Number 10

Leveraging Implementation for Transformation in an MTSS (LIfT MTSS) Virtual Professional Learning Session

The IABS Team is so excited about the upcoming Leveraging Implementation for Transformation in an Multi-Tiered System of Support (LIfT MTSS) Virtual Professional Learning Session! Colleagues from across the state and nation have and continue to reserve their spots, and we have a powerhouse lineup of speakers who will be showcasing innovative, collaborative work in:

• Function-based thinking and core behavior strategies
• NC Star and Abbreviated Needs Assessment (ANA) school improvement supports
• NCSIS and AI tools that support MTSS
• And much more!

This virtual session will provide opportunities to learn together, explore promising practices and strengthen MTSS implementation through collaboration and shared learning.

The session will be held Tuesday, June 9 from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Register for the virtual professional learning session here.

Questions can be directed to the IABS-MTSS State Team.

Number 9

District Highlight: Guilford County Schools - East Guilford High Senior Prank Makes National News

"Northwest Guilford High School seniors surprise their principal, Brian Muller, with an early morning musical prank at his home.

Over 100 Northwest Guilford High School seniors pull off an unforgettable musical senior prank, surprising Principal Brian Muller at his home in the early morning. Students Dash Stoltz and Jayden Batts-Finch detail how they coordinated the elaborate graduation surprise. Muller expresses his honor, reflecting on his advice to live without regrets and the strong student-principal relationship."

See the full news clip here.

Number 8

75th Exceptional Children Conference Call for Proposals

The Call for Proposals is open for the 75th Conference on Exceptional Children, November 4–6 in Greensboro. The conference theme this year is "Brilliant Past. Bold Future: 75 Years of Exceptional Children."

Presenters are invited to share evidence-based practices, innovations and success stories that improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Submit proposals here. The deadline to submit is July 17. 

Questions? Contact ECConfProposals@dpi.nc.gov.

Number 7

The Multilingual Learners (ML) Summer Conference and Standards Academy

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Office of Teaching and Learning proudly presents the 2026 Growing Success for Multilingual Learners (MLs) and The Standards Academy Summer Conference. This free professional learning opportunity brings together two outstanding conferences in one location, offering educators, instructional leaders and administrators access to sessions focused on multilingual learner success, standards-based instruction, leadership, innovation and equitable practices.

• In person on June 23-25 in Johnston County at Cleveland High School, 1892 Polenta Road in Clayton
• Virtual Summer Conference sessions will take place from
  July 13-16

Participants can choose from a variety of leadership and instructional tracks featuring topics such as relationship-driven leadership, family engagement, teacher recruitment and retention, AI-supported instruction, academic discourse, literacy development, culturally responsive teaching and equitable access for multilingual learners. There will be options and opportunities for ML and content teachers, as well as administrators and district and instructional leaders.

Register for the summer conference here. 

Number 6

NC State University College of Education: "High School Students Explore Careers in Education through STATE of Teaching Events"

"North Carolina high school students had the opportunity to explore the field of teaching through two STATE of Teaching events hosted by the NC State College of Education in May.

The events began with the State of Teaching Regional Conference, held May 2 in conjunction with the Wayne County Public School System. During the four-hour event, a group of high school students had the opportunity to learn from College of Education student mentors, current K-12 public school teachers and Wayne County Board of Education Chair Bill Joyner through one-on-one and group conversations surrounding topics that included classroom experiences, the teacher preparation process and the realities of working as a K-12 teacher.

The high school students also attended a series of hands-on and interactive sessions related to engaging students using music and art, ways to make learning memorable and meaningful for students, and dealing with and intervening in disruptive classroom behaviors."

Read the full article and learn more about the event here. 

Number 5

EdNC Perspective Piece from 2023 Wells Fargo NC Principal of the Year Donna Bledsoe: "Schools as Love Letters to Public Education"

"When my friend, Beckie Spears, accepted the honor of being named the 2024 North Carolina Principal of the Year, she described her school as “a love letter to public education.” While she spoke, I reflected on just how true that sentiment is and how blessed I have been as a school leader to watch the inner workings of schools, thinking she really put into words what we as principals get to see every day in our buildings.

