Category Archives: Office of Professional Development and Student Outreach

Dr. Rhea Miles and Dr. Scott Rawls awarded National Institute of Health Grant

Dr. Rhea Miles, Associate Professor -Science Education, Department of Mathematics, Science and Instructional Technology Education and Dr. Scott Rawls, ECU Alumnus and Associate Professor of Pharmacology in the Center for Substance Abuse Research at Temple University have been awarded a four-year, $1,012,071.00 grant entitled Planarians and the Pharmacology of Addiction: An In Vivo Model for K-12 Education.

The project engages K-12 teachers and students together with health care professionals, pharmacists, and scientists in the study of the pharmacological effects of addictive drugs and the behavior patterns that emerge during recreational and addictive drug use, using curricula and laboratory activities designed to meet the National Science Education Standards. Congratulations Dr. Miles and Dr. Rawls.

Congratulations to COE Faculty Dr. Katherine Schwartz and Dr. Rose Sinicrope on Math-Science Partnership Grant Awards

Leave a reply

Dr. Katie Schwarz and Lenoir County Schools (LCS) have been awarded a 3-year, $483,000 Math/Science Partnership (MSP) Grant, Lenoir County STEM Learning Community. The project will provide teachers integrated content and pedagogical professional development in K-8 Mathematics and opportunities for teachers to work in Professional Learning Communities (PLC) to increase use of mathematical practices, implement cognitively demanding tasks, use data to make instructional decisions, and connect to real-world applications of mathematics, all with the goal of increasing student performance.

Other key ECU faculty who will be working with Dr. Schwartz, who is from the COE Department of Mathematics, Science, and Instructional Technology Education (MSITE) include Dr. Ron Preston and Dr. Kay Middleton from MSITE, Dr Heather Ries and Dr. Njina Randriampiry from the Department of Mathematics, Dr. Ricky Castle from Engineering. STEM Partnership East and various industries also contributed to the project’s development and play key roles in its implementation. Dr. Guili Zhang of the COE Department of Special Education, Foundations, and Research will serve as project evaluator.

Dr. Rose Sinicrope also of MSITE, will serve as Evaluator for Randolph County Schools’ newly awarded MSP grant, Deepening High School Mathematics Knowledge and Leadership.

Congratulations to Dr. Sinicrope and Dr. Schwartz and her team of collaborators!

For more details, see the story on the WNCT website: http://www.wnct.com/story/26028066/lcps-teachers-learning-how-to-use-stem-curriculum-in-the-real-world

Welcome 2014 Abernathy and Maynard Scholars

Leave a reply

The Abernathy and Maynard Scholarships are four-year scholarships awarded to education students. Meet our incoming Abernathy and Maynard Scholars and learn what made them choose education!

2014 Betty S. Abernathy Memorial Scholar

codyallen

Name: Cody Allen
Hometown: Pine Level, NC
High School: Johnston County Middle College High School
Intended Major: Science Education and Chemistry
Reason for Choosing Education: I want to major in this field because my teacher really inspired me to help others through teaching and I just have this passion for chemistry. I want to become like the teacher who has had the greatest impact on my life and molded me to the person I am today.

2014 James H. and Connie M. Maynard Scholars

Name: Douglas Ange, I actually go by my middle name Mathin. Hometown: Jamesville, NC
High School: Riverside-Martin High School in Williamston.
Intended Major: Elementary Education
Reason for Choosing Education: The reason I have chosen elementary education is because during my junior and senior years of high school I did an internship at my local primary school and I fell in love with the age group of the kids and with teaching children in general.

amberlynnebishop4 Name: Amberlynn Melinda Bishop
Hometown: Bitburg, Germany; raised in Jacksonville, NC
High School: Southwest High School
Intended Major: Art Education; plans on getting a Master’s degree in Fine Arts
Reason for Choosing Education: I chose education because I want to be able to help create a positive change in the lives of others. Teaching is more than just a job; it is about taking the experiences you have been through to lead others in the right direction, to allow them to make their own mistakes, and to teach them how to get through it. It is not just about the adding, writing, and painting, although those are very important, but about teaching them how to think, process, and choose. It is about teaching them responsibility and patience and so much more!

Summer Briley

Name: Summer Nicole Briley
Hometown: Stokes, NC
High School: North Pitt High School
Intended Major: Elementary Education
Reason for Choosing Education: I want to have a career that would help inspire others and to be able to influence their lives in a positive way.

