September 26, 2024
Department of Special Education, Foundations and Research Updates (2023-2024)
Students take fall alternative break experience to Maryland
Students in SPED 3005: Instructional Programming in Special Education participated in an alternative break experience to Carroll County, Maryland.
Through a Sponsored Activities and Research Catalyst (SPARC) program grant, students were able to experience inclusive education practices and systemic change efforts through service and data collection with a focus on building and sustaining these practices in North Carolina.
In addition to the teacher shortage facing all 50 states, North Carolina is facing a shortage of special education teachers. To ensure that the future teachers at ECU are well prepared to meet the needs of their learners, faculty in special education worked to create this alternative break experience.
ECU students were able to observe best practices and collect data to support change and inform instruction during their time at Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS).
“In five years, CCPS transformed their school district to include all students in general education settings,” Burnette said. “CCPS has an incredible commitment to including students with extensive support needs.”
The Department of Education and the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities have recognized CCPS for their instructional practices and policies.
One ECU student remarked, “These classrooms made me more passionate about inclusive education and have given me the tools and experiences to make them happen in my future classrooms and school districts. I have the information I need to fight the common arguments gen-ed teachers and school administrators use to keep students with disabilities out of the typical classrooms.”
This trip was a collaborative effort between ECU’s Department of Special Education, Foundations and Research, the Department for People Operations, Success and Opportunity and the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement, as well as a community partner — the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance.
Students thought about their experience through a video blog assignment and a series of reflection posts.
“This experience has me fired up about inclusion, learning more about it, and learning how to ensure that my students are in the least restrictive environment,” another student remarked. “I am ready for the future, and I’m so excited that I was able to have this experience. This experience is something I will never forget.”
Employees receive service awards
Three East Carolina University College of Education faculty/staff members received awards from the North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children.
Dr. Angela Novak was selected as the Distinguished Service Award recipient for The Association for the Gifted of North Carolina. Novak received this award for her efforts in advancing the organization’s mission, establishing professional standards for teacher preparation, developing initiatives to enhance gifted education practices and ensuring the needs of children and youth with exceptionalities are addressed in educational legislature.
Dr. Tosha Owens received the Distinguished Service Award for the North Carolina Division for Emotional and Behavioral Health. She received this award for her efforts in advancing the organization’s mission, focusing on improving the education and welfare of children and youth with behavioral and emotional disorders. Owens’ efforts over the years also allowed the Division for Emotional and Behavioral Health to offer support and recognition to individuals who are new to the field and those with longstanding dedication to student success.
Dr. Malinda Pennington was selected as the Distinguished Service Award recipient for The North Carolina Teacher Education Division. Pennington has helped advance the organization’s mission while providing leadership and support for teacher education dedicated to students with exceptional needs and their families.
Zhang inducted into Educators Hall of Fame
The East Carolina University College of Education celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Educators Hall of Fame by inducting 11 new members in a ceremony on ECU’s campus on April 6.
The Hall of Fame recognizes the service of individuals who have extensively contributed to the field of education and had a decisive impact on the lives of others. Honorees are nominated through a $2,500 gift that is placed into a Hall of Fame scholarship endowment for merit-based education scholarships.
One of these inductees was Dr. Guili Zhang, former department chair of Special Education, Foundations and Research.
Zhang began her formal education in China before completing her graduate degrees at Georgia Southern University and the University of Florida. Before her time at ECU, Zhang worked as an elementary and middle school teacher and served as an instructor, university supervisor and the lead statistical analyst and program evaluator at the University of Florida. She began her career with the ECU College of Education in 2006, earning the titles of assistant professor, associate professor, professor and department chair. Zhang continues to serve as a special education professor. She is an active member of numerous professional organizations and has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work in education.
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- InspirED Fall 2024
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