Aspiring teachers dive into college life during ECU PIRATE program

PIRATE participants take a group photo in front of the fountain — PIRATE symposium participants pose for a photo in front of ECU’s fountain.

More than 70 rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduates spent three days on East Carolina University’s campus to learn more about teacher education programs and college life.

This is the third year that the Pirate Institute for Regional Aspiring Teachers and Educators (PIRATE) symposium or a similar program has taken place on campus. For many participants, this was their second or third year in the program.

“This was my second year in the program,” said Zacchaeus Jones, a rising senior at Lenoir County Early College High School. “I returned because I liked the program last year and the information that we learned. I enjoyed the program so much that I have already recommended the program to others at my high school.”

Throughout the three days, participants were able to learn more about ECU, the fundamentals of teaching and resources available to them — such as the Teaching Resource Center (TRC) in Joyner Library.

For White Oak High School rising senior Cheyenne Bruening, the TRC’s production room was the most surprising part, as well as the size of the university campus. In the TRC, students and alumni are able to borrow and create materials for their classrooms. PIRATE symposium participants learned how to make buttons and also used materials as they worked together on the lessons they would teach on the program’s second day.

“One of my most memorable activities I participated in was getting the chance to lesson plan and then teach to my peers,” said Topsail High School graduate Trinity Mummaw. “Planning out what you’re going to teach, making posters, picking out a book if we used one, and then getting everyone involved.”

Two PIRATE participants speak to faculty members in math and science education — During the symposium, participants had the chance to talk to faculty members in different departments to learn more about the education programs offered at ECU.

Mummaw has wanted to be an educator since she was a child. She plans on attending ECU in the fall and noted that hearing from the panel of education alumni was eye-opening.

“Growing up having a family that was mostly educators made it easier knowing more about teaching and what it might be like,” she said. “However, it was nice to hear from a panel of teachers who have taught for numerous years giving insights to their own experiences — both bad and good — when it comes to teaching.”

Jones was another participant who has grown up around educators and felt that his experience at ECU solidified his decision to pursue a future in education.

“I have always loved to help others and have gained more interest in the teaching field by tutoring my favorite subjects to others,” he said. “I also like working with teachers after school to help them in any way they need.”

A standout experience for him was also co-teaching a lesson.

“By working together and actually teaching to other students, we learned a few more skills that we will use in the classroom, such as classroom management, lesson planning and collaboration,” he said.

The participants weren’t the only ones to benefit from the experience. Current education majors served as event leaders and coordinators. This event served as another way to gain experience working with students as well as a way to share their love of ECU with potential future students.

Two PIRATE participants stand at the front of the class teaching their lesson — The highlight for many PIRATE participants was the chance to co-teach a lesson to their fellow participants and gain teaching skills.

“One of my favorite moments during the camp was watching the students form connections with their peers and the leaders throughout the duration of the camp and how that allowed them to feel more confident when co-teaching their mini lesson,” said Isabelle Vernon, a rising senior majoring in secondary history education. “As a current education major, specifically with the intention of teaching high schoolers, this experience supplemented my other practicum experiences greatly. I was able to learn more about different group dynamics, how to accommodate students’ particular needs, and how to interact with students in a manner that is both professional and encourages rapport and reciprocity.”

Rising senior secondary history education major Annie Green also said that this experience built upon skills learned in her practicums.

“It also allows me to build connections with the other PIRATE leaders, including those who have graduated and are already in their first or second years of teaching,” she said. “This connection, along with the time and classroom management skills practiced at camp, will benefit me and my future classroom greatly.”

For Olivia Stoots, a rising sophomore elementary education major, being a leader at the PIRATE symposium was a full circle moment. Stoots had attended a previous PIRATE program, which solidified her decision to attend ECU.

“I was driven to help high school students see firsthand why ECU is the best choice for pursuing a degree in education,” she said. “Working alongside the amazing and supportive staff, I found it incredibly rewarding to guide and mentor participants, sharing my passion for education and helping them envision themselves as future ECU students. This experience reinforced my commitment to becoming an educator and highlighted the importance of fostering a supportive learning community.”

Aspiring teachers dive into college life during ECU PIRATE program

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