Jaimie Goecke

Name: Jamie Goecke
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA, but currently lives in New Bern, NC
High School: New Bern High School
Intended Major: Music Education
Reason for Choosing Education: I picked education because I love working with people and I want to make a difference in the world and I couldn’t think of a better way to do this.

Name: Samantha Johnson
Hometown: Newport News, VA, but currently lives in Grandy, NC
High School: Jarvisburg Christian Academy
Intended Major: Double Major in Mathematics Education and Mathematics
Reason for Choosing Education: I chose education due to influence from my mother, who is a behavior specialist in a school, and my passion for helping others.
Interesting Fact: Valedictorian of her graduating class.

Name: Lauren Bailey Lewis
Hometown: Middlesex, NC
High School: Southern Nash High School
Intended Major: Music Education and Music Performance
Reason for Choosing Education: I wish to pursue a career in education primarily because I have been inspired by both my band director and my father. My high school band director truly inspired my love for music, and furthermore, my love for teaching. In addition to this, my father was a police officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty. His sacrifice has inspired me to be a positive influence in the lives of others, like he was. I believe I will be able to accomplish this through teaching.

Name: Rebecca “Becca” Moore
Hometown: New Bern, NC
High School: New Bern High School
Intended Major: Hispanic Studies Education
Reason for Choosing Education: I chose to become an educator because of two phenomenal teachers/mentors I have had during my high school career. Ever since my first Spanish class I knew I had to have a career where I could use Spanish daily. I’m so excited to be a Maynard Scholar!

Name: Michael Anthony Norman
Hometown: Corapeake, NC
High School: Gates County High School
Intended Major: Business Education
Reason for Choosing Education: I want to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of children.
Interesting Fact: I plan to open a Youth Center for at risk youth, so they will have something to do in Gates County.

Name: Carey Stancil
Hometown: Elizabeth City, NC
High School: Pasquotank County High School
Intended Major: Music Education
Reason for Choosing Education: I grew up with my mom being a teacher, and her position was always interesting to me. Also, I have a strong desire to further the next generation of musicians.

Name: Hannah Vermillion
Hometown: Kinston, NC
High School: Kinston High School
Intended Major: Physical Education, Spanish minor
Reason for Choosing Education: Ever since I was little I have always enjoyed helping others. When I began high school I was given many leadership positions and opportunities to work in a classroom setting. I really loved these experiences and I am passionate about the education of future generations. That’s why I decided to pursue a career in teaching.

Institute Features ECU Assistive Technology Students

Leave a reply

The Irene Howell Assistive Technology (IHAT) Center presented on assistive technology at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) New Special Education Directors Institute on April 9, 2014 in New Bern, NC.

Led by the Director of the IHAT Center, Dr. Laura King, undergraduate student members of the IHAT staff, including Ayla Allen, André Anglin, Bridget Corrigan, Sara Farwell, Rob Hicks, Chloe Morgan, and Murphy Newton, presented to 40 new Special Education Directors through engaging and interactive breakout sessions, allowing the new directors to learn about a variety of AT hardware and software, as well as implementation strategies through a universal design for learning approach.

The format and venue allowed the IHAT Center to share snapshot views of the professional development sessions currently offered to all ECU students and is moving towards offering the sessions for continuing education credits for teachers currently in the field.

“The growth of the professional development sessions in the two years they have been offered has been amazing to see. It has become something with momentum of its own, causing us to strive to keep up— what a wonderful challenge to have,” said King.

The feedback from the state presentation shared by Cynthia Debreaux, NCDPI EC Consultant for Regions 1 & 2, was overwhelmingly positive. The participants in the session shared that they enjoyed learning new information and technologies in the AT field, and they were particularly impressed by the professionalism and level of engagement that the undergraduate students demonstrated. King shared that one participant commented that “having future teachers present was powerful!”

For more information about the IHAT Center, please contact the center at atcenter@ecu.edu.

Teach Like a Pirate Author Speaks to Students

Leave a reply

The New York Times best-selling author of Teach Like a PIRATE entertained almost 120 teacher education students, first year teachers and ECU faculty members at an event sponsored by East Carolina University’s College of Education on March 26.

