First-Year Teachers Get Show of Support from Meredith’s Education Department

As the 2024-25 school year began, new teachers in the Triangle area received some encouragement from their Meredith College faculty.

“The Education Department visited the Meredith College Beginning Teachers in Wake and other counties to deliver supplies and words of encouragement,” said Donna Kocur, who serves as graduate program manager and field placement coordinator for Meredith’s education department.  

The visits occurred during teacher workdays just before the first day of school, as these new teachers were preparing their classrooms. The beginning teachers had recently completed Meredith’s undergraduate or graduate education programs.

The faculty members gave 21 new teachers Meredith tote bags and other merchandise along with supplies they could use in their classrooms. The Meredith items were donated by the Office of Alumnae Relations.

Support for new teachers is a priority for the Education Department, especially as the teacher shortage in North Carolina increases.

“Teachers are leaving the profession at a high rate. We are doing what we can to keep our teachers in the classroom,” Kocur said.

These teacher visits were part of Meredith’s Beginning Teacher Support Program, which has been coordinated by the Education Department for more than 15 years.