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June 2026

Character Education

Sign up for the Character Education Updates to stay informed, and visit our Character Education Website for information on legislation, resources, and State Schools of Character.

UPDATE INCLUDES: 

SPOTLIGHT ON CHARACTER 

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
• Union Academy Charter School Earns Recognition as a 2026 National School of Character 
• Become a North Carolina School of Character

OPPORTUNITIES & AWARDS 

• Social Studies Standards Review Survey 
• Civic Health Summit 2026 
• Webinar Opportunities
• Coffee & Character Chats 
• Growing Success for MLs and The Standards Academy 2026 Summer Conference
• RISE Conference 
• Grants 

INSTRUCTIONAL TOOLS & RESOURCES  

• Greater Good Science Center Communities of Practice: Exploring Empathy, Curiosity
• Character Strong: Problem-Solving Blueprint Resource
• Sandy Hook Promise Programs 
• On-Demand Professional Learning 

Follow Us On Facebook and Instagram

We’re excited to announce that Character Education in North Carolina now has official Facebook and Instagram pages! Follow us for the latest updates on Character Development, Service Learning, Student Leadership, and more:

Help us show that Character Matters in NC! If your school or district is doing something impactful in character, leadership, or service, we want to hear about it. Send your stories so we can help spotlight the great work happening across the state. 

Union Academy Charter School Earns

 Recognition as a 2026 National School of Character

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is proud to announce that Union Academy Charter School has been named a 2026 National School of Character by Character.org, a national leader and advocate for character development in schools and communities. Union Academy joins a prestigious group of 94 schools across the United States and 9 international schools that have demonstrated a deep commitment to developing strong culture, ethical leadership, and character growth in students

This recognition celebrates schools that demonstrate a dedicated commitment to fostering character development and cultivating a school culture where students thrive as learners, citizens, and leaders.
Character.org’s National Schools of Character program is grounded in the 11 Principles Framework for Schools, a nationally recognized guide that outlines key practices for creating and sustaining a culture of character. Schools that apply for this recognition undergo a rigorous evaluation by trained reviewers who assess the implementation and impact of character initiatives.

Since its inception, the National Schools of Character program has impacted more than three million students, educators, and families nationwide. Union Academy's recognition is a testament to the school’s intentional and inclusive approach to character education and its ongoing efforts to empower students to make ethical choices and contribute positively to their school and community. This recognition highlights the school’s unwavering dedication to building a strong, caring community centered on core values like respect, responsibility, and integrity. For a complete list of the 2026 National Schools and Districts of Character, and to learn more about the program, visit www.character.org.

Become a School of Character 

The deadline for this year has passed, but it’s the perfect time to begin your journey so you’re ready for next year’s submission. Whether you’re just exploring or ready to grow, the NCDPI Action Plan will guide your team step-by-step.

Get started:

• Make a copy of the NCDPI Action Plan 

• Determine your school’s readiness 

• Explore NCDPI Resources aligned to the 11 Principles of Character Education.

• Contact Justyn Burgess to schedule a coaching meeting and walk through your application plan.

Social Studies Standards Review Survey 

As part of the North Carolina Social Studies Standards Review and Revision process, the K–12 Social Studies team in the Office of Teaching and Learning is seeking meaningful feedback from educators and stakeholders across the state. Your expertise and perspective are valuable in helping ensure that the Social Studies Standard Course of Study continues to meet the needs of North Carolina students and reflects high-quality, relevant instruction.

The information below provides important details regarding the purpose of this stakeholder input opportunity and how feedback will be used throughout the revision process.

