Education Matters

On this episode, we explore the value of partnerships between rural schools and local businesses and how these collaborations can strengthen both education and community. We're joined by a business owner, two community school coordinators, and the president of Wilson Chamber of Commerce to discuss the impact of these vital connections. Guests: Ryan Simons, President, Wilson Chamber of Commerce Krystle Lindsay, Community Schools Coordinator, Clark Elementary School, Vance County Schools Hipp Barclift, Associate Director of the Community Schools Coordinators, Elizabeth City Pasquotank Schools

On this episode, we're celebrating the legacy of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the first iteration of which was signed into law in 1975. We're joined by educators, advocates and a student to learn more about how IDEA serves students and families across the nation. Guests: Dr. Tiece Ruffin, Chair, UNC Asheville Department of Education Dr. Carol Ann Hudgens, Sr. Director of the Office of Exceptional Children, NC Department of Public Instruction Glynnis Hagins, Attorney, Disability Rights North Carolina Susan Book, parent and public school advocate Lindy Southern, student, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

Welcome to Education Matters presented by the Public School Forum of North Carolina. In today's episode, we're taking a look at Eggs & Issues 2025 where the Public School Forum presented our Top Education Issues which represent the Forum's legislative priorities for the 2025-26 biennium. Today, we'll hear from policymakers who took part in a discussion of the challenges and strategies presented in this year's Top Issues. Guests: Leader Sydney Batch, NC Senate Democratic Leader Mo Green, NC Superintendent of Public Instruction Catty Moore, NC State Board of Education Member-At-Large Sen. Kevin Corbin, NC General Assembly

On today's episode, we're taking a look at Eggs & Issues 2025 where the Public School Forum presented our Top Education Issues which represent the Forum's legislative priorities for the 2025-26 biennium. We will also hear from educators who took part in a discussion of the challenges and strategies presented in this year's Top Issues.On this episode we're joined by members of the North Carolina General Assembly to discuss the upcoming legislative long session and which education issues we can expect to hear more about in the coming months. Guests: Dr. Lauren Fox, Public School Forum Sr. Director of Policy & Research Natalia Mejia, NCCAT 2023 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year, CC Griffin STEM Middle School, Cabarrus County Schools Dr. C'Monee' Wilkins, Principal, Clarke Elementary School, Vance County Public Schools Dr. Don Phipps, Superintendent, Caldwell County Schools

On this episode we're joined by members of the North Carolina General Assembly to discuss the upcoming legislative long session and which education issues we can expect to hear more about in the coming months. Guests: Representative Lindsay Prather, Buncombe County Senator Jay Chaudhuri, Wake County

On this episode, we met teachers who received Bright Ideas grants from NC's Electric Cooperatives to implement hands-on learning experiences for students in their classrooms. We will also hear from Wake Electric on the importance of this program for teachers and students. Guests: Whitney Williams, second grade teacher, Grady Brown Elementary School in Orange County Christopher Hicks, agriculture teacher, Lakewood High School in Sampson County Maria de Pedro, Communications Assistant, Wake Electric Membership Corporation

In this special episode we're diving into how schools are recovering from the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene and the support systems in place for affected families. Joining us are two superintendents from Wester NC, Dr. Eisa Cox and Dr. Maggie Fehrman, and Representative Linsday Prather, who will share insights on restoring school facilities, supporting displaced students, and providing resources to families in need. We'll also explore what community members can do to help local schools and strengthen resilience for the future. Guests: Rep. Lindsay Prather Dr. Maggie Fehrman, Superintendent of Asheville City Schools

On this special episode, we'll take a look at the final debate, which was hosted by the Forum, of the 2024 State Superintendent Candidates, Mo Green and Michele Morrow. The debate was moderated by John Hood and Sen. Leslie Winner, the co-chairs of the NC Leadership Forum. We have often said that education is on the ballot this year, and we hope that you will take this opportunity to learn about this vital race for public schools in NC. Guests: Sen. Leslie Winner, NC Leadership Forum John Hood, NC Leadership Forum Michele Morrow, NC Superintendent Candidate Mo Green, NC Superintendent Candidate

