Farence named 2026 ECU Student Teacher of the Year

Her first semester at East Carolina University led Lauren Farence ’26 to pursue a career in education.

“I transferred from my local community college as a biology major, but I loved helping people, communicating with others, and creating opportunities for learning,” she said. “I decided to add secondary science education as a second major, and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Her decision and passion paid off — Farence was named ECU’s 2026 Student Teacher of the Year (STOY).

“When I found out I was the ECU Student Teacher of the Year, I felt so many emotions!” she said. “I was speechless, shocked, excited and even crying. I was just about every emotion you could imagine! Receiving that email felt surreal, and I am incredibly honored to have received this award.”

Farence has many precious memories from at time at ECU, but one of the nearest to her heart was right before graduation. She had purchased a blank white stole as part of her graduation regalia and took it to her student teaching position for her students to decorate.

“They filled it with kind messages, drawings, and words of encouragement,” she said. “I still sit down and reread all of the notes they had written! This stole constantly reminds me why I chose this profession and the impact that meaningful relationships can have in the classroom.”

When Farence was deciding what university she would finish her undergraduate studies at, she knew that she wanted to experience was life was like away from her hometown in the Outer Banks. However, staying close to family was also important to her.

“ECU is a place where you grow, discover who you are, build lifelong friendships and learn from professors who are genuinely passionate about their work,” she said. “The College of Education truly invests in its students, providing support both academically and personally. I have so much love for my alma mater and am excited to continue my education here by pursuing graduate school. Pirate Nation is truly something special.”

Farence accepted a position as a science teacher which she will start this month and is also pursuing her graduate degree at ECU in instructional technology.