• State Board of Education policy specifies that the NC Department of Public Instruction will formally collect feedback on the current standards from educators, administrators, parents, students, institutions of higher education, business/industry representatives, national organizations, and other education agencies. The purpose of this survey is to obtain input from educators and stakeholders familiar with the Social Studies Standard Course of Study in order to inform revision decisions, which may include changes, clarifications, additions, deletions, or replacements to the current standards and objectives.
• The Social Studies team in the Office of Teaching and Learning requests your thoughtful input and comments on the current academic standards and objectives for Social Studies to inform the review and revision process.
• Any individual who wishes to provide input on the Social Studies Standard Course of Study (SCOS) is encouraged to complete this survey. The survey is estimated to take approximately 10–20 minutes to complete, depending on the grade level selected for review, and should be completed in one sitting. If you would like to provide feedback on more than one grade or course, you will be able to submit additional surveys by clicking the link that will be provided after the submission of each completed survey.

Thank you for your time and input. Your feedback is extremely valuable to the Social Studies standards revision process. In addition to this survey, there will be several opportunities for you to provide feedback on the standards and objectives throughout the revision process. To stay updated on these opportunities, please be sure that you are subscribed to the NCDPI Social Studies listserv. 

Dimensions of Wellness Webinar

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

3:00 PM-4:15 PM

As professionals, we spend a lot of time caring for our students, children, and others, and sometimes we forget our own self-care. This program will empower participants to explore the positives and negatives of stress and the effects ongoing stress can have on their mental, physical, and emotional health. Participants will have an opportunity to explore self-care strategies and develop a plan to develop a wellness routine. During the discussion, we will also cover how stress affects youth, including tips on increasing mental wellness, promoting coping strategies, and building resilience. Please note that this webinar is for current educators only.

Speaker: Jessica Fowler, MindWELL Associate Director, Poe Center for Health Education

• Learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy levels of stress
• Learn the signs and symptoms of stress
• Learn what the 8 Dimensions of Wellness are
• Learn about self-care and how to use the 8 Dimensions of Wellness approach to self-care
• Explore different ways to work through the dimensions and create a routine for self-care

☕ Coffee & Character Chats ☕

Community • Character • Connection

Once you register, you will receive an email with the meeting link. Join us each month for an informal virtual gathering where educators across North Carolina come together to share stories, reflect, and encourage one another in this work of building character and community.

Whether you bring a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite morning drink, this is a space to:

💬 Celebrate stories of impact happening in schools
🌱 Share resources, strategies, and ideas
💛 Support one another in sustaining a culture of character

JOIN US — one cup, one chat, one community at a time

Growing Success for MLs and The Standards Academy 2026 Summer Conference

June 23-25, 2026

In-Person Sessions
Cleveland High School
1892 Polenta Rd.Clayton, NC 27520

July 13-16, 2026

Virtual Sessions

Don't miss this outstanding professional development experience! NCDPI’s Office of Teaching and Learning is once again joining the Growing Success for Multilingual Learners (MLs) and The Standards Academy for one spectacular summer conference! 

• Dual Conference Access – attend sessions from both conferences at one location, at no cost. Consider bringing a team to maximize learning and collaboration. Participants choose their own sessions!
• Flexible Attendance Options – Choose from the in-person locations or attend virtually to fit your schedule and preferences.
• Expert-Led Sessions – Engage with best practices, collaboration strategies, and proven methods for elevating multilingual learner success.
• Professional Networking – Connect with fellow educators, exchange ideas, and build lasting professional relationships.

The 2026 RISE Back to School Safety Summit will be held from Tuesday, Aug. 4 to Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Greenville Convention Center. Sessions include Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management, Rethinking School Safety for Exceptional Learners, Mental Health Trauma and Well-Being, and Digital Safety and Emerging Risk.

Registration is open until Friday, July 17 at 11:59 p.m. A special hotel rate is available for RISE attendees. Secure your room now – space is limited at this rate.

Don’t forget to download the Whova app to receive updates and engage with fellow attendees leading up to RISE 2026. Check the Center for Safer Schools newsletter and social media for more details over the coming months.

Greater Good Science Center Communities of Practice

Exploring Empathy, Curiosity, and

Intellectual Humility for the Greater Good

How do we teach the skills of bridging and dialogue in U.S. classrooms and schools? What strengths or qualities can we draw on to communicate across differences? What are the protocols and practices that best support constructive dialogue, and kinder, happier schools where everyone belongs?

