Number 10

EdNC: "Gov. Stein Releases Budget Proposal with 11% Average Raise for Teachers, Highest Starting Pay in the Southeast"

"Gov. Josh Stein announced on Tuesday his proposal for a fiscal year 2026-27 state budget, calling on the legislature to act quickly. Last year, North Carolina was the only state in the country not to pass a state budget, following disagreements between the Republican-led House and Senate about pay raises, personal income taxes, and other budget items.

Stein said North Carolina’s success as a state is at risk as inflation, 325,000 new residents, federal unfunded mandates, and Hurricane Helene recovery all contribute to higher expenses. Stein put public schools front and center in his announcement.

'If we’re going to continue to build on our long-term economic success, we must start by investing in our public schools,' he said during a press conference on Tuesday. 'Our children truly are our future. So investing in them must be our greatest priority.'”

Read the full story here. 

Number 9

North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) Teacher Tuesday: Special Exhibition Access for Educators

North Carolina educators are invited to enjoy free, exclusive access to Knowing the West: Visual Legacies of the American West on May 12, 2026 at the NCMA.

Tickets for this free, self-guided program are limited and available on the hour between 4-7 p.m. Learn more and register here. 

Number 8

2026 Student Advisory Council Accepting Applications

Calling all rising juniors (current 10th graders) in high school! Apply today to serve as a Student Advisor on State Superintendent Mo Green's Student Advisory Council. If you are interested in state K-12 education issues, advocating on behalf of peers and serving as an advisor to decision-makers in K-12 education, this opportunity is for you!

Learn more about the Student Advisory Council and apply here. The application closes on May 1.

Number 7

NC Virtual Public School (NCVPS) Summer Programming and Student Support

As districts and charter schools finalize summer programming, the North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) stands ready to help schools expand student opportunities. With a catalog of over 90 online courses, NCVPS provides a flexible solution for students aiming to stay on track for graduation or accelerate their progress before the next academic year.

Student Opportunities:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Full-credit options are available in all core subjects, World Languages, CTE, Health and PE, the Arts and various electives.
• Flexible Advancement: Students can earn credits during the summer break, easing their course loads for the fall.
• Expert Instruction: All courses are taught by NC-licensed teachers who provide direct instruction, monitor student progress and deliver regular feedback.

District and Charter School Support:

• Operational Efficiency: Schools can provide a wide range of courses without the need for additional local staffing or facility management.
• Asynchronous Flexibility: Fully asynchronous coursework eliminates scheduling conflicts, making it an ideal fit for diverse student needs.
• Streamlined Coordination: NCVPS offers clear progress monitoring and simplified enrollment, allowing school staff to easily track student outcomes and support on-time graduation.

Learn more about NCVPS summer options and how to register here.

Number 6

English Language Development (ELD) Recognition Award Nominations Due May 17

The NCDPI ML/Title III Team invites districts and charter schools to nominate an outstanding ESL/ELD teacher for the 2025-2026 English Language Development (ELD) Recognition Award (ERA). Now in its third year, the ERA honors NC Public Schools ESL/ELD teachers who have demonstrated excellence in their practice.

Each district or charter school uses an internal selection process to identify one nominee and complete a portfolio packet, which must be submitted via the nomination form on or before May 17, 2026. Portfolio Guidelines and a Rubric are available to guide the process.

The ERA winner will be announced by Chief Academic Officer Dr. Stacey Wilson-Norman at the NCDPI Growing Success for MLs Summer Conference in Johnston County, June 23-25, 2026.

Learn more about the ELD Recognition Award and access key nomination materials here.

Number 5

Register for National Schools of Character: Panel Discussion Webinar

Looking to strengthen school climate and culture? Educators and leaders are invited to join an engaging conversation online with State and National Schools of Character, May 13 from 3-4 p.m.

Explore proven strategies for enhancing character development and hear directly from inspiring North Carolina Schools of Character, including:

• Person Early College for Innovation and Leadership (Person County Schools)
• Haynes-Inman Education Center (Guilford County Schools)
• North Shelby School (Cleveland County Schools)
• Patriots Elementary (Cabarrus County Schools)
• Union Academy Charter School

Walk away with practical strategies and fresh inspiration to transform your school culture—one principle at a time.

Learn more and register for the webinar here.

Number 4

Perspective Piece from Alexander County Schools Director of Communications and Testing and Accountability Denita Dowell-Reavis: "Alexander County Schools Hosts State Lawmakers during Legislators in Schools Week"

"State lawmakers swapped the capital floor for school grounds on Legislators in Schools Week, touring local schools to see exactly how millions in grants — along with innovative ideas — are serving as the new gold standard in Alexander County Schools.

Sen. Eddie Settle, R-Alexander, and Rep. Blair Eddins, R-Alexander, joined Alexander County School Board members, district administrators, and County Commissioner Ronnie Reese on a tour of Ellendale Elementary, East Alexander Middle, and Sugar Loaf Elementary. ...

The legislature is back into session with a key item up for debate: the state budget. Typically, the state adopts a budget every two years, but North Carolina is the only state in the country that does not have a new budget for the fiscal year. No new agreement means spending stays at the levels that were agreed on two years ago. Sen. Settle expressed frustration with the budget impasse."

Read the full article here. 

Number 3

2026-27 NC College Connect Resources

NC College Connect is helping North Carolina continue to lead the way in expanding access through direct college admissions and educators like you are at the heart of that impact. Across the state, this program is opening doors, simplifying the application process and creating real opportunities for students to take the next step with confidence. NCDPI and our partners are excited to launch another year of the NC College Connect and look forward to partnering with you to make an even greater difference for students everywhere!

The NC College Connect website and materials have been updated for the 2026-27 school year with all new resources for educators including a 2026 Kick-off-One Pager and 2026 Kickoff-Social Media Graphic with more to come!

Number 2

2026 Burroughs Wellcome North Carolina Teacher of the Year to be Announced Tomorrow, April 24

We’re ONE day away from the big announcement for the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year!

Tune in tomorrow, April 24, for the livestreamed ceremony on the NCDPI YouTube Channel. The pre-show begins at 12 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Watch online and cheer for your favorite teacher!

Be part of the celebration as we honor our newest North Carolina Teacher of the Year and an outstanding cohort of regional finalists.

Number 1

Orange County Administrator Named National Principal of the Year

"Jason Johnson, Orange High School principal and the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, was named the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) 2026 National High School Principal of the Year. He received the recognition at the National Education Leadership Awards (NELA) in Washington, D.C. on April 17.

'Representing North Carolina’s public schools on a national stage is an honor, and wouldn’t be possible without the students, staff and community that I work alongside every day,' Johnson said. 'This award validates the work we are doing across the state of North Carolina, and it affirms the direction set by the North Carolina State Board of Education and Superintendent Mo Green.'

As the National Principal of the Year, Johnson will have the opportunity to add his voice to the biggest stages in education and will become a member of a lifelong network of top school leaders. This honor opens doors to influence policy, grow professionally and inspire the next generation of educational leadership."

Read the full press release here. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Jason!