ECU Department of Literacy Studies and Special Education

08/28/2026

Different Brains, Different Paths: Learning Across the Lifespan

Join Dr. Danielle Dietz for an interactive look at how our brains learn throughout life, from ADHD and dyslexia to executive functioning, memory, attention, and practical strategies for lifelong learning.

This session is for grandparents, caregivers, educators, volunteers, and anyone curious about how diverse brains work.

October 8, 10:00–11:30 AM, ECU Willis Auditorium. Registration closes October 1: https://llp.ecu.edu

Different brains. Different strengths. Lifelong learning.

08/27/2026

READ 3502 rocking out week 2 with some amazing Think Aloud Read Alouds!! Students learned the importance of modeling their metacognition with peers as they showcased what they were thinking, while performing their read aloud. One step closer to them applying these skills in the classroom!

08/26/2026

Neurodivergent or an ally? Come find your people. The Neurodiversity Alliance at ECU builds community, raises awareness, and celebrates the strengths of neurodiversity on campus, everyone is welcome. Two ways to get involved: become an Eye to Eye mentor, or join the ND Alliance Club. Scan the QR codes in the flyer to sign up. Contact Dr. Danielle Dietz, ECU Special Education faculty for more info.

08/25/2026

Hey Hey, SPED GC Students! Level up your credential without adding extra courses to your program.
By choosing Reading (READ) courses for your choice credits, Special Education General Curriculum students can earn an add-on K-12 Reading License, no additional coursework required. That means more in-depth knowledge of literacy assessment and methods, an additional K-12 teaching license, and more professional options down the road.
Talk with your academic advisor about building this into your plan of study. COE Academic Success Center

08/21/2026

Who shapes literacy instruction? From the U.S. Dept. of Education to your school’s literacy team, MAEd Reading/Literacy grad student Stephanie Brown breaks down the full stakeholder hierarchy in this sharp infographic from Dr. Savitz’s Literacy Leadership course. 👏

08/15/2026

⭐️ 2026 ECU Literacy Summit ⭐️

Be sure to mark your calendars for this AMAZING event!!

07/20/2026

Become the Teacher Who Changes Everything. 🍎💜💛
Ready to earn your special education teaching license while making an immediate impact in your classroom? ECU’s RISE Residency in Special Education offers a flexible, fully online pathway designed for professionals seeking initial licensure in special education.

With personalized advising, supportive faculty, affordable tuition options, and licensure exam support, the RISE program helps you develop the skills and confidence needed to serve K–12 students with disabilities. As a special education teacher, you’ll empower students to overcome barriers, celebrate strengths, and achieve their goals—creating lasting change that extends far beyond the classroom.

The need for dedicated special education teachers continues to grow. If you’re ready to make a difference while advancing your career, the RISE Residency pathway could be the perfect fit.

🔗 Learn more and take the next step toward becoming a special education teacher.
ECU College of Education

06/30/2026

Check out what Dr. Ticknor is up to this summer!

Join us at this week’s community events!

06/04/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Tanya Christ, Spangler Distinguished Professor in the Department of Literacy Studies and Special Education at East Carolina University, on her election to the 2026–2029 International Literacy Association Board of Directors as a Member-at-Large!

05/15/2026

If you’ve heard things are looking different in Special Education at ECU, it is true and it’s intentional.
Coming soon: Our updated undergraduate Special Education Program!