September 24, 2025
ECU researchers awarded grant to strengthen computer science in teacher education
A team of East Carolina University College of Education researchers is one of 10 teams accepted to the 2025-2027 PrepareCS cohort and awarded a $10,000 grant to support project development.
Dr. Kristen Gregory, Dr. Ruby Yeh, Dr. Ken Luterbach, Dr. Crisianee Berry and Beth Madigan from Pitt County Schools comprise the ECU/Greenville team.
“We are a multidisciplinary team in teacher education and PK-12 education who would like to strengthen pre-service teacher preparation to include a stronger emphasis on computer science (CS) content and skills,” the team said.
The PrepareCS grant will give them funding to support teacher educators, pre-service teachers and PK-12 educators learning how to integrate computer science content and skills into their courses. They will do this through a multi-layered project with three main parts:
- A Canvas module that includes information on computer science standards, contemporary computer literacy and ethics, computational thinking and concentration specific application
- A professional learning community for teacher educators and PK-12 educators to explore integrating computer science content and skills in their teaching
- An investigation and research into the impact of the professional learning community on educator self-efficacy and pre-service teachers’ learning and implementation of computer science instruction
“The full team will collaborate to design and implement all aspects of the project as each member brings distinct areas of expertise,” the team said.
Yeh, an associate professor in human development and family sciences, brings knowledge in professional development and birth-kindergarten teacher education. Both Berry, assistant professor in instructional technology and Luterbach, professor in instructional technology, are knowledgeable in computer science and instructional technology. Gregory, associate professor in elementary education, has a skill set in professional development, elementary education and curricular design. Madigan brings knowledge of pre-k through 12th grade education as well as North Carolina policies and guidelines related to technology and computer science.
To prepare to implement the project, the team attended two days of workshops where they engaged in multiple activities and learning opportunities specific to integrating computer science skills. During this time, the ECU team and other members of the second cohort were able to hear the progress that the first cohort had made.
This project will also help to address the shortage of computer science educators in North Carolina, which requires computer science courses as a high school graduation requirement.
“Integrating computer science content and skills aligns with our state’s portrait of a graduate by building durable skills so students are college and/or career ready,” the team said. “Working with PK-12 to learn how to integrate computer science into their instruction will benefit all students. When students experience computer science throughout the curriculum, they better develop their computer skills and learn how to apply computer science in authentic contexts.”
The grant will last for two years, concluding in spring 2027. During this academic year, the team will design the Canvas module and PLC structure while also beginning recruitment of ECU teacher education faculty and corresponding PK-12 educators in Pitt County. The first PLC will take place in spring 2026 through fall 2026 with the second one running from fall 2026 through spring 2027.