PIRATE program sparks interest in teaching among high schoolers
Three days of community building, lesson planning and college life. That’s what 104 high school students from 35 North Carolina counties experienced on East Carolina University’s campus June 18-20 through the Pirate Institute for Regional Aspiring Teachers and Educators (PIRATE) program.
During the free, three-day program, participants engaged in hands-on workshops, interactive sessions led by faculty and mentorship from ECU College of Education students and alumni who serve as leaders. They were able to learn all that the university has to offer and what their life might look like as an ECU education major.
PIRATE program participants planned mini lessons that they taught to the rest of their groups. DaZeirri’yon Cobb, standing, checks the work of one of the groups he’s teaching.
“The PIRATE program provides more than just exposure to teaching — it equips students with the tools, connections and inspiration to envision themselves as future educators,” said Dr. Holly Fales, assistant dean for undergraduate affairs and educator preparation in the ECU College of Education. “It’s a vital step toward building North Carolina’s next generation of passionate, qualified teachers.”
A longstanding element of the program is participants’ ability to plan and a teach a mini lesson to their peers.
“I love watching students get a taste of what it’s like to be a teacher and step confidently into that role,” said Calli Jon Massengill ’23, PIRATE program coordinator and ECU special education alumna. “Their excitement is contagious! It’s also a unique opportunity for them to work directly with ECU faculty, professors they may one day have in college, which makes the experience even more meaningful.”
Massengill served a student leader for PIRATE during her undergraduate years and has continued to work with the program, now in an administrative capacity.
“It gave me the opportunity to support the PIRATE program in a new way: helping with planning, logistics and making sure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes,” she said. “I learned so much about leadership, organization and communication through this role.”
For some high school students, the PIRATE program has become an integral part of their summer. Jadyn White, a recent graduate of West Lincoln High School in Lincoln County, has attended three years of PIRATE and is an incoming freshman at ECU.
Dr. Monica Gonzalez, center, looks over the mini lessons that one group is preparing.
“My absolute favorite part is building relationships with both the staff and students at ECU,” she said. “After attending three times, I feel that they have fully prepared me for my next steps as a future educator in a college setting. … I would 100% recommend this program to anyone who is wanting to teach as it will give you amazing insights on what it’s like becoming an educator.”
Many students who have participated in previous summers of PIRATE become unofficial ambassadors of the program.
“I heard about this program from a former student at my school who attended and is now attending ECU,” said Mollie Smithson, a rising senior at Clayton High School. “He had an amazing experience, and he knew it was something I would love to be a part of.”
The program has been a success in many ways. Participants share a passion for the field of education, and an excitement around ECU and the opportunities it provides. Many participants go on to apply and enroll at ECU, like White, in no small part due to this summer experience. Massengill acknowledged the program has continued to grow and host many returning students.
“One of my hopes for the future is to create a special activity or experience just for returning students — something that recognizes their continued involvement and helps deepen their connection to the program,” she said. “I also hope to see the PIRATE program continue serving as a strong pipeline into ECU’s College of Education, inspiring more students each year to pursue careers in teaching and to see themselves as future educators.”
To learn more about the program, visit the PIRATE program website.