Number 10

ABC11: "NC Superintendent Mo Green Talks Teacher Pay, Federal Government Concerns on State Tour"

"The future of North Carolina's public schools took centerstage in the Bull City Monday night.

Dozens of parents, educators and officials attended NC Superintendent Mo Green's 'Listening and Learning' session at Durham's Northern High School. It's apart of his 'Mo Wants to Know' tour across the state.

Green fielded questions and concerns on topics, including the role of technology in the classroom, investment in students, teacher pay and recent reshuffling in the federal government."

Read the full story and watch the accompanying news video clip here.

Number 9

2024-25 National School Bus Safety Poster Contest

Every year, thousands of school districts in over 40 states participate in local and state-level competitions to select artwork that depicts school bus safety-related themes and encourages and promotes school bus safety. The winning posters are used to promote safer school transportation for everyone. State winners advance to the national contest.

This year the theme is: Safety First – Safety Always

The deadline to submit posters to NCDPI is April 18. Learn more about the contest and contest rules here.

Number 8

Apply for K-12 Math Standard Course of Study Standards Writing Team

The NC Department of Public Instruction K-12 Math Team is excited to announce the NC State Board of Education has approved to transition from the review phase of the N.C. K-12 Math Standard Course of Study to the revision phase. The process is guided by the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS) Procedures Manual, adopted by the Board of Education in February 2022.

The first step is establishing the Standards Writing Team (SWT). Working in grade-level/content area groups, the SWT considers possible revisions to K-12 Math when and where applicable. This may involve slight modifications, major modifications, deletions, additions, or no changes to current standards. The SWT Scope of Work provides a full explanation of the requirements for the SWT.

All SWT members will be asked to participate in an in-person kick-off event July 29-31 in Asheboro, NC. NCDPI will reimburse for any travel costs associated with the training.

SWT applications are due by 8 a.m., Monday, May 12, 2025. Applicants will be notified of their selection status between Monday, June 16, 2025 and Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

Click here to apply. Please contact Dr. Charles Aiken (charles.aiken@dpi.nc.gov), Section Chief for Math, Science, and STEM, with any questions. 

Number 7

FOX8: "North Carolina Teaching Fellows Commission Sees Record Numbers"

"More qualified educators are on their way to schools in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Teaching Fellows Commission hit a record number of teaching fellows for the upcoming school year.

North Carolina has struggled with high turnover rates for teachers in the past. From 2023 to 2024, almost one in 10 teachers left their job, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

To combat this issue, programs like North Carolina Teaching Fellows have stepped up, and this year, they had the highest number of 530 teaching fellows."

Read the full story here.

Number 6

Join the NC DLAC Portal: Connect with North Carolina’s Digital Learning Community

The North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS), the state’s official affiliate for the Community Advancing Digital Learning (DLAC), invites educators and administrators across North Carolina to join the new DLAC Community Portal. This free platform is designed to bring together the state’s digital learning community—educators, administrators, and edtech leaders—committed to improving student outcomes through innovative use of technology.

By joining the North Carolina group, you can engage in meaningful discussions about digital teaching and learning, share resources and best practices, and build professional connections that support digital education statewide.

Getting started is straightforward:

1. Click the Portal link to create your account.
2. Once logged in, select the ‘Groups’ icon.
3. Find the North Carolina group tile and click ‘Ask to Join.’

For assistance, a step-by-step infographic is available.

This platform offers an opportunity to build a stronger statewide community dedicated to digital learning. Your participation and expertise are crucial in shaping the future of education in North Carolina. We look forward to seeing you in the portal.

Number 5

Summer 2025 SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks is back for the summer of 2025. Eligible families can receive a one-time payment of $120 per eligible child to help purchase groceries while school is out.

SUN Bucks, a USDA program, provides benefits on a debit-like card that can be used to buy healthy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers. This is a great way to ensure your children have access to nutritious food during the summer break.

Find details, including eligibility information and FAQs, here.

Number 4

Association of K-12 Education Technology Leaders Honor Nathan Miller and Vanessa Wrenn (NCDPI) With Excellence in Public Service Award

"CoSN, a premier association of K-12 education technology leaders, honored Nathan Miller of the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and Vanessa Wrenn of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) with its 2025 Excellence in Public Service Award.

The Excellence in Public Service Award recognizes national, state or local officials who have promoted the use of safe and secure technology as a tool to improve teaching and learning, strengthening CoSN’s nationwide advocacy efforts. Past winners have included congressmen and senators, officials of the U.S. Department of Education and leaders from the Federal Communications Commission.

'It is a great honor to receive the CoSN Excellence in Public Service Award. The partnership between CoSN and the great state of North Carolina has been instrumental in growing and empowering our technology leaders across all schools. Through collaboration, advocacy, and a shared commitment to education technology, cybersecurity and closing the connectivity divide for K-12 students, we have strengthened our ability to support students, educators and Public Schools Units across the state. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our incredible team and the transformative impact of strong leadership in educational technology,' said Vanessa Wrenn, CETL®, Chief Information Officer, NCDPI."

Read the full press release here. Congratulations, Dr. Wrenn! 

Number 3

Two North Carolina Students Honored as 2025 Military Child of the Year® Award Recipients

Now in its 17th year, the Military Child of the Year® Award reflects the positive impact that these impressive young people have made on their military families, their schools and their communities. The North Carolina students receiving this honor are: 

• Isabella Smith, 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the Marines, Swansboro High School (Onslow County Schools)
• Emily Baldeosingh, 2025 Military Child of the Year® for the National Guard, Havelock High School (Craven County Schools)

Read more about the students being honored as 2025 Military Children of the Year. Congratulations, Emily and Isabella, on this achievement! 

Number 2

District Highlight: Yancey County Schools - (Video) "Asheville Carpentry Students Rebuild Homes After Helene"

The seniors in Jeremy Dotts' Honors Carpentry Class at Mountain Heritage High in Yancey County Schools are using the lessons they learn in class everyday to change the lives of families in their communities who lost everything during Hurricane Helene.

Watch the news segment showcasing the students to learn more here.

Number 1

Livestream 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Teacher of the Year Ceremony Tomorrow, April 11

Join us tomorrow for a livestream of the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year Ceremony! The livestream begins with a pre-show salute to our sponsors and finalists beginning at 11:30 a.m., with the ceremony honoring our nine regional and charter school finalists beginning at 12:30 p.m. The event concludes with the announcement of the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year.

The event will be livestreamed on both Facebook and YouTube.