June 17, 2025
Pierce selected as ECU Student Teacher of the Year
For history education graduate Hunter Pierce ‘25, East Carolina University was the best choice when it came to pursuing a degree in education.
“I chose ECU because of its history when it comes to education,” Pierce said. “I knew that I would receive valuable information there from professors who were committed to education.”
Pierce knew he wanted to work in the education field after a high school experience that allowed him to travel to a middle school to teach math as well as his after-school job as a preschool teacher.
His dedication to education has paid off. He was chosen as the 2024-2025 ECU Student Teacher of the Year for his exemplary performance in the classroom, strong commitment to student success and leadership in service to rural education.
“I think that the most memorable and important thing I did at ECU was my participation and membership with the AmeriCorps CARE Corps Program,” he said. “It taught me a lot about why teaching in rural schools is important and gave me a deeper appreciation for education in all its forms.”
Pierce completed his student teaching experience in Elizabeth City at Northeastern High School under the mentorship of clinical teacher Jesse Cassino. While at Northeastern, he was recognized for his engaging instructional strategies, ability to build meaningful relationships with students and his skill in making history come alive for learners.
While he graduated in May, Pierce already has a job lined up teaching American history at the Northeast Academy of Aerospace and Advanced Technology. He also plans to return to ECU to get his master’s degree in history education, thanks to Dr. Jennifer Gallagher, associate professor in history education and university supervisor.
“Hunter has a very bright future in education,” Gallagher said. “His professionalism, creativity and heart make him not only a standout student teacher, but a future leader in the field.
Pierce will be formally recognized as the ECU Student Teacher of the Year during the ECU College of Education’s opening convocation in August 2025. His name has also been submitted to the North Carolina Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (NCACTE) for consideration as the state Student Teacher of the Year.
Every year, the ECU Council for Educator Preparation recognizes one outstanding student teacher who exemplifies excellence in teaching and leadership during clinical practice. For more information about the college and educator preparation visit the COE teacher education overview website.