North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce that its Teacher Education program has once again achieved a 100% pass rate on the edTPA portfolio assessment, a nationally scored and required evaluation used by accredited teacher preparation programs across the country.
A total of 13 NCWU students have successfully submitted and passed the edTPA since the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction required that the item be used as the singular portfolio option for accredited Teacher Education programs beginning Fall 2025. Most recently, three additional students received passing scores, including one traditional student and two Adult and Professional Study (APS) students.
Quotes from NCWU Faculty & Staff
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our students and our faculty,” said Kelvin L. Spragley, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Education and Director of Teacher Education. “The edTPA is a rigorous assessment that requires significant preparation, support, and dedication. To maintain a 100% pass rate reflects the strength of our program and the commitment of our instructors to student success.”
Spragley also recognized the work of the program’s faculty, specifically highlighting Dr. Hart and Dr. Collins for their leadership and support of students throughout the semester in EDU 415.
“The guidance and encouragement provided in EDU 415 played an essential role in helping our teacher candidates complete this important milestone as they finalize their North Carolina teaching licenses,” Spragley said. “And it’s important to note teachers are licensed, not certified.”
Dr. Joseph H. Lane, Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, praised the Teacher Education program for its continued success and commitment to preparing highly qualified educators.
“Maintaining a 100% pass rate on a nationally scored assessment like the edTPA is a remarkable achievement,” Lane said. “It reflects the academic excellence of our Teacher Education program and the dedication of our faculty to ensuring that NC Wesleyan graduates are fully prepared to serve and lead in today’s classrooms. We are incredibly proud of our students and the faculty members who support them.”
The Student Experience
One of the students who recently passed the edTPA is Emily Mason, an Elementary Education major in the Fall 2026 graduating class. Mason said the process strengthened her ability to create meaningful lessons that support every learner.
“The edTPA experience taught me about the importance of planning your lessons and using knowledge of students to create the best possible lessons so that every student can learn,” Mason said. “It taught me to look at my students and figure out how to plan my lessons to fit and meet all my students’ needs.”
Mason added that completing the portfolio is an exciting step toward her future career in education.
“Completing this licensure requirement makes me feel excited for what’s to come in my student teaching and beyond,” she said. “It also allows me to breathe a bit easier. I feel a lot more relaxed and prepared for what is to come.”
As she looks ahead, Mason said her goal is to create a classroom environment where students feel supported emotionally and academically.
“I want to make sure that every student who walks in my room feels heard and understood,” she said. “I want to make sure to meet my students where they are emotionally and academically.”
Mason also offered encouragement to future teacher candidates preparing for the edTPA.
“Take your time and manage your time,” she said. “Look at your handbooks and listen to the feedback provided by your professor. Most of all—you’ve got this!”
Why it matters…
Maintaining state and regional accreditation standards, while also preparing students to succeed on licensure assessments such as edTPA, requires extensive faculty effort and resources. Spragley emphasized that achieving these results within a small liberal arts institution makes the accomplishment even more significant.
“To maintain high pass rates on licensure tests and performance portfolios as a small program within a small liberal arts university is a juggernaut of a task,” he said. “While we may not have the resources that many larger institutions possess, we continue to meet the challenge and achieve exceptional outcomes.”
NCWU’s Teacher Education program continues to prepare future educators through rigorous coursework, hands-on field experiences, and strong faculty mentorship ensuring graduates are equipped to lead and succeed in today’s classrooms.
NCWU Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) hosted its annual Education Pinning Ceremony on March 30 in The Dunn Center, recognizing students as they officially entered the University’s Teacher Education Program. The ceremony marked an important milestone in each candidate’s academic journey as they received education pins and certificates symbolizing their commitment to the teaching profession.
The Pinning Ceremony serves as a meaningful rite of passage for future educators and highlights the high standards required for admission into the program. Candidates must successfully complete several requirements prior to being pinned, including passing the Praxis Core Pre-Professional Skills Test, maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA, completing an interview with the Teacher Education Council, earning two positive recommendations, and submitting a written essay.
The ceremony included remarks and presentations from faculty, students, and special guests. Jordan Contreras delivered the invocation and shared brief remarks about NCWU’s award-winning Afterschool Program. Dr. Oscar Rodriguez, Dean of Traditional Enrollment, welcomed attendees, followed by an occasion address from Alexis Williams-Jackson, President of the Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE). Additional performances included “God is My Everything” presented by Willenscia Richardson-Hardy and a heartfelt poem titled Teaching Matters delivered by Ivy Chelagat.
