Education Matters: Recent Episodes
Public School Forum of NC
On this special episode we’re joined by student leaders from Hyde and Durham counties. These students have, and continue to advocate for themselves and their classmates, improving their school communities for everyone. They’re joining us on Education Matters for a conversation on the power of student voices to create positive change.Guests:Rose Golonka, Students Against Sexual Harassment (SASH) Club, Durham Public SchoolsGabe Campos, Students Against Sexual Harassment (SASH) Club, Durham Public SchoolsEssie O'Neal, Student Health Ambassadors, Hyde County SchoolsAislyn Brinn, Student Health Ambassadors, Hyde County Schools
Learning and a principal from one of the Center’s partner schools in Wilson County to explore what it means to cultivate trauma-informed learning and working environments.
EdNC, a nonprofit news outlet, embedded in P.W. Moore Elementary School in Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools in 2024-25. From the first day of school through the last day of school, this film documents the power of the community school model for students, educators, families, and the community.
On this episode, we’re thrilled to be announcing North Carolina Legislators in Schools Week 2026! This year’s school visits will take place during the week of April 13, during which all members of the North Carolina General Assembly are invited to spend a day, or a few days, visiting the local public schools they represent.Guests:Representative Alan BransonRepresentative Amos Quick IIISuperintendent Don Phipps, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County SchoolsRachel Candaso, 2025 NC Teacher of the Year
Last month federal agents from US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs Border Patrol (CBP) arrived in North Carolina, and it was recently announced that agents will likely remain in the area throughout the month of December. In this episode, we’re continuing our discussion on what that means for students, families and local communities at large.
Last month federal agents from US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs Border Patrol (CBP) arrived in North Carolina, and it was recently announced that agents will likely remain in the area throughout the month of December. In this episode, we’re taking a look at what that means for students, families and local communities at large.
Our country recently faced the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history as Congress was unable to pass a budget by the September 31 deadline. North Carolina continues to operate without a state budget following the failure of the General Assembly to pass a budget by the July 31 deadline. Both of these political stalemates have meant instability for many communities, local public schools and the students they serve. In this episode, we’re exploring how such instability can impact school nutrition and what that means for students, educators and the local programs working to fill the gap
EP261: The Plan to Make North Carolina’s Public Schools the Best in the Nation by Public School Forum of NC
On this episode, we’re joined by the 2025-26 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teachers of the Year. These outstanding educators have been recognized for their dedication to students and contributions to their school communities, and during the episode we hear about their inspiration, experiences and hopes for the future.Guests:Rachel Candaso, NC Teacher of the Year, Wellcome Middle School (Pitt County Schools)Hannah Moon, Southeast Teacher of the Year, Emsley A. Laney High School (New Hanover County Schools)Tamika Farmer, North Central Teacher of the Year, G.W. Carver Elementary School (Edgecombe County Schools)Dr. Anthony Martin, Sandhills Teacher of the Year, East Columbus Junior/Senior High School (Columbus County Schools)Chanel Jones, Piedmont-Triad Teacher of the Year, Broadview Middle School (Alamance-Burlington School System)Tayler Bomar, Northwest Teacher of the Year, Greenlee Primary School (Mitchell County Schools)Lydia Sale, Western Teacher of the Year, West Elementary School (Swain County Schools)Yaronda Kilgo, Southwest Teacher of the Year, Wingate Elementary School (Union County Public Schools)Lindsay Phillips, Charter School Teacher of the Year, Mountain Island Charter School
EPISODE: On this episode, we’re joined by the 2025-26 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teachers of the Year. These outstanding educators have been recognized for their dedication to students and contributions to their school communities, and during the episode we hear about their inspiration, experiences and hopes for the future.Guests:Rachel Candaso, NC Teacher of the Year, Wellcome Middle School (Pitt County Schools)Hannah Moon, Southeast Teacher of the Year, Emsley A. Laney High School (New Hanover County Schools)Tamika Farmer, North Central Teacher of the Year, G.W. Carver Elementary School (Edgecombe County Schools)Dr. Anthony Martin, Sandhills Teacher of the Year, East Columbus Junior/Senior High School (Columbus County Schools)Chanel Jones, Piedmont-Triad Teacher of the Year, Broadview Middle School (Alamance-Burlington School System)Tayler Bomar, Northwest Teacher of the Year, Greenlee Primary School (Mitchell County Schools)Lydia Sale, Western Teacher of the Year, West Elementary School (Swain County Schools)Yaronda Kilgo, Southwest Teacher of the Year, Wingate Elementary School (Union County Public Schools)Lindsay Phillips, Charter School Teacher of the Year, Mountain Island Charter School
On this episode, we’re joined by business leaders to discuss the important relationship between businesses and local public schools in their communities, and the role those schools play in maintaining our status as a leading state for business.Guests:Tom Oxholm, Retired Executive Vice President, Wake Stone Corporation Mike Hawkins, President, Pisgah Enterprises Jarian Kereekes, Head of Social Impact & President, Equitable FoundationDoug Shackelford, Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Taxation at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
On this episode, we’re joined by some outstanding educators, the 2025-26 North Carolina Wells Fargo Regional Principals of the Year. They’ve been recognized for their strong leadership and commitment to student success, and today they’ll share some insight on how they’re striving to lead learning environments that prepare students for life.Guests:Jason Johnson, NC Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Orange High School Orange County Public SchoolsDr. John Lassiter, Northeast NC Principal of the Year, Northeast Hertford Grammar School, Perquimans County SchoolsKelly Withrow, Southwest NC Principal of the Year, Battleground Elementary School, Lincoln County SchoolsDr. Laura Bailey, NC Sandhills Principal of the Year Scotland High School, Scotland County SchoolsDr. Jessica LaBrose Anthony, NC Northwest Principal of the Year Davenport A+ Elementary School, Caldwell County SchoolsDr. Jake E Wilson, NC Charter School Principal of the Year, Mountain Island Charter School, Mount Holly, NC
On this episode, we’re joined by some outstanding educators, the 2025-26 North Carolina Wells Fargo Regional Principals of the Year. They’ve been recognized for their strong leadership and commitment to student success, and today they’ll share some insight on how they’re striving to lead learning environments that prepare students for life.Guests:Jason Johnson, NC Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Orange High School Orange County Public SchoolsDr. John Lassiter, Northeast NC Principal of the Year, Northeast Hertford Grammar School, Perquimans County SchoolsKelly Withrow, Southwest NC Principal of the Year, Battleground Elementary School, Lincoln County SchoolsDr. Laura Bailey, NC Sandhills Principal of the Year Scotland High School, Scotland County SchoolsDr. Jessica LaBrose Anthony, NC Northwest Principal of the Year Davenport A+ Elementary School, Caldwell County SchoolsDr. Jake E Wilson, NC Charter School Principal of the Year, Mountain Island Charter School, Mount Holly, NC
On this episode, we’re exploring the importance of school nutrition and the innovative strategies being used to ensure every student has access to healthy, consistent meals. We’re joined by leaders from the Carolina Hunger Initiative, the Department of Public Instruction and the Department of Agriculture to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and bold ideas shaping the future of school nutrition.Guests:Dr. Jessica Soldavini, Research Specialist, Carolina Hunger Initiative/School Meals for All NC and Asst. Professor at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC - Chapel HillRachel Findley, Sr. Director of School Nutrition, NC Department of Public InstructionHeather Lifsey, Marketing Specialist, NC Department of Agriculture
On this episode, we explore the value of partnerships between rural schools and local businesses and how these collaborations can strengthen both education and community. We’re joined by a business owner, two community school coordinators, and the president of Wilson Chamber of Commerce to discuss the impact of these vital connections.Guests:Ryan Simons, President, Wilson Chamber of CommerceKrystle Lindsay, Community Schools Coordinator, Clark Elementary School, Vance County SchoolsHipp Barclift, Associate Director of the Community Schools Coordinators, Elizabeth City Pasquotank Schools
On this episode, we’re celebrating the legacy of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the first iteration of which was signed into law in 1975. We’re joined by educators, advocates and a student to learn more about how IDEA serves students and families across the nation.Guests:Dr. Tiece Ruffin, Chair, UNC Asheville Department of EducationDr. Carol Ann Hudgens, Sr. Director of the Office of Exceptional Children, NC Department of Public InstructionGlynnis Hagins, Attorney, Disability Rights North CarolinaSusan Book, parent and public school advocateLindy Southern, student, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
Welcome to Education Matters presented by the Public School Forum of North Carolina. In today’s episode, we’re taking a look at Eggs & Issues 2025 where the Public School Forum presented our Top Education Issues which represent the Forum’s legislative priorities for the 2025-26 biennium. Today, we’ll hear from policymakers who took part in a discussion of the challenges and strategies presented in this year’s Top Issues.Guests:Leader Sydney Batch, NC Senate Democratic LeaderMo Green, NC Superintendent of Public Instruction Catty Moore, NC State Board of Education Member-At-LargeSen. Kevin Corbin, NC General Assembly
On today’s episode, we’re taking a look at Eggs & Issues 2025 where the Public School Forum presented our Top Education Issues which represent the Forum’s legislative priorities for the 2025-26 biennium. We will also hear from educators who took part in a discussion of the challenges and strategies presented in this year’s Top Issues.On this episode we’re joined by members of the North Carolina General Assembly to discuss the upcoming legislative long session and which education issues we can expect to hear more about in the coming months.Guests:Dr. Lauren Fox, Public School Forum Sr. Director of Policy & ResearchNatalia Mejia, NCCAT 2023 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year, CC Griffin STEM Middle School, Cabarrus County SchoolsDr. C’Monee’ Wilkins, Principal, Clarke Elementary School, Vance County Public SchoolsDr. Don Phipps, Superintendent, Caldwell County Schools
On this episode we’re joined by members of the North Carolina General Assembly to discuss the upcoming legislative long session and which education issues we can expect to hear more about in the coming months.Guests:Representative Lindsay Prather, Buncombe CountySenator Jay Chaudhuri, Wake County
On this episode, we met teachers who received Bright Ideas grants from NC’s Electric Cooperatives to implement hands-on learning experiences for students in their classrooms. We will also hear from Wake Electric on the importance of this program for teachers and students.Guests:Whitney Williams, second grade teacher, Grady Brown Elementary School in Orange CountyChristopher Hicks, agriculture teacher, Lakewood High School in Sampson CountyMaria de Pedro, Communications Assistant, Wake Electric Membership Corporation
In this special episode we’re diving into how schools are recovering from the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene and the support systems in place for affected families. Joining us are two superintendents from Wester NC, Dr. Eisa Cox and Dr. Maggie Fehrman, and Representative Linsday Prather, who will share insights on restoring school facilities, supporting displaced students, and providing resources to families in need. We’ll also explore what community members can do to help local schools and strengthen resilience for the future.Guests:Rep. Lindsay PratherDr. Maggie Fehrman, Superintendent of Asheville City Schools
On this special episode, we’ll take a look at the final debate, which was hosted by the Forum, of the 2024 State Superintendent Candidates, Mo Green and Michele Morrow. The debate was moderated by John Hood and Sen. Leslie Winner, the co-chairs of the NC Leadership Forum. We have often said that education is on the ballot this year, and we hope that you will take this opportunity to learn about this vital race for public schools in NC.Guests:Sen. Leslie Winner, NC Leadership ForumJohn Hood, NC Leadership ForumMichele Morrow, NC Superintendent CandidateMo Green, NC Superintendent Candidate
On this special episode, we’ll take a look at the final debate, which was hosted by the Forum, of the 2024 State Superintendent Candidates, Mo Green and Michele Morrow. The debate was moderated by John Hood and Sen. Leslie Winner, the co-chairs of the NC Leadership Forum. We have often said that education is on the ballot this year, and we hope that you will take this opportunity to learn about this vital race for public schools in NC.Guests:Sen. Leslie Winner, NC Leadership ForumJohn Hood, NC Leadership ForumMichele Morrow, NC Superintendent CandidateMo Green, NC Superintendent Candidate
It’s election season, which means we’re facing a great opportunity to shape the futures of our communities. To help us explore just how this election can impact our local public schools we’re joined today by Dr. Chris Cooper from Western Carolina University, Jennifer Rubin from the League of Women Voters of North Carolina and some outstanding educators who can share firsthand how policymaking decisions impact schools.Guests:Dr. Chris Cooper, Western Carolina University Political Science ProfessorJennifer Rubin, League of Women Voters of North Carolina PresidentLaura Wilson, 2023 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Southeast Region Teacher of the YearDr. Marlow Artis, Craven Early College High SchoolBettina Umstead, Durham Public Schools Board of Education
This week, we’re lucky enough to be joined by some outstanding educators. The 2024 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Teacher of the Year Heather Smith is along with regional Teachers of the Year from across North Carolina to talk to us about their plans for the upcoming school year and what it means to be recognized for their commitment to students.
On this episode of Education Matters, we’re joined by North Carolina Teaching Fellows Director Bennett Jones along with some fellows both past and present to explore how the program can impact individuals with a passion for education as well as our state’s educator pipeline.
On the episode of Education Matters we’re joined by 2024 North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching 2024 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Abigail Bentley finalists Samantha Shaw, Cassidy Upton and Sydney Smith. These educators have been recognized as outstanding new teachers and today they’re here to share their experiences entering the classroom and some insight on getting into education as a career field.
On May 7, 2024, the Public School Forum hosted its annual Eggs & Issues breakfast. The Public School Forum invited the candidates for Governor and several candidates for the General Assembly to join us to discuss their perspectives on and plans for education. The General Assembly and the Governor play critical roles in education policy and funding in NC. We hope that you will take the time to hear their responses to several education-focused questions.
On May 7, 2024, the Public School Forum hosted its annual Eggs & Issues breakfast. At this event, the Forum shares the Top Education Issues and the progress that has been made against them. On this episode Dr Lauren Fox will share our progress on the Top Educational Issues for this biennium. We’ll hear from Mo Green, the Democratic candidate for State Superintendent. Understanding educational issues and hearing from the candidates who will be charged to lead our public schools are important aspects of ensuring that every child in NC has access to a high-quality and equitable education.
On this episode we’re joined by 2022 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year Leah Carper and Representative Maria Cervania to discuss the second annual Bring Your Legislator to School Day. The event which is organized by Members of the NC Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year Network and the Public School Forum of North Carolina creates an opportunity for legislators to experience the day-to-day reality of North Carolina’s elementary and secondary schools for a better understanding of what is working well for students and educators as well as the challenges they face.
On this episode we’re joined by members of the inaugural North Carolina Flight Crew and Program Manager Wayne Capps. The Flight Crew is a program organized by the NC Center for Afterschool Programs connecting girls from across North Carolina who share a passion for STEM. We’re also joined by education tech consultant Adam Garry and DPI Chief Information Officer Dr. Vanessa Wrenn to discuss the future of AI in North Carolina schools.
Today we’re joined by members of the North Carolina Principal of the Year Network to discuss their experiences as principals, approaches to leadership and efforts to help advance our state’s public education system.
It is election season and early voting for the North Carolina primary election is underway. On this episode we’re joined by some education and election experts to discuss which education issues are on the ballot this year, what the outcomes could mean for communities across the state and the value of civic engagement.
This episode of Education Matters explores teacher working conditions in North Carolina, why they matter and ways we can all get involved in making improvements. For this discussion we’re joined once again by some outstanding educators, the 2023-24 North Carolina Regional Principals of the Year as well as the 2023-24 Teacher of the Year Kimberly Jones and Dr. Jeni Corn from NC Department of Public Instruction.
