April 30, 2025
Spring 2025 Graduate: Hannah Watkins
Name: Hannah Watkins
Major/Degree Program: Elementary Education
Hometown/Current City: Charlotte, North Carolina
What’s your favorite memory from your time at ECU?
My favorite memory from my time at ECU is being a part of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows. My experience at ECU was deeply enriched by learning experiences such as visiting the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, and attending the AIMS Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. Visiting New York City, seeing a Broadway musical, and attending the Senior Banquet helped me fall even more in love with ECU, and I was appreciative that this was the school from which I was graduating.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I was fortunate to have grown up with a mother in the education field. I benefited from always having my grammar corrected and explained, and my mom showed me that everyone can learn and deserves respect. Her strong beliefs in equality help instill a compassionate heart and encourage me to do my best to help others. Assisting children in loving learning, appreciating hard work, and acquiring the skills needed to take on the world is how I can make the world a better place. An excellent education can open doors, and this is true for all children.
Who has made the biggest impact on your journey here?
I wouldn’t be graduating from ECU without my advisor, Karli Ruscoe. She emailed me for years, helping me along my path of getting into ECU. She strongly supported me, and I always knew I had someone at ECU who was rooting for my success. She works incredibly hard, and I appreciate her more than I can say.
What’s next after graduation?
I have dreamed of my graduation for so many years. Now, I will truly begin my journey as an Elementary School Teacher. I also intend to return to school for a master’s degree in Math Education. I have always loved math, and I know there is much more to learn about teaching math in Elementary School. I intend to stay a lifelong learner. And I will travel more, too.
What advice would you give to future College of Education students?
There is a benefit you can take away from every single assignment and lesson; it’s your job to find the benefit and understand how you are growing. Be a learner. Learn from your professors and classmates, learn from everyday life experiences, learn new skills, ask questions, and search for answers. But most importantly, always read the rubric.
How has the College of Education prepared you for the classroom (or your next step)?
It’s incredible how much I’ve learned in my three years at ECU. Although I know there will always be more to learn, I feel prepared to teach decoding and comprehension skills to many students. I have a strong understanding of social studies and science principles, and I know the importance of students being problem solvers in math. I feel prepared to make a difference in children’s lives through education.
From Karli Ruscoe (instructional consultant for Partnership Teach): Hannah is an Elementary Education major completing her coursework online through Partnership Teach. She is on track to graduate this summer (2025). She currently holds a 4.0 GPA with ECU and is an honorary NC Teaching Fellow. She has been able to maintain her outstanding academic standing while raising a family and navigating other life circumstances. Her University Supervisor describes her as “a reflective practitioner”. However, for me it will always be her kindness and generosity of spirit that I will remember. The homemade preserves that she made from her garden and brought to Orientation or how she reflected on her experience at the Ron Clark Academy. The Pirate Nation is stronger for having Hannah in it! I am proud of her and recommend her for consideration.