World History Webinar Series

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) will once again offer its World History Webinar Series this spring, continuing a tradition of providing high-quality professional learning for social studies educators across the state.

This series is designed to strengthen content knowledge for teachers of the high school World History course and is also well-suited for educators teaching 6th-grade and 7th-grade social studies.

Held on Tuesday afternoons throughout the spring, each session offers in-depth exploration of major global themes and historical developments, along with classroom connections and instructional resources to support effective teaching.

Spring Session Topics

• January 20- Modern Conflict in the Middle East
• February 17 - Empires, Decolonization, and Nationalism in the Middle East
• March 24 - Same Goal, Different Paths: Independence in the Americas
• April 14 - War in Sudan: Historical Contexts and Resources
• May 5 - Spice Islands in the Age of Exploration

All sessions take place from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Educators are encouraged to register for any or all sessions and join colleagues from across North Carolina for this engaging series that supports strong content knowledge and globally informed instruction.

2026 World History Webinar Series Registration Flyer.pdf

Bringing Everyday Kindness to Classrooms & Communities

Join us as we launch February’s Character Challenge
February 2, 2026 | 3:00-4:00 PM EST

#KindnessMattersNC — a month-long celebration dedicated to spreading kindness, compassion, and positivity across North Carolina schools and communities. Inspired by the uplifting stories of Steve Hartman, this initiative helps teachers, leaders, students, and families weave kindness into everyday life. Learn how to:

• Integrate daily acts of kindness into morning meetings and content-area classes
• Use daily videos and journal prompts for reflection and writing activities
• Encourage students to create and share kindness stories of their own

Regional Professional Learning Opportunity: Jewish Identity & Antisemitism Today

Acts of antisemitism are rising across the nation, and schools play a critical role in ensuring every student feels safe, respected, and included. This February, NCDPI, in partnership with leading experts, is offering a full-day professional learning experience designed to help K–12 educators better understand Jewish identity, recognize antisemitism in its modern forms, and strengthen schoolwide practices that promote belonging.

During this immersive session, participants will:

• Explore the rich diversity of Jewish identity and culture
• Examine how antisemitism has evolved over time
• Consider how misinformation and current global conflicts shape student experiences and school climates today
• Learn strategies to foster empathy, dialogue, and inclusivity among students of all backgrounds
• Engage in guided discussions and practical activities to support safe, culturally responsive learning environments

This opportunity is ideal for administrators, counselors, district/school leaders, instructional staff, and classroom teachers committed to creating safe and supportive school communities.

Regional Session Dates & Locations 

• West: Feb 3 – Mills River Academy, Mills River
• Northwest: Feb 4 – Olive Hill Resource Center, Morganton
• Northeast: Feb 9 – Taft PD Center, Greenville
• Sandhills: Feb 10 – Sandhills Community College, Pinehurst
• Southeast: Feb 11 – NHC Spencer Boardroom, Wilmington
• North Central: Feb 17 – NCDPI Building, Raleigh
• Piedmont-Triad: Feb 23 – Asheboro City Schools Global Innovation Center, Asheboro
• Southwest: Feb 24 – Wallace Education Forum, Salisbury

Seats are limited.

For questions, please contact Tom Daugherty, NCDPI K-12 Social Studies Consultant.

Flyer: Regional Trainings 2026 Antisemitism and Jewish Identity.pdf

NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Learning Happens Here: Teacher Ambassadors

Applications for the Learning Happens Here: Teacher Ambassadors program open this January, offering K–12 public school teachers across North Carolina a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with the state’s rich cultural and natural resources.

Through this program, educators partner with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) to experience the educational power of historic sites, museums, state parks, aquariums, the zoo, the symphony, and more. Selected Teacher Ambassadors participate in exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences that deepen their understanding of how these institutions support teaching and learning beyond the classroom.

Ambassadors also receive:

• Stipends
• Travel assistance
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

The program is designed to help teachers bring history, culture, science, and the arts to life—creating meaningful, place-based learning experiences for students across the state.

Educators are encouraged to stay tuned for application details when the program opens in January.

Carolina K-12 & Teach Democracy Fellows Professional Learning

January 24, 2026, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Location: Hillsborough Library, Hillsborough, NC

Carolina K-12, in partnership with Teach Democracy, is bringing a dynamic, hands-on professional learning experience to North Carolina educators through the Teach Democracy Fellows program. This January, teachers from across the state will gather at the Orange County Public Library to begin their work as Fellows, focusing on practical strategies that help students critically navigate today’s information landscape, engage in respectful dialogue, and connect constitutional principles to real-world civic challenges.