On this episode of Education Matters we’re joined by some outstanding educators, the 2023-24 North Carolina Regional Principals of the Year. They’ve been recognized for their strong leadership and commitment to student success, and on this episode they’ll share some insight on how they’re striving to lead positive learning environments as well as some words of wisdom.
On this episode of Education Matters we discuss the Roadmap of Need, a whole-child needs assessment that offers county-level data and rankings to help audiences better understand the needs of North Carolina’s diverse communities. Together we’ll explore the methodology, findings and potential uses of the Roadmap.
On this episode of Education Matters we continue our discussion on the recent expansion of North Carolina’s private school voucher program. Commonly referred to as Opportunity Scholarships, school vouchers allow families to use public dollars to subsidize their childrens’ education at private schools. This program used to be specifically for low-income families, but recent legislation has changed that. This episode continues exploring those changes and what exactly they mean for North Carolina students and families.
On this episode of Education Matters we’re joined by Dr. Denna Townsend-Smith, senior director of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity along with the Center’s namesake, Dr. Dudley Flood and other education advocates essential to Mapping the Movement, including two student historians from Mecklenburg County. Mapping the Movement is an initiative aimed at building a network of organizations in North Carolina pushing for educational equity; it includes several events throughout the year, including last month’s Color of Education Summit in Raleigh which drew a crowd of over 800.
On this episode of Education Matters we’re joined by Elizabeth Anderson, director of the NC Center for Afterschool Programs along with North Carolina’s 2023 Afterschool Champions to discuss the value of out-of-school time programming in providing students continued learning and enrichment opportunities. This year’s Afterschool Champions were recognized for their contributions to out-of-school time programming as part of Lights On Afterschool, an annual nationwide campaign celebrating after school programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities.
On this episode of Education Matters we’re joined by the Forum’s Sr. Director of Policy & Research Dr. Lauren Fox along with two superintendents to discuss the recent expansion of North Carolina’s private school voucher program. Commonly referred to as Opportunity Scholarships, school vouchers allow families to use public dollars to subsidize their childrens’ education at private schools. This program used to be specifically for low-income families, but recent legislation will expand eligibility to all families. This expansion and the accompanying lack of accountability for private schools could greatly impact our education system.
Meet the 2023-24 North Carolina Teacher, Principal and Superintendent of the Year 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, myFutureNCKathy Hastings McDonald, Associate Director for Outreach, NC State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA)Leslie Walden, Vice President, Public Affairs, Fidelity InvestmentsDr. Patrick Greene, Principal, Green Central High School, 2022 Wells Fargo NC Principal of the Year
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 CollegesCathy Collie-Robinson, Chair/Instructor, Early Childhood Education Program, Durham Technical Community CollegeDr. Steve Turner, Dean, Humanities & Social Sciences, Guilford Technical Community CollegeAlan Hooker, Director of Recruiting, Guilford County SchoolsDr. Paula Groves Price, Dean of the College of Education at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State UniversityDr. 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 AllianceDr. Matthew Cheeseman, Superintendent, Beaufort County SchoolsSteve Curtis, Finance Officer & Director of Auxiliary Services, Pamlico County SchoolsSusan 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. GuestsXavier Adams, NCCAT 2022 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the YearDr. Lenora Crabtree, Instructor, Cato College of Education, UNC-Charlotte, 2012 Southwest Regional Teacher of the YearBryce Guinness, Sophomore, Orange High School, Orange County SchoolsKairee Jones, Senior, Orange High School, Orange County SchoolsLaviant Lewis, Senior, Orange High School, Orange County SchoolsAiden 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 SchoolsAndrea Cummings, Principal, Tramway Elementary School, Lee County SchoolsMegan O'Shaughnessy, School Counselor, Tramway Elementary School, Lee County SchoolsMyra Cole, Teacher, Tramway Elementary School, Lee County SchoolsJessica Jackson, Intervention Teacher, Tramway Elementary School, Lee 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 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. GuestsElizabeth DeKonty, Director, NC Center for Resilience and LearningAntonio Blow, Director of Student Services, Greene County SchoolsPhil Cook, Principal, West Greene Elementary School, Greene County SchoolsAnya Mattingly, Assistant Principal, West Greene Elementary School, Greene County SchoolsGriffin 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 YearTia Hilber, Student, Orange High School, Orange County SchoolsLaviant Lewis, Student, Orange High School, Orange County SchoolsGrace McDaniel, Student, Orange High School, Orange County SchoolsMatt Scialdone, Teacher, Middle Creek High School, WCPSSHallie Brew, Student, UNC-CHAddi Simpson, Student, Middle Creek High School, WCPSSAliza Zahid, Student, Middle Creek High School, WCPSSAlexa 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, NHCSCassidy Thompson, Junior, Hoggard High School, NHCSTenaya Toon, Sophomore, Laney High School, NHCSDr. Kayce Smith, Educational Consultant and former MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) coordinator at Myrtle Grove Middle School, New Hanover County SchoolsSchala Harper, special education teacher at Trask Middle School, New Hanover County SchoolsBettina 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 CountyRyan Mitchell, West North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Henderson CountyElizabeth Santamour, Sandhills North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Hoke CountyAshtyn Berry, Southwest North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Cabarrus CountyClinton Todd, Northeast North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Pitt CountyKeegan 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 CountyRyan Mitchell, West North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Henderson CountyElizabeth Santamour, Sandhills North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Hoke CountyAshtyn Berry, Southwest North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Cabarrus CountyClinton Todd, Northeast North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Pitt CountyKeegan 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 OpportunityDr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards, Associate Director of Research for the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social EquityDanita Mason-Hogans, Civil Rights Historian, Educator, Speaker, ActivistDr. 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 OpportunityDr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards, Associate Director of Research for the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social EquityDanita Mason-Hogans, Civil Rights Historian, Educator, Speaker, ActivistDr. 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
Most of you watching today know children who are in our schools right now. We’ve talked a great deal with educators and students themselves about the challenges and promising moments of this year. On today’s show, we will talk with three elementary school principals about how our kids and educators are doing - and what we need to consider as we wind down the school year. We want to note how significant and often thankless the role of our principals has been during these past two-plus years of the pandemic. Research tells us that principals are the second, only to teachers, school-related factor that influences student outcomes. Please stay tuned to hear from principals Sandy Chambers, Suzanne Owen, and Adrian Parry. You will not want to miss this discussion.
GUESTS:
Sandy Chambers, Principal, Horton Creek Elementary School, Wake County Public Schools
Suzanne Owen, Principal, Cliffdale Elementary School, Cumberland County Schools
Adrian Parry, Principal, Hickory Ridge Elementary School, Cabarrus County Schools
Today we have the privilege of introducing the 2022 Beginning Teacher of the Year, Xavier Adams as well as one of his students and the beginning teachers of the year from the inception of the program in 2020. For beginning teachers who are just starting from scratch, the first year of employment is challenging to navigate. Today we are going to learn from them about what being a new teacher is like, the challenges, and how they are hoping to make positive changes in education.
GUESTS: Xavier Adams, NCCAT 2022 Beginning Teacher of the Year Kaylee Faison, Student at Orange County High School Emilee Higdon, NCCAT 2021 Beginning Teacher of the Year Leanne Rose, NCCAT 2019 Beginning Teacher of the Year
Today’s show comes from the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity’s Student Voices Series: Implications of Desegregation on NC Teacher Pipeline. This event explored the difficult experiences of students and educators of color during the years following the landmark decision of Brown v. Board of Education. Also discussed is how these experiences of the desegregation of schools can shed light on the root causes, current barriers, and possible solutions to recruiting and retaining a diverse teaching workforce.
Guests: Dr. Dudley E. Flood, Flood Center Namesake and Retired Educator Dorothy Counts-Scoggins, Retired/Community Activist Dr. Jo Ann Chavis Lowery, Retired Educator Stanley Vickers, Retired US Marine
Most of you probably know a student or even students who have struggled with mental health. Supporting students’ mental health has always been a challenging and important issue for schools — and today more than ever, the mental health needs of students are complex and significant as we navigate this global pandemic. Reporter Rupen Fofaria of EducationNC; Dr. Jeff James, Superintendent of Iredell-Statesville Schools; and Mr. Jermaine White, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services at Harnett County Schools are with us today to talk about the innovative ways some North Carolina districts are increasing mental health supports in their schools.
GUESTS: Rupen Fofaria, Reporter, EducationNC Jermaine White, Assistant Superintendent, Student Support Services, Harnett County Schools Dr. Jeff James, Superintendent, Iredell-Statesville Schools
Today is a special day for our show—over the last 5 and a half years, we have been so fortunate to produce 200 episodes of Education Matters that tell the story of why public education in North Carolina is so important for our children, families, and communities. We have had discussions ranging from the potential impacts of school-related legislation to spotlighting the many innovations that educators implement across our schools. To mark this milestone, we have with us today the North Carolina Teachers of the Year from the last 5 years, who will share their reflections as well as their hopes and predictions for the years to come for North Carolina public education. Guests: Eugenia Floyd, 2021 NC Teacher of the Year Maureen Stover, 2020 NC Teacher of the Year Mariah Morris, 2019 NC Teacher of the Year Freebird McKinney, 2018 NC Teacher of the Year Lisa Godwin, 2017 NC Teacher of the Year Dr. Dudley Flood
We are coming to you from the Public School Forum’s Annual Event, Eggs and Issues and have with us some spectacular guests today to discuss the top issues surrounding education across our state.
GUESTS: Elena Ashburn, NC POY/WCPSS Sen. Deanna Ballard, NC General Assembly Emma Battle, Higher Ed Works Jennie Bryan, Southeast RTOY/BCS JB Buxton, Durham Tech Community College Renee Caven, Truist Rep. Ashton Clemmons NC General Assembly Debra Derr, NC Chamber Lisa Eads, NC Community Colleges Eugenia Floyd, NC TOY/CHCCS Dale Jenkins, Curi (Retired) Liliana Soto, Vance County Schools Kathy Spencer, Southeast Education Alliance Deanna Townsend-Smith, State Board of Education Joshua Webb, Edgecombe Early College Tre Woods, Teacher Cadet
On today’s show, we talk about Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma-informed practices. ACES affect social and emotional learning and academic outcomes, and COVID has only exacerbated this issue. To talk about how to better support students, we are joined by our Resilience & Learning team members, a principal, and a school psychologist. Guests: Eulanda Thorne, Program Manager, Resilience & Learning Angela Mendell, Program Manager, Resilience & Learning Quintin Mangano - Principal, Nashville Elementary/Nash County Schools Leigh-Hileman Steele - School Psychologist /Nash County Schools
Most of you probably know a student or even students who have struggled with mental health. Supporting students’ mental health has always been a challenging and important issue for schools — and today more than ever, the mental health needs of students are complex and significant as we navigate this global pandemic. Reporter Rupen Fofaria of EducationNC; Dr. Jeff James, Superintendent of Iredell-Statesville Schools; and Mr. Jermaine White, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services at Harnett County Schools are with us today to talk about the innovative ways some North Carolina districts are increasing mental health supports in their schools.
As we find ourselves at the mid-point of another school year that has proved to be incredibly challenging for all, we have with us for the next two weeks 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:
Eugenia Floyd, 2021 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, North Central Region Teacher of the Year, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Susanna Cerrato, Western North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Asheville City Nicole Rivers, Sandhills North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Cumberland County Jennifer Bryan, Southeastern North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Brunswick County Erin Ellington, Northwest North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Watauga County Kelly Poquette, Piedmont Triad North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Alamance-Burlington Jennifer Attkisson, Northeast North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Edenton-Chowan Cecelia Sizoo-Roberson, Southwest North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Jeremy White, Charter School North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, West Lake Preparatory Academy
As we find ourselves at the mid-point of another school year that has proved to be incredibly challenging for all, we have with us for the next two weeks 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 out students.
Guests: Eugenia Floyd, 2021 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, North Central Region Teacher of the Year, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Susanna Cerrato, Western North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Asheville City Nicole Rivers, Sandhills North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Cumberland County Jennifer Bryan, Southeastern North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Brunswick County Erin Ellington, Northwest North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Watauga County Kelly Poquette, Piedmont Triad North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Alamance-Burlington Jennifer Attkisson, Northeast North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Edenton-Chowan Cecelia Sizoo-Roberson, Southwest North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Jeremy White, Charter School North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, West Lake Preparatory Academy
One thing that you may not realize is that many school districts across North Carolina offer a variety of options within the public school system, ones that are high quality and scalable to other districts. Today we’ll hear about how North Carolina public schools offer many opportunities for students that are taking shape across our state and preparing our children to compete in a global workplace.
Guests: Leigh Ann Lampley, Principal, International School at Gregory, Spanish Immersion Magnet, Wilmington
James Hopkins, Principal, Lakewood Elementary
Jake Henry, Chief Academic Officer, Participate Learning
Accelerate, Invigorate, and Motivate: those are the three words that officials at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction rallied behind as they planned the inaugural AIM Conference for district leaders and teachers across our state that was held earlier this month. On today’s show, we will have with us DPI officials as well as North Carolina’s State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, who will discuss their vision for the AIM conference as well as a host of other top issues that are impacting public schools today.
Guests: Catherine Truitt, North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Michael Maher, Executive Director of the Office of Learning Recovery and Acceleration at NCDPI Julie Pittman, Educator Engagement Special Advisor, NCDPI Dr. Robert Taylor, Deputy State Superintendent, NCDPI
Last week the Color of Education Annual Summit took place, with educators and advocates coming together to discuss equity and opportunity. On today's show, we'll bring to you the Spark of Color panel discussion from the event.
Sparks of Color: The Untold Stories of Racial Equity Advocates Mod: Iheoma Iruka, FPG Child Development Institute, UNC-CH Guests: Eugenia Floyd, 2021 BWF NC Teacher of the Year, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Monika Johnson Hostler, Wake County Board of Education Rep. District 2 Letha Muhammad, Executive Director of the Education Justice Alliance Dr. Loury Floyd, Dean, UNC-Pembroke School of Education
This week we hear from superintendents across the state about what the biggest challenges and opportunities our schools and students face this year.
Guests: Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent, Chatham County Schools Dr. Jeff McDaris, Superintendent, Transylvania County Schools Dr. Eisa Cox, Superintendent, Ashe County Schools
With classrooms full and a school year like no other, we decided to talk with some of the most impactful people when it comes to student learning outcomes, our teachers. Today we are kicking off a two week series with the North Carolina Regional Teachers of the Year. Guests: Susanna Cerrato, Western North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Asheville City Schools Nicole Rivers, Sandhills North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Cumberland County Schools Jennifer Bryan, Southeastern North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Brunswick County Schools
Today we delve into education issues with two special guests, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, and U.S. Representative Alma Adams from the NC 12th district. These two life-long educators have been spending time on the ground in NC and share what they consider to be critical issues during Covid recovery and in the coming years. They remind us of the importance of our schools and the remarkable efforts by our educators, students, and families this past year.
Guests: U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona U.S. Representative Alma Adams, NC 12th District
Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity Student Voices Series, Increasing Diversity in STEM
Today on our show, we’d like to take the time to explain the federal, state and local roles in education, and how each of those actors contributes to supporting education in different, yet very necessary ways. Joining us to discuss these roles are Lindsay Wagner, the Director of Communications for the Public School Forum, and Congresswoman Deborah Ross, who represents North Carolina’s second congressional district
Guests: Rep. Deborah Ross, Congresswoman for NC’s 2nd District Lindsay Wagner, Director of Communications, Public School Forum of NC
Dudley Flood Center for Equity and Opportunity Student Voices Panel: Ensuring Access to Rigorous Coursework
Today we have the privilege to hear from two incredible North Carolina teachers of the year as well as Dr. Jim Causby, a longtime school superintendent and advocate for the recent creation of North Carolina's Beginning Teacher of the Year program as they discuss what impacts teachers, the needs of the classroom, and how they hope to make positive change in the field of education.