The older my children become, the more I realize — not only as a principal but also as a mother — just how right Beckie was. Our schools truly are love letters to public education, written daily through the care, commitment, and belief of the people who serve children.

As I reflected on her words, I began to see something else. Perhaps the children who walk across graduation stages each spring are the living proof of those love letters. They carry with them the fingerprints of every adult who helped shape them along the way and become the lasting testament to what public education makes possible."

Read the full perspective piece from 2023 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year Donna Bledsoe here. 

Number 4

District Highlight: Randolph County School System - "Building the Future of Education: RCSS Welcomes First Randolph Education Connection Cohort"

"The Randolph Education Connection is a partnership among the Randolph County School System (RCSS), Randolph Community College (RCC), and the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) School of Education designed for students who aspire to teach in the Randolph County School System.

Through this partnership, eligible students can begin their four-year pathway toward teacher licensure while still in high school. Students work toward completing an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree, along with a personalized teacher preparation pathway, by the time they graduate from high school. After successfully graduating from Randolph Community College, students enroll in the UNC Greensboro School of Education to complete their bachelor’s degree and earn full teaching licensure.

While enrolled at Randolph Community College during their high school years, students receive waived tuition through the Career and College Promise program, and RCC waives all associated fees. The Randolph County School System provides books and materials at little to no cost, and students complete two CTE teaching internship credits."

Read more and see the first cohort of students here.

Number 3

North Carolina Student Voice Alliance Ambassador Program Accepting Applications - Deadline to Apply Wednesday, June 10

The North Carolina Student Voice Alliance Ambassador Program is a leadership and civic engagement initiative designed to primarily strengthen communication between students and local school board members. Student Ambassadors serve as representatives of their schools and communities locally and statewide at school board meetings, gather student perspectives and help ensure that student voices meaningfully contribute to district-level decision making.

Ambassadors selected for this program will participate in training on education governance, public speaking and student advocacy. This program provides volunteer hours for all ambassadors.

Learn more about the North Carolina Student Voice Alliance Ambassador Program here.

Students can apply for the program here. The deadline to apply is June 10.

Number 2

Hyde County Schools' Dr. Melanie Shaver Named NCAE's 2026 Superintendent of the Year

"Hyde County Schools is proud to announce that Dr. Melanie Shaver has been named the 2026 North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) Division of Principals and Administrators Superintendent of the Year, one of the largest public education organizations in North Carolina.

The award recognizes extraordinary leadership, assertive advocacy for public education, and a profound commitment to student success, educator empowerment, and community engagement. Dr. Shaver was formally recognized during the Hyde County Schools Board of Education May Regular Meeting.

In presenting the award, NCAE Regional Director Rita Jackson-Gilbert described Dr. Shaver as a transformational leader whose work has 'elevated student achievement, empowered educators, and strengthened the entire Hyde County community.'

Since becoming Superintendent, Dr. Shaver has led Hyde County Schools with a bold vision rooted in equity, innovation, relationships, and instructional excellence. Under her leadership, the district has continued to expand opportunities for students in one of North Carolina’s most unique and rural educational settings, proving that geography and size do not define potential."

Read the full press release from Hyde County Schools here. Congratulations, Dr. Shaver! 

Number 1

Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green Launches North Carolina Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council to Strengthen Family Voice in Public Education

"The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction today announced the launch of the North Carolina Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council, a new statewide initiative designed to strengthen meaningful family engagement in public education and support implementation of the state’s Strategic Plan.

The North Carolina Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council will bring together parent leaders from across the state to serve in an advisory capacity aligned to the eight State Board of Education regions. The initiative is designed to elevate informed family voice, strengthen trust and ensure that those closest to students play an active role in shaping the future of public education. ... 

'As we continue to implement our Strategic Plan, it is critical that we engage families not just as stakeholders, but as informed partners,' said North Carolina Superintendent Maurice 'Mo' Green. 'This Council will help us build a strong group of leaders who understand our system and can provide meaningful input to improve outcomes for students.'”

Read the full press release here. 

Find the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council application here.