April 30, 2025
Spring 2025 Graduate: Natalie Brown
Name: Natalie Brown
Major/Degree Program: Special Education- Adapted Curriculum
Hometown/Current City: Greensboro, North Carolina
Hobbies/interests:
Some of my favorite hobbies are playing pickleball, taking walks outside, working out, and taking many trips to the beach. I love doing all of these activities with my friends and family!
What’s your favorite memory from your time at ECU?
My favorite memory from my time at ECU has been the amazing friendships I have made inside and outside of the classroom. ECU offers so many incredible resources and events that allow you to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. My favorite memory from my time at ECU related to my degree is attending two class trips to Maryland- one trip was to observe a county which supports full inclusion for students with disabilities and another trip was to present data and findings about why full inclusion is important and how successful it can be. Both of these trips truly led to so many amazing friendships with my classmates and memories I will never forget.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I have dreamed of becoming a teacher since I was very young. I often arranged my stuffed animals in rows and pretend to teach lessons to them. I did not know I wanted to become a special education teacher until I was in high school. During P.E. class, a friendship sparked between myself and a peer who had Down syndrome. My friend, Alex, and I would walk the track together every day during P.E., and I began to ask myself, “Why have I never seen Alex around the school during the rest of the day?” I then realized the special education classroom was right across the hallway from my Latin classroom. I never once saw Alex or his classmates throughout the school day, including during lunch time and pep rallies. I began to wonder why students with disabilities were not included in my classes and other school activities. My friendship with Alex was the main inspiration for me to pursue a career in special education, and because of him, I hope to continue to advocate for students with disabilities and push for as much inclusion for them as possible. I feel all students, no matter their ability, should be taught in an inclusive environment because humans constantly learn new things from one another.
Who has made the biggest impact on your journey here?
There are two people who have made a big impact on my journey here at ECU. Dr. Kristin Burnette is a professor who not only taught me about inclusion for students with disabilities but also took my classmates and me on two educational trips to Maryland to see full inclusion at practice in public schools. Before taking my first class with Dr. Burnette in 2023, I had never thought of full inclusion for students with disabilities being possible. I had never seen inclusion take place in public schools. By taking my classmates and me to Maryland, I was able to see that full inclusion is absolutely possible and can be successful. I feel so much gratitude toward Dr. Burnette because she helped inspire me to constantly advocate for individuals with disabilities and to help make a change in the future school at which I will teach. Dr. Tosha Owens is another professor who had a significant impact on my journey at ECU. Dr. Owens taught me how to manage behaviors, whether these behaviors are moderate or extreme. I have been able to use all of the information she taught me about finding the reason and solution for behaviors and apply this knowledge in my internship classroom, and I will use this in my classroom in the future, as well. Dr. Owens also planned a study abroad trip to Prague, Czech Republic, in which several of my classmates and I had the amazing opportunity to teach students with moderate disabilities. This was an experience that I will never forget, as I feel I was able to make such a meaningful impact on these students and hopefully inspire them to do amazing things in the future. In addition, this experience influenced me, pushing me to soak up all the knowledge and experience I can to advocate for children with disabilities. Both Dr. Burnette and Dr. Owens not only taught me things that I will remember forever, but they also served as mentors whom I could trust and talk to about anything.
What’s next after graduation?
After graduation, I will be teaching students with moderate disabilities at Brooks Global Studies Elementary School in Greensboro, North Carolina. I will be serving students who range from Kindergarten to fifth grade. I am beyond excited to begin this position and advocate for these students. I am also extremely excited for this position because I will be building this program from the ground up. I will be teaching the first self-contained classroom serving students on the extended content standards, so I am ecstatic to push for an inclusive environment for these students and provide them with meaningful instruction.
What advice would you give to future College of Education students?