Guests: Emilee Higdon, 2021 Prudential NCCAT NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Dr. Jim Causby, NCCAT Foundation Board, Chair of the BTOY Steering Committee, Retired Superintendent and Interim Superintendent of many districts across our state Eugenia Floyd, 2021 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Teacher of the Year
As we continue to move through this time of transition and recovery from COVID-19, many critical issues continue to be top of mind for our schools, educators, and students. That includes developing pathways to ensure that all students have equitable access to high quality and well prepared teachers and elevating the importance of social and emotional learning, and identifying and investing in early childhood education so that our children are ready to reach critical milestones as they enter kindergarten. Many of these issues align closely with the goals set forth in the Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan that has been submitted to Judge David Lee, and today we’ll continue the talk about that plan and what is needed for the success of students across our state in the second part of this two part series. Guests: Dr. Beverly Emory, Executive Director for the Office of District and School Transformation for the NC Department of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education Geoff Coltrane, the Senior Education Advisor to Gov. Roy Cooper Dr. Tony Jackson, Superintendent, Vance County Schools Brad Wilson, Chair of the Leandro Commission, Executive in Residence at Wake Forest University, and former CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield NC
As we continue to move through this time of transition and recovery from COVID-19, many critical issues continue to be top of mind for our schools, educators, and students. That includes developing pathways to ensure that all students have equitable access to high quality and well prepared teachers and elevating the importance of social and emotional learning, and identifying and investing in early childhood education so that our children are ready to reach critical milestones as they enter kindergarten. Many of these issues align closely with the goals set forth in the Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan that has been submitted to Judge David Lee, and today and next week we’ll talk about that plan and what is needed for the success of students across our state in this two part series. Guests: Dr. Beverly Emory, Executive Director for the Office of District and School Transformation for the NC Department of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education Geoff Coltrane, the Senior Education Advisor to Gov. Roy Cooper Dr. Tony Jackson, Superintendent, Vance County Schools Brad Wilson, Chair of the Leandro Commission, Executive in Residence at Wake Forest University, and former CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield NC
Through the work of myFutureNC, the state of North Carolina has set an ambitious goal for 2 million North Carolinians to have a high-quality postsecondary credential or degree by 2030. Today, we will hear more about what opportunities exist in our communities and schools and what we need to do as a state to move closer to achieving this goal. Guests: JB Buxton, President, Durham Technical Community College Cecilia Holden, President and CEO, myFutureNC Dr. Jeff McDaris, Superintendent, Transylvania Public Schools
Early childhood education, care, and support provide our children with the foundation to do well in school and in life and are critical for our families and our state. Our guests are here today to talk about the importance of early childhood learning and support and what needs to happen across North Carolina to give our children the best chance for success. Guests: Michelle Hughes, Executive Director, NC Child Muffy Grant, Executive Director, NC Early Childhood Foundation Sen. Jay Chaudhuri (D-Wake)
The data is clear about the importance of children being able to read on grade level by third grade as a foundation of their education and future success. Today, we will delve into some shifts in how we think about early literacy and the direction the state and other partners are heading in regard to reading. Guests: Munro Richardson, Executive Director, Read Charlotte Johanna Anderson, Executive Director, The Belk Foundation Catherine Truitt, NC State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Our schools require significant human and fiscal resources, and the way our schools are funded is an important key to supporting our schools and ensuring we are able to provide a high quality and equitable education for all students. Here to talk about it are Jim Deal, Chair of the Finance Committee on the Leandro Commission, Patrick Miller, Superintendent of Greene County and Chair of the Principal Committee of the Leandro Commission, and Senator Michael Lee.
Guests: Jim Deal, Attorney in Boone and Chair of the Finance Committee on the Leandro Commission Patrick Miller, Superintendent of Greene County and Chair of the Principal Committee of the Leandro Commission Sen. Michael Lee, Chair of the Senate Education and Higher Education Committee and the Education Appropriations Committee
Teachers are the backbone of society, they inspire, motivate, and educate the next generation, which is why recruitment and retention are fundamental when it comes to our teachers. Here to talk more about this topic are Jennifer Bryan, 2021 Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year, Rep. Jeffery Elmore, and Charlene Pittman, Assistant Superintendent, Edgecombe County Schools.
Guests: Jennifer Bryan, 2021 Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year Rep. Jeffery Elmore, (R), 94th district Charlene Pittman, Assistant Superintendent, Edgecombe County Schools
Today we are coming to you from the second half of the 7th annual Eggs and Issues breakfast presented by the Public School Forum of North Carolina. Today's discussion on Equity and Education Policy will be hosted by Lauren Fox, Senior Director of Policy at the Forum. Guests: Maggie Murphy, Teacher, Allegheny County Schools Reagan Razon, Student, Wake County Schools Rep. Ricky Hurtado, NC General Assembly Dr. Anthony Graham, Provost, Winston Salem State University
Today we are coming to you from the 7th annual Eggs and Issues breakfast presented by the Public School Forum of North Carolina. Today's discussion on COVID-19 and Education Policy is part of a two episode series on the Top 10 Education issues for 2021. Here to talk with us today are Dr. Catherine Edmonds, ECPPS Superintendent and future NCDPI Deputy Superintendent, Daniel Scott, 2020 NC Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year, Onslow County Schools, Sen. Kevin Corbin, NCGA, and Dr. Scott Elliott, Superintendent, Watauga County Schools.
Coming into the new year with an eye toward the transition and recovery from COVID-19 brings changes and challenges to education. Here to speak with us on critical issues are statewide policymakers, State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis, Representative Ashton Clemmons, and Senator Kevin Corbin. Guests: Catherine Truitt, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Rep. Ashton Wheeler Clemmons, (D) District 57, Guilford Sen. Kevin Corbin, (R) District 50 Eric Davis, Chair, NC State Board of Education
From supporting social, emotional, and academic development, to providing a safe and supportive environment, Afterschool Programs have been a vital resource for students and their parents, especially during COVID-19. North Carolina is ranked among the top 10 states in afterschool programs and number 1 for parent satisfaction. To discuss more about this report and the work that still needs to be done, we have national and statewide leaders and a parent and director from a local program with us today. Guests: Jen Rinehart, Senior Vice President of Research and Policy, Afterschool Alliance Sheronda Fleming, Ph.D., Director, NC Center for Afterschool Programs Carolyn Ross-Holmes, Program Director, J316 Camp Connect Program Tracy Thorpe, Parent, J316 Camp Connect Program
While each state determines its own teacher licensure and re-licensure requirements, for over thirty years the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards has worked to advance teaching through a voluntary National Board Certification process. North Carolina is the top state in the entire nation when it comes to the number of National Board Certified Teachers employed in our schools. This week we will hear from the head of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards and a district and teacher leader to learn more about why National Board Certification is so important for NC.
Guests: Carolann Wade, NBCT, Administrator for Human Capital and National Board Certification, in Wake County Schools Peggy Brookins, NCBT, President and CEO of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Dr. Kellie Jackson, NBCT, K-12 Certified Reading Specialist, works at GCS as instructional coach and testing coordinator
Schools do a lot more than providing education, they are pillars in communities that also provide students’ and families’ with supports for social, emotional, and physical needs. On today’s show, we will talk with some amazing guests that are making sure the whole child and the community are taken care of, especially during COVID-19. Guests: Julie Paige Pittman, Education Outreach Manager, NC No Kid Hungry Reginald Ross, Operations Consultant at North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and President of the School Nutrition Association Kisha Clemons, 2020 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Austin Morris, Teacher, Pinecrest High School, Moore County
Classrooms around the world have been looking very different this fall. Between virtual learning, smaller classrooms, and split weeks, learning has evolved into a challenge for many. Here to discuss some of the changes, successes, and the future, are state and local leaders in education.
Programs in career and technical education provide students from middle school through post secondary school an opportunity to learn technical, academic, and career skills. Programs in CTE are crucial, while they help students, these programs also help communities in social and economic development. Here to teach us more are guests with local and state perspectives.
Guests: Trey Michael, Director of Career and Technical Education, NC Department of Public Instruction Steve Dutton, Administrator, Career and Technical Education, Anson County Schools Carey Manor Marketing and Public Relations Specialist and former CTE student, Anson County
The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a bright light on the critical need for school support personnel. This past week was National School Psychologists Week, and on today’s show we take the time to highlight the amazing work of our school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and more who are doing so much to help keep our school communities healthy and safe. NC has many incredible individuals in these roles, but as we also know that we can do much more in terms of investments and support to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need. Guests: Yvette Richardson, School Social Worker, Nash-Rocky Mount Schools Leigh Kokenes, 2019 National School Psychologist of the Year, WCPSS Elementary School Psychologist Hallie Moore, High School Counselor, Transylvania County Antonio Blow, Student Services Director, Greene County
The culmination of the Color of Education series this week comes with an exciting launch of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity. The Flood Center has been created to connect organizations and people who work to address equity, access, and opportunity in education. We are pleased to be joined by several guests engaged in this work, including Dr. Dudley Flood himself. Guests: Alfred Mays, Senior Program Officer, Burroughs Wellcome Fund and Chair Elect of the Public School Forum Board of Directors Dr. Dudley Flood Dr. Beverly Emory, Executive Director of Leandro Implementation, NC State Board of Education
Today on the show we will discuss racial equity focusing on discipline disparities, the school to prison pipeline, and School Resource Officers. Our goal is to share research, explore what is working and what is not working in various contexts, and consider recommendations for how we support the whole child with an equity lens.
Guests: Tyler Whittenberg, Justice System Reform program, Southern Coalition for Social Justice Jovonia Lewis, Durham Public School Board Member Reagan Razon, Student, Enloe High School, WCPSS
Joining us to discuss the Color of Education are speakers and organizers of the event Guests:
Dr. William “Sandy Darity, Professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy, Professor of African and African American Studies, Professor of Economics, Duke University Bettina Umstead, Chair, Board of Education, Durham Public Schools Shannon Bowman, University Connections Liaison/Teacher, Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School, Wake County Public School System
We kicked off our third annual Color of Education Summit virtually this week, spotlighting the intersection of race, equity, and education. Joining us to discuss this are speakers and organizers of the event.
Guests: Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards, Associate Director of Research, Duke University Cook Center on Social Equity Dr. Lauren Fox, Senior Director of Policy, Public School Forum of North Carolina Danita Mason-Hogans, Program Coordinator, Center for Documentary Studies, Duke University Christina Spears, Special Assistant in Wake County Public School System's Office of Equity Affairs
On today’s show we have a range of topics to discuss with two special guests, Dr. Jen Mangrum, Democratic Candidate for State Superintendent, and Catherine Truitt, Republican Candidate for State Superintendent. I’d like to thank them both for their willingness to run for office and spend time with us today sharing their ideas, vision, and plans for the future of education in NC. Their contributions towards education and this state are much needed for our democracy.
Guests:
Dr. Jen Mangrum, Democratic Candidate for State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, Republican Candidate for State Superintendent
For more than 200,000 homes with students across NC, Broadband access is limited or non-existent. Even when Broadband is available, other barriers to adoption and usage prevent many of our households from being connected. During this pandemic, many students rely on walking to publicly available wifi or buses with Internet access. Districts have been creative with hotspots, park and learns, and other solutions; but they are not long-term or ideal. Overall, this equity issue has been exacerbated during COVID-19 and is leaving some students unable to communicate with their teachers and classmates and struggling to complete school assignments and access digital learning resources as other students with access in their homes. We are also seeing additional divides related to devices and digital literacy. Today, we will discuss the short-term and long-term efforts being made with leaders from different sectors across our state and how we can accelerate the availability of robust, affordable Broadband for all and how to effectively support students in engaging in learning opportunities once Internet connection is possible.
Guests:
Caroline Sullivan, Executive Director, North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) Patrick Woodie, President, NC Rural Center Karl Rectanus, CEO and Co-Founder of Learn Platform Rhonda Schuhler, Superintendent, Franklin County Schools
In last week’s episode, we were able to discuss the need for ongoing STEM investments and exposure to high-quality STEM content, as early as Kindergarten. These discussions bring awareness to the need for collective strategies and intentional collaboration and partnerships within the STEM pipeline. The goal is to ensure that every child has access to high-quality STEM during school and out-of-school time. As we continue these conversations, we will engage educators and program providers, and amplify the voices of youth and young adults. On today’s show, we will discuss with a K-12 STEM educator and a program provider how they are preparing youth to enter a dynamic and ever-changing workforce. At the end of the show, we will hear from youth and young adult participants who have benefitted from high-quality STEM engagement opportunities. Each voice expressed today holds a unique perspective of STEM in North Carolina.
Guests: Jose’ Garcia Alvin Powell Itaevia Curry-Chisolm Francis Godoy
The world around us is constantly changing and so is the workforce. It is imperative that youth are afforded opportunities to learn by doing, build skills, connect with mentors and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Today, STEM jobs are driving global economic growth, and youth nationwide are getting opportunities to develop an interest in science and gain STEM-related skills. At the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Program’s annual Synergy Conference, we were able to begin this conversation with the STEM Coalition Kickoff Panel. In this two part series, we will continue to discuss the importance of investing in STEM for youth as early as Kindergarten, developing core skills necessary for STEM career pathways, and the impact of STEM on the lives of youth and young adults.
Guests: Alfred Mays, Senior Program Officer of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Ron Ottinger, Executive Director of STEM Next Khalia Braswell, Founder and CEO of INTech Camp for Girls
COVID-19 has created changes to the school budget landscape across our state. From creating access to broadband to in-person learning costs, there are new and different short and long-term impacts on the budget. Guests: Cathy Moore, Superintendent, Wake County Public Schools Tony Jackson, Superintendent, Vance County Public Schools
We are now two weeks into the new school year in NC; and educators, students, and families alike are adjusting to a new normal in either a remote or hybrid setting. We will have the opportunity to hear from a Superintendent, principal, and two students on how they are embracing this experience and ensuring that we have an effective culture to support our students, staff, families, and community. Building a culture does not just happen, it takes purposeful and consistent nurturing and engagement to support students in their academic, social, and emotional learning.
Guests: Dr. Bob Grimesey, Superintendent, Moore County Schools Dr. Carrie Tulbert, Principal, Iredell-Statesville Schools Jorge Gomex Mancilla, Super Senior, Vance County Early College Ayanna Anderson, Junior, Vance County Early College
This week, K-12 students across North Carolina are going back to school. Our public school students are beginning school under what have become known as Plans B and C — and in most districts, that is either a hybrid or a fully remote learning schedule. As of this taping, students in 60 school districts will begin in a fully remote learning setting. Many school districts have shared that the fall, even if it is conducted all online, will not be like March through June of this past school year, when we were just starting out with remote learning. District and school leaders and educators have had a chance to reflect on the spring, engage in professional learning, and plan for what their students need. While this year is certainly different than any other start of a school year that we can remember, it is very important for us to ensure that student voice is considered and heard through the implementation of our learning environments. During this show, we will do just that - hear directly from students across our state. These students will help us understand what it is like to be a K-12 student during COVID-19 — and how we can best support them this year.
