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Meet the Teachers

Katie Thompson

Email: kthompson002@horrycountyschools.net

Qualifications: B.S. Biosystems Engineering, Clemson University M.A.T. Secondary Mathematics, Winthrop University M.Ed. Educational Leadership, Coastal Carolina University

Ms. Katie Thompson

I began teaching Aerospace Engineering during the Fall of 2019. In addition to the Aerospace Engineering Major courses, I also teach a variety of Mathematics courses. 

I grew up in Pawleys Island, SC and always had a love for mathematics. I went to Clemson University (Go Tigers!) and majored in engineering. During my time at Clemson, I tutored other students in mathematics and discovered my true passion for teaching.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures. I have visited five continents, hiked Machu Picchu, snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, and look forward to adding more to the list! I also enjoy spending time on the water or at the beach and have a black lab named Tilly and a yellow lab named Delta, who loves to do these with me.

Joel Gibson

Email: jgibson001@horrycountyschools.net

Qualifications: BA, Political Science, NC State University JD, Wake Forest University School of Law MAT, Coastal Carolina Unversity

Mr. Joel Gibson

Welcome to AAST and our Aerospace Engineering program. I hope you will find this program as exciting, challenging, and rewarding as I do.

In the Aerospace Engineering Program I will teach Course 1 in the 2020-2021 school year and pick up the other three courses as we move forward. I also teach Government and Economics in our school’s Social Studies department.

I bring a diverse background to the program, which I believe is particularly well suited to its objectives. I have a Bachelor of Art degree in Political Science from North Carolina State University, a Juris Doctorate degree from Wake Forest University School of Law, and a Master of Art degree in Teaching from Coastal Carolina University. I am certified to teach gifted and talented students in middle and high school and to teach three different Advanced Placement courses. I will be reading (grading) the AP Microeconomics Exam this spring.

I consider my aerospace experience to be strong, if not traditional. I commenced flight training when I was fourteen years old and completed my first license when I was sixteen, although I am not current. I was a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol and am currently completing a new membership as an Aerospace Education Member in that organization. As a SERB certified aerospace educator, I will be completing a series of intensive two-week training sessions over the next two years.