Dave Burgess shared presentational “hooks” and strategies for increasing student engagement and creativity. Participants discovered their inner pirate with tales and tips for the classroom during the event. He enthralled the audience with magic tricks, participatory tasks, and humor.

Burgess is a U.S. History teacher at West Hills High School in San Diego, California. He was the 2001 and 2012 Golden Apple Award recipient in the Grossmont Union High School District and the 2007-2008 Teacher of the Year at West Hills High School. Burgess has been voted a faculty standout for 17 consecutive years in categories such as Most Entertaining, Most Energetic, and Most Dramatic. He specializes in teaching hard to reach, hard to motivate students with techniques that incorporate showmanship and creativity.

“That was amazing,” said a participant at the event. “ECU needs to bring him back every year. I can’t wait to use these strategies.”

Invitations were issued to ECU’s teacher education students and faculty members. In addition, first year teachers from the 38 partnering counties in the Latham Clinical Schools Network were invited. The event was hosted as a part of the activities related to the East Carolina University Campus-Wide Teacher Recruitment Plan. Providing opportunities for pre-service and first year teachers to be supported are interwoven within the plan. Each participant at the event was given a copy of Burgess’ book to use in their current or future classroom. Burgess also served as the keynote speaker at the Latham Clinical Schools Network Clinical Teacher Conference on March 27.

A photo slide show of the event is available.

For more information about recruitment efforts for the College of Education at East Carolina University, please contact Dr. Laura Bilbro-Berry, Assistant Director of Teacher Education, at bilbroberryl@ecu.edu. For information about upcoming professional development and outreach events, please contact Ms. Christa Monroe, Lead Coordinator, Office of Professional Development and Student Outreach, at monroec@ecu.edu .

Get Ready for Education Summer Camps!

Leave a reply

ECU/PSC AIG Camp

East Carolina University and Pitt County Schools’ AIG camp is an annual summer camp for Pitt County gifted students who are identified as academically/intellectually gifted that also provides a summer experience for ECU teachers pursuing AIG licensure through ECU coursework.

The theme for 2014 is INTERACTIONS, allowing students to learn about photojournalism, robotics, cryptography, and more, as they investigate numerous aspects of interaction sin the world. Students attending the camp will be able to select topics that match their interests and all topics will include hands-on activities and interactive use of technology. 2013 ECU/PCS AIG Camp video

AIG Camp Quick Facts

105 participants attend camp: 60 elementary students and 45 middle school students from Pitt County Schools participate at Ridgewood Elementary School, our host site.
92 East Carolina University AIG licensure students, under the guidance of ECU faculty, gain experience to prepare to teach and advise gifted students.
Camp master teachers are Pitt County AIG (Academically and Intellectually Gifted) teachers, who begin each camp day with a large group session and model teaching for the ECU students.
ECU teachers present academically rigorous units in small group learning stations. Four to ten children are in each station at a given time. All units incorporate this year’s theme “Interactions.” Small groups of campers move through two learning stations each day.
Campers filled out an online interest survey to choose two stations of interest prior to the first day of camp. Station topics and room locations are listed below.

For more information about the camp, visit www.ecugifted.com and for more information about the registration process, contact Carmen Webb, camp director, at webbc@pitt.k12.nc.us.

Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics

East Carolina University (ECU) is one of four UNC system campuses hosting Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics. Administered through the College of Education, the ECU Summer Ventures program invites academically talented high school students with demonstrated interest in science and mathematics to four weeks of research and intensive study in a living-learning environment on ECU’s campus. Camp participants are North Carolina residents with aspirations to have a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Contact the Summer Ventures Camp Director, Shawn Moore, at mooresha@ecu.edu for more information.

The camp curriculum will focus on experimental design, laboratory skills, mathematical modeling, exploratory data analysis, and more. Program topics include biological, physical, and earth sciences, archaeology and anthropology, computer science, engineering, mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics. In addition to the rigorous academic experience, Summer Ventures students engage in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, arranged by institute directors.

Summer Ventures is a state funded program that is cost-free for participants. ECU expects to host 60 students for Summer Ventures in June and July of 2014. For more information, contact Shawn Moore, director, at mooresha@ecu.edu or Cheryl Miller, program assistant, at millerche@ecu.edu. Also, visit www.ecu.edu/cs-educ/smventures/Index.cfm.