Guests: KaLa Keaton, Senior, Middle Creek High School (Wake County) Grace Greenberg, Sophomore, South Central High School (Pitt County) Kaitlyn Decker, 7th Grade, Murphy Middle School (Cherokee County) Clarke Henry, 8th Grade, Waddell Language Academy (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools)
As families and school districts work to provide academic, social, and emotional learning opportunities and support for their students, afterschool, before school, and summer programs are key pieces for many children. As an integral part of the learning process, programs teach children foundational skills, like communication, teamwork, and problem solving, and prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. Today, we will focus on the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs at the Public School Forum of North Carolina and the 21st Century Community Learning Center Program, a federal program led by the Department of Public Instruction across the state. Whether remote or in-person, these programs are essential for our students and are an integral part of an important partnership with families, schools and communities. Guests Dr. Sheronda Fleming, Public School Forum of NC Sheneika Simmons, Public School Forum of NC Dr. LaTricia Townsend, Department of Public Instruction
Supporting and Lifting Up Teachers in the World of COVID-19
While this time of year always seems to involve a great deal of back-to-school talk, this year it is even more so with every conversation involving school plans, district or parent decisions, and imaging what school will be like this year. For teachers, these discussions and issues are at the forefront of their minds, as they prepare for a year like no other. Guests Mariah Morris, 2019 Teacher of the Year Maureen Stover, 2020 Teacher of the Year Matt Smith, Principal of the Year Tamika Walker, NCAE President
While schools and districts are struggling to know what to do and how to best meet the needs of our students, the shift to hybrid or remote learning plans have had a dramatic impact on our families and students. During this episode we will meet with four guests who will help us better understand the challenges and also offer some recommendations for how we must continue to improve in our engagement and support of families.
Guests Kelley Johnson, Principal/Lead Learner, Innovation Academy at South Campus, Johnston County Public Schools Lisa Godwin, Kindergarten Teacher, Dixon Elementary, Onslow County Schools Dr. Devonya Govan - Hunt, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Parent and President, Charlotte Affiliate, Black Child Development Institute Leslie Welch, Wake County Schools Parent
This week, our Governor provided more guidance for schools and districts as they plan for the beginning of a school year like none other. As families make complex and sometimes heart-wrenching decisions to meet the needs of their children, today we will talk to education leaders about what they are grappling with when it comes to finding and securing the resources necessary to safely open our schools in just one month.
Guests: Dr. Patrick Miller, Superintendent, Greene County Schools Alan Duncan, Vice Chairman, North Carolina State Board of Education Mike Lee, Vice Chair, Durham Public Schools Board of Education
As North Carolina continues to develop plans for safely beginning the 2020-21 school year, we take a look at the possibilities surrounding what next year could bring and what that means for both large and small school districts across our state. Joining us today are Cyndy Bliss, Principal of Myrtle Grove Middle School in New Hanover County, Doctor Barry Williams, Superintendent of Gates County Public Schools, and Cathy Moore, Superintendent of Wake CountyPublic Schools.
Guests: Cathy Moore, Superintendent, Wake County Public Schools Cyndy Bliss, Principal, Myrtle Grove Middle School, New Hanover County Dr. Barry Williams, Superintendent, Gates County Public Schools
During COVID-19 and the new remote learning environment that North Carolina’s students are grappling with, our state’s business community has stepped up to bridge the digital divide, forming partnerships with local school districts to provide technology and innovative solutions to access school resources. We’ll talk with representatives from Google and Lenovo today on the show about these partnerships, and in another exciting development, we’ll introduce the Public School Forum’s new President and Executive Director — and future host of Education Matters-- Dr. Mary Ann Wolf.
Guests: Mr. John Bischof, Executive Director, North America Commercial Category, Lenovo Ms. Lilyn Hester, Head of External Affairs, Southeast, Google Dr. Mary Ann Wolf, Executive Director, Public School Forum of NC
Judge Lee’s Consent Order of January 21, 2020, it directed the State Defendants (SBE/Gov/DOJ representing the State to submit a status report setting out the “Specific actions that the State Defendants must implement in 2020 to begin to address the issues identified by WestEd.” Since then, in the midst of COVID-19, the State and the Plaintiffs have worked to develop the Joint Report issued on June 15 with the required specific actions and investments. Today on the show we discuss the specific Leandro action plan and our students constitutional right to a sound and basic education. We will hear from the State Board of Education on these plans as well as a superintendent and a former student.
Guests Mr. James Ford, Member, State Board of Education and Executive Director, Center for Racial Equity in Education (CREED) Ms. Daisy Almonte, Graduate of Sampson County Schools Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr., Superintendent, Cumberland County Schools
As COVID-19 continues to present our state and nation with so many challenges with regard to children’s schooling, joining us on the show today is the chair of the North Carolina State Board of Education, Eric Davis, and the Chief Deputy Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Susan Gale Perry, to discuss the most recent guidance released about how to safely re-open North Carolina’s public schools for 2020-2021. Also joining us today is Tabari Wallace, Principal of West Craven High School and Matt Wight, Principal of Apex Friendship High School, who represent our high school principals across North Carolina who have done amazing things to honor the 2020 graduating seniors and help them cap off a year that was anything but normal.
Mr. Eric Davis, Chair, State Board of Education Ms. Susan Gale Perry, Chief Deputy Secretary, NC Department of Health and Human Services Mr. Tabari Wallace, Principal, West Craven High School Mr. Matt Wight, Principal, Apex Friendship High School
At a time when COVID-19 still presents a significant public health threat, education leaders are working hard to develop plans to keep students physically safe through a variety of remote and in-person learning options for the upcoming school year. But we must remember that there is work to be done to ensure the social and emotional well-being of our students and educators, as well. Today on Education Matters, we talk with leaders with the Public School Forum’s Resilience and Learning Project as well as school counselors and a social worker to learn more about what we need to do to ensure the social and emotional well-being of our school communities across the state. Guests:
Segment 1: Elizabeth DeKonty, Director, Forum’s NC Resilience & Learning Project Stacey Craig Riberdy, LCSW, Consultant, Forum’s NC Resilience & Learning Project
Segment 2: Garfield Martin, School Counselor, Cooper Academy, Johnston County Carmen White, School Counselor, McGee’s Crossroads Elementary, Johnston County Yvette Richardson, School Social Worker, Nash Rocky Mount Schools
As the school year ends, planning begins. With the new school year approaching, we look to district and state leaders to decide what guidelines will be in place to keep our students and staff safe. This week we discuss backgrounds, options, and factors surrounding school opening plans with leaders in Edgecombe County as well as state leaders from the Department of Public Instruction. Guests
Dr. Beverly Emory, Deputy State Superintendent for School Support Jessica Swencki, DPI Regional Support Team, Sandhills Abbey Futrell, Assistant Superintendent, Edgecombe County
Through community efforts, partnerships, and new funding, many students without broadband access have been provided loaned devices, wifi-hot spots, and community hot spot access in order to complete school work and continue learning. Today we catch up with teachers in Edgecombe County to find out what at home learning and broadband access looks like and take a closer look at a collaboration between Google and Caldwell County and their 31 hotspot school buses. Guests: Kadijah Jordan, Teacher in Edgecombe County Sandy Fulcher, Teacher in Edgecombe County Don Phipps, Superintendent, Caldwell County Melissa Costin, Principal, Caldwell County Norah Cool, Student, Caldwell County Jaime Cool, Parent Gabrielle Pope, Student, Caldwell County Angela Pope, Parent
Recently, in response to COVID-19, much needed additional state and federal funding has been allocated to North Carolina’s public schools. With the use of these funds, combined with state and local partnerships, more efforts are being made to connect students and teachers to broadband internet through allocating $1 million for wifi buses, $11 million for community and home mobile internet access, and $30 million for devices to help address the 197,000 student households still lacking internet access. Over the next two episodes, we will hear from students, parents, teachers, and administrators from across the state in a discussion about how students are learning remotely with no or limited home access to the internet.
Guests:
Hannah Wirt- Teacher, Catawba County Danielle Eller-Teacher, Catawba County Suzanne Cadwallader-Teacher, Catawba County James Frye-Principal, Catawba County Allison Etheridge-Parent/Administrator, Hyde County Marisol and Teresita Campos-Students, Hyde County Tequila Midgett-Parent, Hyde County
On May second, the North Carolina general assembly approved a pandemic relief package nearing one point six billion dollars in two bills. After compromising, votes in the house and the senate were unanimous in passing the COVID-19 relief package. Here to discuss the impacts of what this funding can bring as well as the state board of education decisions as the school year ends are Freebird Mckinney, Representative Craig Horn, and Senator Don Davis.
Guests: Freebird McKenny- State Board of Education’s Director of Legislative Affairs and Community Outreach Rep. Craig Horn- (R) Union Sen. Don Davis- (D) Greene, Pitt
Governor Cooper announced last Friday that our school buildings will remain closed for the remainder of this academic year. and this week, our general assembly members returned to Raleigh to consider Coronavirus related legislation, including a number of policies that will impact our public schools.
As we navigate this challenging time, our public schools will continue working to serve our students and families and learning will continue to happen remotely. Today we are fortunate to have parents from around the state on the show to share their experiences and perspectives on schooling during Coronavirus.
Guests:
Yvonne Seaman Parent, Granville Jenelle Brizendine, Parent Granville Xavier Wortham, Executive Director, Oxford Housing Authority Jessica Wilkins, Parent/PTO president of Granville Academy Alison McCloskey, Moore County Parent Ben Willis, Director of the Education Foundation of Caldwell County
Over and over we have been hearing from North Carolina teachers saying that they have not been able to reach some of their students during this stay at home order, one major reason being the lack of access to broadband. In areas across the state, broadband access is limited, particularly in rural regions, where some students are having to walk to schools or other publically available wifi hotspots just to do schoolwork on their devices. Even when broadband is available, other barriers to adoption prevent many of our households from being connected. This equity issue has been exacerbated in the wake of covid-19 and is leaving some students unable to communicate with their teachers and fellow classmates, unable to complete school assignments, and less able to access digital learning resources as other students staying home.
Guests:
Jeff Sural, Broadband Infrastructure Office, DIT Amy Huffman, Broadband Infrastructure Office, DIT Dr. Mark Samberg, director of technology programs at the friday institute for educational innovation
Today on the show we are going to provide an update on educating during Covid-19 and discuss meeting the needs of exceptional children and English language learners during this challenging time. here to discuss are three education professionals coming from one side of the state to the other.
Guests: Dr. Scott Elliott, Superintendent of the Watauga County Schools Dr. LaChawn Smith, Deputy Superintendent, New Hanover County Schools Dr. Maria Madison, Principal, College Park Elementary School
During covid-19, educator self care is more important now than it has ever been. This week on education matters we’re here to discuss staff wellness from teacher, district, and state wide perspectives and how we are supporting those on the front lines of education.
Guests:
Chanda Battle- Program Coordinator, NC Resilience and Learning Project
Kanika Griffin- Chief Academic Officer of Student Services, Perquimans County Schools
Brooke Wester- Teacher at Englewood Elementary school, Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools
While students are staying home, Social Emotional Learning is especially important now more than ever. Today we look at the mental health needs that many kids may be facing at home right now and ways to support social emotional learning from a distance.
Guests:
Dr. Katie Rosanbalm Senior Research Scientist, Duke Center for Child and Family Policy
Cynthia Floyd State Consultant for School Counseling, NC Department of Public Instruction
Phil Cook Principal of West Greene Elementary School, Greene County
Right now, the world faces something practically unimaginable-a global pandemic- and its impacts are being felt right here in North Carolina. The Coronavirus is affecting not only our health and business sectors, but it’s also impacting our youth. From online learning, to mental health and food access, schools and families are feeling the effects of the virus and finding ways to adjust to this new reality. On Education Matters we want to provide information on this developing situation and what it means for our education community.
Guests include:
Dr. Mary Ann Wolf, Senior Director, Professional Learning and Leading Collaborative, The Friday Institute at NC State University
Julie Paige Pittman, NC Education Outreach Manager, No Kid Hungry; 2018 Western Region Teacher of the Year
Dr. Amanda Allen, Executive Director, Social and Emotional Learning, Johnston County Public Schools
In an era when our ability to collect data is better than ever, policymakers believe it’s critical that to improve our students’ academic success, we must leverage that data in new and innovative ways. So how do we get there? State education leaders believe we must develop a robust statewide longitudinal data system that connects student information from across the educational continuum — and we must develop local data profiles that can help leaders better prepare the next generation for college and careers. Today we will hear from experts and leaders who are doing great work to contribute to these efforts — which will ultimately ensure that all North Carolinians achieve the academic success they deserve.
Anonymous reporting, safety apps, school resource officers. Do you know how your children are staying safe while in school? Today we continue our series looking at how to make our schools safer. Joining us to discuss this important topic is Robert Trumbo, the Director of the North Carolina Center for Safer Schools, and Dr. Will Chavis, Principal at Enloe High School in Raleigh.
Guests: Mr. Alan Duncan, Vice Chairman, NC State Board of Education Ms. Ann McColl, Co-Founder and President of The Innovation Project Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent of the Vance County Schools Mr. Thomas B. Oxholm, Vice President of Finance and Administration, Wake Stone Corporation
The Public School Forum's annual Eggs and Issues event included a live taping of the Forum’s weekly television show, Education Matters. We were joined by four panelists who discussed this year’s Top Education Issue, which focused on the school funding case known as Leandro and the need for our state to take immediate and intentional actions to ensure all NC children receive a sound basic education. Our panelists: Ann McColl, an education attorney, constitutional scholar, and Co-Founder and President of The Innovation Project (TIP); Dr. Anthony Jackson, North Carolina Superintendent of the Year, Vance County Schools; Thomas B. Oxholm, Vice President of Finance & Administration, Wake Stone Corporation; and Alan Duncan, Vice Chairman, NC State Board of Education. Public School Forum Board Chairman and Host of Education Matters, Dr. Thomas J. Williams, moderated the panel.
Today we will dive into digital citizenship and what schools are doing to promote safe and responsible use of the internet with the Assistant Superintendent of Edgecombe County, Abbey Futrell. But first, we close our series of interviewing those who have decided to run for state superintendent with Catherine Truitt, Chancellor of Western Governors University and a Republican Candidate for State Superintendent.
This year, North Carolinians will elect a new State Superintendent of Public Instruction, as the current State Superintendent, Mark Johnson, has announced he will run for Lieutenant Governor. Today we continue our series of interviewing those who have decided to run for state superintendent, and we will talk with Representative Craig Horn, a Republican from Union County who has chaired the Education Committee in the North Carolina General Assembly and recently announced his candidacy for the office of State Superintendent.. We’ll also talk with Constance Lav Johnson, a former educator and consultant who is running as a Democrat.
Guests:
• Representative D. Craig Horn, Candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction • Constance Lav Johnson, Candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Research tells us our schools can be safer places when we cultivate healthy environments in which our students feel they are able to address bullying and the potential for violence before they result in serious consequences. Today we’ll hear from a nationally known expert on bullying prevention and school safety, Dr. Dorothy Espelage, a professor at UNC-Chapel Hill. We’ll also talk with a student and assistant principal at Knightdale High School in Wake County, where they’ve implemented a “Link Crew” that enables juniors and seniors to support incoming freshmen and create a healthy school climate that deters incidences of bullying.