On this special episode, we'll take a look at the final debate, which was hosted by the Forum, of the 2024 State Superintendent Candidates, Mo Green and Michele Morrow. The debate was moderated by John Hood and Sen. Leslie Winner, the co-chairs of the NC Leadership Forum. We have often said that education is on the ballot this year, and we hope that you will take this opportunity to learn about this vital race for public schools in NC. Guests: Sen. Leslie Winner, NC Leadership Forum John Hood, NC Leadership Forum Michele Morrow, NC Superintendent Candidate Mo Green, NC Superintendent Candidate

It's election season, which means we're facing a great opportunity to shape the futures of our communities. To help us explore just how this election can impact our local public schools we're joined today by Dr. Chris Cooper from Western Carolina University, Jennifer Rubin from the League of Women Voters of North Carolina and some outstanding educators who can share firsthand how policymaking decisions impact schools. Guests: Dr. Chris Cooper, Western Carolina University Political Science Professor Jennifer Rubin, League of Women Voters of North Carolina President Laura Wilson, 2023 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Southeast Region Teacher of the Year Dr. Marlow Artis, Craven Early College High School Bettina Umstead, Durham Public Schools Board of Education

This week, we're lucky enough to be joined by some outstanding educators. The 2024 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Teacher of the Year Heather Smith is along with regional Teachers of the Year from across North Carolina to talk to us about their plans for the upcoming school year and what it means to be recognized for their commitment to students.

On this episode of Education Matters, we're joined by North Carolina Teaching Fellows Director Bennett Jones along with some fellows both past and present to explore how the program can impact individuals with a passion for education as well as our state's educator pipeline.

On the episode of Education Matters we're joined by 2024 North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching 2024 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Abigail Bentley finalists Samantha Shaw, Cassidy Upton and Sydney Smith. These educators have been recognized as outstanding new teachers and today they're here to share their experiences entering the classroom and some insight on getting into education as a career field.

On May 7, 2024, the Public School Forum hosted its annual Eggs & Issues breakfast. The Public School Forum invited the candidates for Governor and several candidates for the General Assembly to join us to discuss their perspectives on and plans for education. The General Assembly and the Governor play critical roles in education policy and funding in NC. We hope that you will take the time to hear their responses to several education-focused questions.

On May 7, 2024, the Public School Forum hosted its annual Eggs & Issues breakfast. At this event, the Forum shares the Top Education Issues and the progress that has been made against them. On this episode Dr Lauren Fox will share our progress on the Top Educational Issues for this biennium. We'll hear from Mo Green, the Democratic candidate for State Superintendent. Understanding educational issues and hearing from the candidates who will be charged to lead our public schools are important aspects of ensuring that every child in NC has access to a high-quality and equitable education.

On this episode we're joined by 2022 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year Leah Carper and Representative Maria Cervania to discuss the second annual Bring Your Legislator to School Day. The event which is organized by Members of the NC Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year Network and the Public School Forum of North Carolina creates an opportunity for legislators to experience the day-to-day reality of North Carolina's elementary and secondary schools for a better understanding of what is working well for students and educators as well as the challenges they face.

On this episode we're joined by members of the inaugural North Carolina Flight Crew and Program Manager Wayne Capps. The Flight Crew is a program organized by the NC Center for Afterschool Programs connecting girls from across North Carolina who share a passion for STEM. We're also joined by education tech consultant Adam Garry and DPI Chief Information Officer Dr. Vanessa Wrenn to discuss the future of AI in North Carolina schools.

Today we're joined by members of the North Carolina Principal of the Year Network to discuss their experiences as principals, approaches to leadership and efforts to help advance our state's public education system.

It is election season and early voting for the North Carolina primary election is underway. On this episode we're joined by some education and election experts to discuss which education issues are on the ballot this year, what the outcomes could mean for communities across the state and the value of civic engagement.

This episode of Education Matters explores teacher working conditions in North Carolina, why they matter and ways we can all get involved in making improvements. For this discussion we're joined once again by some outstanding educators, the 2023-24 North Carolina Regional Principals of the Year as well as the 2023-24 Teacher of the Year Kimberly Jones and Dr. Jeni Corn from NC Department of Public Instruction.

