NCED CONNECTION
MARCH
UPCOMING EVENTS & NEWS
NCED Connect Symposium Slide Decks
THANK YOU for being part of the NCEDConnect Symposium!
We appreciate all that you did to make the 2026 event a success. Your engagement, collaboration, and commitment to learning made a lasting impact.
Missed a session or want to revisit key takeaways? Slide decks from each session are available here.
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April Digital Leaders Exchange
Save the Date!
Our April DLE will be VIRTUAL—April 21st from 8:30am -12pm.
Join us for a 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 (𝗗𝗟𝗘) designed to connect and support leaders across North Carolina, featuring sessions focused on 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 & 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀
Focus Tracks Include:
- SIS Coordinators
- District & School Leaders—HR, Technology, Media, Directors & more
Whether you're leading systems, supporting staff, or driving innovation, sessions are built with you in mind.
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View our agenda:
What is a DLE?
Learn more: go.ncdpi.gov/WhatIsADLE
Explore additional resources on the DTL Hub: go.ncdpi.gov/DTLHub
April Events Content Calendar
Check out our monthly content calendar for a quick look at upcoming events and webinars.
We have a full month of opportunities to learn, connect, and grow, including:
- Engaging webinars
- Special events
- Resources to support NC educators
Don’t miss what’s ahead—we look forward to connecting with you!
go.ncdpi.gov/Canvamonthlycontentcalendar
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NCBOLD Call for Presenters is Open!
We’re excited to begin planning for 𝗡𝗖𝗕𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, and we’re looking for educators and leaders ready to share bold ideas, innovative practices, and lessons learned from the field.
July 21–23, 2026 (West)
July 28–30, 2026 (East)
One week in the East, one week in the West (locations coming soon!)
Do you have strategies that inspire? Tools that empower? Leadership lessons that others can learn from? We want to hear from you!
𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟲𝘁𝗵.
Presenter space will be limited, so don’t wait.
Submit your proposal here:
go.ncdpi.gov/NCBOLD26CFP
Tag a colleague who should apply and help us make NCBOLD 2026 our boldest yet!
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2026-2027 NCED Connect Opt-In Process
2026-2027 Opt-in Timeline:
- The 2026-27 NCED Connect Opt-In process will open May 27, 2026 (annual process)
- The Opt-In deadline is tentatively set as July 31, 2026.
- Please visit the NCDPI NCED Connect Opt-In website for additional information.
For NEW Charter Schools:
- Jennifer Causey will contact you by email ahead of the opt-in window to collect your allotted ADM numbers by grade level. This information is required to finalize your Opt-In profile and complete the process once open.
Pricing Update:
- The rate will be $1.50 per ADM
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DTL Signature Events
Be sure to check the DTL Signature Events Calendar* or Eventbrite for upcoming in-person and virtual regional meetings and training sessions. Don’t miss out on valuable opportunities to connect, learn, and stay informed!
DTL Signature Events Calendar
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NAVVY and PRoPL
NAVVY and PRoPL Upcoming Webinars
Webinar Title: Making Sense of NC Assessments: Where Navvy + PRoPL Fit
Description:
North Carolina districts use a variety of assessments throughout the year to better understand student learning and support instructional decision-making.
In this brief session, we’ll explore where Navvy and PRoPL fit within that broader assessment landscape and how they can support educators with timely, actionable insights.
During this session, we will highlight:
- How Navvy provides real-time formative insight into student thinking and classroom learning
- How PRoPL offers adaptive interim data to help monitor progress over time
- How these tools can support screening, progress monitoring, and instructional planning across the school year
This practical overview is designed for district leaders, testing coordinators, MTSS teams, and instructional leaders interested in strengthening how assessment data supports student success.
Dates & Registration Links:
CANVAS
Accessibility Resources in Canvas
IgniteAI Announcements
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 NCSIS for EDUCATORS
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Campus Learning Monthly Updates
🆕 Campus.2607 adds the ability to copy curriculum to the My Curriculum tool. Checkout the newest update as well as updates made available in previous versions of Campus.
Campus Learning Feature Updates
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Transitioning from Canvas to Campus Learning
Are you considering using Campus Learning as your LMS? These resources can help you prepare your teachers for the move from Canvas to Campus Learning.
Transition to Campus Learning
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EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
 Upcoming AI Webinars
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Wed 3/25/26 Strategies for Evaluating AI Tools in K12: Vera will be joining Amanda Bickerstaff (CEO AI for Education) and Pati Ruiz, co-author of Digital Promise’s What States Say About Evaluating AI in Education report. | Register
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Wed 4/1/26 Student Voices from the NC AI Solve-A-Thon: Vera Cubero, Top 3 Winning Teams | Register
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Wed 4/15/26 Maintaining Human Judgement & Agency in the Intelligence Age: Vera Cubero | Register
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Wed 4/29/26 Our AI, Your Way: Getting More from MagicSchool in North Carolina with MagicSchool's Elise Seymore and Derek Lovell. | Registration Coming Soon
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Wed 5/13/26 From Data to Design: Partnering with AI to Build High-Impact Professional Learning with Lauren Boucher | Registration coming soon
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Wed 5/27/26 AI for English Teachers with Meredith Hill | Registration Coming Soon
Check out our EventBrite Collection & Registrations for upcoming registrations.
