Faculty Profile: Danielle Dietz

Published Sep 04, 2026 by
Filed under: Community Outreach, Elementary, Middle & Secondary Education, Faculty News, General, Graduate Programs, Literacy Studies & Special Education, Office of Educator Preparation, Office of Student Success
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Name: Danielle Dietz

Title & department: Teaching Assistant Professor, Literacy & Special Education

What does your new role as the director of the R2M program involve, and what are you most looking forward to in the position?

The position begins with recruitment and retention of the Residency to Master’s R2M fellows. As program director I am heading up the mentorship program, professional development series, and the leadership opportunities for the fellows. I am most looking forward to counting my work with teachers in the field. I absolutely love the residency population and how application based their interests are. I also love helping them navigate learning curves, build their confidence, and support their instruction of exceptional children. 

What are some of your goals for your first year in this role?

Goals include matching fellows with an effective mentor, building a robust and responsive professional development calendar, collect research on the impact the R2M program has on teacher self-efficacy and teacher leadership, as well as beginning to identify potential leadership opportunities for our fellows throughout the cohort model, at ECU, and within their home school/district.

What are you hoping to bring to the role based on your experience at ECU?

I am hoping to bring a strong sense of community to the cohort. I like to think I do this in my online/distance education classes now. I hope to replicate this by having the fellows develop a strong cohort community that adds value to their professional network. 

What excites you most about the opportunity to serve in this new capacity?

When I served as EC Program Specialist for Franklin County Schools, working with lateral entry teachers (now residency teachers) was my favorite parts of the job! I am excited to see how my experiences there help teachers develop, and stay!, in the field now. I aim to fill the teacher shortage by thinking about the long game, developing strong, confident teacher-leaders that plan to stay in public education for years to come. 

What’s something fun or unique you’d like people to know about you?

I love a good road trip. I have been to 48 of the 50 states on road trips! I own and operate a “Little Free Library” on my property in Wendell, NC. I have two dogs (Franklin ((beagle mix) and Gus ((cavalier King Charles))). My husband and I adopted our 12-year-old son from foster care in NC. The adoption decree was officially signed on 8/11/2026. I have been a Special Olympics Athletics Coach since 2014!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

 Traveling across the USA, Reading Mysteries and Thrillers, Coaching Special Olympics, and spending time with people I love!