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December 12, 2025

NC Arts Education

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In This Issue

• Honors in High School Arts: Coming Soon
• Regional Training Announced for SCOS and Honors Implementation
• NCDEO Conference Information
• Governor's School Job Positions Available
• Implementing Standards-Based Instruction PD
• UNC Greensboro Hosts Community Dance Day

NC Arts Council Corner

• Arts learning initiatives from the North Carolina Arts Council

Honors in the Arts: Coming Soon

We’ve heard you. Teachers across the state have shared the need for Honors-level options at the entrance levels in Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts (Novice, Developing, Beginning, Intermediate) that reflect the rigor, depth, and creativity inherent in arts learning. The Arts Education team is excited to share that we are developing new Honors-level guidance for high school current standard-level offerings, with a rollout planned for the 2027–2028 school year. Over the next year and a half, we’ll be engaging educators across the state to ensure these courses reflect authentic arts rigor and support both teachers and students in meaningful ways. Regional training, sample curriculum supports, and webinars will all be part of the preparation process, so that by the time these courses are available, every district will have the tools and guidance needed to implement them confidently. More information and opportunities to provide feedback will be shared through your District Arts Education Leader and our upcoming regional sessions.

Regional Training Announced for SCOS and Honors Implementation

A.M. Session: 2024 SCOS

This half-day workshop helps Arts Ed teachers take the next step with the new SCOS after six months in the classroom. You'll explore essential tools on the Arts Ed Hub, unpack standards for clarity, and refine your own lessons or units for stronger alignment. Come ready to collaborate, troubleshoot challenges, and leave with resources you can use tomorrow.

This session is for K-12 Arts Educators and District Arts Education Leaders

P.M. Description: Local Honors Implementation of Entrance Levels

This regional session will support districts in preparing for the launch of Honors-level Arts Education courses at the Novice, Developing, Beginning, and Intermediate levels in 2027–28. Participants will explore state expectations for Honors coursework and work in school-based teams to begin developing locally aligned honors tasks, assessments, and instructional approaches that reflect authentic arts rigor.

This session is for High School Arts Educators, District Arts Education Leaders, and Honors Implementation Coordinators

NCDEO Conference Information

Register now for NCDEO's tenth annual day-long conference, the premier professional development opportunity for North Carolina dance educators from a range of dance teaching and cultural contexts.

Rooted and Rising: Building an Inclusive and Resilient Future for Dance Education will be held at Elon University on Saturday, Feb 21, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM. We look forward to welcoming you for a day of in-person dance and dialogue as we connect, move, and collectively strategize for ways our work with students continues to evolve in North Carolina.

CEU documentation is available for this conference.

Governor's School Job Positions Available

Are you looking for a unique opportunity for this summer?

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

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!

Implementing Standards-Based Instruction PD

PNCC Updates

PDF Copy of the flier

UNC Greensboro Hosts Community Dance Day

Dancers from your high school are invited to a Day of Dance on March 6, 2026, from 8:30–3:00 at UNC Greensboro. In the morning, students can take two to three dance classes with UNCG dance faculty and graduate students in jazz, contemporary, ballet, Safety Release Technique, West African dance, yoga, Pilates, a percussion workshop, and more.

In the afternoon, we will host a Dance Share event in the UNCG Auditorium. We invite you and your students to share a piece of choreography (under five minutes in length). Students will also have the opportunity to experience two university dance performances, view screen dances, and meet college students over lunch to ask questions and learn about the college dance experience. For students interested in auditioning to be a dance major at UNCG, this day may serve as their audition.

You may show interest in attending by submitting the form linked below. We accept 10 students per school unless a written request for additional students is approved by Teresa Heiland. Please email Teresa in advance at TLheilan@uncg.edu. Please complete this form to indicate your intent to attend: Intent to attend

Your registration becomes valid once payment of $10 per student is received. UNCG accepts checks, money orders, or cash in advance, payable to “UNCG Dance.” Etix may also be available. Note: Students may pack their lunch or purchase lunch at the nearby W. Tate Street restaurants during the lunch hour.

Welcome to the North Carolina Arts Council Arts Education Corner! The North Carolina Arts Council Arts Education Corner is a new monthly newsletter feature supporting arts educators statewide. Each month, we'll share valuable resources, highlight opportunities for teachers and students, and showcase the incredible work of schools, organizations and teaching artists who are making an impact in their communities. 

Arts learning initiatives from the North Carolina Arts Council

Big changes are coming in arts learning at the N.C. Arts Council. After years of thoughtful planning and conversations with educators and administrators, we restructured key programs to strengthen arts education. Here’s an overview of what’s new.

cARTwheels and Artist in Residency grants: We phased these out and will soon deliver programs and services directly to school districts upon request. This approach streamlines timelines and removes participation barriers. More information about this new program will become available this spring.

Arts integration resources for every school: For 30 years, the A+ model has taught us invaluable lessons. This summer we will launch programs and services using lessons learned from A+ to help all schools integrate the arts more fully in every classroom. These resources will include:

• Professional development opportunities for teachers
• Access to teaching artists for school visits
• Consultation services for administrators
• Other arts learning resources

We’re excited to roll out these improvements and will share details soon.

Poetry Out Loud

Poetry Out Loud, a national program, inspires students to explore great poetry through memorization and recitation. The program builds public speaking skills, strengthens reading comprehension, and deepens literary knowledge—all while boosting confidence.

County competitions are taking place through February. Regional and state finals will be held at ImaginOn, in Charlotte, on Saturday, February 28. You can learn more about Poetry Out Loud and find useful resources at Poetry Out Loud | NC Arts Council.

Visit Our Arts Ed Hub for More Information!

North Carolina's Vision for Comprehensive Arts Education In today's globally competitive world, innovative thinking and creativity are essential for all school children. High quality, standards-based instruction in the arts develops these skills and effectively engages, retains, and prepares future-ready students for graduation and success in an entrepreneurial economy. Dance, music, theatre arts, and visual arts, taught by licensed arts educators and integrated throughout the curriculum, are critical to North Carolina's 21st century education. (Senate Bill 66: Comprehensive Arts Education Task Force, 2010) Learn More about Comprehensive Arts Education NCDPI Arts Education - NCDPI Arts Education Website @ArtsEdNC - NCDPI Arts Education Twitter   Contact Us! Laura Stauderman: K-12 Dance and Visual Arts Consultant Brandon Roeder: K-12 Music and Theatre Arts Consultant

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