Education Matters

Meet the 2023-24 North Carolina Teacher, Principal and Superintendent of the Year by Public School Forum of NC

Ep. 224 Back-to-School 2023-24 by Public School Forum of NC

Starting with the graduating class of 2024, North Carolina Public School Students are now required to take an economics and personal finance course to develop financial literacy as a graduation requirement. This curriculum equips students with financial knowledge and skills to navigate their financial futures. One area included in this requirement is planning and paying for postsecondary education, which has the potential to help students understand Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which serves as a gateway to accessing federal, state, and institutional financial aid for postsecondary opportunities. FAFSA empowers students and families to make informed decisions, comprehend the expenses linked to education, and develop effective strategies for managing their finances throughout their academic journey. Guests: Jessica Swencki, Deputy Director, myFutureNC Kathy Hastings McDonald, Associate Director for Outreach, NC State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) Leslie Walden, Vice President,

Today we are here to talk about pathways for recruitment and preparation of educators, and the growing role of community colleges in helping to prepare future teachers. You’ll hear today about collaborative frameworks between high schools, community colleges, and universities to create a seamless educational pathway for students pursuing a career in education. Guests: Dr. Lisa Eads, Associate Vice President of Academic Programs, NC Community Colleges Cathy Collie-Robinson, Chair/Instructor, Early Childhood Education Program, Durham Technical Community College Dr. Steve Turner, Dean, Humanities & Social Sciences, Guilford Technical Community College Alan Hooker, Director of Recruiting, Guilford County Schools Dr. Paula Groves Price, Dean of the College of Education at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Dr. Gerrelyn Patterson, Chair of the Department of Educator Preparation, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

This year’s legislative session seems to have multiple bills every single week that would impact our schools, districts, educators, families, and students if passed. The fast pace and volume are even faster and heavier than expected. The proposed legislation includes opportunity scholarships or vouchers, a new approach to funding schools through a weighted student funding formula, and significant changes to funds moving from districts to charter schools. We are pleased to be joined by those who will implement and be directly affected by new legislation and policy, including district leaders and parents. Guests: Dr. Kathy Spencer, Executive Director, Southeast Education Alliance Dr. Matthew Cheeseman, Superintendent, Beaufort County Schools Steve Curtis, Finance Officer & Director of Auxiliary Services, Pamlico County Schools Susan Book, Parent, and Public School Advocate

This year’s legislative session seems to have multiple bills every single week that would impact our schools, districts, educators, families, and students if passed. Some proposed legislation includes the Parents Bill of Rights, the Standards of Student Conduct Bill, and the Equality in Education Bill. We are pleased to be joined by some of those who will be directly affected by new legislation and policy, including teachers and students. Guests Xavier Adams, NCCAT 2022 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Dr. Lenora Crabtree, Instructor, Cato College of Education, UNC-Charlotte, 2012 Southwest Regional Teacher of the Year Bryce Guinness, Sophomore, Orange High School, Orange County Schools Kairee Jones, Senior, Orange High School, Orange County Schools Laviant Lewis, Senior, Orange High School, Orange County Schools Aiden McCollick, Senior, Orange High School, Orange County Schools

Nearly ⅔ of adults report experiencing at least one adverse childhood experience, or ACEs, which can have negative impacts, including health problems, mental health issues, and learning difficulties. Mental health supports for students are critical. Now, more than ever, we as a state need to invest in our children and provide them with the services they need. To see what a trauma-informed school looks like and what they are doing to support students, we visited Tramway Elementary School in Sanford, NC, in Lee County Schools to learn more. Our guest host who visited the school this week is Tom Williams, previous host of Ed Matters and the Immediate Past Chair of the Public School Forum’s Board of Directors. Guests: Dr. Johnnye Waller, Assistant Superintendent of Auxiliary Services, Lee County Schools Andrea Cummings, Principal, Tramway Elementary School, Lee County Schools Megan O'Shaughnessy, School Counselor, Tramway Elementary School, Lee County Schools Myra Cole, Teacher, Tramway Elementary School, Lee C

