Learning in action: ECU teachers engage in study away professional development

A group of 27 East Carolina University students, faculty and staff participated in a three-day study away professional development experience in Winston-Salem at the North Carolina Reading Association (NCRA) Annual Reading Conference.

The event was supported by the Margaret Blount Harvey Literacy Institute and consisted of eight undergraduate students from the elementary and special education programs with reading concentrations, six graduate students in the reading and literacy education program, five ECU Community School teachers and eight literacy education faculty members.

A highlight of the trip was the opportunity for students and faculty to present their research-based literacy instructional practices at the conference. Faculty members Erin Kessel and Dr. Christiana Kfouri presented on “Generating AI Texts that Connect Students to Stories,” along with the eight undergraduate READ ambassadors. Faculty and students were able to share their experiences of developing AI-generated texts for small group literacy instruction and allowed students to share their experiences of applying these skills in their practicum experiences.

“The READ Ambassador program offers multiple opportunities for our undergraduates,” Kessel said. “Through this fellowship, our undergraduates attend their first-ever educational conference, design and present to an attendance of educators and network with multiple organizations that will benefit their future educational career.”

Dr. Christy Howard led activities with the graduate students and enjoyed the opportunity to connect with her online students.

“This opportunity to come together face-to-face allowed us to share ideas, common literacy interests and build a stronger sense of community,” Howard said. “It was a valuable experience for all of us, and we look forward to creating more opportunities for face-to-face engagement.”

The conference blended research-based instruction, practical classroom strategies, leadership conversations and emerging innovations, including the use of AI and new tools. The event included a Sunday Institute, two full conference days with keynote speakers and concurrent sessions, author events, awards, and community‑building experiences. 

“Attending this conference has assisted me in learning lots of new things that I will be able to use as a future teacher along with gathering multiple resources that I can use in my future classroom,” said Kelly Vasquez Diaz, an undergraduate junior education major from Goldsboro.

Graduate students Brianna Woolard and Shantale Paugh highlighted how the conference will impact their future instruction and provided an excellent opportunity to connect with other educators.

“The fact that I was able to connect with teachers from other districts, ECU READ students and professors, made the experience even more valuable for me!” Paugh said. “I loved our meaningful conversations about literacy.”

This experience not only enriched students’ professional development but also reinforced their connection to ECU’s literacy education community. Through participation in presentations, conference sessions, and networking, students gained invaluable insights that will shape their future careers as educators and literacy leaders.