Advice I would give to future College of Education students is to cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence. Teaching students can be a tough job because we interact with a wide range of children who come from a variety of backgrounds. For some students, the school is a safe space and a place where they can interact with their friends and teachers. It is important to take the time to understand students’ emotions and build meaningful relationships with them because this will lead to a positive and supportive classroom environment. It is also important to keep an open mindset and be prepared for lifelong learning. The field of education is always evolving with new technology and instructional methods, so make it a priority to stay up to date on information and remember that we, too, always have room to learn.
How has the College of Education prepared you for the classroom (or your next step?)
The College of Education has prepared me for the classroom by providing me with resources which I can use forever. The instructional, academic, field experience, and research supports that I have been provided are all things I will carry with me when beginning my teaching experience in my new classroom. I also feel very confident that all of my ECU professors will be there for me at any time in the future if I need guidance, reassurance, or assistance. They have constantly assured me that they are only one phone call or text message away if I ever have a question, concern, or just need someone to give me advice. The College of Education has also allowed me to see and participate in a wide range of school settings, observing and participating in instruction ranging from Kindergarten to high school. Through all of the lesson practice and research, I feel well-equipped and ready to adapt materials in my future classroom, creating instruction that meets the needs of every learner.
From Dr. Karen Voytecki (associate professor in special education) and Dr. Kristin Burnette (assistant professor in special education): We are excited to write this letter recommending Ms. Natalie Brown as an Outstanding College of Education Graduate. We have come to know Natalie as a conscientious, kind, and enthusiastic student who is committed to teaching and learning. Within minutes of meeting Natalie, we knew she would make an excellent teacher. She exudes heart, compassion, humor, and kindness, as well as an innate sense of charisma. Her smile lights up the room. Dr. Burnette had the privilege of having Natalie in SPED 3005. She was immediately helpful, caring, and compassionate. She demonstrated leadership in the classroom, as she was always the first to volunteer a helping hand. Natalie is an encouragement to her peers, always cheering them on, and supporting meaningful participation in class. During her courses, we could see her leadership and collaboration with her peers, which are excellent qualities in a future teacher. During the Fall of 2023, Natalie gave up her fall break to attend an Alternative Fall Break trip with SPED 3005. One of the things Natalie always says is, “I’m fired up!” It is a phrase that Dr. Burnette will always associate with her character and personality. She was always ready for any challenge and will be a fierce advocate for her future students in special education. After the trip she said, “The trip was something I will never forget. So many amazing memories were made…I will forever be grateful that I got to go on this trip!” This quote demonstrates her commitment to learning, but also her thankfulness for being a part of something bigger than herself. Not only did she attend the trip, but applied what she learned and presented at the international TASH conference in December 2023. When she was presenting, the audience was engaged and spoke highly of her professionalism. Dr. Burnette also had the privilege of studying abroad with Natalie in the Czech Republic. Natalie is the type of person who brings people together, she bridged the gap between the special and general education preservice teachers, always including everyone and making lasting friendships. Two days after arriving in the Czech Republic, Natalie was teaching in a school for students with disabilities. She had to overcome the language barrier, a new environment, being away from her family, and did it with grace, humor, and expertise. At each school location, she had new insights and love from the students. They adored her. Dr. Voytecki has worked most closely with Natalie during her Senior year as both her University Supervisor for her internship experience with Mr. Nava at Hope Middle School, and as her course instructor for SPED 4320. During her internship teaching experience, she continues to be a strong advocate for students with disabilities. Natalie utilizes evidence-based interventions with the students and models them for the general education peer helpers in the classroom. She employs Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices (AAC) with students who are nonverbal to ensure all individuals are able to participate in her lessons. She leads hands-on science lessons, based on grade level standards, that are engaging and develop critical thinking skills. Natalie is a top-notch professional in all aspects. Natalie maintains her grades and holds memberships in several professional organizations (e.g., Council for Exceptional Children, TASH, the Autism Society of NC). She currently has a 3.99 GPA, and is able to balance her volunteer work in these professional organizations and her course work. Natalie makes positive, uplifting changes with every person she meets. We whole-heartedly recommend Natalie as an Outstanding College of Education Graduate.