Guests:
• Dr. Dorothy Espelage, William C. Friday Distinguished Professor of Education, UNC-Chapel Hill • Ms. Tonya Hannah, Assistant Principal, Knightdale High School • Nadine Jallal, Student and Link Crew Leader, Knightdale High School
From the controversy around reading assessment tools to the release of a court-ordered report on school funding, 2019 has been quite the busy year for education in North Carolina. Today we’ll hear from defendant and plaintiff representatives of the long-running school funding court case known as Leandro, who will give us their insights into the just-released WestEd report. We’ll also hear from two reporters who will talk with us about the biggest K-12 education stories of 2019.
Guests: • JB Buxton, Member At-Large, NC State Board of Education • Melanie Dubis, Partner, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP • Alex Granados, Senior Reporter, EducationNC • Jeff Tiberii, Capitol Bureau Chief, WUNC
Research says students experience significant academic and emotional benefits from having teachers of color, yet in North Carolina the educator workforce comprises a disproportionately low percentage of teachers of color. At a summit hosted this week by the Office of Governor Roy Cooper and partnering organizations, educators and policymakers tackled this issue by brainstorming a new landscape for recruiting and supporting a more diverse teaching workforce. Today we will hear from leaders in the field who participated in that summit and who are directly working to improve educator diversity, support future educators of color and ensure that all new educators are prepared to support a diverse range of students in a culturally competent classroom.
Guests: - LaTanya Pattillo, Teacher Advisor, Office of Governor Roy Cooper - Dr. Anthony Graham, Provost, Winston-Salem State University - Kristy Moore, Vice President, North Carolina Association of Educators
Lawmakers recently adjourned their legislative session without reaching a compromise with Governor Cooper on teacher salaries, leaving educators to head into the holidays without pay raises for the 2019-20 school year. On today’s show, we’ll hear from two North Carolina teachers about how the lack of salary increases — along with other challenges — is impacting their lives and classrooms. We’ll also hear from two lawmakers — a Democrat and Republican — about their efforts to negotiate teacher pay raises and how they plan to move forward.
Guests:
- Rep. Darren Jackson (D-Wake), North Carolina General Assembly
- Sen. Rick Horner (R-Johnston, Nash), North Carolina General Assembly
- Tamika Walker Kelly, Elementary Music Specialist, Cumberland County Schools
- Dane West, History Teacher, Wake County Schools
Nearly a quarter century after a state Supreme Court ruling known as Leandro reaffirmed North Carolina’s constitutional duty to ensure all children -- including those who are at-risk or from rural and underserved communities -- have the opportunity to receive a sound basic education, our state continues to struggle to meet this constitutional obligation. On this week’s episode, we’ll explore the school funding challenges at both the state and local levels that make it difficult to uniformly provide a high quality education for every child, and we’ll also explore how we might overcome these challenges, as the Governor’s Commission On Sound Basic Education and its court appointed expert third party research partner, WestEd, are expected to soon present our state policy leaders with a report detailing what needs to be done to address the educational needs of our children. We are fortunate to be joined today by two attorneys who work on school funding and equity issues at the state level, as well as the Granville County Board of Education Chairman and a Granville County Commissioner.
Guests: • Matt Ellinwood, Director, Education & Law Project, NC Justice Center • Mark Dorosin, Managing Attorney, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights • Dr. Tom Houlihan, Chairman, Granville County Board of Education • Dr. Tony Cozart, County Commissioner, Granville County
Last month, the Public School Forum of North Carolina, along with the Samuel Dubois Cook Center on Social Equity and the Policy Bridge at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University hosted their second annual Color of Education summit, which focused on racial equity and education in North Carolina. For this week's episode of Education Matters, we’ll talk with representatives from two of the Color of Education partner organizations about the summit and the work that is to come. We’ll also hear from two groups that presented at this year’s Color of Education summit about their racial equity work in schools and communities.
Guests:
- Patience Wall, Color of Education and Duke Sanford School of Public Policy
- Ashley Kazouh, Policy Analyst, Public School Forum of NC
- William P. Jackson, Ph.D., Chief Dreamer, Village of Wisdom
- Aliyah Abdur-Rahman, Founder and Collaborator, DEI Works
Did you know that North Carolina is home to 568,000 rural students, the second largest rural student population in the United States after Texas? This fall, the Public School forum will convene its seventeenth study group to better understand the unique needs, challenges, and strengths of rural school districts across the state. It’s a critically important undertaking because in the years following a court ruling known as “Leandro,” the state has fallen short of its obligation to ensure that all children, including those who are from rural and underserved communities, have access to a sound basic education.
Today we’ll hear from two co-chairs of the Forum’s new study group focused on rural education: Patrick Woodie, head of the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, and Jeni Corn with MyFutureNC, which aims to close the educational attainment gap by 2030. Also joining us is Alan Richard, board member of the Rural School and Community Trust, a national organization addressing the crucial relationship between good schools and thriving communities. We look forward to discussing how North Carolina can better serve our rural students so that each child can access a sound basic education.
Guests:
-Alan Richard, Board Member, Rural School and Community Trust -Patrick Woodie, President, North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center -Jeni Corn, Ph.D., MyFutureNC
In 2011, the North Carolina State Board of Education formed a Task Force on Global Education to assess the state's effort to produce "globally competitive" graduates ready to live, work, and contribute in an interconnected world. Thanks to their work, the state signed a series of global commitments to ensure every public school student graduates fully prepared for the world, and has taken action to provide statewide infrastructure that supports and guides educators in a common vision for global education for North Carolina’s public schools. Today we’ll hear about how North Carolina continues to work toward these big goals and how one method, dual language programs, is taking shape across our state and preparing our children to work and compete in a global workplace.
Guests: - Bill Harrison, Chairman Emeritus, NC State Board of Education - David Young, CEO, Participate Learning - Jack Davern, Principal, Elon Elementary School (Burlington) - Ann Mailly, Parent, Jeffreys Grove Elementary School (Raleigh)
Every day, youth attend afterschool, before school and summer learning programs across North Carolina, engaging in activities like STEM, physical fitness, literacy, and civic education, to name a few. This week, we will take a look at the impact that afterschool programs have on the lives of youth, and we'll be joined by the Forum's director of the NC Center for Afterschool Programs, Dr. Sheronda Fleming, as well as two directors of local afterschool programs operating in Hyde and Gaston counties.
Guests:
• Dr. Sheronda Fleming, Director, NC Center for Afterschool Programs • Nancy Leach, Director of Student Services, Hyde County Schools • Roxann Jimison, Academy Director, Dream Center Academy, Gaston County
Guest Host:
• Tara Lynn, WRAL - TV
In a stunning move last week that sent shockwaves across the political landscape here in North Carolina and nationally, the Republican majority in the NC House overrode Governor Cooper’s veto of the state budget with nearly half of the 120 House members absent, mostly Democrats. With a called vote early on the morning of September 11th, the House voted 55-9 to override the Governor’s veto of the state budget. Democrats accused Republicans of holding a surprise veto override vote despite telling Democrats no votes would be held. Republicans say they never told Democrats there wouldn't be votes. But after all the drama in the House, there is still no final state budget without Senate action now 2 ½ months into the fiscal year. This week on the show we talk about last week’s override and what’s next with Democratic Rep. Deb Butler, who became the face of last week’s fireworks on the House floor, and Democratic Senator Mike Woodard on prospects of a veto override in the Senate. We also talk with two leading political reporters about the fallout from last week.
Guests: • Rep. Deb Butler (D-Brunswick, New Hanover) • Sen. Mike Woodard (D-Durham, Granville, Person) • Colin Campbell, Editor, The NC Insider • Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan, Reporter, News & Observer
Last week the NC Department of Public Instruction released its annual A-F School Performance Grades for the state’s public schools and they continue to reflect a clear relationship between poverty and student test scores. This week on the show we discuss the latest school grades and the grading system itself. Why do the school grades correlate to strongly to poverty? Do they provide an accurate assessment of the job our schools are doing educating students? If not, what needs to change?
Guests: • Dr. Lauren Fox, Senior Policy Director, Public School Forum of NC • Dr. Helen “Sunny” Ladd, Susan B. King Professor Emeritus of Public Policy, Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy • Michelle Burton, Librarian/Teacher, Durham Public Schools
While the official Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1st through November 30th, September historically has been the most active month for hurricanes affecting North Carolina, with 35 percent of all hurricanes striking the state in that month including Hurricane Florence last year. As a new school year begins, we talk to two education leaders about how these major storms affect our schools and how we can better prepare for the next one. We also talk to a meteorologist on what we might expect for this year’s peak season.
Guests: • Dr. Mike Ward, Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction • Dr. Meghan Doyle, Superintendent, Craven County Schools • Mike Maze, WRAL-TV Meteorologist
We know that Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs can lead to long-term health issues as adults, but we’re just beginning to understand the impact trauma has on a child’s ability to learn during the critical early years in school. The good news is researchers have identified strategies that help these students learn and they are beginning to be implemented in public schools across North Carolina. Today we’re going to talk with two leaders of the NC Resilience & Learning Project and hear from principals from Eastern North Carolina who are rolling out these game-changing efforts in their schools.
Guests: • Elizabeth DeKonty, Director, NC Resilience & Learning Project
• Dr. Katie Rosanbalm, Senior Research Scientist, Duke Center for Child and Family Policy
• Jessica Parker, Assistant Principal, Phillips Middle School, Edgecombe County Public Schools
• Roderick Tillery, Principal, Baskerville Elementary School, Nash Rocky Mount Public Schools
While school choice and education privatization efforts grab headlines and generate a great deal of activity at the NC General Assembly, a wide array of innovative and transformative efforts are quietly underway in public school systems all across North Carolina. This week we’re going to introduce you to the state’s first renewal school district that was granted broad flexibility and local control to redesign how their schools operate. We’ll also meet the co-founder of The Innovation Project that is working with superintendents across the state to implement new practices in the districts they lead.
Guests: Dr. Lynn Moody, Superintendent, Rowan-Salisbury School System Ann McColl, Chief Executive Officer, The Innovation Project
Governor Roy Cooper vetoed the budget passed by the NC General Assembly on June 28th and offered up a counter proposal a week later. Now more than a month has passed and the General Assembly has yet to bring a veto override vote to the floor and publicly there seems to be little movement on a budget both sides will accept. This week we sat down with Governor Cooper and discussed the state of the budget, his priorities particularly in education and what’s next now one month into a new fiscal year without a state budget.
Guest: Governor Roy Cooper, State of North Carolina
The North Carolina State Health Plan is managed by the State Treasurer of North Carolina Dale Folwell. His office has been engaged in a bitter battle with the state’s hospitals and healthcare networks over pricing and the contract dispute has more than 700,000 teachers, state employees, retirees and their dependents caught in the middle. This week we talk to Treasurer Dale Folwell about his plans and we meet two educators very concerned about the impact this fight could have on them and their families.
Guests: • Dale Folwell, Treasurer, State of North Carolina • Susan Ringo, Librarian, Wilkes County Schools • Mike Landers, Teacher, Cabarrus County Schools
Last year, students from Wake County’s Middle Creek High School, along with students from two other local schools, worked with the Alabama-based Equal Justice Initiative to document the only confirmed lynching case in Wake County. Following this transformative work, students began working with the Wake County Truth and Reconciliation Commission's ongoing efforts to bring a memorial marker and other activities to the area to shed further light on that event. We’ll hear from two of the students and the teacher who inspired them to embark on this journey.
Guests: • Matt Scialdone, English Teacher, Middle Creek High School, Wake County • Destinee Eaton, Student, Middle Creek High School Class of 2018 • Yancy Greer, Student, Middle Creek High School Class of 2019
Just one day after the General Assembly passed a new state budget, Governor Roy Cooper announced he was vetoing it, citing lack of investment in public education and failure to expand Medicaid to provide health coverage for low income North Carolinians. So what happens next? We’re joined today by two top political reporters to discuss. We’re also going to continue our series of interviews with candidates for State Superintendent when we’re joined by a former director at the Department of Public Instruction, Amy Jablonski.
Guests: • Will Doran, NC Politics Reporter, News & Observer • Lauren Horsch, Reporter, N.C. Insider • Dr. Amy Jablonski, Candidate, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Some of North Carolina’s top rated high schools are what are commonly referred to as early college high schools. These schools allow students to earn college credits while working towards graduation and are typically paired with a local community college or university. The North Carolina Senate now wants to end funding for them. This week we talk to early college leaders and advocates about the plan to defund them including the 2019 Principal of the Year, Matt Bristow-Smith, who leads one of these schools in Eastern North Carolina.
Guests: • Matt Bristow-Smith, Principal, Edgecombe Early College High School, 2019 NC Principal of the Year • Dr. Beth Glennie, Senior Education Research Analyst, RTI International • Bharadwaj Chintalapati, Graduate, Wake Early College of Health and Sciences • Aaron Penny, Graduate, Johnston County Early College Academy
The State of North Carolina is fortunate to be home to thousands of exceptional public school teachers. In fact North Carolina leads the nation in the percentage of Nationally Board Certified teachers, the gold standard for professional excellence in teaching. This week on the show you’re going to meet three rock star teachers including the new 2019 NC Teacher of the Year Mariah Morris from Moore County and the 2018 NC Teacher of the Year and Western Region Teacher of the Year Freebird McKinney and Julie Paige Pittman. We’ll introduce you to Mariah Morris and talk teacher leadership with Freebird and Julie.
Guests: • Mariah Morris, 2019 NC Teacher of the Year • Freebird McKinney, 2018 NC Teacher of the Year • Julie Paige Pittman, 2018 Western Region Teacher of the Year
E-cigarettes, Vaping. Juuling. Whatever you know it by, their use is skyrocketing among students. Last week North Carolina became the first state in the country to file a lawsuit against popular e-cigarette maker Juul Labs alleging the company is downplaying the potency and danger of nicotine and illegally targeting young people through its marketing and advertising. This week we’re joined by North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein to discuss the lawsuit his office filed against Juul and what he hopes to accomplish. Then we’ll talk to one the state’s top public health officials about the growing use and risks associated with vaping and to a Wake County Schools District leader about how they are tackling this epidemic in our schools.
Guests: • Josh Stein, NC Attorney General • Dr. Susan Kansagra, Section Chief - Chronic Disease and Injury, NC Division of Public Health • Brian Glendenning, Senior Administrator - Healthful Living, Wake County Public Schools
The school year may be nearing an end, but education policymaking is heating up in Raleigh. For the second year in a row, thousands of teachers marched and rallied outside the General Assembly. At the very same time House lawmakers were passing their proposed state budget for the next 2 years including many key education provisions. This week we recap the teacher rally with our interviews from the march and then we discuss the House budget with two leading education policy experts on what’s in, what’s out and what’s next.
Guests: • Dr. Lauren Fox, Senior Policy Director, Public School Forum of NC • Matt Ellinwood, Director, Education & Law Project, NC Justice Center
The rate of teen suicide in North Carolina has doubled in the last 10 years. Self-harm among 10- to 14-year-old girls in the U.S. has nearly tripled since 2009. Nearly one in seven U.S. children and adolescents has a mental health condition and half go untreated. This week we explore this often difficult topic with a panel experts to try to understand the real facts and where to go from here. We’ll also meet a Wake County mother who lived through the unthinkable when her middle school age son took his own life. This special 100th episode panel discussion was recorded with a live studio audience.
