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Education Laboratory

Education Laboratory

Welcome to the Betty Holden Stike Education Laboratory at UNCW! The Education Laboratory in the Watson College of Education at UNCW is designed as a critical component of our teacher education programs.

Students practice the methods they are learning in their courses by teaching a child in a one-on-one setting.

The Ed Lab offers 1:1 learning opportunities, which are designed as positive sessions, focusing on the child's strengths, needs, and interests. Students are coached as they learn new strategies and skills in reading, writing and mathematics. Open communication with parents is also an important part of the Ed Lab experience.

While we have used the term "tutoring" in the past, the time our future teachers spend with children is more appropriately called "enrichment." Future teachers assess the child's learning needs, and the Ed Lab teachers plan individualized lesson plans for each session.

In the News!

Read more about the Ed Lab in the December issue of the Watson Chronicle: WCE's Betty Holden Stike Education Laboratory Celebrates 40 Years

Vision​

To serve as an essential, collaborative hub with in the Watson College of Education - where faculty, future educators, and community partners co-create inclusive, innovative, reflective, and meaningful educational experiences that inspire excellence in teaching and learning.​

Mission​

The Betty Holden Stike Education Lab and Curriculum Materials Center in UNCW’s Watson College of Education provide a innovative, student-centered space that fosters creativity, collaboration, and professional growth for preservice, practicing, and community educators. We provide curated instructional resources, model best practices, and foster meaningful educator partnerships that bridge coursework with real-world application. Rooted in the values of community, growth, and reflection, we cultivate a shared space that celebrates individuality, focuses on growth, and honors the legacy of transformative teaching and learning.​

Sammy Seahawk studying Parents & Guardians We offer 1:1 enrichment for students in grades K-6 both in person at the Main Campus Ed Lab and virtually via Zoom. Enrichment experiences focus on reading and math while integrating the students interests and needs. Space is limited to the number of UNCW students enrolled in courses, and courses offered each semester. Enrichment
Students stand in library WCE Students The Ed Lab 1:1 enrichment experience is the first applied learning experience for many Watson College students. In the Ed Lab, you will learn to develop lesson plan, work with families and customize plans to each child's unique needs and goals with coaching, mentoring and support from the Ed Lab's team of experienced educators. ​ Student Information

Sign Up for 1:1 Enrichment

The Ed Lab is open for sessions Monday through Thursday from 3:00–6:00 PM. Individual schedules are arranged each semester between the pre-service teacher and participating families.​

A nominal fee is required for services, depending on the modality you choose. Please complete the “Preference Sign-Up” form. Note that a separate form must be submitted for each child.​

A member of the Ed Lab team will email additional information at the start of each semester (August and January) based on the preferences you indicate for your Learning Opportunity with final steps for registration and placement.​
Register Today!

Special Events

The Ed Lab holds special events each semester to engage children in learning. Keep an eye out for flyers from your child's Ed Lab teacher about the Author Showcase, Math Fair and other special events!
reading a book to youth

Author Showcase

The Author Showcase is a celebration of the writing process. During the 1:1 reading enrichment sessions, future teachers and their student work together to bring a piece of writing from draft to publication. We celebrate these authors at the Author Showcase where their published work is then read aloud to families and friends. The Fall 2026 Author Showcase will be held on November 4th and 5th at 3:30 and 5:00 pm.

playing connect four

Math Fair

During the 1:1 math enrichment sessions, future teachers will be working with their student on a math content focus. The Math Fair is an interactive experience where pre-service teachers create hands on, engaging, math focused games and activities aligned to the math content currently being taught in the Ed Lab. During the Math Fair, pre-service teachers and their students have the opportunity to explore, learn, and play these games while also being introduced to various mathematical thinking skills. ​

Students cook in class

Kitchen Classroom

The Kitchen Classroom is where reading, math and science skills meet the real world! Future teachers plan lessons that include the authentic skills of reading and math application while enjoying a tasty treat at the end. Many thanks to the Friends of UNCW for helping support the Kitchen Classroom.

Give to the Ed Lab

Your support creates an exceptional learning environment for our community at the Watson College of Education. Show your support with a donation to the Education Laboratory!

Click here to donate

Don't Forget to Register!

Make sure you register your child today!

Register Today!

Contact the Education Laboratory

WCE Education Laboratory

Phone: 910.962.3633

UNCW Watson College of Education
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403

Director 
Somer Lewis
lewiss@uncw.edu 
910.962.7244

Mrs. Courtney Townsend
townsendc@uncw.edu
910.962.3633

Ms. Shenicka Williams
williamssaa@uncw.edu 
910.962.3363