Dr. Kelvin Spragley, Director of Teacher Education, introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Thomas McGeachy, the 2025 Principal of the Year for Nash Early College and Nash County Schools.
The ceremony also included recognition of the Taunja Cox College Scholarship Foundation, established and sponsored by Glinda Williams in honor of her daughter, Taunja Cox. The foundation supports students majoring in special education at NCWU while also promoting extracurricular opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in Lenoir County. The scholarship award totals $1,500 and is presented annually to one selected student. This year’s recipient of the scholarship was Willenscia Richardson-Hardy, a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education.
The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer delivered by Alijah Battle.
The 2026 cohort of NCWU Education Candidates includes:
Ella Barfield, Dana Barlow, Brianna Clemons, Geovanni Dixon, Whitley Griffin, Emily Mason, Uniqua McDowell, Amiyah Murphy, Jermonta Powell, Shaylee Price, Bethany Tant, Krystal Taybron, Lashaniqua Vines, Felicia Wilkerson, and Alexis Jackson Williams.
These candidates represent the next generation of educators—prepared to serve with dedication, compassion, and purpose. North Carolina Wesleyan University is proud to support these future teachers as they begin a profession that shapes lives, strengthens communities, and inspires lifelong learning.
University Celebrates 2026 Honors Convocation
Rocky Mount, NC – April 2, 2026 – North Carolina Wesleyan University proudly hosted its annual Honors Convocation, celebrating the exceptional achievements of its students. The event, held at the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, recognized students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, community service, and contributions to the university.
The ceremony included the presentation of various awards from each school within the university:
- School of Math and Sciences: Awards for outstanding achievements in disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Mathematics.
- School of Business & Professional Studies: Recognized excellence in fields like Accounting, Marketing, Computer Information Systems, and Organizational and Sports Administration.
- School of Education and Social Sciences : Honored students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in teaching, educational leadership, History, Political Science, Psychology and Criminal Justice.
- School of Health Sciences: Recognized excellence in fields like Exercise Science, Nursing, Public Health, Sports Science and more.
- School of Humanities: Awards for outstanding achievements in disciplines such as Writing, Religious Studies, English and more.
Students were selected for these prestigious honors by a panel of faculty and staff, based on their leadership, academic achievement, community service, contributions to the university, and good citizenship. There is no doubt that these students will go on to accomplish great things.
Provost Dr. Joe Lane expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments, stating, “Our awardees and honor society members have displayed outstanding contributions both inside and outside the classroom. Their dedication and hard work are truly commendable, and we are confident that they will continue to excel in their future endeavors.”
North Carolina Wesleyan University remains committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and leadership, and the Honors Convocation is a testament to the university’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating student achievements.
When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
To view entire 2026 honors list and photos from event, visit ncwu.edu/academics/academic-honors
Teacher Education Wesleyan Experience
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) continues to prepare the next generation of educators through its dedicated Teacher Education program, where students gain the knowledge, mentorship, and real-world experience needed to make an impact in the classroom.
Recently, two pre-service teachers in the program — Kathlene “Brooke” Rose and Kayden Comerford — shared their experiences studying Elementary Education at Wesleyan and reflected on how the University is helping prepare them for their future careers as licensed teachers.
Rose, a native of Nash County who recently transferred from East Carolina University, says she quickly found a sense of belonging on campus.
“Wesleyan feels like home,” Rose shared. “There is nowhere I would rather be as I learn to become a practicing licensed teacher.”
Comerford, who is originally from Apex, North Carolina and previously lived in Loudoun County, Virginia, emphasized the supportive learning environment that defines the Wesleyan community.
“Wesleyan is a tightknit community where I feel that all parties want the other to succeed,” said Comerford.
According to Dr. Kelvin Spragley, Director of Teacher Education at NCWU, the program is designed to equip students with both the academic foundation and hands-on classroom experience needed to succeed as educators.
“Preparing effective teachers requires more than coursework,” said Spragley. “Our students engage in meaningful field experiences and mentorship opportunities that allow them to build confidence, develop instructional skills, and understand the real needs of today’s classrooms.”
Wesleyan’s Teacher Education program prepares students for licensure in elementary education while emphasizing leadership, service, and community engagement. Through close faculty mentorship and partnerships with local schools, students graduate ready to step into classrooms and make a difference in the lives of their students.
