North Carolina Teaching Fellows at East Carolina University
Welcome to the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program at East Carolina University, where aspiring educators embark on a transformative journey towards shaping the future of North Carolina’s classrooms. As a Teaching Fellow, you have the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 per year in forgivable loans, easing the financial burdens of pursuing a career in education. Our program is dedicated to cultivating a community of passionate educators committed to serving in North Carolina’s public schools. Whether your calling lies in elementary education, STEM fields, or special education, our educator preparation program provides the essential training and support needed for licensure. Beyond the classroom, Teaching Fellows at ECU benefit from a wealth of enrichment opportunities and tap into a robust alumni network, fostering connections that last a lifetime.
East Carolina University’s North Carolina Teaching Fellows (NCTF) program offers a dynamic and supportive experience designed to help future educators thrive. From day one, students benefit from a strong network of academic and professional support, along with high-impact programming and travel that enhances their journey. On-campus first-year students reside in a common residency experience together in Ballard Hall, fostering a close-knit community of like-minded peers and future educators. At ECU, you’re not just earning a degree, you’re joining a community committed to your personal and academic success.
Who can apply for Teaching Fellows?
- North Carolina high school seniors
- Current ECU students who are changing their major to education or adding a secondary major of education
- Current ECU education majors
- Students at other community colleges or colleges in North Carolina transferring to ECU’s education program
- Students with bachelor’s degrees in different fields who want to pursue teacher licensure
Teaching Fellows Preparation Pathways
Bachelor’s Degrees
- Elementary Education (K-6)*
- Special Education-General Curriculum (K-12)*
- Special Education-Adapted Curriculum (K-12)*
- Middle Grades Mathematics Education (6-9)
- Middle Grades Science Education (6-9)
- Secondary Mathematics Education (9-12)
- Secondary Science Education (9-12)
*These degree programs are offered on campus or online through ECU’s Partnership Teach Program
Add on Licensure (Currently Have a Bachelor’s Degree and Adding on Teacher Licensure)
- Residency Licensure Elementary Education (K-6)
- Residency Licensure Mathematics Education (9-12)
- Residency Licensure Science Education (9-12)
- Residency Licensure Middle Grades Mathematics Education (6-9)
- Residency Licensure Middle Grades Science Education (6-9)
- Residency Licensure Special Education General Curriculum (K-12)
- Residency Licensure Special Education Adapted Curriculum (K-12)
All add on licensure programs are 100% online and can be offered as an Undergraduate or Graduate Certificate Pathway
Why ECU?
Since 1907, East Carolina University (ECU) has been at the forefront of educator preparation in North Carolina. As the top preparer of educators in North Carolina, we have served over nine million children in North Carolina schools and our alumni currently work in all of North Carolina’s one hundred counties.
All traditional on-campus freshmen are required to live in our common Education Community of Scholars residence hall, and will be assigned a room with another student in our program. Roommate requests are encouraged; however, you may only request a roommate who is also a member of the Education Community of Scholars, Education Living-Learning Community, or a NC Teaching Fellow.
For scholars seeking a flexible option, our Partnership Teach community college transfer program allows for degree completion online while remaining rooted in their home communities. With over 1,100 graduates, this program fosters an engaging and supportive cohort-based community where future educators from across the state form lasting connections with their peers. Our preparation program is further enhanced by the extensive network of regional partnerships we have established. The Latham Clinical Schools Network, consisting of 43 districts, offers ECU teacher candidates access to a wide array of communities and students for field experiences and internships during their undergraduate studies.