I have a green thumb and like to garden. We like to be outdoors with our dogs, Champ, Hank, & Rosie. I’m also an avid reader. I, of course, also spend some time vegging out with some Netflix!

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

I have so many! Some favorite movies are Hocus Pocus, Jurassic Park, The Indiana Jones movies, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies, Harry Potter, anything and everything Disney & Pixar! As for TV I watch Stranger Things, Outlander, Orange is the new Black, etc. Anything animal related, too, especially “Supervet” and “Bionic Vet.”

What activities are at the top of your bucket list?

Travel, Travel, Travel!!! I’ve been lucky enough to have traveled abroad and have many more places on my list. First up is Disney World next year with my family. I would also like to someday have an RV to travel around the country.

What can you reveal that people might not expect about you?

I’m very creative and crafty, I’m a great cook and I’m a published poet