Number 10

January is School Board Appreciation Month

We thank our State Board of Education members and local school board representatives serving districts across the state for their dedication and commitment to their schools, staff, students and families. We appreciate you!

Number 9

2024-25 Purple Star Awards - Deadline Feb. 1

The submission period for the 2024-25 Purple Star Award is now open through February 1. The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.

Check out this Purple Star Award webinar, which provides overview of the application process, and learn more about NC's efforts to celebrate schools that support military-connected students and families. Find more information here.

Number 8

NCDPI Global Education Book Study - Accepting Applications

NCDPI’s Global Education team is hosting a seven-week book study February 3-March 23. The book study will allow colleagues across the state to deepen their understanding of what it means to teach for global competence. Participants can earn micro-credentials towards the Global Educator Digital Badge and receive 10 hours of CEU credit.

Learn more and apply here. The deadline to apply is January 20. 

Number 7

Teaching Positions Open for 2025 Session of NC Governor’s School

Work with talented and intellectually engaged high school students in a thriving learning community this summer – without grades! This is an opportunity to play a role in shaping a life-changing summer for these amazing students. More information can be found on the employment page of our Governor’s School website.

Teachers are needed for both Governor’s School campuses, hosted by Greensboro College and Meredith College. GS is also hiring instructors for area II/philosophy, English, instrumental music, math, science, social science, Spanish and visual arts. Along with openings for office positions and coordinators for activities and communications.

Governor’s School will take place June 22-July 19, with employees arriving on June 16 to begin orientation. If you have questions regarding any openings, reach out to ncgovschool@dpi.nc.gov.

Number 6

Digital Learning Initiative (DLI) Impact Grant Request for Proposals

The Digital Learning Initiative (DLI) Impact Grant offers an inclusive, supportive and sustainable opportunity for Public School Units (PSUs) to prioritize North Carolina Digital Learning Competencies and Digital Learning Standards for Students. This grant cycle supports a range of innovative and impactful practices, including:

• Blended Learning
• Innovative Digital Teaching and Learning Practices
• Coaching
• Data-Informed Instructional Practices
• Emerging Technologies
• Personalized Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Library Renovation, Programming, Collection Development and Community Support for areas affected by Hurricane Helene

To support applicants throughout the process, a series of webinars and office hours will be offered.

Grant submissions will close on April 11, 2025. For additional information or questions, contact Lindsey Sipe, Digital Teaching and Learning Consultant.

Learn more and find additional details here.

Number 5

EdNC: "Superintendent Mo Green and the State Board of Education Attend Student Performance about Helene"

"After State Superintendent Mo Green’s first meeting of the N.C. State Board of Education on Jan. 8, 2025, he and the board attended a performance of 'Surge,' hosted by Arts NC State.

'Surge' is an original theatre production by the Watauga High School Playmakers that was written in the 28 days after Hurricane Helene. Sarah Miller, a theatre arts educator and co-director of the play, has said, 'It is a love letter to our community.'

Watauga County Schools Superintendent Dr. Leslie Alexander, School Board Chair Dr. Gary Childers, and Watauga High School Principal Scott Strickler were all in Raleigh to support their students."

Read the full story and see photos here. 

Number 4

Finalists for NCCAT 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award Announced

"Twenty-seven educators from across North Carolina have been named finalists for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award. These exceptional teachers have been recognized for their dedication, innovation, and ability to inspire students to succeed.

The award celebrates promising beginning teachers and supports their retention as outstanding educators and leaders in North Carolina public and charter schools. One finalist will be named the 2025 NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year, following a rigorous selection process by a panel of judges."

Congratulations to all 27 finalists! Read more and see the full list of finalists here. 

Number 3

NCDPI Launches $25 Million Initiative to Improve School Improvement with Golden LEAF Foundation Support

"The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction unveiled a $25 million initiative today, funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation, aimed at improving school performance through innovative educational strategies. The announcement was made during the State Board of Education meeting, and the board will hold its vote on two contracts and a Request for Proposals (RFP) to support the work of the grant on Thursday.

The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is a five-year comprehensive and innovative approach to educational improvement, targeting school culture, pedagogy, leadership, math instruction and career readiness.

'The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is an important step toward achieving my vision: ensuring every child in North Carolina’s public schools achieves educational excellence,' said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice 'Mo' Green. 'In order for North Carolina’s public schools to become the best in the country, we must rethink how we approach teaching and learning, and we must provide our schools with the appropriate support to do so.'"

Read the full press release here. 

Number 2

NC Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green Announces New Hires to Government Affairs Staff

"State Superintendent Mo Green announced two new hires for the Government Affairs team at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) today. Geoff Coltrane will serve as the Senior Director of Government Affairs and Strategy and Elizabeth Yelverton will serve as legislative liaison. Both will also support the State Board of Education’s legislative efforts.

'I’m excited that Geoff and Elizabeth are joining the Department of Public Instruction,' Green said. 'Their combined wealth of experience in North Carolina state government and education will be invaluable as we work to uplift public education in North Carolina.'"

Welcome to NCDPI, Geoff and Elizabeth! Read the full press release and learn more about the new hires here. 

Number 1

Maurice “Mo” Green Sworn in as North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction

On January 1, Maurice "Mo" Green was sworn-in as North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Read the full press release here.

At the swearing-in, Superintendent Green shared a poem, "The Promise," written by longtime educator Dr. Misti Williams to serve as a guidepost for all who are champions of public education in North Carolina:

The promise
for our children
their birthright of potential recognized
the hope of education 
justified at their birth

The promise 
read more
know more
learn more
they will be more
give more
to the universe that owes all its children
on this earth
at their birth

 Boundless appreciation of the promise
sometimes neglected
lately abandoned
but always in the backs of their minds 
they look to us
they know what they were born for
the promise of more

The promise
the glimmer of bold aspiration
in the youngest eyes
flickering in the purest hearts
we pledged to expand those curiosities
to passion
beyond the glimmer
to be more
to give more 

The promise
unwavering assurance
for all
a chance
a choice
a light 
it is their birthright
it is our duty
at their birth
we promised