ECU partners with Pitt County Schools, Pitt Community College to grow future educator pipeline

East Carolina University is partnering with Pitt County Schools (PCS) and Pitt Community College (PCC) to support a growing local pipeline of future educators.

Through the Student Teacher Educator Pipeline Upward Progression (STEP UP) Pre-Apprenticeship, PCS is creating opportunities for high school students to explore teaching and gain meaningful classroom experience while beginning their journey toward becoming educators. After graduating from high school, participants will continue their studies at PCC while completing either an Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation or an Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation. At the same time, they will work as teacher assistant apprentices with Pitt County Schools, gaining hands-on experience supporting classroom instruction.

Upon earning their associate degree, participants will transfer to East Carolina University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education while continuing their employment with Pitt County Schools as teacher apprentices. After completing their degree and earning teacher licensure, participants will be eligible for employment as licensed teachers with Pitt County Schools.

“ECU is excited to partner with Pitt County Schools and Pitt Community College to support the development of a strong pipeline of future educators,” said Holly Fales, associate dean for academic programs and educator preparation in ECU’s College of Education. “We are especially excited to see Pitt County Schools take the lead in creating apprenticeship opportunities that allow students to experience the profession firsthand. Partnerships like this are essential to developing innovative pathways into teaching and helping our districts grow their future educator workforce.”

ECU is committed to working alongside school districts and community colleges across the region to develop educator pipelines and maximize apprenticeship opportunities that connect aspiring teachers with the schools and communities they hope to serve.

“This model provides Pitt County Schools with a formal grow-your-own pathway that allows students to begin preparing for a career in education while they are still in high school,” Fales said. “By developing a local pipeline of future educators who are already connected to Pitt County Schools, the model has the potential to strengthen both teacher recruitment and long-term retention in the district.”