Nearly ⅔ of adults report experiencing at least one adverse childhood experience, or ACEs, which can have negative impacts including health problems, mental health issues, and learning difficulties. Mental health support for students is critical. Now, more than ever, we as a state need to invest in our children and provide them with the services they need. To see what a trauma-informed school looks like and what they are doing to help students, we visited West Greene Elementary School in Greene County to learn more. Guests Elizabeth DeKonty, Director, NC Center for Resilience and Learning Antonio Blow, Director of Student Services, Greene County Schools Phil Cook, Principal, West Greene Elementary School, Greene County Schools Anya Mattingly, Assistant Principal, West Greene Elementary School, Greene County Schools Griffin Gurkin, Teacher, West Greene Elementary School, Greene County Schools

This week on Education Matters we talk with two teachers and seven students about the importance of a culturally responsive curriculum. Guests: Xavier Adams, NCCAT 2022 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Tia Hilber, Student, Orange High School, Orange County Schools Laviant Lewis, Student, Orange High School, Orange County Schools Grace McDaniel, Student, Orange High School, Orange County Schools Matt Scialdone, Teacher, Middle Creek High School, WCPSS Hallie Brew, Student, UNC-CH Addi Simpson, Student, Middle Creek High School, WCPSS Aliza Zahid, Student, Middle Creek High School, WCPSS Alexa Burke, Student, Middle Creek High School, WCPSS

Centering student voices can lead to an empowering classroom environment, bring about higher engagement and motivation, and ignite passions. Today we will hear from Bettina Umstead, Chair of the Durham Public Schools Board of Education, and students from New Hanover County about their Student Voices Initiative and the policy that they proposed which was unanimously passed. Guests: Samin Bhan, Junior, Hoggard High School, NHCS Cassidy Thompson, Junior, Hoggard High School, NHCS Tenaya Toon, Sophomore, Laney High School, NHCS Dr. Kayce Smith, Educational Consultant and former MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) coordinator at Myrtle Grove Middle School, New Hanover County Schools Schala Harper, special education teacher at Trask Middle School, New Hanover County Schools Bettina Umstead, Chair of the Durham Public School Board

As we find ourselves at the mid-point of another school year, we have with us our North Carolina Regional Teachers of the Year to discuss both the challenges and the opportunities that are on their minds today — and the ways in which we can support educators so that they are able to support our students. Guests: Leah Carper, 2022 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Piedmont Triad North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Guilford County Ryan Mitchell, West North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Henderson County Elizabeth Santamour, Sandhills North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Hoke County Ashtyn Berry, Southwest North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Cabarrus County Clinton Todd, Northeast North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Pitt County Keegan Storrs, North Carolina 2022 Charter School Teacher of the Year

As we find ourselves at the mid-point of another school year, we have with us our North Carolina Regional Teachers of the Year to discuss both the challenges and the opportunities that are on their minds today — and the ways in which we can support educators so that they are able to support our students. Guests: Leah Carper, 2022 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Piedmont Triad North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Guilford County Ryan Mitchell, West North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Henderson County Elizabeth Santamour, Sandhills North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Hoke County Ashtyn Berry, Southwest North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Cabarrus County Clinton Todd, Northeast North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Pitt County Keegan Storrs, North Carolina 2022 Charter School Teacher of the Year

The Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity at the Public School Forum recently held its 5th Annual Color of Education with our wonderful partners, the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University and the Center for Child and Family Policy. Today we are joined by four of the leaders who played critical roles in the planning and success of the convening and also the ongoing work across NC. Hundreds of educators, students, equity leaders, and community and business partners joined us to learn and create action steps for impact together are with us today on the show. Guests: Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, Senior Director of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards, Associate Director of Research for the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity Danita Mason-Hogans, Civil Rights Historian, Educator, Speaker, Activist Dr. Dudley Flood

The Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity at the Public School Forum recently held its 5th Annual Color of Education with our wonderful partners, the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University and the Center for Child and Family Policy. Today we are joined by four of the leaders who played critical roles in the planning and success of the convening and also the ongoing work across NC. Hundreds of educators, students, equity leaders, and community and business partners joined us to learn and create action steps for impact together are with us today on the show. Guests: Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, Senior Director of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards, Associate Director of Research for the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity Danita Mason-Hogans, Civil Rights Historian, Educator, Speaker, Activist Dr. Dudley Flood

Early voting is open through November 5th. We encourage you to check your voter registration, check out your sample ballot, and find your voting locations at the NC State Board of Elections website: www.ncsbe.gov. And remember, you are not required to show a photo ID when voting, and curbside/assisted voting options are available. On today’s show, we will talk with guests about the importance of voting, how voting for local, state-wide, and country-wide elections can be critical for creating change, and why your vote matters. Guests: Dr. Lauren Fox, Senior Director, Policy & Research, Public School Forum of NC Rani Dasi, School Board Member and Vice Chair in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools, and Sr. Director of Operations Finance at RTI

Pathways to Excellence for Teaching Professionals (Model) is a proposal being developed and worked on by the North Carolina State Board of Education and the PEPSC (Professional Educator Preparation Standards Commission). The model, if approved by the State Board and ultimately enacted by the General Assembly could change how teachers are licensed and paid. The proposal includes a tiered approach to licensure, starting with apprenticeship and moving up based upon a range of measures. Here to discuss the proposed changes are Dr. Kathy Spencer, Executive Director of the Southeast Education Alliance and Dr. Jeff James, Superintendent of Iredell-Statesville Schools. Guests: Dr. Kathy Spencer, Executive Director, Southeast Education Alliance Dr. Jeff James, Superintendent, Iredell-Statesville Schools

The new school year has begun and with it came a shortage of teachers and school staff. To discuss what is going on and possible solutions are the North Carolina Principal of the Year and the two most recent North Carolina Teachers of the Year. Guests: Eugenia Floyd, 2021 NC Teacher of the Year Leah Carper, 2022 NC Teacher of the Year Patrick Greene, 2022 NC Principal of the Year

The Leandro Court Case has been ongoing for nearly 30 years and is set to continue this month. While the defendants and plaintiffs agree with the Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan, which provides a roadmap for education investments needed across our state, the Supreme Court will hear appeals to this case while schools and districts wait for investments that they urgently need. Here to discuss why these investments are critical and how this case can affect our state are business and state leaders. Guests: Brad Wilson, Former President/CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC Rev. Suzanne Parker Miller, Executive Director/Founder, Pastors for NC Children Jenice Ramirez, Executive Director, ISLA NC

Some North Carolina school districts have utilized a new structure to help retain and expand the reach of highly effective teachers. To learn more about what these roles are and how districts are utilizing the approach we are joined by BEST NC, an organization that has explored the opportunities provided by advanced teaching roles; a principal and lead teacher who are currently using advanced teaching roles at their school, and by Public Impact, the organization that created the Opportunity Culture framework. Guests: Brenda Berg, President and CEO, BEST NC Beth Callicutt, Principal, Charles England Elementary School, Lexington City Schools Sha Mosley, Lead Teacher, Charles England Elementary School, Lexington City Schools Bryan Hassel, Co-President, Public Impact

NC’s education system and schools affect each and every one of us across our state. We have much work to ensure that our educators and students have what they need. And, many of the actions needed by our state are clear and common sense. Here to talk about this are the North Carolina 2021 and 2022 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Teachers of the Year and our first three NCCAT Prudential NC Beginning Teachers of the Year. Guests: Eugenia Floyd, 2021 North Carolina Teacher of the Year Leah Carper, 2022 North Carolina Teacher of the Year Leanne Rose, Mooresville Graded School District, Beginning Teacher of the year, 2019 Emilee Higdon, Macon County Schools, Beginning Teacher of the year, 2021 Xavier Adams, Orange County Schools, Beginning Teacher of the year, 2022