Guests • Dr. Carrie Brown, Chief Medical Officer for Behavioral Health & IDD, NC Dept. of Health & Human Services • Dr. Mitch Prinstein, Director of Graduate Studies, UNC-Chapel Hill and author of "Popular: The Power of Likability in a Status-Obsessed World" • Shannon McDonald, Wake County parent • Symone Kiddoo, School Social Worker, Durham Public Schools
On May 16th last year, nearly 20,000 North Carolina teachers descended on Raleigh for a march and rally outside the NC General Assembly asking for more support for public schools and respect for the teaching profession. Teachers are planning another rally on May 1 this year asking the General Assembly to fully fund public education. This week we’re joined by Mark Jewell, President of the NC Association of Educators that organized these marches to discuss what teachers hope to accomplish this year. Then we’ll be joined by two leading journalists to talk about the teacher march, education policy, the state budget and more.
Guests: • Mark Jewell, President, NC Association of Educators • Kelly Hinchcliffe, Education Reporter, WRAL News • Jeff Tiberii, Capitol Bureau Chief, WUNC Radio
Our state’s public schools are facing critical teacher shortages and longer term teaching vacancies. At the same time, enrollment in the state’s teacher preparation programs continue to lag. In response, state leaders have been looking at ways to expand the teacher pipeline including recruiting more out-of-state teachers and adding new pathways to teaching careers. This week we talk with several education leaders who are at the center of these efforts to discuss the challenges and the most promising solutions. Guests: •Dr. Patrick Miller, Superintendent, Greene County Schools •Dr. Aaron Fleming, Superintendent, Harnett County Schools •Dr. Anthony Graham, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Winston-Salem State University •Dr. Diana Lys, Assistant Dean for Educator Preparation and Accreditation, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Education
There appears to be a growing bipartisan consensus that we’re over-testing our state’s public school students. There’s also increasing scrutiny over how those standardized tests are being used to assign A-F letter grades to schools and to set pay for teachers and principals. This week we talk with two legislators who are both NC classroom teachers and are backing efforts in the House for changes. We also continue our State Superintendent candidate interviews with James Barrett, a member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education.
Guests: • Rep. Jeffrey Elmore (R), District 94 – Alexander, Wilkes • Rep. Ashton Wheeler Clemmons (D), District 57 – Guilford • James Barrett, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board
Two years ago, Roy Cooper was elected Governor of North Carolina as a champion for teachers and public schools. He’s just unveiled his proposed state budget to a more balanced General Assembly than the Republican supermajority of his first two years, but one where the GOP remains firmly in charge. Governor Cooper joins us this week for the full show to talk about his education priorities and what he hopes to accomplish over the next two years.
This week on Education Matters we welcome two educators who are making news. First up is Leigh Kokenes. She’s a School Psychologist in the Wake County Public Schools System and was recently named the National School Psychologist of the Year. We’ll talk to Leigh about role of a school psychologist and what our students and schools need. Then we’ll continue our series of State Superintendent candidate interviews by welcoming Dr. Jen Mangrum. She’s a professor in teacher education at UNC-Greensboro who last year ran a high profile campaign for the State Senate against Senate President Phil Berger.
Guests: • Leigh Kokenes, Wake County Public Schools, National School Psychologist of the Year • Dr. Jen Mangrum, Associate Professor in Teacher Education, UNC-Greensboro
It’s been more than two years since Mark Johnson was elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He’s just unveiled a new initiative that aims to make North Carolina the best place to learn and teach by the year 2030. Superintendent Johnson joins us this week for the full show to talk about the new effort and his legislative agenda. We ask him about everything from private school vouchers to the best way to fund our state’s significant public school needs.
Guest: Mark Johnson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
The history of school desegregation includes many important stories of courageous African American families and their children who were the first to attend previously whites-only schools. But there’s another history that often goes untold. That one is about the rich history of education provided by the historically segregated black schools. Innovative and creative leaders, many of them born in slavery, created schools that would transform and inspire subsequent generations. This week we’re telling part of their story through a new initiative from Wake County Schools to chronicle the rich history of Wake’s historically segregated schools.
Guests: • Dr. Jim Martin, Chairman, Wake County Board of Education • Natalie Perkins, Former Washington Elementary Student • Mary Linda Hall Jordan, Former Apex Consolidated High School Student • Deborah Beckwith, Former Holly Springs & Apex Consolidated Student
A study released this week by the Public School Forum of NC shows a growing gap in public school funding between the highest and lowest-wealth counties in the state. These funding disparities have a real impact on education, including the ability of lower wealth counties to fund local supplemental pay to attract and retain teachers. We talk to the study’s lead, plus two NC school superintendents, about how funding affects educational opportunity in their communities.
Guests: • Lauren Fox, Senior Director of Policy, Public School Forum of NC • Dr. Tim Markley, Superintendent, New Hanover County Schools • Dr. Valerie Bridges, Superintendent, Edgecombe County Public Schools
According to the Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State, people in North Carolina are feeling more disconnected than ever and they want to do something about it. So IEI launched a three-year initiative called ReCONNECT NC and this week hundreds of people convened in Raleigh to focus on reconnection between rural and urban areas. The Institute’s Director Leslie Boney joins us talk about the challenges and what they’ve learned so far. We also talk to Wake County School Board Member Keith Sutton who makes some news with an announcement on the show.
Guests: • Leslie Boney, Director, Institute for Emerging Issues, NC State • Keith Sutton, Wake County School Board
The State Treasurer of North Carolina has broad responsibilities over the finances of the state that have big implications for public education including state employee retirement and pension plans, the State Health Plan and how the state finances school construction. This week we talk with State Treasurer Dale Folwell about these topics and more. We also talk with an NC State Professor, Dr. Michael Maher, about why he wants to be the next State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Guests: • Dale Folwell, State Treasurer of North Carolina • Dr. Michael Maher, Assistant Dean of Professional Education, NC State
North Carolina’s public schools are becoming increasingly diverse with students of color now making up more than 50 percent of total enrollment. The state’s teaching workforce, however, does not reflect that diversity, with about 80 percent of teachers both white and female. Does it matter, and if so what do we need to do about it?
Guests: • Kelly Hinchcliffe, Education Reporter, WRAL News • Lena Tillett, Reporter, Anchor/Reporter, WRAL News • Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent, Vance County Public Schools • Patricia Harris, Director of Recruitment, UNC-CH School of Education
This week’s show was recorded live at the Public School Forum of North Carolina’s Eggs & Issues Breakfast. A panel of award winning educators and students discuss the top education issues facing the state in 2019.
Guests: • Beth Embree, 2018-19 NC School Counselor of the Year, Catawba County • Alexa Jimenez, 2018 Latinx 20 Under 20, Wake County • Freebird McKinney, 2018 NC Teacher of the Year, Alamance County • Tabari Wallace, 2018 NC Principal of the Year, Craven County
When the new NC General Assembly was sworn in last week, about 1/4 of the 50-member Senate were new faces. On the House side, 26 brand new members joined, about 20 percent of the 120-member chamber. That group included 17 Democrats who helped end the Republican’s supermajority, but a legislature where the GOP remains firmly in the majority. This week we’re joined by four of those Freshmen, 2 Democrats and 2 Republicans, to discuss their views on education and their goals for the new session.
Guests: • Rep. Julie von Haefen (D) Wake • Rep. Rachel Hunt (D) Mecklenburg • Sen. Jim Burgin (R) Harnett, Johnston, Lee • Rep. Chris Humphrey (R) Lenoir, Pitt
As a new NC General Assembly returns to Raleigh without a Republican supermajority for the first time since 2012, we’re joined by three respected journalists to discuss what to expect in 2019 in terms of education policy and how the new balance of power might shape the debates and key issues.
Guests: • Rob Christensen, Former Chief Political Writer, News & Observer • Liz Schlemmer, Education Policy Reporter, WUNC Radio • Billy Ball, Managing Editor, NC Policy Watch
Peter Hans became the ninth president of the NC Community College System in May. He now oversees 58 community colleges that educate more than 700,000 students every year, the 3rd largest community college system in the country. This week we talk with Peter about the opportunities and challenges for community colleges and education overall here in North Carolina, as well as his goals for the new year.
Education research has shown the single most important school-based factor student’s academic success is the classroom teacher. But research also shows that perhaps the next most important factor is the school principal. Most teachers will tell you that the kind of school climate and vision the principal sets is what makes or breaks their success with students.
Guests: • Tabari Wallace, 2018 NC Principal of the Year • Dr. Shirley Prince, Executive Director, NC Principals & Assistant Principals’ Association
Satana Deberry campaigned to become Durham County’s next District Attorney advocating for reforms in the criminal justice system, including how students are treated. She’s now one of several new District Attorneys and Sheriffs elected in November in North Carolina and across the U.S. who believe overzealous policing and prosecution has exacerbated a school-to-prison pipeline that disproportionately affects poor and minority children. Her election, and this debate, comes at the same time there are calls for increased police and security presence at our schools in the wake of recent shootings. Can we do both – protect children and also make sure all students are treated fairly?
Guests: • Satana Deberry, District Attorney-Elect, Durham County • Peggy Nicholson, Co-Director, Youth Justice Project
The NC General Assembly may have stripped the North Carolina State Board of Education of much of its power, but a new chairman and several new Board Members appointed by Governor Roy Cooper are charting their own path and priorities for education in our state. This week we talk to the new chairman and two of the newest Board members about where they are focusing their attention.
Guests: • Eric C. Davis, Chairman, State Board of Education • James E. Ford, Southwest Education Region, State Board of Education • J.B. Buxton, Member-At-Large, State Board of Education
North Carolinians began casting ballots on October 17th at early-voting sites across the state and Election Day is next week. This year’s election in North Carolina is being called a “blue-moon” election because it’s a rare cycle when there’s no statewide race for Governor or the U.S. Senate on the ballot. But every seat in the General Assembly is on the ballot, as well as a Supreme Court seat and 6 proposed amendments to the NC Constitution. This week we’re joined by two respected journalists to discuss the election and what it could mean for education policy and other key issues in North Carolina.
Guests: • Colin Campbell, Editor, The Insider • Jeff Tiberii, Capitol Bureau Chief, WUNC Radio
Carver Heights Elementary School in Wayne County has been picked by the Innovative School District to become the 2nd NC school to be taken over by the state-run program created by the General Assembly in 2016. That takeover will not happen if district leadership and many in the Goldsboro school’s community have their way. This week we talk to Wayne County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Dunsmore, as well as parents and community leaders, on how they plan to respond to the state’s plan to take over Carver Heights.
Guests: • Dr. Michael Dunsmore, Superintendent, Wayne County Public Schools • Sylvia Barnes, President, Wayne County NAACP • Iris Robinson, Grandparent, Carver Heights Elementary School
Our guest this week is best-selling author Richard Rothstein. He’s a Senior Fellow at the Haas Institute at the University of California at Berkeley School of Law and a Distinguished Fellow of the Economic Policy Institute. His research focuses primarily on the history of segregation in the United States in education and housing. In his latest book, “The Color of Law”, he tackles what he says is the myth that America’s cities came to be racially divided through de facto segregation from personal choices and individual prejudices. Instead, he details how laws and policy decisions made by local, state, and federal governments that promoted the discriminatory patterns that continue to this day.
Guest: Richard Rothstein, Distinguished Fellow, Economic Policy Institute
“America To Me” is a new documentary series currently airing on the Starz cable network that was screened this week at events in Durham and Charlotte. Directed by the award-winning director of “Hoop Dreams” Steve James, the series follows a diverse group of students at a suburban Chicago high school as they navigate issues of race and life. One of the student stars of the series, Tiara Oliphant, joins us to talk about her experience. We also visit Enloe High School in Raleigh to learn more about a student-led effort at the school focused on race and equity.
Guests: • Tiara Oliphant, Former Student, Oak Park and River Forest High School, Oak Park, Illinois • Jordan King, Senior, Enloe High School, Raleigh • Jose Espinal, Assistant Principal, Enloe High School, Raleigh
Nikole Hannah-Jones is one of the country’s most respected and influential voices on issues of race and education. She was named a 2017 MacArthur Genius Grant Fellow (one of only 24 people chosen globally) for “reshaping national conversations around education reform” and for her reporting on racial resegregation in our schools. She’s won a Peabody, a Polk and in 2017 a National Magazine Award for her story on choosing a school for her daughter in a segregated city. She was in NC this week to kick off Color of Education, a new initiative aimed at addressing racial equity issues in NC schools.
Guest: Nikole Hannah-Jones, Journalist, The New York Times Magazine
In 1997, the NC Supreme Court held unanimously in the landmark Leandro case that North Carolina public school students are entitled under the state constitution to the “opportunity to receive a sound basic education” and therefore the state’s responsibility to provide it. In November 2017, more than 20 years after the initial ruling, Governor Roy Cooper formed the Governor’s Commission on Access to Sound Basic Education in the latest and perhaps most ambitious effort to date to ensure that the state meets its constitutional obligation when it comes to public education.
Guests: • Brad Wilson, Chair, Governor’s Commission on Access to Sound Basic Education • Melody Chalmers, Principal, E.E. Smith High School, Fayetteville • Melanie Dubis, Partner, Parker Poe • Debra Dowless, Assistant Superintendent, Hoke County Schools
Mark Johnson was elected nearly two years ago as State Superintendent of Public Instruction. For much of his tenure he was engaged in a power struggle with the State Board of Education over who’s in charge of public education. Now that the NC Supreme Court has sided with Johnson and the General Assembly, he’s moved quickly to restructure the Department, creating new leadership positions, replacing senior staff and pushing ahead on several key initiatives. As the new school year begins, we sit down with Superintendent Johnson to discuss his top priorities and the key issues facing education in North Carolina.
This week 1.4 million North Carolina children returned to class for the start of a new school year. The new year begins just a little over three months after an estimated 20,000 teachers marched in Raleigh asking the General Assembly for more support for public education. This week we talk to the president of the NC Association of Educators, the group that organized the march, on what was accomplished and what he believes still needs to be done. We also talk to the superintendent of one of the state’s fastest-growing school districts, Johnston County Public Schools, about the challenges and opportunities he sees as the new school year begins.
Guests: • Mark Jewell, President, NC Association of Educators • Dr. Ross Renfrow, Superintendent, Johnston County Public Schools
Employers across the U.S. and here in North Carolina report they have more jobs available than the number of qualified applicants to fill them. Work-based learning opportunities have been expanding here for both students and educators to give them greater exposure to the rapidly changing workplace. This week we explore some promising efforts to help close the skills gap by linking business and education to benefit both employers and our students.
Guests: • Tracy Bell, NBCT Hope Street Group NC Teacher Voice Network Fellow • Albert Eckel, Board Chair, NC Business Committee for Education • Dr. Matthew Meyer, Associate Vice President, NC Community • Molly Osborne, Director of Policy and Engagement, EdNC
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. Losing a child for any reason is devastating, but when it’s suicide, family and friends are not only grieving the unexpected loss, they often find themselves confused and guilt-ridden wondering why they were unable to prevent it. In North Carolina, suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 17 — and the numbers are rising. On this week’s show, we’re going to look at the trends and data on youth suicide with state experts and then hear from a prevention specialist about the warning signs as well as what our schools are doing – and what we can do – to keep our children safe.
Guests: • Michelle Hughes, Executive Director, NC Child • Kelly Lister, Crisis Intervention & Prevention Specialist, Wake County Public Schools
Carroll Middle School in Raleigh is scrapping letter grades for a new approach that is gaining traction nationally known as competency based learning and grading. We talk to the school’s principal Elizabeth MacWilliams on why they are making the switch. We also meet the 2018 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Teacher of the Year with an unforgettable name, Freebird McKinney of Alamance County.
