September 26, 2024
Office of Educator Preparation Updates (2023-2024)
Edmondson passionate about teaching, mentorship
Sense of community drew her to East Carolina
“I first came to campus in February of 2022 for my College of Education scholarship interview, and everyone was so kind and welcoming,” said the elementary education major. “I was familiar with campus because of my two older sisters that are also Pirates, and the at-home feeling kicked in once I sat down for my interview.”
Edmondson knew that she wanted to work with children for her career, but wasn’t sure what path to take. As a high school student, she interned in a local second grade classroom to see if teaching was the right choice for her.
“Over the course of that internship, I fell in love with the students and the classroom and developed a strong respect for the education field,” she said. “I knew that a classroom is where I was meant to be, and teaching has pulled at my heartstrings since then, especially in all of my practicums thus far.”
As an upperclassman, Edmondson has begun contributing to the same sense of community that made her become a Pirate. She currently serves a mentor to first year education students in the Education Community of Scholars living-learning community.
“This current freshman class that we work with as mentors is fabulous, and I cannot say enough great things about them,” she said. “Some of my freshmen refer to me as the ‘Mama Mentor,’ because of the close bond I share with most of them and how I am constantly rooting for them and always in their corner.”
When prompted to select a concentration in her elementary education degree, Edmondson gravitated toward reading as it was one of her strengths in school. Now, she has a true love for the subject thanks in no small part to literacy studies faculty, such as Erin Kessel.
“My reading concentration courses have become by far some of my most favorite courses that I would take again in a heartbeat, just for fun,” Edmondson said. “I’d like to say a special thank you to Ms. Kessel for making this reading concentration so enjoyable and for fostering a love for literacy in her classroom. You are so special to me!”
When reflecting on her educational journey so far, Edmondson advises other students to trust their gut if they think they may want to work in education.
“You’ll hear left and right about all the negatives that go with working in education, but if you love working in children and are committed to this career, it all makes up for it. I promise you —seeing the growth, success, and happiness from your students is worth far more than a paycheck.”
Scholarships provide access
The College of Education recognized 116 scholarship recipients receiving more than $681,000 in funding during its annual ceremony in September 2023.
“Education has been a focus of this university since its inception more than 100 years ago,” said Dr. André Green, dean of the College of Education. “It is inspiring to see how our donors are making it possible for these exceptional individuals to pursue their passions and impact the lives of others in a positive way.”
The college also celebrated the scholarship donors during the ceremony.
“For many of our students, the importance of scholarships and financial aid cannot be overstated,” said Greg Abeyounis, ECU senior associate vice chancellor for development. “Today’s shifting economy poses a significant challenge, but donors like you turn our students’ dreams into a reality.”
Recent special education graduate Calli Jon Massengill spoke about her experience so far as a first year teacher in a third grade classroom at East Garner Elementary School. Currently pursuing certificates in teaching children in poverty and leadership in organizations, Calli Jon is the recipient of the Dr. Sandra Hopfengardner Warren Scholarship.
“Someone believing in you makes all the difference — that’s what so special to me about the College of Education scholarships,” Massengill said. “Sure, the financial support is great, but the fact that these generous donors care so much about our success and supporting future teachers that they donate money and are here today to meet you says so much. They believe in you and your success.”
Massengill thanked the donors, the scholarship recipients and their families, and ECU faculty and staff for being dedicated to the field of education. She noted that everyone in the room showcased dedication, determination and resiliency — the hallmarks of what education should be.
“Take a look around this room,” she said. You see a room of inspired educators who have persevered and are passionate about education and supporting future teachers. You see amazing and passionate donors who still have hope for the future of education, and that hope is in each one of the scholarship recipients.”
Andrews returns to ECU to obtain her teaching licensure
When Shainah Andrews wanted to get her licensure to teach, returning to her alma mater, East Carolina University, was an easy choice.
Andrews graduated from ECU in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in English and a certificate to teach English as a second language. Currently, she is enrolled in the first year of the educator residency program to obtain her license to teach English for grades 9-12 and high school English language arts (ELA).
One of the courses she’s enrolled in is READ 5317: Adolescent Literacy in the Content Areas with Dr. Rachelle Savitz, associate professor of reading/literacy education.
“Being back in school after having graduated four years ago is not an easy task at all for me, especially as a full-time high school ELA teacher,” Andrews said. “However, taking READ 5317 with Dr. Savitz has made the adjustment so smooth and non-intimidating; the confidence that is instilled in me module after module, project after project, and interaction after interaction helps me believe that I will only continue to soar in this program.”
Andrews is grateful to the community that surrounds her at ECU, work and beyond for supporting her throughout this process. “Because of you all — in addition to my students whom I learn from every semester — I am not only becoming a better teacher every single day, but student of life overall,” she said. “Every space that I am in teaches me different lessons about myself and the world around me; a saying that I’ve carried with me since middle school says that nobody’s the same but we’re no different.
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