As future educators like Rose and Comerford continue their journeys, Wesleyan remains committed to supporting students who feel called to teach and inspire the next generation.
Elevating Teacher Preparation: NC Wesleyan’s Education Program Earns National Distinction
The impact of a great teacher lasts a lifetime, and at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU), aspiring educators are gaining the experience, knowledge, and values to make that impact from day one. Colleges of Distinction has honored NCWU with the 2025-2026 Education College of Distinction award, recognizing its proven ability to graduate confident, compassionate, and classroom-ready teachers.
“In a field where the stakes are high and the landscape constantly evolving, NCWU has built a program that blends strong academic foundations with real-world practice,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “They’re equipping future educators with the tools and heart to lead diverse classrooms with care.”
This national recognition is based on the institution’s demonstrated excellence in key areas, including:
- Stability – The School of Education has a longstanding presence, operating for at least 10 years with consistent enrollment and an established number of degrees awarded annually.
- Accreditation – The NCWU Education Programs holds regional accreditation from AAQEP, or the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation. Additionally, the NCWU Teacher Education Program is accredited by the state of North Carolina
- Multidisciplinarity – The Education Program offers students the opportunity to specialize in three or more distinct disciplines (Specifically, students can earn a license to teach in one of the following content areas: Elementary Education, K-6; Middle Grades, 6-9 (Math, Science, Social Studies, or English/Language Arts), Secondary, 9-12 (Math, Biology Social Studies, English), and Special Education, K-12).
- Practical Experience – Starting from the first year, students in the Education Program engage in real-world teaching experiences, including urban and rural settings, diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and different school sizes.
- Non-Education Specialization – The Education Program requires students to graduate with a minor, emphasis, specialization, or related credential in a subject they intend to teach professionally.
- Dedicated Advising and Counseling – The Education Program provides high-quality academic advising, major-specific advising, and career advising tailored to Education majors.
- High-Impact Practices – Students in the Education Program enhance their undergraduate studies through high-impact practices such as common intellectual experiences in methodology and content, undergraduate research, diverse learning opportunities in and out of the classroom, common first-year experiences such as seminar attendance and field placement experiences of at least 30 hours in a respective school, writing-intensive courses, collaborative assignments and projects, service-/community-based learning like tutoring in our Award Winning After School Program, living-learning communities, internships, and capstone courses and projects.
- Industry Connections – Students enrolled in the Education Program have numerous opportunities to establish professional connections in their field through job placement, internships, co-op opportunities, advisory councils, and networking activities.
Dr. Kelvin Spragley, NCWU Director of Teacher Education and Chief Diversity Officer, states “The NCWU Teacher Education program has consistently proven that the personal and professional relationships developed between faculty and students are our formula for success. It is with this model in mind that we will continue our efforts at producing the next generation of quality, licensed teacher”.
Through these program elements, students are learning how to inspire, adapt, and lead. The Education Program at NCWU reflects the core belief that teaching is both a profession and a calling.
To learn more about NCWU’s award-winning programs, visit https://collegesofdistinction.com/school/north-carolina-wesleyan-university/.
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience. Their website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information and to discover how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
University Celebrates 2025 Honors Convocation
Rocky Mount, NC – April 3, 2025 – North Carolina Wesleyan University proudly hosted its annual Honors Convocation, celebrating the exceptional achievements of its students. The event, held at the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, recognized students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, community service, and contributions to the university.
The ceremony included the presentation of various awards from each school within the university:
- School of Math and Sciences: Awards for outstanding achievements in disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Exercise Science, Environmental Science, Public Health, and Mathematics.
- School of Business: Recognized excellence in fields like Accounting, Marketing, Computer Information Systems, and Organizational and Sports Administration.
- School of Education and Social Sciences : Honored students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in teaching, educational leadership, History, Political Science, Psychology and Criminal Justice.
- School of Humanities: Awards for outstanding achievements in disciplines such as Writing, Religious Studies, English and more.
Students were selected for these prestigious honors by a panel of faculty and staff, based on their leadership, academic achievement, community service, contributions to the university, and good citizenship. There is no doubt that these students will go on to accomplish great things.
Provost Dr. Joe Lane expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments, stating, “Our awardees and honor society members have displayed outstanding contributions both inside and outside the classroom. Their dedication and hard work are truly commendable, and we are confident that they will continue to excel in their future endeavors.”
