Elizabeth Guevin – Spring 2026 Graduate

Name:

Elizabeth Guevin

Major/Degree Program:

Bachelor of Science in Special Education, General Curriculum

Hometown/Current City:

Franklinton, N.C.

Hobbies/interests:

I enjoy spending time with my two sons, traveling with my family, and going to the movies.

What’s your favorite memory from your time at ECU?

My favorite memory from my time at ECU was traveling to Greenville with my Partnership Teach cohort to attend the education job fair.  It was a full-circle moment for our group, as we’d spent the last few years supporting one another as we grew into special educators.  The trip presented the opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come since we met at orientation day.  We stayed up late at an Airbnb, shared fond stories of our teaching experiences, and discussed all of our goals for the future.  This time of connection with my cohort meant a lot to me, and it truly captured the sense of community that has defined my experience at East Carolina University’s College of Education.

What inspired you to pursue a career in education?

I have wanted to be a teacher since I was seven years old, when I first discovered a love of learning and a desire to share that with others. As I grew older, that passion grew into a conviction that education is a powerful tool for both opportunity and empowerment. During high school, I served as a student volunteer in my school’s adaptive curriculum community, where I had the opportunity to assist in providing instruction and support for students with diverse needs. It was in that setting that I developed a passion for advocacy, built relationships that I found immensely valuable, and discovered my calling to support students with disabilities. These experiences, along with my own personal journey balancing raising a family, school, and work, shaped my commitment to advocacy and solidified my desire to serve in an EC classroom. 

Who has made the biggest impact on your journey here?

My family and University Supervisor have had the biggest impact on my journey at East Carolina University. My husband, Adrian, has been my biggest supporter as I’ve continued my education. My biggest motivation has been making my sons Liam (6 years old) and Levi (8 months old) proud.  I’ve taken this program as an opportunity to set a positive example for my children by showing them the importance of hard work and dedication to your goals. Throughout all of the late nights studying and early mornings of clinical experiences, my family has kept me grounded.

My University Supervisor, Dr. Danielle Dietz, has also played a significant role in my growth as an educator, especially during my internships. Her guidance, advice, feedback, and encouragement have helped me build confidence in my instructional practice and reflect more deeply on my teaching. I am truly grateful to have such an amazing mentor.

What’s next after graduation?

Following graduation, I plan to teach in my community and continue to emphasize professional growth as an educator. I am looking forward to applying the pedagogical knowledge that I have acquired from East Carolina University to support students in my classroom and to build a learning environment where all students feel valued and supported. I am excited to continue refining my skill set and learning from my students, colleagues, and experiences in the field. My goal is to build a meaningful and impactful career, serving and making a difference in the lives of students in my community. 

What advice would you give to future College of Education students?

My advice is to seek out feedback and ask questions when you need clarification because your professors, cohort members, and cooperating teachers will help you-you just need to seek out answers.  Growth comes from new experiences and in your program, you will have many opportunities to apply what you’re learning, especially during all of your clinical experiences.  Seeking feedback and reflecting upon the guidance of your colleagues will grow your capabilities.  With that in mind, asking questions will also teach you how to advocate for yourself and the needs of your students. 

How has the College of Education prepared you for the classroom (or your next step)?

The College of Education at ECU has prepared me for the classroom by providing research-based pedagogical and theoretical knowledge, in addition to substantive, hands-on experiences teaching and leading classes across a wide range of settings. East Carolina University’s connections and partnerships through the Latham Clinical Schools Network connected me with schools that are local to me and enabled me to work with educators and administrators in my district, even through distance education.  As a result, I have built lasting professional relationships as I’ve collaborated with educators in my community, and have had the opportunity to become better acquainted with my local school district where I will be teaching after graduation.  Additionally, both coursework and support from the my university supervisor and professors has enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of instructional strategies, classroom management, and applicable strategies to meet the needs of all learners. As a result, I feel well prepared and am looking forward to take the next step into my own classroom and continue my career as a special educator.