NCDPI Recognizes Inaugural Cohort of Educators Leading NC into the Future as Rethink Education Facilitators for Blended Learning

Raleigh, N.C.

April 25, 2022

NCDPI Recognizes Inaugural Cohort of Educators Leading NC into the Future as Rethink Education Facilitators for Blended Learning

Today, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) announced the initial cohort of educators who have earned their Rethink Education Facilitator Badge after training to become experts in how to use new statewide blended learning models that add online learning to existing classroom teaching. The educators participating in Rethink Education, an initiative of the Virtual Instruction Support Services Division at NCDPI, will now serve as facilitators who help prepare teachers across the state to deliver high-quality blended instruction in a variety of settings and situations.

“Educators who are trained in the statewide blended learning model are equipped to meet the needs of all learners by facilitating differentiation in the classroom, supporting student engagement and increasing student ownership over their learning,” says Melissa Davis, Director, Virtual Instruction Support Services Division at NCDPI. “This dedicated group of educators is leading the way to ensure our schools are prepared to focus on what matters most: supporting the success of NC students regardless of where learning occurs.”

The first cohort to earn a Rethink Education Facilitator Badge includes 293 educators from across North Carolina. Click here to see the full list of badged facilitators as organized by region, school district and county.

With support from a federal grant, Rethink Education is partnering with districts and schools across the state to prepare for any short- or long-term learning disruptions by developing plans tailored to the specific needs of their school communities. These partnerships are focused on improving blended learning, which combines face-to-face and online instruction, access and content for students in grades K-8.

“The Rethink Education Program is here to help districts and schools think about what building capacity for blended instruction looks like in their community,” says Davis. “Because we live in a highly digital society, we must meet students on their turf. Our goal is to empower educators to best meet the educational needs of all students while stabilizing and improving student achievement.”

Sixty-five school districts, 33 charter schools, and one lab school are part of the Rethink Education initiative — working together to build a more resilient future for North Carolina.

To learn more about Rethink Education, visit Rethink Education: Supporting a Resilient Future for North Carolina Schools | NC DPI.