This professional learning experience centers on three key instructional areas:

• Media Literacy – supporting students in analyzing news and information with a critical lens
• Issue-Based Discussion – strengthening close reading, civil discourse, and engagement with multiple perspectives
• Constitutional Issues – connecting the principles of the U.S. Constitution to modern civic life

Participating educators receive:

• Free, in-person professional learning
• Ready-to-use classroom lessons
• A $250 implementation stipend
• Opportunities to collaborate with teachers from North Carolina, California, Washington, and New Mexico

Don't miss this opportunity! There is still time to register!

National Humanities Center: Teaching the Digital Diaspora: 2026 Teaching African American Studies Summer Institute

June 16–20, 2026
Location: Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX
Application Deadline: March 30, 2026

The National Humanities Center will be cohosting the 2026 Teaching African American Studies Summer Institute (TAASI ’26), which is a transformative professional learning experience for K-12 educators.

This year’s institute, themed “Teaching the Digital Diaspora,” explores how digital humanities tools can deepen understanding of the African diaspora and illuminate histories of resistance, creativity, and self-determination across time and place. Participants will collaborate with scholars and practitioners to examine how digital archives, mapping tools, and multimedia sources can reveal stories often overlooked in traditional texts.

Designed for educators at all grade levels, the institute offers an immersive, hands-on experience that builds teachers’ capacity to ethically evaluate digital resources and translate complex historical data into engaging, classroom-ready lessons.

Participants will be selected through a competitive application process. Those accepted will receive a $1,000 stipend upon successful completion of the institute, along with lodging accommodations in Prairie View for the week.

For additional information, educators may contact the National Humanities Center at info@nationalhumanitiescenter.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Each year, the third Monday in January, a federal holiday, is designated as the National Day of Service in honor of the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The MLK Day of Service is a day each year when Americans across the country volunteer to take actions that will create a just community in line with Dr. King’s dream.

Use this tipsheet to choose a project. Then, use the Kids in Action Guide (ages 5-12) or the Youth Changing the World Toolkit (ages 13+ and available in English and 8 other languages) to plan your project.

Find MLK Day of Service Project Ideas & Tips from AmeriCorps. (Also, watch the Project Ideas webinar below in the Resources & Trainings section.)

Resources for students and educators from The King Center:

• Beloved Community Leadership Academy
• Students with King
• Classroom Resources

Resources for students and educators from Youth Serve America Center: 

• Youth Guide to the Global Goals
• Sparks Tipsheets: Lead an Arts Project, Lead a Sports Project, Lead a Reading Project, and Lead a Nature Project
• Be Fearless Be Kind Project Tipsheets – Environment, Poverty, Hunger, Literacy, Seniors
• Everyday Young Heroes Project Replication Guide Collection
• Issue-Specific Guides: Engaging a New Generation of Anti-Hunger Leaders (Childhood Hunger), We Stand Strong (Disaster Preparedness), Youth in the Driver Seat (Teen Driver Safety), and Health Heroes (Childhood Obesity).
• 8 Ways to Stop Hunger

February Character Challenge: #KindnessMattersNC

🌟 Embrace the spirit of kindness throughout February with our #KindnessMattersNC Challenge! Inspired by the heartwarming stories shared by Steve Hartman, this month-long initiative encourages teachers, leaders, students, and families to engage in daily acts of kindness. Whether integrated into morning meetings and content area classes, each day presents an opportunity for reflection, writing, and fostering a culture of compassion.

📝 Access daily videos and journal prompts to guide your reflections. 

🗓️ Mark your calendars! Random Act of Kindness Day is celebrated on February 17 every year. We're extending the celebration throughout the month, making February dedicated to spreading kindness.

📸 Share your experiences on social media using the hashtag #KindnessMattersNC!  Teachers and leaders are encouraged to spread positivity by showing how kindness has impacted the school or encouraging students to create their own kindness videos—just like Steve Hartman! Educators can submit evidence of school initiatives or student work to NCDPI. Your submissions may be featured on our NCDPI social media, newsletters, and website. Also, be sure to share your experiences on your social media using the hashtag #CharacterMattersNC!  

Let's celebrate February with kindness, compassion, and uplifting stories. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond our classrooms.

#CharacterMattersNC #KindnessMattersNC

NC Museum of History: African American Cultural Celebration and Cultural Education Day

The North Carolina Museum of History invites educators, students, and families to take part in the 25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration,  a dynamic tribute to the profound contributions of African Americans to North Carolina’s history, culture, and communities.

As part of the celebration, educators can register for a  Virtual Education Day on Friday, January 30, featuring engaging programs and performances designed to bring African American heritage into classrooms across the state. These interactive sessions are appropriate for students of all ages and offer a meaningful way to launch Black History Month with a rich historical and cultural context.

The celebration continues with an in-person festival on Saturday, January 31, hosted at the North Carolina Museum of Art. This free, family-friendly event includes live music, storytelling, hands-on activities, and presentations by artists, historians, and cultural leaders. Together, these experiences connect students and families with living history, creative expression, and community traditions.