North Carolina Wesleyan University remains committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and leadership, and the Honors Convocation is a testament to the university’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating student achievements.
When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
To See entire list and photos from event, visit ncwu.edu/academics/academic-honors
NCWU Celebrates 10th Anniversary of an Award-Winning Afterschool Program
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) hosted a special celebration on Saturday, March 29, to mark the 10th Anniversary of its Award-Winning Afterschool Program. The event, held on the Southern Bank Green at the heart of campus, brought together community members, faculty, students, and program supporters to recognize a decade of impact in education.
The celebration featured an invocation, greetings, and reflections from esteemed speakers, including Deon Bailey, Joylette Whitaker, Dr. Chad Ross, Sarah Turner, Dr. Patricia Brewer, and Dr. Kelvin Spragley. In addition to the esteemed speakers were testimonials from the students and their parents, covering their challenges and successes in the program. Attendees also enjoyed games, activities, and a parade to conclude the event.
The Afterschool Tutorial Initiative was launched in February 2015 through NCWU’s Teacher Education Program in collaboration with the Association for the Learning Disabled and Handicapped (ALDH). The initiative was created in response to the growing need for intensive, specialized services for K-12 students with learning differences. Through strong partnerships with parents, Nash and Edgecombe County Schools, and ALDH, the program quickly became a vital resource for students and their families.
Over the years, the program has evolved into an integrated clinical lab, utilizing research-based practices in math and reading. NCWU students enrolled in the Introduction to Exceptional Children (SPE 300) course work directly with K-12 students, providing individualized training and resources to enhance learning outcomes. These pre-service educators gain valuable experience by applying social learning strategies, tracking progress, conducting parent-student conferences, and developing accommodations tailored to each child’s educational plan.
Dr. Patricia Brewer, Executive Director of the Afterschool Program, plays a crucial role in coordinating instruction and providing advocacy training for parents. These advocacy sessions equip families with tools and strategies to support their children’s academic success, including simulated parent conferences and specialized training modules.
Since its inception, the program has celebrated numerous student achievements. Two high school graduates have already launched successful career paths—one securing employment at Amazon in Cary, N.C., and another completing welding training at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, N.C. Additionally, many participating students have earned local, state, and national recognition for their academic, social, and emotional growth. In April 2024, the Award-Winning Program was featured in the national newspaper Education Week, addressing educator preparation programs on parent and family engagement.
The Afterschool Program was designated as an award-winning initiative by the National Education Association and the NC Student Association of Educators in 2016. Over the past decade, 31 students have participated in the program, with seven publications showcasing its impact.
NCWU remains committed to fostering student success through innovative and inclusive educational programs. The University is proud to celebrate this milestone and looks forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of students for years to come.
Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) hosted its annual Fall Symposium on November 11 at The Dunn Center, featuring the much-anticipated Pinning Ceremony for its Education Candidates. This meaningful event symbolizes the beginning of the candidates’ journey into the teaching profession, as they receive their education pins and certificates, marking their official entry into the Teacher Education Program.
The Pinning Ceremony serves as both a rite of passage and a testament to the candidates’ commitment to a career in education. It celebrates their dedication to lifelong learning while highlighting the rigorous standards required for admission to the program. To be pinned, candidates must meet several requirements, including passing the Praxis Core Pre-Professional Skills Test, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher, successfully completing an interview with the Teacher Education Council, securing two positive recommendations, and submitting a well-crafted essay.
The ceremony featured inspiring contributions from faculty, students, and special guests. Jenna Pilkenton began with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, followed by an Invocation led by Jordan Contreras. Ivy Chelagat delivered a heartfelt poem, Teaching Matters, capturing the significance of the teaching profession. Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, offered a warm welcome, and SNCAE President Emma Mosley shared the Occasion address. Dr. Spragley, Director of Teacher Education, introduced the keynote speaker, Ms. Darsheka Hopkins, Principal of Nashville Elementary School.
In her address, Ms. Hopkins emphasized the importance of intentionality in the teaching profession, outlining three key principles for educators to uphold:
- Empathy – Understanding and connecting with students’ experiences to foster meaningful relationships.
- Lifelong Learning – Remaining committed to personal and professional growth to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving educational landscape.
- Resiliency – Embracing challenges with strength and determination, inspiring students to do the same.
The event concluded with a closing prayer from Janiyah Williams.
