April 30, 2025
Spring 2025 Graduate: Abby Corning
Name: Abby Corning
Major/Degree Program: Elementary Education with a concentration in science
Hometown/Current City:
Grafton, Massachusetts, but I have loved living in Greenville these past four years.
Hobbies/interests:
Spending time with my friends and family is one of my absolute favorite things to do. I value quality time with the people I love. I also enjoy trying new sports, which is why I joined Club Tennis. I’ve had a lot of fun with it and met so many great friends through the experience. I’m a huge dog lover and playing with my dog brings me joy.
What’s your favorite memory from your time at ECU?
Hands down, my favorite memory from ECU was traveling to Belize with Ms. Glass and Dr. Lee! Getting to explore such diverse ecosystems and seeing plants and animals I’d never seen before made the trip so exciting. Connecting those new experiences to informal science made the trip even more meaningful for me. It was one of the coolest experiences of my life and I’m so grateful for the opportunity they gave me!
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
My 2nd grade teacher Ms. Lewis was one of the best teachers I have ever had. Ever since I had her, I had always wanted to be a teacher just like her. She had the most memorable lessons, and it always felt safe to make mistakes while learning. This was re-enforced in my high school English class with Ms. Lambert, she encouraged me and showed how much she cared for all her students and their interest. Both these teachers inspired me, and I hope I can be like them one day for my students.
Who has made the biggest impact on your journey here?
Ms. Glass and Dr. Lee have had the biggest impact on my journey in classes at ECU. They have showed what it is like to be a good teacher and highlighted the importance of teaching science and caring for students and their learning. In the field my mentor teacher Ms. Martin has shown me all the ins and outs of teaching. She is always willing to answer my many questions and support me in whatever I need. Furthermore, she has helped me build my confidence in teaching and feeling comfortable in my decisions and instruction!
What’s next after graduation?
After graduation I will move home to Massachusetts to be closer to my family again. I hope to move to Boston and teach lower elementary school.
What advice would you give to future College of Education students?
To future College of Education students, I’d say never be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s a professor of a classmate, don’t hesitate to reach out when you need something. All the professors I’ve had in the College of Education have been incredibly supportive and kindhearted. My classmates were also great and working together has made classes more enjoyable and created a sense of community.
How has the College of Education prepared you for the classroom (or your next step?)
Being able to start observing in the classroom as a sophomore and teaching as a junior has helped me have real and meaningful experiences in the classroom. Seeing many different teaching styles and lots of different students, I have been able to prepare and teach lessons to many students. This showed me a wide range of real-life teaching experiences.
From Bonnie Glass (master teaching instructor in science education): Abby is a senior Elementary Science Concentrator. She is a conscientious student who is kind and works hard at every endeavor. She participated in our summer study abroad experience in Belize. She was such a positive part of our cohort of students. Her positivity buoyed the group. She has excelled in our program course work yet remains humble and willing to help others.I do not have her resume but know she is on the ECU Club Tennis team and has various involvements on campus.She represents the type of person we want our graduates to be – she will represent ECU well!