 Teacher Spotlight

Discover how Jennifer Nichols, a teacher in Concord, NC, transformed her classroom into a vibrant hub of cultural exploration, hands-on learning, and student creativity, starting with a love for monarch butterflies. Through free resources from DNCR, her students connected language, history, and science in meaningful ways. Curious how she did it?

Read the full story and get inspired to bring new energy to your own classroom.

Field Trip Idea: Battleship North Carolina

Located across the river from historic downtown Wilmington, Battleship North Carolina offers students a unique opportunity to step inside history. Open to visitors year-round, the Battleship serves as both a living museum and an immersive learning environment where stories of World War II come to life.

Whether participating in an educational program or exploring through a self-guided tour, students engage with firsthand accounts of crew members, learn how a WWII battleship operated, and discover how teamwork and leadership were essential to life at sea. From climbing inside gun turrets to seeing early computer technology, visitors explore nine levels of the ship and gain insight into the daily lives of the more than 2,000 young men who once called the Battleship home.

Admission is free for North Carolina public schools and homeschools, including teachers and bus drivers, with advance reservations required. This makes the Battleship an accessible and high-impact field trip option for schools seeking meaningful, hands-on learning experiences connected to history, civics, and STEM.

Beyond the ship itself, the SECU Walkway encircling the Battleship provides stunning views and a chance to reflect on its scale and significance. Schools can extend their visit with a picnic in Battleship Park or enjoy the many dining options in nearby Wilmington, turning the trip into a full-day educational experience.

NC Council on Economic Education: K-12 Family Financial Fun Nights 

The North Carolina Council on Economic Education (NCCEE) offers Family Financial Fun Nights, interactive, school-based events that bring financial literacy to life for students and families. Typically held in the evening, these engaging sessions feature hands-on activities that introduce key financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, earning income, investing, and insurance in fun, age-appropriate ways for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, including those enrolled in the Economics and Personal Finance Course (EPF).

While students explore financial decision-making through games and activities, parents and caregivers gain access to practical resources on choosing bank accounts, reducing debt, building credit, and strengthening overall financial well-being. Each event is designed to ensure that every family member walks away with tools they can use right away.

Schools provide the audience, and NCCEE provides the experience. Family Financial Fun Nights can easily be paired with existing school events such as PTA meetings, STEM nights, seasonal festivals, or curriculum showcases. Schools interested in hosting an event are encouraged to contact NCCEE to learn more about bringing this engaging opportunity to their community.

Teaching Positions open for the 2026 session of NC Governor’s School!

Are you looking for a unique opportunity
for this summer?

Come and work with talented and intellectually engaged high school students in a thriving learning community this summer – without grades! 

NCDPI is specifically seeking creative, engaging teachers. 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 currently seeking instructors for Area II/Philosophy, Instrumental Music, Math, Natural Science, Social Science, Spanish, and Visual Arts. Along with openings for office positions and coordinators for Communications and Technology. 

We also have openings for our GS Fellows program, a five-week paid internship. Being a GS Fellow offers an opportunity to gain leadership experience through working with students in residential life, assisting in classrooms, and leading campus events. For more information and to apply, visit the employment page of our Governor’s School Website.

Governor’s School will take place June 21-July 18, with employees arriving on June 15 to begin orientation. We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews in the coming weeks. If you have questions regarding any openings, reach out to us at ncgovschool@dpi.nc.gov. We look forward to hearing from you!

American Exchange Project & Carolina K-12: 2026-2027 Exchange Manager Webinar 

Friday, January 23, 2026 | 6:00-6:30 p.m.

American Exchange Project, in partnership with Carolina K–12, invites educators to a brief webinar about serving as an Exchange Manager for the 2026-2027 school year, a paid extracurricular role with a $6,000–$8,000 stipend.

American Exchange Project is the nation’s first domestic intercultural exchange program, offering graduating seniors a free two-week exchange experience that includes traveling to a community different from their own and hosting students from across the country. Since 2020, more than 1,500 students have participated nationwide.

Exchange Managers receive training and support to recruit students, coordinate host families, and lead the local exchange experience, helping students build connections across lines of difference while strengthening civic engagement.

Reach out to communityrelations@americanexchangeproject.org with any questions.

The National Civics Bee Is Coming to North Carolina!

NC State University is excited to host the 2026 North Carolina State Competition of the National Civics Bee—an initiative designed to spark civic engagement, leadership, and problem-solving in young people.
And the journey begins now with the Middle School Essay Competition, open to all North Carolina middle school students!

What Is the National Civics Bee?

Created and organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities as they compete for prizes, finalists strengthen their civics, writing, and public speaking skills, and form friendships with other young leaders along the way. The message of the Civics Bee is to strengthen our state through civics education! 