Guests:
Elizabeth MacWilliams, Principal, Carroll Middle School, Raleigh Freebird McKinney, 2018 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Teacher of the Year
The phrase "fake news" was declared the official Collins Dictionary Word of the Year for 2017. Nearly 1 in 4 Americans visited a fake news site in the month leading up to the 2016 presidential election. With technology and social media becoming nearly a ubiquitous part of our children’s lives, what do parents and educators need to know to help students navigate this new media landscape? Also on this week’s show, we introduce you to North Carolina’s new Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green.
Guests: • Dr. Adria Shipp Dunbar, Assistant Professor, College of Education, NC State University • Dr. Meghan Manfra, Associate Professor, College of Education, NC State University. • Jaki Shelton Green, North Carolina Poet Laureate
Cathy Moore was named Superintendent of Wake County Public Schools in May. It’s the largest school system in the state and the 15th largest in the country. She is the first woman and first Hispanic to hold the district’s top job and we talk to her on this week’s show. We also take a look at a new partnership in Johnston County aimed at recruiting more home-grown teachers.
Guests: • Cathy Moore, Superintendent, Wake County Public School System • Brandon Garland, Innovation Officer, Johnston County Public Schools • Dr. Mary Ann Danowitz, Dean, NC State College of Education
The General Assembly just wrapped up its short session for 2018 with a return date of November 27th after the fall election. This week we take a look at what happened in the short session in terms of education by talking to some key stakeholders. We’ll get their take on the hits and misses and what it all might mean for education in North Carolina.
Guests: • Justin Parmenter, 7th Grade Teacher, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools • Dr. Shirley Prince, Executive Director, NC Principals & Assistant Principals’ Association • Rob Thompson, Deputy Director, NC Child • Alexandra Sirota, Director, Budget & Tax Center
Education has been a mainstay in the headlines in recent years here in North Carolina. This week we talk to one of the education newsmakers, Judge Bob Orr. He’s a former NC Supreme Court Justice who recently represented the State Board of Education in its lawsuit over a law passed by the General Assembly shifting much of the Board’s powers to State Superintendent Mark Johnson. We also talk to two journalists who work hard every week covering the rapidly changing news in policy and education.
Guests: • Bob Orr, Former NC Supreme Court Justice • Colin Campbell, Editor, NC Insider • Liz Schlemmer, Education Reporter, WUNC Radio
The General Assembly is considering a Constitutional amendment to permanently cap income tax rates in North Carolina. If approved, it would appear on the November ballot along with other Constitutional amendments being proposed this week. With education making up more than half of the state budget, what impact could this amendment have on the state’s ability to fund public schools, community colleges and universities?
Guests: • Dr. Patrick McHugh, Economic Analyst, Budget & Tax Center • Richard Bostic, Government Relations, NC School Boards Association • Vicki Lee Parker, Executive Director, North Carolina Business Council • Kel Landis, Principal, Plexus Capital
Two new reports are out exploring our state’s Opportunity Scholarship or private school voucher program. One study looks at the academic achievement of students who left public schools to attend private schools using state-funded vouchers. The other examines the type of curriculum being used by the private voucher schools. We talk to the authors of both studies on this week’s show.
Guests: • Dr. Trip Stallings, Director of Policy Research, Friday Institute, NC State University • Dr. Anna Egalite, Assistant Professor, College of Education, NC State University • Bonnie Bechard, Study Author, League of Women Voters of the Lower Cape Fear • Dr. Mary Kolek, Education Action Team Lead, League of Women Voters of North Carolina
North Carolina public schools have about $8 billion dollars in construction, renovation and repair needs. Cracked walls, outdated inefficient heating and cooling systems and school grounds that look like trailer parks due to the number of mobile classroom units are all too common. And now new school building requirements are being proposed to enhance school security. Will the General Assembly put a statewide school building bond on the ballot in November? How will all these needs be funded?
Guests: • Dr. Rodney Shotwell, Superintendent, Rockingham County Schools • Sheriff Sam Page, Rockingham County • Dr. Aaron Fleming, Superintendent, Harnett County Schools • Mark Richardson, Education Steering Committee Chair, NC Association of County Commissioners
Last year the average pay for a principal in North Carolina ranked 50th nationally. The General Assembly responded with new investments and a new plan for how principals are paid. That plan has drawn a lot of criticism because, if unchanged, it will result in big pay cuts for experienced principals and perhaps a disincentive for talented principals to help turn around struggling schools. This week we’re joined by two former Principals of the Year and a district superintendent to discuss.
Guests: • Dr. Stephen Gainey, Superintendent, Randolph County Schools • Dr. Carrie Tulbert, Principal, Concord Middle School, Cabarrus County • Melody Chalmers, Principal, E.E. Smith High School, Cumberland County
A new commission created last year – My Future NC – wants to develop a broad-based education agenda for North Carolina aimed at making the state more competitive. The cross sector group representing business, education, government, nonprofits and philanthropy plans to craft key goals for the state, along with policy proposals on how to achieve them. This week we’re joined by one of the My Future NC co-chairs as well as Commission’s Executive Director to talk about what they’ve learned so far and what comes next.
Guests: • Kristy Teskey, Executive Director, My Future NC Commission • Dale Jenkins, CEO, Medical Mutual Holdings, Co-Chair, My Future NC
A legislative task force created by the General Assembly in 2017 is considering overhauling the way North Carolina funds public schools. This week we talk with the co-chairs of that task force, Senator Michael Lee from New Hanover County and Representative Craig Horn from Union County. We’ll discuss what they’ve learned so far and what’s next.
Guests: • Sen. Michael Lee (R-New Hanover) • Rep. Craig Horn (R-Union)
The General Assembly is exploring breaking up the state’s largest school districts. At the same time a bill introduced last year would allow two communities outside Charlotte to create a system of separate public charter schools for their residents. This week we explore what’s next and the possible impact on school districts, students and the state.
Guests: • Monika Johnson-Hostler, Chair, Wake County Board of Education • Rep. Chaz Beasley (D-Mecklenburg) • Mark Dorosin, Co-Director, Julius L. Chambers Center for Civil Rights
One is a brand new partnership between our state university teacher prep programs and K-12 public schools, while the other started in 1980 in Durham, but is now expanding to Western NC. This week we explore NC Lab Schools and the NC School of Science & Mathematics.
Guests: • Dr. Todd Roberts, Chancellor, NC School of Science & Mathematics • Dr. Melissa Thibault, Vice Chancellor for Distance Education and Extended Programs, NCSSM • Dr. Sean Bulson, Interim Vice President for University & P-12 Partnerships, UNC System • Dr. Grant Hayes, Dean, East Carolina University College of Education
Black students are being suspended at rates three to four times higher than other students in school districts across North Carolina. Why is this happening and what can be done to address it?
Guests: • Keith Sutton, Wake County Board of Education • Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards, Samuel D. Cook Center on Social Equity, Duke University
New laws are being considered nationally and here in North Carolina in the aftermath of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. What is happening next in NC and can new policies help protect our children?
Guests: • Rep. Linda Johnson (R-Cabarrus) • Sen. Jay Chaudhuri (D-Wake) • Dr. Ben Matthews, Chief School Operations Officer, NC Dept. of Public Instruction • Dr. Anna Yaros, Research Clinical Psychologist, RTI International
The shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida has sparked a national debate about guns and how best to protect students. This week in the first of two shows, we talk with a teacher, a school psychologist and students for their unique perspectives.
Guests: • Lisa Godwin, NC Teacher of the Year • Dr. Jim Deni, School Psychology Trainer & Professor, Appalachian State University • Zainab Antepli, Student, Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill • Erin McIndoe, Student, Green Hope High School, Cary
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest discusses top education issues including school safety & arming teachers, digital learning, school choice and state of public education. Guest: • Lt. Gov. Dan Forest
This week we visit two elementary schools – Rogers Lane Elementary in Wake County and Perry Harrison Elementary in Chatham County – to learn more about how these schools are using technology to personalize learning for students.
Guests: • Shane Barham, Principal, Rogers Lane Elementary School, Wake • Erin Boecke, 3rd Grade Teacher, Perry Harrison Elementary School, Chatham
We talk with leaders from across North Carolina who gathered in Raleigh this week for the 2018 Emerging Issues Forum. This year’s Forum focused on investing early in our children’s education and health and the impact it has on our state’s economy.
Guests: • Leslie Boney, Director, Institute for Emerging Issues • Brenda Howerton, President, NC Association of County Commissioners • Mark Richardson, Chairman, Rockingham County Commission • NC Governor Roy Cooper • Jim Hansen, Regional President, PNC Bank • Venessa Harrison, President, AT&T North Carolina • Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary, NC Dept. of Health & Human Services
A new report out this week says that while North Carolina and other Southern states made major advances in education in recent decades, achievement gaps between more affluent students and historically disadvantaged classmates have widened. Are voters ready to move faster to close the gap?
Guests: • Alan Richard, Education Journalist • Howard N. Lee, Former State Senator
The Public School Forum of NC unveiled its Top 10 Education Issues for 2018 this week. A panel of legislative, education and business leaders discuss before a live audience in Raleigh at the 2018 Eggs & Issues Breakfast.
Guests: • Sen. Valerie Foushee (D-Chatham, Orange) • Rep. Craig Horn (R-Union) • Lisa Godwin, 2017 NC Teacher of the Year • Sepi Saidi, President & CEO, SEPI Engineering
Last week, hundreds of parents, teachers and students descended on Raleigh calling on the General Assembly to address the K-3 class size mandate they say is creating chaos in schools across the state. Now that legislators have adjourned again without taking action, what will happen next?
Guests: • Sen. Chad Barefoot (R-Franklin, Wake) • Sen. Rick Horner (R-Johnston, Nash, Wilson) • Dr. Aaron Fleming, Superintendent, Harnett County Schools
At a time of intense focus by state leaders on how schools are funded in North Carolina, a new study out this week show a stark and growing gap between the highest and lowest-wealth counties in the state, particularly urban and rural school districts. We discuss with one of study’s authors and two key experts.
Guests: • Lindsay Wagner, Senior Researcher/Writer, Public School Forum of NC • Dr. Eric Houck, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy, UNC-Chapel Hill • Kris Nordstrom, Education Finance and Policy Consultant
The General Assembly will re-convene next week for a special continuation of the 2017 regular session. Will the class size mandate or principal pay be addressed? What else should be on the legislative agenda for education? We’ll discuss with our panel.
Guests: • Dr. Tim Markley, Superintendent, New Hanover County Schools • Julie von Haefen, President, Wake County PTA Council • Tracy Zimmerman, Executive Director, NC Early Childhood Foundation • Bruce Mildwurf, Associate Director, Governmental Relations, NC School Boards Association
A one-on-one conversation with the original “Education Governor”, four-term North Carolina Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. We discuss how he made education a priority for the state and what he sees as the challenges and opportunities to bring people together on behalf of NC’s children.
Guest: Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., Former NC Governor
The original NC Teaching Fellows Program was eliminated by the General Assembly in 2011. This year legislators created a new version of the forgivable loan program targeting STEM and special education teachers. We talk with Deans from two of the Schools of Education recently selected for the inaugural class of new Teaching Fellows. We also chat with two leading education reporters about what’s been making headlines in education across the state.
Guests: • Dr. Mary Ann Danowitz, Dean, NC State College of Education • Dr. Ann Bullock, Dean, Elon University School of Education • Kelly Hinchcliffe, Education Reporter, WRAL News • Lisa Philip, Education Reporter, WUNC Radio
Studies show that children who regularly experience trauma score lower than their peers on standardized tests are more likely to fail a grade, are placed in special education more frequently and are more likely to be suspended and expelled. Research has helped to answer the question why — and the results may surprise you. The good news is we’re also beginning to understand how to address it and help these children succeed in and out of school.
Guests: • Dr. Katie Rosanbalm, Research Scholar, Duke University Center for Child and Family Policy • Elizabeth DeKonty, Director, NC Resilience & Learning Project • Christy Lockhart, MSW, LSSW, Licensed School Social Worker, Koontz Elementary, Rowan-Salisbury Schools
Trinity Christian School in Fayetteville has received more taxpayer dollars via the state’s private school voucher program than any other school in the state. It’s also home to an embezzlement scandal involving a teacher who runs the school’s elite basketball program while spending weekends in jail. We take a closer look at the controversy and talk to the state agency that oversees the voucher program.
Guests: • Lindsay Wagner, Senior Writer, Public School Forum of NC • Kathryn Marker, Director of Grants Training and Outreach, North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority • Rep. Billy Richardson (D-Cumberland)
Does having at least one black teacher make it less likely a black student will drop out of school and more likely to go to college? New research on North Carolina students says yes. We also discuss discipline disparities for students of color and meet the founder of a youth mentoring program in Durham.
Guests: • Dr. Constance Lindsay, Research Associate, Urban Institute • Atrayus O. Goode, President & CEO, Movement of Youth
The NC Innovative School District, created by the General Assembly in 2016, is set to begin taking over some low-performing schools across the state and turn them over to charter school operators. However, the plan is getting serious pushback from some local communities, including Durham, which has one school on the short list.
Guests: • Mike Lee, Chair, Durham Board of Education • Wendy Jacobs, Chair, Durham County Board of Commissioners • Lindsey Kennedy, Friends of Lakewood Elementary PTA
Last year average pay for principals in North Carolina ranked 50th nationally. The General Assembly responded with $35 million in pay raises for school-based administrators and a new principal pay plan. That plan is now generating concerns that many principals may actually lose pay and that it may create a disincentive for top principals to take jobs at chronically low-performing, often high poverty schools. This week on Education Matters we discuss what’s next with our guests.
Guests: • Dr. Ray Spain, Superintendent, Warren County Schools • Matt Wight, Principal, Apex Friendship H.S., Wake County • Katherine Joyce, Executive Director, NC Association of School Administrators • Jason Griffin, 2017 NC Principal of the Year, Perquimans County
This week we meet Lisa Godwin, the 2017 NC Teacher of the Year from Onslow County. Plus we preview the upcoming NAACP Education Forum with NC NAACP Executive Director Dr. Terrance Ruth and retired educator Dr. Dudley Flood.
Guests: • Lisa Godwin, 2017 NC Teacher of the Year • Dr. Terrance Ruth, Executive Director, NC NAACP • Dr. Dudley Flood, Consultant and Retired Educator
We discuss new K-3 class size mandates from the General Assembly and the dramatic impact they are already having on schools this year, as well as what it may look like next year without legislative action.
Guests: • Jazzmone Sutton, Music Teacher, Wake County, President-Elect, NC Music Educators Association • Gussie Marshallsea, Visual Arts Teacher, Wake County • Aaron Marcin, Principal, Lead Mine Elementary, Wake County • Kathy Hartenstine, Wake County School Board, Retired Principal
UNC President Margaret Spellings discusses Charlottesville and Silent Sam, her first year on the job, college affordability, UNC’s state support, teacher preparation and more...
Guest: • Margaret Spellings, President, University of North Carolina
The new – and controversial – NC Innovative School District, formerly known as the Achievement School District, is slated to begin taking over some of the state’s lowest performing public schools. We talk with Innovative School District Superintendent Dr. Eric Hall. We also examine a new teacher pay model being piloted in Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools.
Guests: • Dr. Eric Hall, Superintendent, NC Innovative School District • Dr. Philip Holmes, Director, Project ADVANCE, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools • Courtney Sears, Teacher, Ephesus Elementary, Chapel Hill
The now 20-year old landmark Leandro case on education quality and equity in North Carolina’s public schools just took a surprising new turn. We talk with Melanie Black Dubis, lead counsel for the plaintiff school districts. We also meet Dr. Nicole Hurd, Founder and CEO of the College Advising Corps, a nationally recognized organization based in Chapel Hill helping make college more accessible for thousands of students across the U.S.
