College of Education's Economic Impact in Eastern NC | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: The author of this post, Crystal Baity, is a contributor to ECU News Services.

    An analysis shows that East Carolina University's College of Education produced an economic impact valued at almost $46 million in eastern North Carolina during the 2015-2016 academic year.

    The dollar amount reflects hours of service, programs and grants developed in partnership with communities and school systems across the region, said Dr. Grant Hayes, dean of the College of Education.

    Hayes asked faculty and staff to assess the value and economic impact of the preparation and support provided by the College of Education, particularly in eastern North Carolina.

    That support comes in many forms, including giving teachers updated information about current research on best practices; partnership and service programs that recruit, prepare and retain educators; internships and field experiences provided by ECU education students in many K-12 classrooms in our community; and federal and state-funded grants and projects that enhance student learning and support.

    "Everyone should be proud of the economic impact created by this important work," said Hayes who joined the College of Education as dean in July 2015. "It shows what can be accomplished in partnership toward a common goal - student success."

    ECU not only trains excellent teachers, but also prepares guidance counselors, media coordinators, principals, administrators and special education professionals, among others.

    The college delivers professional development through conferences, trainings, online modules and webinars at no cost to attendees. Current ECU education students have access to a Teacher Toolbox series, guest speakers and retention events, said Dr. Vivian Covington, executive director of the Office of Educator Preparation.

    An area of focus is new teacher support, accomplished in partnership with the Latham Clinical Schools Network that serves 43 school systems and 20 community colleges in eastern North Carolina as well as the New Teacher Support Program, conferences, grants and research projects, and much more, Hayes said.

    "I believe that the College of Education has a responsibility to work with our K-12 partners, community colleges, industry and other constituents to retain good teachers and education professionals and improve teacher performance in eastern North Carolina," Hayes said.

    The college has been preparing the state's education workforce for more than a century. ECU College of Education alumni work in 98 of the state's 100 counties.