National Civics Bee: The Basics

What: The National Civics Bee provides an invaluable opportunity for young learners to deepen their understanding of civics and collaborate with students across the state.

How: Middle School students from across our state can initiate their engagement with the National Civics Bee by submitting an essay. More information here

Who: 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students from public, private, charter, and home schools in North Carolina are eligible to participate

When: The Essay portal is open until Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 11:59pm Hawaii Standard Time.

The reward! Winners of Regional, State, and National Bee competitions $$$ prizes, and there may even be a donation to your school. 

Resources to Support Participation

• Educator Toolkit: Classroom-ready resources to help teachers introduce the Civics Bee and guide students through the process.
• Student Flyer: Perfect for sharing with students and families to promote the opportunity.
• Essay Application Guide: A step-by-step resource to support students with crafting their essays.
• National Civics Bee Highlights Video  
• 2026 National Civics Bee Contest Rules – Phase 1

Competition Pathway

Students who are selected as finalists will advance to one of North Carolina’s Regional Competitions.
Regional winners will then move on to compete at the State Competition at NC State University in June 2026.

Have Questions?

Connect with the NC State team at NCCivicsBee@ncsu.edu or explore additional resources provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Learning Happens Here Field Trip Fund

The Learning Happens Here Field Trip Fund reimburses public and public charter schools for field trips to 100+ DNCR locations across North Carolina! The fund can cover costs such as:

• Transportation costs (including charter buses when needed)
• Admission or special activity fees (although many DNCR sites are free!)
• Substitute reimbursement (when necessary for the trip to take place)
• Meals for students who can’t afford them.

With an acceptance rate for first-time applicants of 98%, what are you waiting for? Create lasting memories for your students with the Learning Happens Here Field Trip Fund. The staff is available to assist with trip recommendations and the application process.

Need some inspiration? Search #NCLearningHappensHere on Instagram or Facebook to see lots of trips in action!

Apply for the Gilder Lehrman History: Teacher of the Year Award

We are excited to announce that Valencia Abbott has been named the 2025 North Carolina and National History Teacher of the Year!

Abbott is an educator with over two decades of experience and serves as the Social Studies Department chair and a civics teacher at Rockingham Early College High School in Wentworth, North Carolina. Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 Civil Rights/Civil Liberties Excellence in Teaching Award and the 2024–2025 RECHS Teacher of the Year honor. She is also a 2024 United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Teacher Fellow and serves on multiple advisory boards, underscoring her commitment to education and civil rights.

Learn more about Valencia Abbbot in the article "From Classroom to Community: A National History Teacher’s Journey."

Would you like to be a Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year Award winner?

The  2026 Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year Award honors exceptional elementary and secondary school American history teachers (including state and local history). The national winner receives a $10,000 prize presented at an award ceremony in their honor in New York City. State winners receive a $1,000 prize, an archive of classroom resources, and recognition at a ceremony in their state.

Nominations for the Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year awards are now open. Students, parents, colleagues, and supervisors may nominate K-12 teachers for the award.

Key Deadlines for 2026 Nominations

Deadline for 2026 nominations: April 30, 2026

Spring Webinar Series: Implementing Standards-Based Instruction

Register for the Spring Webinar Series: Implementing Standards-Based Instruction hosted by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. 

The series includes three one-hour webinars:

• Foundations of Standards-Based Instruction- February 10, 2026, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
  Focuses on understanding the review, revision, and implementation phases of standards in North Carolina and creating a learning inventory to support aligned instruction.
• Differentiating Standards-Based Instruction- March 10, 2026, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
  Guides participants through key components of differentiation and strategies to support the needs of all learners.
• Aligning Standards-Based Instruction- April 14, 2026, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
  Supports educators in creating standards-aligned performance tasks and understanding how standards are addressed, taught, and assessed.

SBI Registration Flyer.pdf

Subscribe and Connect with each Area in the Office of Teaching and Learning

Stay informed with the latest news, opportunities, instructional resources, and standards updates from the NCDPI Office of Teaching and Learning. Educators, administrators, and partners are invited to subscribe to receive newsletters and announcements from the content areas and topics that matter most to their work.

Subscribers can customize their experience by selecting one or more focus areas, making it easy to stay connected to timely information, professional learning opportunities, and statewide initiatives.

Sign up today to receive updates from the area(s) of your choice, and never miss what’s happening across North Carolina’s teaching and learning community.

In Case You Missed It: Explore Recent Newsletters

Stay current with highlights and updates from across the Office of Teaching and Learning, including:

• Arts Education
• CTE and Career Pathways
• Character Education
• Computer Science
• Dual Language/Immersion
• English Language Arts
• English Language Development/MLs
• GLE, NC’s Seal of Biliteracy
• Global Education
• Healthful Living
• Information and Technology
• K-12 Education Legislative Update
• Mathematics
• School Counseling Newsletter
• Science
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• World Languages