Previous webinars may be watched on demand on NC AI Resources & YouTube Channel.
District Leaders—Sign up for the AI Innovation Index
PLEASE SHARE with your District Leaders & encourage them to sign up for the AI Innovation Index
The Spring Data Collection Window is March 1- March 31, 2026
- This is a free, low-lift way to gather data on your PSU’s AI readiness & learn from others around the state and nation.
- Learn more about the AI Innovation Index. HERE
- Alex Horowitz from the AI Innovation Index will be presenting at NC EdConnect
- Learn more about the AI Innovation Index on Tues Feb. 10 9 am “From Readiness to Impact with the AI Innovation Index”
AI Innovation Index Resources:
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AI Updates January - March 2026
Lots of updates in the AI world, including a new AI Literacy Framework from the US Department of Labor!
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SLMC
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Administrator Voices Needed for the IMPACT Focus Group March 27-April 20
The revised IMPACT Guidelines for North Carolina School Library Media Coordinators are nearing publication, and we’re seeking district and school administrators to review the draft through a leadership lens. Superintendents, CAOs, curriculum leaders, principals, and assistant principals are invited to participate in a short-term focus group between March 27 and April 20 and invest approximately five hours reviewing the draft and offering feedback on clarity, alignment to district priorities, and overall feasibility from an administrator’s perspective. Your insight will help ensure the final guidelines are practical, aligned, and supportive of student achievement across North Carolina schools. Considering inviting leaders from your district and asking them to sign up at go.ncdpi.gov/IMPACTleaders
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If you miss this live and/or want to view other on-demand SLMC webinars, they are housed at go.ncdpi.gov/ncslmcplaylist
Save the date for April 30, 2026 at 3pm - Lead Your Evaluation: Strategies for School Librarians | Register
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NCEES
NCEES Sessions at the Virtual April Digital Leaders Exchange
April 21, 2026
NCEES Professional Learning: The PD Office Administrator Workflows for EOY Processes
Behind every successful professional development catalog is an organized Office Administrator. This session is designed to walk PSU Office Administrators through the essential "Closing the Books" procedures within the NCEES Profession Learning system. We will cover the steps for finalizing learning opportunities, including locking rosters and the systematic archiving of courses and sections.
Target Audience: NCEES Office Administrator.
End-of-Year NCEES Guidance for Evaluations
Gain a better understanding of the End-of-Year process for NCEES administrators and principals. Topics include reviewing the End-of-Year Principal and Teacher/Support Staff Evaluation processes, completing End-of-Year Summary Evaluations, and reporting guidance.
Target Audience: NCEES District Administrators, Site Administrators, and Principals.
Click Here to Register
Here is the agenda with times.
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NCEES EOY Guidance and Dates
As we begin preparing for our end-of-year processes, we want to ensure everyone has the information needed for a smooth and successful closeout. Please share the following guidance and important dates with your Site and District Administrators to support their planning.
Click here to view the End of Year Guidance Document
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2026 NCEES Training for New Administrators Webinar
Session Title:
NCEES: Teacher Evaluation Process and Practice for Principals & Assistant Principals
Session Description:
In this webinar, participants will explore key NCEES policies and best practices to enhance their leadership and evaluation processes. Topics include:
- Reviewing the teacher evaluation process
- Providing targeted feedback using rubric-based language
- Assigning evaluation plans and access rights
- Navigating the staff evaluation dashboard
- Running reports to track and complete evaluation steps
- Identifying and troubleshooting common pain points
March 26, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Click Here to Register
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BRITANNICA
Upcoming Britannica Webinars
Rescheduled: 21st Century Skills: Critical Media Literacy in the Age of AI
Students today are faced with unprecedented challenges in determining fact from fake, as they are bombarded with misinformation and disinformation through conventional and social media. As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced and prevalent, these challenges grow more difficult and complex. In this session, educators will explore trusted, content-rich resources that support student research, media literacy fundamentals, and action plans to determine fact from fake.
Bringing Escolar to Life: Pairing Trusted Spanish Content with Ready-to-Use Resources
We know planning meaningful lessons takes time, and your time matters! In this session, discover how the newly updated Britannica Escolar and Teach Britannica work together to simplify planning and deepen student engagement. We’ll highlight key new features of Escolar, along with ready-to-use lesson plans, graphic organizers, and strategies that connect trusted Spanish-language content to inquiry, literacy, and real classroom practice.
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Britannica Education 2026 Summer Reading Kit
Britannica Education 2026 Summer Reading Kit: “Can You Dig It?”
