We are so pleased today to have our final word brought to you by our North Carolina Wells Fargo Principles of the Year from 2021, 2022 and 2023. Our Principals […]
Education is on the Ballot
It is once again an election year and the primaries are happening in North Carolina right now. While many people may view election season as just a time of exacerbated […]
Improving North Carolina’s Teacher Working Conditions
My mom was a Kindergarten teacher, a reading teacher, and a director of Pre-K for a large school district. I not only had the benefit of growing up in a […]
A Roadmap for Targeted Investment
The Public School Forum’s Roadmap of Need was first published in 2010 by the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs to inform policymakers, funders and citizens of needed investments on […]
Disinvesting in Education is Not the Best Choice
With the passing of the 2023-24 state budget, North Carolina became the tenth state to offer taxpayer-funded universal school vouchers to attend private schools. Despite the fact that the funds […]
Achieving Equity Together
Together we can achieve so much more. The Color of Education Summit brings together educators, policymakers, researchers, students, parents, community members, and other key stakeholders focused on achieving racial equity […]
The Critical Role of Afterschool and Expanded Learning for Students, Schools, and Communities
Children are spending an average of 80% of their days outside of school, and the way that they spend this time has crucial implications, both for their achievement in the […]
Supporting Teachers So They Can Support Students
As I’ve said many times, teachers are the number-one school-related factor influencing student outcomes. Teachers have the immense responsibility of preparing our children to be educated and well-equipped community members. […]
Moments of Hope from the 2023-24 North Carolina Teacher, Principal and Superintendent of the Year
For this week’s Final Word we are so pleased to hear from our Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year and Superintendent of the Year about what gives them […]
Final Word: Back-to-School 2023-24
Students across North Carolina are back in school. Over 1.4 million students in our public schools approached the school year ready to learn, and our educators met those students with […]
Final Word: Financial Literacy for North Carolina’s Students
Starting with the class of 2024, students in NC must successfully complete an economics and personal finance course for graduation. This course includes budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. These […]
Final Word: Hope for North Carolina’s Teacher Pipeline
Teachers are the number one school-related factor affecting student outcomes. Knowing this, it should go without saying that teachers are vital to our public education system. Unfortunately, like in many […]
Final Word: Ask Yourself These Questions
There are few days that go by that I don’t have a moment of appreciation for the beauty around us in NC. The trees, the hiking trails, the flowers… It’s […]
The Final Word: Culturally Responsive Curriculum
When students enter a classroom, they bring with them their entire selves. Their identities, strengths and weaknesses, their interests, and their culture often impact how students engage and what they […]
The Final Word: The Importance of Student Voice
Oftentimes when we discuss education we hear from parents, educators, legislators and advocates about what’s best for students. All of those groups undoubtedly bring something important to the conversation, but […]
Final Word: What North Carolina’s Regional Teachers of the Year Want You to Know
For this Final Word our 2022 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teachers of the Year shared what they wish for people to know about public education. Clinton Todd, Northeast North […]
Final Word: Words of Hope From North Carolina’s Regional Teachers of the Year
For this Final Word our 2022 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teachers of the Year shared what gives them hope. Leah Carper, 2022 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of […]
The Final Word: Words From Dr. Dudley Flood
We are so pleased to have been joined by Dr. Dudley Flood who has been deep in this work, trying to ensure that every child in North Carolina has access […]
Final Word: Election Season is Upon Us, and Education is on the Ballot
Early voting has begun in North Carolina, and the importance of the 2022 election cannot be overstated. The outcome of the soon-to-be-decided races will have far-reaching implications for critically important […]
Final Word: Licensure Pathways, Recruitment and Retention
It’s no secret that well-prepared, effective teachers are invaluable in the classroom. Research shows us that teachers are the number one school-related factor that impacts student outcomes. You have probably […]
Final Word: What Gives You Hope? Our 2022 NC Principal of the Year and 2021 and 2022 Teachers of the Year Share What Inspires Them
We recently had the opportunity to talk with our 2022 Wells Fargo NC Principal of the Year, Dr. Patrick Greene, and our 2021 and 2022 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Teachers […]
The Final Word: Principals and the Support They Provide
By Mary Ann Wolf I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds and hundreds of principals over the years, and I am often reminded about the very unique – […]
The Final Word: Beginning Teachers
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 […]
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 […]