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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
- Superintendent Green Welcomes School and District Staff Back for the 2026-27 School Year
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
OPPORTUNITIES & AWARDS
- Leading With Character Summit: December 9, 2026
- New Self-Paced Course: Becoming a School of Character
- North Carolina Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council
- Become a North Carolina School of Character
- Webinar: Your School’s Character Journey
- Webinar: Integrating NC Student Success Standards into Character Education
- United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Accepting Applications
- 2026 Growing Well Conference
- World View
- Coffee & Character Chats
- Grants
INSTRUCTIONAL TOOLS & RESOURCES
- Communities of Character Podcast: The 11 Principles Framework
- Explore Purpose, Empathy, and Gratitude to Build a Flourishing School Community
- Sandy Hook Promise Programs
- On-Demand Professional Learning
Superintendent Green Welcomes School and District Staff
Back for the 2026-27 School Year
"A new school year brings fresh energy, new opportunities and renewed purpose." In his convocation message kicking off the 2026-27 school year, North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice "Mo" Green greets educators, school and district staff as they prepare to welcome students and families for a new school year.
Superintendent Green reflects on the promise of public education, thanks the educators and school staff whose work changes lives, and celebrates North Carolina's continued progress in graduation rates, college-level opportunities and industry-recognized credentials. He encourages every member of the public school community to begin the year with optimism, purpose and a shared commitment to student success.
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.
 December 9, 2026 | 9 am - 4 pm
The Friday Institute: 1890 Main Campus Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606
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Gain insight into the 11 Principles of Character Education and practical ways to apply them in your school.
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Be inspired by success stories from State and National Schools of Character and learn how they revitalized their school communities.
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Connect with experts and fellow school leaders to deepen your understanding of Character Education.
 New Self-Paced Course: Becoming a School of Character
Are you ready to strengthen your school culture and take the next step toward State or National School of Character recognition? The Becoming a School of Character course provides school teams with guided, practical support as they work through Character.org’s 11 Principles of Effective Character Education and prepare their School of Character application.
Throughout the course, participants will reflect on current practices, identify growth opportunities, gather evidence, and develop responses aligned with the application process. By the end of the course, your team will have completed much of the content needed for the official School of Character application, making the submission process more manageable and meaningful.
🎓 Participants who complete the course will earn 3 CEUs.
Whether your school is ready to apply this year or wants to begin building a more intentional culture of character, this course can help you move from “Where do we start?” to “We’re ready!”
Character Education Spotlight: Principle 10 in Action
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
Applications are now open!
Families are our students' first teachers, and their voices matter. One of the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education, Principle 10, reminds us that schools thrive when they intentionally engage families and community members as true partners in the character-building effort. When schools and families work together, students benefit academically, socially, emotionally, and ethically.
That's why we're excited to share that Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green has launched the North Carolina Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council—a new statewide initiative designed to elevate family voice, strengthen trust, and ensure that those closest to students play an active role in shaping the future of public education in North Carolina. The Council will bring together parent and caregiver leaders from across the state to provide meaningful input aligned with the implementation of North Carolina's Strategic Plan. Through this initiative, families will have opportunities to learn more about our education system while helping inform important decisions that impact students and schools.
For purposes of this initiative, the term "parent" includes all primary caregivers, including guardians and other family members who play a central role in a child's education.
Selected members will:
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Represent one of the eight State Board of Education regions
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Participate in leadership development and orientation opportunities
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Meet quarterly beginning in November 2026
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Serve as informed partners and advocates for North Carolina's students and families
As Superintendent Green shared: "As we continue to implement our Strategic Plan, it is critical that we engage families not just as stakeholders, but as informed partners." This initiative reflects what we know to be true: educating children is a shared responsibility, and strong partnerships between schools and families help create caring communities where all students can flourish.
 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:
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Make a copy of the NCDPI Action Plan
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Determine your school’s readiness
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Explore NCDPI Resources aligned to the 11 Principles of Character Education.
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Contact Justyn Burgess to schedule a coaching meeting and walk through your application plan.
Your School’s Character Journey
A Step-by-Step Guide to Schools of Character Recognition
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT
Join the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) for a webinar on how to apply for recognition as a State or National School of Character, a prestigious distinction awarded to schools that exemplify excellence in character education.
During this session, you will learn how to:
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Navigate the application process and craft compelling narratives: Gain practical tips for writing powerful, authentic narratives that reflect your school’s unique character journey.
