Education Matters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 S

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