Do you know a high school or college student who wants to be a teacher? Do you know others in your community who are thinking about changing careers to become a teacher? We need to encourage more individuals to consider education for their careers. Our teacher pipeline has decreased significantly over the past decade, and […]
Education Matters ep. 201 Supporting the Needs of Student Mental Health Part 2
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 […]
Education Matters: Celebrating 200 Episodes
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 […]
The Final Word: Words of Wisdom From Dr. Dudley Flood
For our 200th episode of Education Matters, we were so fortunate to be joined by Dr. Dudley Flood, who is a legendary education hero who was instrumental in desegregating North Carolina’s public schools in the years following Brown v. Board of Education. He is also the namesake of the Public School Forum’s Dudley Flood Center […]
Education Matters ep. 197 The Importance of Leandro
For those of you who regularly tune in, you know that we often talk about the importance of the Leandro Case, which is focused on ensuring a sound, basic education for all students. The case has been ongoing for 25 years and yet, many people still don’t know what it could mean for education and […]
The Final Word: North Carolina Has Waited Too Long for Every Child to Have Access to a Sound Basic Education
By Mary Ann Wolf It has been nearly 30 years since the beginning of North Carolina’s school funding case known as Leandro, which was filed by plaintiffs in five poor school districts who gave voice to the fact that their children couldn’t get the education they deserved. Since that time, it has been repeatedly found […]
Education Matters ep. 199 Eggs and Issues 2022: Measuring Progress
Education Matters ep. 198 Trauma-Informed Practices
The Final Word: Supporting Trauma-Informed Practices in Schools
By Mary Ann Wolf and Elizabeth DeKonty As we continue our focus on the whole child and student mental health, it is important for us to consider how a child’s experiences affect their brain and their behavior. When I think back to teaching two decades ago, the research about Adverse Childhood Experiences had not yet […]
Education Matters ep. 196 Supporting the Needs of Student Mental Health
Education Matters ep. 195 Part 2 of our Discussion with NC Regional Teachers of the Year
Education Matters Ep.194 A Discussion with NC Regional Teachers of the Year
The Final Word: Messages from North Carolina’s Regional Teachers of the Year
Each week on Education Matters, we offer a “Final Word,” from our host, Dr. Mary Ann Wolf, offering commentary on the state of our public schools. This week, as we collectively face another very challenging time in our schools, in our communities, and across our nation, we want to lift up the voices of some […]
Education Matters ep.192 Dual-Language Programs and School Choice
The Final Word: Public Schools Offer More Choices than Ever Before for Families Across North Carolina
By Dr. Mary Ann Wolf Did you know that North Carolina is a leader in global education? Our global commitments represent a unique statewide initiative that was adopted by the Partnership for 21st Century Learning as a national framework for investing in the support and vision necessary to prepare our students for a global workplace. […]
Education Matters ep. 193 Accelerate, Invigorate, Motivate: NC DPI’s AIM Conference
The Final Word: Investing in Public Education Helps Us All
By Dr. Mary Ann Wolf North Carolina’s system of public education plays an incredibly important role in our lives every day. If you benefited from public schools, have children in public schools, believe that public schools are critical for our democracy, and want our children to graduate prepared for college or career, then the effectiveness […]
Education Matters ep.191 Sparks of Color: The Untold Stories of Racial Equity Advocates
Education Matters ep. 190
We talk with a panel of parents whose children are participating in afterschool programs statewide. Parents share their perspectives regarding the current needs of their children and their view of the role and value of afterschool programs in the midst of the learning recovery process. Parent Guests: Monica Battle Rene Flores Martha Flores Shannon Ford […]
The Final Word: The Importance of Afterschool Programming
In 2020, the Afterschool Alliance released the 4th edition of the America After 3pm Report. In the report, North Carolina ranked #6 overall nationally for providing opportunities for children to participate in quality, affordable programs during out-of-school time hours before school, afterschool and in the summer. Out-of-school time programs statewide help children learn, grow, and […]
Education Matters ep. 189 A Conversation with Superintendents
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 We are seeking leaders who make a difference in their […]
Education Matters ep. 188 Leandro Update: Historic Investments in our Public Schools are Needed Now
Today, we will be discussing foundational issues in education in NC through the lens of the 25 year Leandro court case. You may wonder why Leandro is important for your family or community or our state? If we want to have a thriving economy that attracts businesses, a workforce that is prepared for the many […]
The Final Word: Historic Investments in our Public Schools are Needed Now
By Mary Ann Wolf You may wonder why Leandro is important for your family or community or our state? If we want to have a thriving economy that attracts businesses, a workforce that is prepared for the many jobs and vacancies, and opportunities to keep our graduates in rural communities across the state, we must […]
Education Matters ep. 187 A Conversation with Superintendents
This week we hear from superintendents across the state about 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 We are seeking leaders who make a difference in their school […]