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Select meaningful evidence aligned to the 11 Principles Framework: Learn how to identify and organize artifacts that best illustrate your school’s commitment to character development and whole-child success.
The Character Continuum: Integrating NC Student Success Standards into Character Education
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT
School counselors play a vital role in shaping school cultures where every student feels connected, supported, and empowered to thrive. Join us for this interactive webinar to explore connections between the 11 Principles of Character Education and the NC Student Success Standards, examine how character develops across the K–12 continuum, and discover practical strategies for intentionally building meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community. Participants will leave with actionable ideas for leading character development efforts within their schools.
United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Accepting Applications
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) allows high school juniors and seniors interested in studying history or political science to spend a week in Washington, D.C., meeting legislators, cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, and officials from federal agencies and the White House.
The program will select two North Carolina students as delegates. Each delegate will receive a $12,500 scholarship and attend a week-long educational program in Washington, D.C., from March 6-13, 2027. The deadline to apply is Oct. 4.
 ☕ Coffee & Character Chats ☕
Community • Character • Connection
September 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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
2026 Growing Well Conference
October 4–6, 2026
The 2026 Growing Well Conference will be held October 4–6, 2026, at Appalachian State University’s Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences. This year’s theme, Moving Mountains for People with Special Health Care Needs, brings together families, educators, healthcare professionals, advocates, and state and national leaders to explore strategies for better supporting individuals with disabilities and special healthcare needs.
Sessions will address autism services and resources, Innovations Waiver supports, behavioral and medical interventions, communication tools, and the transition from school to adulthood. Featured speakers include state and national policy leaders, autism experts, healthcare providers, researchers, educators, advocates, and individuals with lived experience.
Scholarships and potential travel assistance are available for families and individuals who need support to attend. For scholarship or travel assistance information, contact Diane Coffey at coffeyd68@gmail.com
Register For the K-12 Global Education Symposium
Connect learning to the world — and empower students to shape it. The UNC World View Global Education Symposium offers a dynamic K–12 professional learning opportunity that will equip educators and school leaders with knowledge and tools to make learning locally relevant and globally connected. Through practical strategies and classroom resources, participants will explore how to integrate real-world local and global issues and opportunities into instruction while fostering student agency, inquiry, critical thinking, and engagement. Join us to ignite learning and reimagine teaching for our interconnected world.
Apply Now for 9/11 Day of Service 2026 Grants
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We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants are for organizations, schools, and youth changemakers ages 5-25 to lead service projects on or around September 11, 2026. Grants are $1,000 each. Grantees are required to engage at least 100 youth as volunteers to plan and implement service activities. Programming efforts should honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, their families, and those who rose in service in response to that tragedy. Reflecting on the spirit of togetherness that brought people together in the days, weeks, and months after September 11th, we are especially looking for ideas that bring all members of the community together.
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In this Communities of Character Podcast Episode, you will hear an overview of the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education and how they work together to shape a strong, values-driven school culture.
This episode provides insight into how schools can take a comprehensive and intentional approach to character education, moving beyond isolated activities to a system-wide effort that impacts students, staff, families, and the broader community.
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Explore Purpose, Empathy, and Gratitude to Build a Flourishing School Community
Greater Good Educators is a research-based professional development experience designed to support educators in fostering personal and collective well-being. In this supportive community of practice (CoP), educators from around the world learn with and from each other to build kinder, happier schools where everyone belongs.
The community of practice meets for 90 minutes three times per month for three months. Each session is grounded in cutting-edge science and built to support real-world application to help educators care for themselves and the students, colleagues, and communities they serve. In addition, CoP members receive access to digital content hubs that provide videos, resources, and practices describing the science-based “what, why, and how” of each topic.
The Greater Good Educators Fall 2026 community of practice will focus on purpose, empathy, and gratitude. Join this community of practice this school year to explore how purpose, empathy, and gratitude can inspire individual and collective flourishing.
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:
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SAVE Promise Club: A youth leadership program that advocates student leaders taking an active role in the safety of their school and community.
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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.
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Start With Hello: A program available for grades K-12 that encourages students to reach out and support their peers.
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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.
Leading With Character: Improve the climate and culture of your school community based on the 11 principles of character education; Gain ideas and resources to improve school climate and culture from a state and national school of character; and understand the impact of character development on teachers, students, and overall school climate and culture
Intrinsic Motivation: Foster intrinsic motivation in students; develop a comprehensive, intentional, and proactive approach to character education at your school
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 to help students deepen their 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.
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