Guests: • Melanie Black Dubis, Attorney, Parker Poe • Dr. Nicole Hurd, Founder and CEO, College Advising Corps
House Bill 704 passed by the NC General Assembly in June sets up a study committee to explore breaking up large school districts — Wake and Mecklenburg are the state’s two largest ones. Critics of the bill say it could lead to re-segregation of our public schools. We look at the bill, what’s next, and the history behind the current school district system in our state.
Guests: • Sen. Floyd. B. McKissick, Jr. (D-Durham, Granville) • Rep. Rosa Gill (D-Wake) • Dr. Dudley Flood, Retired Educator
The budget just passed by the NC General Assembly eliminates retiree health benefits for teachers and all state employees hired after January 2021. What will be the impact of this major change in state employee benefits?
Guests: • Richard Rogers, Executive Director, NC Retired Governmental Employees Association • Ardis Watkins, Legislative Affairs Director, State Employees Association of North Carolina • Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent, Vance County Schools • Justin Parmenter, 7th Grade Teacher, Waddell Language Academy, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
How does North Carolina stack up compared to other states when it comes to child well-being? The short answer – not great. This week we explore the key indicators of child well-being and what the state can do to improve the lives of NC children.
Guests: • Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary, NC Department of Health and Human Services • Laila A. Bell, Director of Research and Data, NC Child
With an actual budget in hand with votes this week, we talk with key education advocates for their take on the budget as well as two journalists who’ve been covering the budget process about how this came together and what’s next.
Guests: • Mark Jewell, President, NC Association of Educators • Katherine Joyce, Executive Director, NC Association of School Administrators • Colin Campbell, News & Observer / The Insider • Jess Clark, WUNC Radio
This week on Education Matters, two leading NC House members, Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke) and Rep. Graig Meyer (D-Durham, Orange), will discuss the state of the budget process and key education issues being debated.
Guests: • Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke) • Rep. Graig Meyer (D-Durham, Orange)
State Board of Education Chairman Bill Cobey discusses proposed cuts at DPI and the ongoing power struggle with the State Superintendent and General Assembly. In the second segment, NC Charter School Advisory Board Chairman Alex Quigley and Research Triangle High School Chief School Officer Eric Grunden weigh in on recent charter school policy proposals.
Guests: • Bill Cobey, Chairman, State Board of Education • Alex Quigley, Chair, NC Charter School Advisory Board • Eric Grunden, Chief School Officer & Founding Director, Research Triangle High School
This week’s show looks at the budget passed by the NC Senate, including the key education provisions and a controversial amendment passed at 3 am that appeared to target only Democratic districts for cuts. We talk with Sen. Erica Smith-Ingram whose district was hardest hit. We also talk with former NC Senator Howard Lee about the importance of leadership in education.
Guests: • Senator Erica Smith-Ingram • Former Senator Howard N. Lee
This week on Education Matters, State Superintendent Mark Johnson talks HB13 class size debate, the State Board lawsuit, his listening tour and why he’s focusing on early literacy. This week’s show also includes a discussion with PNC Bank Regional President Jim Hansen and Dr. Kenneth Dodge from Duke University’s Center for Child & Family Policy about the importance of early childhood education.
Guests: • Mark Johnson, North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Instruction • Jim Hansen, Regional President, PNC Bank • Dr. Kenneth Dodge, Director of the Center for Child and Family Policy, Duke University
This week we have two segments focused on the issue of race. First is a preview of an exciting new exhibition opening this week at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh called Race: Are We So Different? The second segment is a story about a group of middle school students who are making an impact by spotlighting – and seeking to honor – a local pioneer in desegregation in our state.
Guests: • Emelia Cowans-Taylor, Asst. Head, Communications, N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences • James White, Executive Vice President, Organizational Relations, YMCA • Joe Holt Jr. • Zack Boone, Exploris Middle School, Raleigh • Lev Cohen, Exploris Middle School, Raleigh
A look at the proposal to re-establish a NC Teaching Fellows Program to recruit new teachers into our state’s classrooms.
Guests: • Rep. Craig Horn (R-Union) • Sen. Chad Barefoot (R-Franklin, Wake) • Dr. Mary Ann Danowitz, Dean, NC State College of Education • Danny Bland, NC Teaching Fellow, Heritage High School, Wake Forest
This week we discuss state employee and retiree benefits with guest State Treasurer Dale Folwell and we talk about the state’s critical school building needs and how to cover the $8 billion dollar price tag.
Guests: • Dale Folwell, North Carolina State Treasurer • Leanne Winner, Director, Governmental Relations, NC School Boards Association • Kevin Leonard, Executive Director, NC Association of County Commissioners
A new report out by the Public School Forum spotlights stark gaps in school funding across the state.
Guests: • Lauren Bock, Research Director, Public School Forum of NC • Aaron J. Beaulieu, Chief Financial Officer, Durham Public Schools • Rep. Kevin Corbin R-Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon • Dr. Eric Houck, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy, UNC-Chapel Hill
A leading national expert discusses the push toward privatization in K-12 education and its impact on public education and society as a whole.
Guest: Richard Kahlenberg, The Century Foundation
This week we focus on two key issues in school funding. We talk to school leaders about the impact of the K-3 class size mandate and a search for a solution. We then examine a new report that looks at overall school finance reform efforts for North Carolina.
Guests: • Katherine Joyce, Executive Director, NC Association of School Administrators • Dr. Tim Markley, Superintendent, New Hanover County Schools • Kris Nordstrom, Policy Analyst, Education & Law Project, NC Justice Center
State Budget Director Charlie Perusse talks about Gov. Roy Cooper’s first budget and its focus on education investments in the first half of the show, followed by a discussion with key reporters who cover the ins and outs of education in North Carolina.
Guests: • Charlie Perusse, State Budget Director, NC Office of State Budget & Management • Lynn Bonner, News & Observer • Mark Binker, WRAL News
This week we focus on principal preparation and development. Why is principal development important, what are we doing well, what else do we need to be doing and what are the gaps and challenges in North Carolina?
Guests: • Lisa Stewart, Principal, Grays Creek High School, Cumberland County • Dr. Tom Williams, President, Strategic Educational Alliances • Dr. Bonnie Fusarelli, Director, Northeast Leadership Academy, NC State
All young people deal with their own unique sets of pressure and stress in their lives that just come from growing up, but certainly two groups of students today are feeling it acutely –children of immigrants and LGBT youth. This week we talk with experts on how these students are coping and what is being done to support them both in and out of school.
Guests: • Eliazar Posada, Youth Coordinator, El Centro Hispano • Brenda Elliott, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services, Wake County Public Schools • James Miller, Executive Director, LGBT Center of Raleigh • Bud Harrelson, Board Member, Safe Schools NC
The confirmation of Betsy DeVos as U.S. Secretary of Education has shined a spotlight on programs like NC’s Opportunity Scholarship Program, which provides state funding for children to attend private, mostly religious, K-12 schools. This week we explore NC’s private school voucher program.
Guests: • Jane Wettach, Clinical Professor of Law and Director, Children’s Law Clinic, Duke Law School • Matt Ellinwood, Director, Education & Law Project, NC Justice Center • Jessica Holmes, Education Law Attorney and Member, Wake County Board of Commissioners
You may think education is largely a local issue, but when it comes to the calendar, NC school districts have very little say in when their school year starts, ends or even how many teacher work days they can have. A diverse coalition of stakeholders is hoping to convince the General Assembly to let school systems decide what is best for its students.
Guests: • Dr. Michael Dunsmore, Superintendent, Wayne County Schools • Dr. Terry Stoops, Director of Research and Education Studies, John Locke Foundation • Sarah Martin, Wake County Schools Parent • Julia Lovingood, Senior, Orange High School, Hillsborough
Teacher of the Year is a new documentary film that reveals the complex reality of teaching in the 21st century and explores the forces that influence a teacher’s performance for the competing needs of audiences made up of students, parents, administrators, other teachers, politicians, and the public at large. The subject and directors join us to talk about the project and to explore how Hollywood portrays teachers and the teaching profession.
Guests: • Mary M. Dalton, Professor, Wake Forest University • Rob Phillips, Filmmaker, At Large Productions and NC English Teacher, 9-12 • Jay Korreck, Filmmaker and Chief Design Officer, At Large Productions and Constructive Learning Design • Angie Scioli, Social Studies Teacher, Leesville Road High School, Raleigh
For sponsorship and screening inquiries, go to: teacheroftheyearfilm.com or email atlargep@gmail.com
For more details on the conference where the film will premiere, visit http://college.wfu.edu/ttmconf/
Newly elected Governor Roy Cooper sits down with Education Matters host Keith Poston for the full half hour in a one-on-one discussion about key education issues facing North Carolina. The interview was taped before a live audiences at the 3rd Annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast hosted by the Public School Forum of North Carolina.
K-12 education is being transformed nationally and here in North Carolina, as schools move quickly to take advantage of improved internet connectivity and new digital tools to enhance learning. We’ll talk about the state of digital learning in North Carolina from those helping lead it and those implementing it in classrooms today.
Guests: • Dr. Jeni Corn, Director of Evaluation Programs, Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at NC State • Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin, Chief Academic & Digital Learning Officer, NC Department of Public Instruction • Andrew Livengood, Principal, Pine Hollow Middle School, Wake County • Harden Barker, 7th Grade Math Teacher, Pine Hollow Middle School, Wake County
HB 17 was passed in a surprise special session of the NC General Assembly in December. The bill, signed into law by former Gov. Pat McCrory, strips much of the power from the State Board of Education and gives it to the newly elected Superintendent of Public Instruction, Republican Mark Johnson. The State Board claims the law is unconstitutional and has filed a lawsuit to overturn it.
Guests: • Bill Cobey, Chairman, State Board of Education • Willis Whichard, Former Associate Justice, NC Supreme Court • Howard Lee, Former Chairman, State Board of Education
This week we hear from key voices from our public schools – school administrators and teachers. We discuss some of the key issues on the minds of both groups of educators and what they hope to see happen in 2017 in North Carolina.
Guests: • Katherine Joyce, Executive Director, North Carolina Association of School Administrators • Dr. Rodney Shotwellm, Superintendent, Rockingham County Schools • Katharine Correll, Director, North Carolina Teacher Voice Network • Doug Price, Teacher, Voyager Academy, Durham, NC
We’ll examine the new report from the General Assembly’s Program Evaluation Division on how schools are funded today in North Carolina. Are big changes on the horizon? We talk to the study’s lead author, as well as the chairman of the House Committee on Education Appropriations and the top finance officer from Durham Public Schools.
Guests: • Rep. Craig Horn, R-Union County, Chairman of the House Committee on Education Appropriations • Sean Hamel, Principal Program Evaluator, Program Evaluation Division, NC General Assembly • Aaron Beaulieu, Chief Financial Officer, Durham Public Schools
How does race affect student outcomes in North Carolina? Does race correlate with educational opportunity in ways that diminish the likelihood of success for students of color? We explore this week with three experts.
Guests: • Donovan Livingston, Ph.D. Candidate and Asst. Director for Tutoring Services, UNC-Greensboro • James E. Ford, Program Director, Public School Forum of NC • Dr. Rodney Trice, Assistant Superintendent for Equity Affairs, Wake County Public School System
A new study out of Duke University has found the benefits of early childhood education are significant and last up through the fifth grade, contradicting earlier studies that suggested the benefits of pre-k may fade. We talk to the study’s author, as well as other experts about the state of early childhood education in North Carolina.
Guests: • Dr. Kenneth Dodge, William McDougall Professor of Public Policy and Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University, Founder, Center for Child and Family Policy. • Tracy Zimmerman, Executive Director, North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation • Cindy Watkins, President, NC Smart Start / North Carolina Partnership for Children
North Carolina’s average pay for principals ranks 50th out of all states and the District of Columbia. The NC General Assembly is expected to focus more attention on principals including pay next session. We talk to the experts including the NC Principal of the Year.
Guests: • Melody Chalmers, 2016 NC Principal of the Year, E.E. Smith High School, Fayetteville • Dana King, Principal, Millbrook High School, Raleigh • Dr. Frank Till, Superintendent, Cumberland County Schools • Dr. Shirley Prince, Executive Director, NC Principals and Assistant Principals Association (NC PAPA)
With all the votes cast, what will Election 2016 mean for education policy in North Carolina? We explore with a panel of experts.
Guests: • Rick Glazier, Executive Director, NC Justice Center • Dr. Terry Stoops, Director of Education Studies, John Locke Foundation • Mark Jewell, President, NC Association of Educators (NCAE) • Leanne Winner, Director, Governmental Relations, NC School Boards Association (NCSBA)
Three weeks after Hurricane Matthew devastated parts of Eastern NC with historic flooding, Robeson County students returned to class, the last school system to reopen. We visit Lumberton this week and talk with school leaders about the impact, response and what’s left to do.
Guests: • Superintendent Tommy Lowry, Public Schools of Robeson County • Tara Bullard, Principal, West Lumberton Elementary • Ben Matthews, Deputy Chief Financial Officer for Operations, NC Department of Public Instruction • Liz Bell, Researcher/Reporter, Education NC
North Carolina’s poorest counties continue to fall further behind our wealthier counties in terms of resources available to their local schools. What is the impact and what we can do to ensure all schools have the resources they need to serve every child?
Guests: • Dr. Patrick Miller, Superintendent, Greene County Schools • Ann McColl, Education Law Attorney, Everett Gaskins Hancock • Phillip Price, Chief Financial Officer, NC Department of Public Instruction
There’s probably no subject that has generated more headlines and more debate over the last few years than teacher pay. How much should teachers earn? Where do we rank? Will teachers really make on average $50,000 next year? We explore this week on Education Matters.
Guests: • Mark Binker, Reporter, WRAL News • Alexis Schauss, Director of School Business Administration, NC Department Of Public Instruction • Bobbie Cavnar, 2016-2017 NC Teacher of the Year
“Expanding Educational Opportunity in North Carolina” is the title of the just released report and action plan from the Public School Forum of North Carolina and the topic of this week’s show. Looking at the challenges effective teachers and leaders face every day, what would it really take to help them ensure every student in NC has the opportunities guaranteed to them in our state constitution of equal opportunity for a sound basic education?
Guests: • Dr. Michael Priddy, Chairman, Public School Forum of NC • Dr. Dudley Flood, Educational Consultant • Dr. Katie Rosanbalm, Research Scientist, Duke Center for Child and Family Policy, Duke University • James E. Ford, Director of Programs, Public School Forum of NC & 2014 NC Teacher of the Year
Across our state, public schools are being asked to do more with less. Eight years after a crippling recession forced significant cuts in state spending, including in public education, many key funding areas still remain below pre-recession levels. We’ll explore with our guests, including two teachers who have felt it in their own pockets.
Guests: • Jasmine Lauer, Teacher, Sanderson High School, Wake County • Rahnesia Best, Olive Chapel Elementary, Wake County • Kassandra Watson, Wake County PTA • Ashley Perkinson, NC PTA
With increasing retirements and higher turnover in our teacher workforce — along with steep declines in our teacher preparation programs — how will we ensure we have the teachers our children need?
Guests: • Dr. Mary Ann Danowitz, Dean, School of Education, NC State • Dr. Van Dempsey, Dean, Watson School of Education, UNC-Wilmington • Trey Ferguson, Teacher, Leesville Road High School, Wake County • Shemika Banuelos, Teacher, Wilson’s Mills Elementary School, Johnston County