ECU Summer Science Camp

East Carolina University is partnering with Go-Science for the eighth year to offer a range of summer day camps that engage, entertain and educate children about the wonders of science. The camps offer small group experiences for children preparing to enter 2nd through 8th grades and feature experienced teachers from Pitt County.

Contact Tammy Lee, ECU Summer Science Camp director, at leeta@ecu.edu for additional information about this camp.

Current ECU students serve as camp counselors and guide children through the discovery of science principles while having FUN! With creative sessions including “Lego Explorers” and “Getting Buggy” elementary and middle grades children have an opportunity to engage their minds while enjoying a summer day camp experience. For more information, visit www.ecu.edu/educ/msite/summersciencecamp/ or contact Tammy D. Lee, Summer Science Camp Director, at leeta@ecu.edu. Online registration for 2014 ECU Summer Science Camp is now active!

$2.2 Million Gift to Fund Teacher Education in Rural Communities

Leave a reply

ECU graduate Judy Oglesby took part in the Partnership East program, which helped her earn a teaching degree without having to move out of her hometown. She is pictured above with her children, 12-year-old Melanie at left and 14-year-old Trace, in front of the school where she teaches. (Photos by Cliff Hollis)

The first time Judy Oglesby considered going to college, she was 36-years-old “staring divorce in the face” and trying to figure out how she would support her two children moving forward.

A simple act got her interested in teaching – her son’s kindergarten teacher noticed the skill she exhibited as a volunteer at the school. A year of encouragement led her to enroll at Halifax Community College and, two years later, at East Carolina University.

Oglesby was part of the College of Education’s Partnership East program, which allows students to complete the first two years of an education degree at one of 20 participating community colleges in eastern and central North Carolina before transferring to ECU. All ECU teacher preparation classes can then be taken online and part-time.

The aim is to provide students with access to high-quality degree programs close to home, so that they might remain in those communities to teach after graduation. And that’s what Oglesby has done – graduating in 2010 and now teaching second grade at Belmont Elementary in her hometown, Roanoke Rapids.

Oglesby said the Partnership East program was a benefit for the entire family.

“It was a saving grace,” Oglesby said of the program. “It turned things around for my family.”

A generous gift from the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation ensures more non-traditional students like Oglesby will get that same chance. The Foundation awarded East Carolina University’s College of Education $2.28 million July 17 to continue educating aspiring teachers in rural areas.

The donation funds scholarships for Partnership East students in their senior year, during which they cannot work because they are completing full-time internships in the classroom. More than 225 students are currently enrolled at ECU through Partnership East. The $2.28 million gift will be distributed to students over the next five years.

Partnership East students earn a bachelor of science in elementary education, middle grades education or special education. More than 75 percent of program graduates are teaching in North Carolina and 94 percent of those are in eastern North Carolina.

“This serves the dire need we have for teachers in poor, eastern rural communities,” said ECU Provost Dr. Marilyn Sheerer, who is also a member of the SECU Foundation board. “It’s really exciting that the State Employees’ Credit Union is willing to do this.”

Oglesby graduated from ECU in 2010 and now teaches second grade at Belmont Elementary School in her hometown of Roanoke Rapids.

Sheerer recused herself from the foundation’s Partnership East vote, but was on hand to answer last-minute questions. Kendra Alexander, major gifts officer for the College of Education, also played a key role in connecting the university and the foundation.

“State Employees’ Credit Union has a huge footprint in eastern North Carolina, and serving people in that area has always been an aim,” said Mark Twisdale, executive director of the Foundation. “It is difficult to find a project that spreads a net as wide in that area as Partnership East. This connects us with the community college system, public schools and East Carolina University.

“It’s not just sending money,” he added, “but giving people an opportunity they wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

Oglesby said it’s given her children new opportunities, too. They don’t doubt that they’ll go to college because they watched her do it, she said.

“We are all so indebted to the State Employees’ Credit Union for its support of our Partnership East Pipeline Teacher Preparation Program,” agreed Dr. Linda Patriarca, dean of the College of Education. “The gift helps us to fulfill our mission and commitment to prepare high quality teachers for the region – especially for those rural communities.”

The SECU Foundation promotes local and community development by primarily funding high impact projects in the areas of housing, education, health care and human services.

For more information about Partnership East, contact program coordinator Laura Bilbro-Berry at 252-328-1123 or bilbroberryl@ecu.edu or visit http://www.ecu.edu/cs-educ/partner_east/.