The 2024 cohort of NCWU Education Candidates includes:
La’Quanta Benthall, Angelica Bridgers, Tashonda Brown, Lexie Collins, Regina Edmundson, Virginia Ellis, Preona Ford, Jaycie Hadnott, Grant Harrell, Melanie Johnson, Ashley McGovern, Emma Mosley, Thomas Peay, Wellenscia Richardson-Hardy, Daniella Sehannie, Alina Smith, Jillian Stine, Jackson Thompson, Lovely Thornton, Linda Underdue, Joylette Whitaker, Kaitlin Williams, Molly Winstead, Samantha Winstead, and Isabell Wooten.
These candidates represent a future of dedicated, compassionate educators prepared to make a meaningful impact in their communities. NCWU is proud to support these emerging leaders as they embark on their teaching journeys, embracing the challenges and rewards of a profession that shapes lives and inspires lifelong learning.
To view the full photography album, visit https://clewisncwc.smugmug.com/111124-Teacher-Education-Event-
NCWU Awarded Longleaf Fund Grant
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The North Carolina Wesleyan University Teacher Education Program received a $10,000 grant from the Longleaf Fund Foundation. This is an anonymous donor advised fund at Foundation for the Carolinas (FFTC) that provides grants to organizations in the Carolinas to support capital projects for at-risk youth. The grants are intended to help communities create opportunities for a brighter future for their youth.
Dr. Kelvin L. Spragley, Director of Teacher Education, shares “What this Longleaf Fund Grant means to a Teacher Education student is that s/he will learn needed skills required to be successful as an educator when implementing parent, school, and community partnership efforts.”
How this grant will be used
Beginning Fall 2024, proceeds from the grant will be used to support the K-12 public school students who receive tutoring via the NC Wesleyan Award-Winning After-School Program. Dr. Spragley will utilize funds “to purchase 10 laptops (with software) and 10 hotspots (for students who do not have home internet). These materials will be used to aid the K-12 students, who have IEPs and are tutored by students in the NC Wesleyan Teacher Education program, with their work in the primary content areas of Reading, Math, and Science/Biology.”
The critical steps involved in this project are as follows:
- Students will complete as much school work as possible while receiving tutoring at the once-each-week after-school program.
- Students will be allowed to sign out laptops and/or hotspots to complete work at home
- Students will continue with Zoom sessions with tutors between tutoring sessions
- Students will return equipment and NC Wesleyan will track student progress while working in conjunction with parents and building-level teachers.
Dr. Spragley believes “Instruction emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, reading, writing, speaking, making informed ethical decisions, and using new information technologies.” Providing necessary resources for 30+ students will make a lasting improvement on Wesleyan’s Teacher Education Program, but also in the students’ lives.
NCWU Becomes First Institution to Host “Science of Reading” Observation with NCICU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s (NCWU) Teacher Education Program was visited by three representatives of the North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU). The visit was an effort to review how the Science of Reading was being implemented into NCWU’s nationally and state-accredited Teacher Education program, where instructors teach pre-service teachers the science and art of how to teach Reading in the elementary school setting. The Science of Reading is a research-based methodology regarding the best practices to teach K-6 students how to read and comprehend. Dr. Lois M. Hart, Associate Professor of Education, explains “NCWU’s Teacher Education Program has restructured their reading classes to align with the Science of Reading research. Elementary education pre-service teachers are provided with teaching strategies and experiences that have been proven by research to result in producing readers who are able to read fluently and comprehend at high levels.”
Dr. Kelvin Spragley, Director of Teacher Education and Diversity and Inclusion Liaison, along with education faculty, arranged a breakfast, campus tour, and mock pre-service teaching demonstrations for the visit, making NCWU the first institution to host an observation visit with NCICU. Students and education faculty had the unique opportunity of paneling with the NCICU visitors and discussed all of the changes in the Reading curriculum. This followed observations of both EDU 210: Introduction to Foundations of Reading, and EDU 312: Teaching K-2 Literacy.
NCWU’s Teacher Education Program takes pride in knowing that learning to teach Reading starts in their classroom courses, and then it is the pre-service teacher’s responsibility to spread these practices, to the best of their ability, in the K-6 classrooms. Dr. Hart says “Children’s potential to become successful in school begins with learning to read and comprehend at high levels. Teachers’ abilities to effectively deliver strong reading instruction begins with ensuring all teacher preparation programs implement scientifically based reading instruction to pre-service teachers.”
