Elizabeth City, N.C. — When it comes to preparing tomorrow’s math teachers, Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is right on the number. ECSU earned a coveted A+ rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its elementary mathematics teacher preparation program. The report evaluates how well teacher preparation programs equip future educators in elementary mathematics and ranks ECSU as one of only three institutions in North Carolina and among just 83 nationwide to receive this top honor.
The announcement is part of NCTQ’s highly anticipated Teacher Prep Review: Solving for Math Success report. ECSU’s faculty and leadership are already multiplying their efforts to ensure that the future of math education remains positively exponential.
“This A+ isn’t just a grade—it’s a statement about our dedication to preparing educators who don’t just teach math, but translate it,” said Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds. “Our math faculty understand that real literacy in numbers is about understanding why math works, not just how.”
Programs must meet 100% of the recommended 150 instructional hours in math content and pedagogy to earn an A+. ECSU didn’t just meet the bar—it exceeded it:
- 72 hours in Numbers & Operations + Algebraic Thinking
- 28 hours in Geometry & Measurement
- 18 hours in Data Analysis & Probability
- 79 hours in Math Pedagogy
ECSU’s performance fully met targets across every category and reflects the hard work of faculty and the university’s integral role in addressing statewide concerns. According to NAEP data, 23% of North Carolina fourth graders lack basic math skills—and that gap is even wider for historically underserved students.
"When you empower students with content knowledge and the art and science of teaching, you’re not just solving problems; you’re solving for equity,” said Joy Smith, dean of the School of Education and Business.
The state’s teacher prep landscape may still have variables to address, including improving licensure policies and ensuring the involvement of math content experts in program reviews. However, ECSU has proven that it already has the right formula for success.
As math education becomes more vital in today’s data-driven job market, ECSU proves that preparation isn’t optional but fundamental. When training math teachers, these Vikings show that the proof is in the pedagogy.