By Kathryn Kennedy
ECU News Services

Wells Fargo supports ECU Partnership East program

Leave a reply

Wells Fargo has given $75,000 to East Carolina University’s College of Education to support the Wells Fargo Partnership East Program. The gift will support 47 students and provide five stipends of $750 based on a competitive application process.

Partnership East works with community colleges and public schools in eastern North Carolina with a focus on preparing well-trained professional teachers. The program has graduated 343 students, with 78 percent teaching in North Carolina.

Since 2002, Wells Fargo (and formerly known Wachovia Foundation) has given the College of Education $1,525,000 in support.

For more information about the Wells Fargo Partnership East program, contact Laura Bilbro-Berry, assistant director of Teacher Education and lead coordinator for the Wells Fargo Partnership East program, at bilbroberryl@ecu.edu.

from ECU News Service

Project ECU LEAP to Receive Innovation in Teacher Education Award

Leave a reply

Greenville, NC – Project ECU LEAP (Leading Exceptional Annual Progress) will receive the Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators (SRATE) Innovation in Teacher Education Award at the SRATE 55^th Annual Conference held in Myrtle Beach, SC, November 7-9. Department of Curriculum and Instruction faculty members, Diane Rodriguez and Dr. Jane Manner are project directors for Project ECU Leap.

Project ECU LEAP, is a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to provide support for licensed, in-service English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers and content area teachers to become licensed as ESL teachers through a combination of on-line coursework and on-site professional development. Project ECU LEAP will implement a planned and appropriate response to the critical needs, shortages, and weaknesses in services that exist in the Greene County Public School District. East Carolina University is working in collaboration with Kansas State University, Greene County Public School District teachers and administrators, and the ECU College of Education Teacher Education Program in order to improve the delivery and quality of services to ELL students.

Project ECU LEAP is a five-year National Professional Development Program (NPDP) grant funded by the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) through the U.S. Department of Education. The grant provides funds for professional development activities to improve classroom instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) and assist instructional personnel educating ELLs.

For more information on the SRATE conference, visit http://www.srate.org/Conference.html. For information on Project ECU LEAP contact Dr. Diane Rodriguez at rodriguezd@ecu.edu or Dr. Jane Manner at mannerj@ecu.edu.

Home-Based Professional Development for Teachers

Leave a reply

Greenville, NC – Agencies offering professional development programs for teachers have experienced a dramatic drop in applications for summer workshops throughout North Carolina this year. In response to high gasoline prices that plague drive-in programs, the Center for Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education (CSMTE) at East Carolina University is responding with a PLAN B approach to provide services for K-12 teachers through independent study and online programs.

Teachers living anywhere in North Carolina may apply to participate in the following four programs:

Reading and Thinking about Science. Participants will choose a book from an extensive list. The book will be mailed along with detailed instructions for completing assignments that include a report, a lesson plan, and an implementation project. (Registration fee $30; 3.0 CEUs, including reading credit)
Earth-Caching: North Carolina’s Wild Places. Participants will choose from a list of state parks and other interesting North Carolina natural sites and complete a geo-caching assignment for the site using GPS. Instruments are available for loan from the Center for this project. Participants need access to a digital camera as well. Assignments include a report, a lesson plan, and an implementation project. (Registration fee $30; 3.0 CEUs, including technology credit)
Lights, Camera, Action! Teachers will learn to use Microsoft Producer (free download) to create a video project appropriate for use in the classroom. Teachers need access to a digital camera. A tutorial and sample video will be provided electronically. (Registration fee $30; 3.0 CEUs, including technology credit)
Online Science Modules: Promoting Standards in Science and Mathematics. These online modules are directly related to content objectives in the NC Standard Course of Study for Science. There are four modules in each of the following areas: K-2 Science, 3-5 Science, 6th Grade Science, 7th Grade Science, 8th Grade Science, Earth/Environmental Science, Physical Science, Biology, and Chemistry. (Registration fee $40 per module; 1.2 CEUs per module—four modules per course)

In addition to receiving materials needed to complete the assignments, each participant will also receive a CSMTE tote bag, pen, notebook, and flash drive. Details about each program and application forms may be found on the CSMTE website: http://www.ecu.edu/educ/csmte/. For more information, contact Dr. Karen Dawkins, Director.