College of Education welcomes 71 future educators to ECU

The East Carolina University College of Education Office of Student Success welcomed 71 incoming first-year teacher education students and their families to campus Tuesday, Aug. 11, kicking off a week designed to help future educators make a successful transition to college and begin building a strong sense of community.

Before the students arrived, College of Education staff and student leaders were busy preparing for the kickoff welcome meeting and getting ready to welcome the newest members of the Pirate Educator community. That behind-the-scenes preparation set the stage for an afternoon focused on connection, encouragement and preparing students for the exciting transition ahead.

During the Teacher Education Kickoff Welcome, students and their families were introduced to the College of Education and learned more about what to expect during move-in week and the beginning of their college experience. Students also had an opportunity to meet upper-class mentors and current students and hear from College of Education administrators and program staff.

The kickoff provided practical tips for navigating the transition to ECU while emphasizing the support available to students throughout their time in the College of Education. For many of the incoming students, the event also marked the beginning of a new community of peers who share a passion for becoming educators.

Following the welcome meeting, students headed to College Hill to move into Ballard Residence Hall. Despite the August heat and the challenges that come with moving into a residence hall, students embraced the opportunity to meet roommates, settle into their new spaces and begin making ECU feel like home.

Many of the incoming students are part of the Education Living-Learning Community, which brings together College of Education scholars, North Carolina Teaching Fellows and other teacher education majors. Through the community, students will participate in academic, leadership, service and community-building experiences throughout the year.

The Office of Student Success planned a full week of activities to help students connect with one another, learn more about their programs and prepare for the year ahead. The week included scholarship meetings, a welcome luncheon, an overnight retreat focused on team building and program expectations and a community service experience with College of Education faculty and staff.

For these 71 future educators, the week is more than a move to campus. It is the beginning of a journey into a community committed to supporting their growth as students, leaders and future teachers.

It’s a great day to be a Pirate Educator!