This community of practice for educators explores aspirational ways of bringing people together—in the spirit of connection, authentic listening, and healing.

The Greater Good Educators is offering seven community of practice(CoP) sessions this summer called, “Bridging for Belonging,” centering on three key qualities: curiosity (“Tell me more; I want to understand”), intellectual humility (“I may be wrong, and I’m open to changing my thinking”), and empathy (“I feel with you–and your perspective”). Participants will have access to three self-paced learning modules on these three qualities, each featuring a mix of videos, short articles, and research-based practices that they can apply in their schools and classrooms.

Problem-Solving Blueprint Resource

Character Strong has released a practical bundle of six problem-solving blueprints designed to help educators respond to common school challenges with clarity and confidence. Each blueprint offers a structured, easy-to-use approach for addressing issues such as truancy, chronic absenteeism, unengaged learning, off-task behavior, and behaviors that damage relationships with peers and adults. Ideal for teachers, counselors, and school leaders, this set supports consistent, student-centered problem solving that leads to stronger engagement, better behavior, and more positive school experiences.

Sandy Hook Promise Programs

The Center for Safer Schools' partners at Sandy Hook Promise offer additional free programs meant to complement the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. Many of these programs are making an impact in North Carolina public school units:

• SAVE Promise Club: A youth leadership program that advocates student leaders taking an active role in the safety of their school and community.
• Say Something: Trusted Adult Workshop: A supplement of the Say Something program for school staff to enhance their skills for listening, responding, reassuring, and following up when presented with warning signs of violence, suicide, or self-harm.
• Start With Hello: A program available for grades K-12 that encourages students to reach out and support their peers.
• No One Eats Alone: Quick lunchtime activities for grades 5-8 focused on getting to know others and reducing social isolation.

If you have questions about Sandy Hook Promise programming, send an email to Center for Safer Schools School Safety Program Analyst Chris Carey.

On-Demand Professional Learning 

Take advantage of recordings of NCDPI Character Education & Social-Emotional Learning on-demand webinars.  Watch these recorded presentations to help you enhance your classroom experience and empower your students to become more empathetic, responsible, and caring citizens. These webinars will help you discover practical strategies to help your students regulate emotions, set goals, and demonstrate self-discipline.  Character1 is the password for each On-Demand session. 

Character Education 

Building Schools of Character: Watch a panel discussion from our Schools of Character in North Carolina. Hear directly from schools that are using the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education to build stronger relationships, foster respect and responsibility, and create positive, thriving learning environments. You will walk away with practical strategies and fresh inspiration to begin transforming your own school's culture — one principle at a time.

The Power of Choosing Love: Watch an Inspiring conversation with Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement. After the loss of her son Jesse in the Sandy Hook tragedy, Scarlett turned pain into purpose — spreading a message rooted in three simple, powerful words: Nurturing. Healing. Love. Learn how the Choose Love Formula empowers educators to build stronger, more connected school communities.

Integrate Social-Emotional Learning in Your Classroom

Self Management: Discover practical strategies to help your students regulate emotions, set goals, and demonstrate self-discipline. 

Responsible Decision-Making:  Discover strategies to empower your students to think critically, make ethical choices, and contribute positively to society.

Self and Social Awareness:  Discover strategies that help students build a deeper understanding of themselves and others while fostering empathy, emotional intelligence, and meaningful social connections.

Relationship Skills: Discover strategies to help your students cultivate strong interpersonal connections, communication skills, and conflict resolution

Would You Like To Learn More About

Character Education?   

Are you eager to create a culture of character in your classroom, school, and district using the 11 Principles of Character Education? NCDPI has professional learning opportunities to assist your school or district with your character education journey. If your school or district is interested in hosting a Character Education Professional Learning Opportunity, please take a moment to complete this survey to help our NCDPI team understand your needs. Contact Justyn Burgess, State Coordinator for Character Education, if you have questions.