Number 10

Learning Happens Here Field Trip Fund

The "Learning Happens Here Field Trip Fund" is a program of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), in partnership with PBS North Carolina (PBS NC), that provides reimbursements to public schools throughout North Carolina to engage in enriching, experiential field trips at DNCR's 100+ locations around the state!

The Learning Happens Here Field Trip Fund will help ensure students from all regions of the state have the opportunity to engage in memorable educational experiences while cultivating a deeper understanding and appreciation of North Carolina’s rich history, culture, arts, science and natural resources. By providing financial support through reimbursements for schools to visit DNCR locations around the state, the Learning Happens Here Field Trip Fund empowers students to connect to what it means to live in and love North Carolina, ultimately helping to cultivate our state’s future leaders and innovators.

Learn more and apply here.

Number 9

EdNC: "Bills to Restrict Cellphones in NC Classrooms Pass Committees with Bipartisan Support"

"In committee meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday, legislators discussed and then advanced two versions of a bill that would restrict student use of cellphones in North Carolina public schools.

The House version of the bill, House Bill 87, instructs governing bodies of public school units — school districts — to 'adopt a cell phone-free education policy to eliminate or severely restrict student access to cell phones during instructional time.'

The Senate version, Senate Bill 55, is broader and would restrict the use of cellphones, tablet computers, laptop computers, paging devices, two-way radios, and gaming devices, unless approved by a teacher for educational purposes. It also outlines exceptions such as emergency situations and cases in which students require devices for their health care."

Read the full story here. 

Number 8

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 the 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.

District Highlight: Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools - "WS/FCS 'Principal for a Day' Initiative Puts Morgan Elementary in Spotlight"

"As part of a new initiative in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, Wednesday served as an opportunity for local leaders to become 'Principal for A Day' at many of the district's 81 schools.

The event, put on in partnership with Greater Winston-Salem Inc., was designed as a shadowing opportunity where people with little-to-no experience in public education could see for themselves how elementary, middle, and high schools function.

WXII 12 News anchor Kenny Beck was assigned to Frank Morgan Elementary School in Clemmons, where Lisa Davis has been principal for a little less than two years, but has 27 years of experience at various Triad schools.

While the school day itself at Morgan begins a little before 8 a.m., the morning before school is an event worth witnessing. Even on a rainy day when temperatures were in the 30s, the staff at Morgan was outside dancing to popular music blaring on a speaker as students exited their cars or buses and made their way inside. Davis was outside helping, too."

Read the full story here.

Number 6

North Carolina K-12 Environmental Literacy Plan

NCDPI's K-12 Science team and the NC Dept of Environmental Quality have developed an Environmental Literacy Plan (ELP) for K-12 educators and students.

The ELP provides a guiding framework for integrating environmental literacy into K-12 education. It supports schools and teachers in using the natural environment to engage students, enrich and improve academic performance and prepare them for possible STEM careers.

Review the plan and learn more here.

Number 5

New Driver's Education Form

A new, streamlined Driver Education Completion Form has been created by NCDPI in consultation with Commissioner Wayne Goodwin and the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. Effective immediately, all driver training entities – whether public schools or commercial driver training schools – should begin using this updated form. This form replaces the NCDPI completion form that public schools currently use, as well as Form 611 and Form 611-A that commercial driver training schools currently use. Please note that printed forms will no longer be issued. Instead, you will be able to print the new form directly for your students as needed.

• Driver Education Completion Form
• Frequently Asked Questions

Number 4

2025 Growing Success for Multilingual Learners (ML) Summer Conference Call for Proposals - Due March 1

NCDPI's ML/Title III team invites Dual Language Immersion (DL/I) educators to submit proposals for the 2025 Growing Success for MLs Conference, June 24-26 in western North Carolina and July 22-24 in eastern North Carolina.

Share your "boots on the ground" expertise and inspire fellow educators to create more effective learning environments for multilingual learners. This is a great opportunity to share your practical strategies, innovative ideas and proven methods for enhancing the educational experience of ML students.

The deadline to submit a proposal is March 1. Learn more and submit a proposal here.

Number 3

The Daily Tar Heel: "N.C. Superintendent Mo Green Announces Policy Initiatives for Education"

"At a North Carolina State Board of Education meeting earlier this month, North Carolina Public Schools Superintendent Mo Green announced the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's policy priorities for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

During the meeting, the SBE adopted the NCDPI's policy agenda, which was the first time in several years that both the SBE and the NCDPI shared an agenda.

'Superintendent Green has laid out a vision for our public schools that he has termed "achieving educational excellence,'" Geoff Coltrane, senior director of government affairs and strategy at the NCDPI, said.

Green's priorities are derived from a combination of issues that were brought forward by members of his staff, as well as teachers, parents and principals, Coltrane said.

He said Green's initiative includes six primary pillars, which are to prepare each student for their next phase of life, fully fund public education, support public school educators, enhance parent and community support, ensure safe learning environments and recognize the good in public education."

Read the full story here.

Number 2

Durham Public Schools Teacher Named NCCAT 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC CTE Teacher of the Year

"The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) proudly announces Tyler D’Angelo, an agriculture teacher at CE Jordan High School in Durham Public Schools, as the NCCAT 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Career & Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year. The award was presented at a special ceremony held at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center on the campus of Western Carolina University on Thursday, February 20th.

Now in its third year, this award recognizes outstanding CTE educators who demonstrate excellence in their profession. Finalists from across North Carolina gathered at NCCAT for a week of professional development prior to the event.

Through D’Angelo’s efforts, students have not only met but exceeded state benchmarks, earned industry-recognized credentials and gained invaluable work-based learning experiences. A colleague noted, 'Mr. D’Angelo embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator: dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the future leaders of our community and the agriculture industry.'”

Read the full press release here. Congratulations, Mr. D'Angelo! 

Number 1

State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green to Host Public Listening and Learning Sessions Across the State

"State Superintendent Maurice 'Mo' Green’s 'Mo Wants to Know' tour is coming to all eight regions of North Carolina this March and April.

The superintendent is hosting listening and learning sessions with community stakeholders statewide, including the eight public events listed below. All parents, students, educators, school and district staff, public officials and other community members are invited to attend.

• March 17, 6 p.m. – Western Region – Tuscola High School (Haywood County Schools)
• March 18, 6 p.m. – Northwest Region – Hibriten High School (Caldwell County Schools)
• March 24, 6 p.m. – Piedmont Triad Region – Mount Tabor High School (Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools)
• March 26, 6 p.m. – Southwest Region – Harold E. Winkler Middle School (Cabarrus County Schools)
• March 27, 6 p.m. – Sandhills Region – Westover High School (Cumberland County Schools)
• March 31, 6 p.m. – Southeast Region – John J. Blair Elementary School (New Hanover County Schools)
• April 7, 6 p.m. – North Central Region – Northern High School (Durham Public Schools)
• April 9, 6 p.m. – Northeast Region – Northeastern High School (Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools)"

Read the full press release here. We hope you are able to attend your local "Mo Wants to Know" session and have your voice heard!