Irene Pittman Aiken
Title
Professor and Department Chair of Professional Studies, Middle Grades and MAT
Department
School of Education
Biography
I was born and reared in Rockingham, NC and was the 7th of seven children. I attended UNC Chapel Hill where I received my Math Education degree for Intermediate grades. Upon graduating, I left the country and taught the fourth and fifth grade on a small Dutch Antilles Island called Saba. During this experience, I learned a great deal about teaching, about people, and about myself. I also learned that my education was just beginning. Back in the States, I taught 4th, 5th, and 6th graders at a school I once attended, teaching with many of my former teachers. While working there, I attended and received my Master's in Elementary Education from UNC Pembroke (then PSU). Further, I decided upon my master plan-to become a professor at UNCP-where students can know their professors and grow as professionals. I received my Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from UNC Chapel Hill and returned to UNCP as a Professor and the Director of the Teaching Fellows. I received a UNCP Outstanding Teaching award in 2002.
What have you learned while teaching at UNCP?
That I learn as much from my students as they learn from me.
Additional Comments
The faculty and staff at UNCP foster the development of the mind as well as the person.