Summer reading season is around the corner! Britannica Education’s 2026 “Can You Dig It?” digital summer reading kit is now available to help libraries and schools inspire curiosity and keep young readers engaged all summer long. The kit includes ready-to-use printable activities, reading materials, and promotional resources designed for school-age readers.
Libraries and schools can download the full digital kit and also request themed bookmarks and stickers to support their summer reading programs. Please note that printed materials are available while supplies last.
ISTE+ASCD and CoSN ANNOUNCEMENTS
MICRO-CREDENTIALING
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Statewide Professional Learning Micro-Credential Cohorts start March 1.
The NC Department of Public Instruction is now accepting interest applications for our upcoming statewide Professional Learning Micro-Credential Pathways. These job-embedded pathways are designed to help you master high-priority digital skills. Whether you’re looking to dive into AI or strengthen data privacy, these micro-credentials offer the flexible, high-quality learning you need.
Seats are limited, and the application below is intended to gauge interest only; completion does not guarantee enrollment. To ensure equitable access, each Public School Unit (PSU) will be prioritized for one seat per pathway before additional participants from the same PSU are considered, based on availability. Educators will be asked to rank their pathway preferences to support placement if a first-choice pathway reaches capacity.
All cohorts will run from March 1 through May 31.
Available Professional Learning Pathways include:
- Basic AI for Educators: Basic AI for K–2 Classrooms
- Basic AI for 3–5 Classrooms
- Basic AI for 6–8 Classrooms
- Basic AI for 9–12 Classrooms
- Data Privacy for Educators
- Digital Citizenship in the Curriculum
- Student Knowledge Construction in the Curriculum
Please share this opportunity with educators in your PSU who may be interested and encourage them to complete the interest form by February 25th.
Link to Interest Form
Additional details, including selection notifications and next steps, will be shared after interest submissions have been reviewed.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting high-quality, flexible professional learning opportunities across North Carolina.
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CYBERSECURITY
 NCEdCloud IAM Service MFA Requirement
Starting July 1, 2026, all NCEdCloud IAM Service staff users statewide must use multi‑factor authentication (MFA). PSU users without an existing MFA setup will be prompted to configure it at login, and those already using MFA are unaffected. PSUs may enable MFA earlier at their own pace, per individual employee, by uploading a staff UID list, by school code (applies only to current staff), or for the entire PSU (applies to current and future staff). Users should use any TOTP‑capable authenticator. LEA/Admin/Help Desk roles can “Reset OTP” for users (LEA Admin TOTPs can only be reset by another LEA Admin), and employees can reset their own OTP from their profile after login. Updated user instructions are on the NCEdCloud Docs site below.
NCDIT Enterprise Security & Risk Management Office (ESRMO)
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K-12 Cybersecurity Webinar: NCDIT Enterprise Security & Risk Management Office (ESRMO)
- Join the K–12 Cybersecurity Program webinar series this month to learn more about the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) Enterprise Security & Risk Management Office (ESRMO). ESRMO team will outline the role they have helping the State Chief Information Officer protect North Carolina’s data and infrastructure, covering security implementation, monitoring, threat and vulnerability management, incident response, and business continuity. In addition, the team will share the supports and resources that specifically extend to PSUs to help manage cyber risk. NCDIT ESRMO plays an incredible role as a partner in the prevention, detection, and response efforts of the K–12 Cybersecurity Program!
- Register Here
- Date: April 8, 2026, 10am
I have Cybersecurity questions..
NCTIES NEWS
NCTIES Updates
Sending out a big thank you to all who attended NCTIES this year. Mark your calendar for next year's conference March 3-5, 2027.
NCTIES was highlighted in EdNC.
The North Carolina Technology in Education Society (NCTIES) held its annual convening from March 4-6 in downtown Raleigh. The gathering brought together 2,161 educators and 308 students from around the state for connection, celebration, and the demonstration of STEM and classroom technologies. Grant Hayes, the digital learning systems coordinator in Cleveland County Schools and this year’s NCTIES conference chair, said, “As an organization, our mission is to provide robust support and professional development, not just for technology leaders, but for every educator looking for high-impact best practices they can implement in their classrooms tomorrow.” “Despite the challenges of operating without a passed state budget this school year, we saw a record turnout of educators from across North Carolina and our neighboring states. This level of engagement underscores just how deeply our profession values growth,” said Hayes.
NCTIES also welcomed Sean Astin as our keynote speaker along with pre conference speakers: Dr. Tucker, Dr. Sanfelippo, Matt Miller, Dee Lanier, Ken Shelton, Tyler Tarver, Kat Crawford, Jen Hall, Marsha Sirkin, Randy Seldomridge, Michell McNeill and Courtney Watson with FriED Tech.
NCTIES Also provided scholarships and awards:
- EdTech Scholarship: Allysa Miller and Bridget Ashworth
- IMPACT Award: Sue Tobin
- Libby Gray Award: Susanne Willis
- NCTIES Mini Grant: Ashley Colley
- Making it Happen award: Marty Sharpe
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