On this episode of Education Matters we're joined by some outstanding educators, the 2023-24 North Carolina Regional Principals of the Year. They've been recognized for their strong leadership and commitment to student success, and on this episode they'll share some insight on how they're striving to lead positive learning environments as well as some words of wisdom.

On this episode of Education Matters we discuss the Roadmap of Need, a whole-child needs assessment that offers county-level data and rankings to help audiences better understand the needs of North Carolina's diverse communities. Together we'll explore the methodology, findings and potential uses of the Roadmap.

On this episode of Education Matters we continue our discussion on the recent expansion of North Carolina's private school voucher program. Commonly referred to as Opportunity Scholarships, school vouchers allow families to use public dollars to subsidize their childrens' education at private schools. This program used to be specifically for low-income families, but recent legislation has changed that. This episode continues exploring those changes and what exactly they mean for North Carolina students and families.

On this episode of Education Matters we're joined by Dr. Denna Townsend-Smith, senior director of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity along with the Center's namesake, Dr. Dudley Flood and other education advocates essential to Mapping the Movement, including two student historians from Mecklenburg County. Mapping the Movement is an initiative aimed at building a network of organizations in North Carolina pushing for educational equity; it includes several events throughout the year, including last month's Color of Education Summit in Raleigh which drew a crowd of over 800.

On this episode of Education Matters we're joined by Elizabeth Anderson, director of the NC Center for Afterschool Programs along with North Carolina's 2023 Afterschool Champions to discuss the value of out-of-school time programming in providing students continued learning and enrichment opportunities. This year's Afterschool Champions were recognized for their contributions to out-of-school time programming as part of Lights On Afterschool, an annual nationwide campaign celebrating after school programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities.

On this episode of Education Matters we're joined by the Forum's Sr. Director of Policy & Research Dr. Lauren Fox along with two superintendents to discuss the recent expansion of North Carolina's private school voucher program. Commonly referred to as Opportunity Scholarships, school vouchers allow families to use public dollars to subsidize their childrens' education at private schools. This program used to be specifically for low-income families, but recent legislation will expand eligibility to all families. This expansion and the accompanying lack of accountability for private schools could greatly impact our education system.

Meet the 2023-24 NC Regional Teachers of the Year by Public School Forum of NC

Meet the 2023-24 North Carolina Teacher, Principal and Superintendent of the Year by Public School Forum of NC

Ep. 224 Back-to-School 2023-24 by Public School Forum of NC

Starting with the graduating class of 2024, North Carolina Public School Students are now required to take an economics and personal finance course to develop financial literacy as a graduation requirement. This curriculum equips students with financial knowledge and skills to navigate their financial futures. One area included in this requirement is planning and paying for postsecondary education, which has the potential to help students understand Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which serves as a gateway to accessing federal, state, and institutional financial aid for postsecondary opportunities. FAFSA empowers students and families to make informed decisions, comprehend the expenses linked to education, and develop effective strategies for managing their finances throughout their academic journey. Guests: Jessica Swencki, Deputy Director, myFutureNC Kathy Hastings McDonald, Associate Director for Outreach, NC State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) Leslie Walden, Vice President, Public Affairs, Fidelity Investments Dr. Patrick Greene, Principal, Green Central High School, 2022 Wells Fargo NC Principal of the Year

Today we are here to talk about pathways for recruitment and preparation of educators, and the growing role of community colleges in helping to prepare future teachers. You'll hear today about collaborative frameworks between high schools, community colleges, and universities to create a seamless educational pathway for students pursuing a career in education. Guests: Dr. Lisa Eads, Associate Vice President of Academic Programs, NC Community Colleges Cathy Collie-Robinson, Chair/Instructor, Early Childhood Education Program, Durham Technical Community College Dr. Steve Turner, Dean, Humanities & Social Sciences, Guilford Technical Community College Alan Hooker, Director of Recruiting, Guilford County Schools Dr. Paula Groves Price, Dean of the College of Education at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Dr. Gerrelyn Patterson, Chair of the Department of Educator Preparation, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

This year's legislative session seems to have multiple bills every single week that would impact our schools, districts, educators, families, and students if passed. The fast pace and volume are even faster and heavier than expected. The proposed legislation includes opportunity scholarships or vouchers, a new approach to funding schools through a weighted student funding formula, and significant changes to funds moving from districts to charter schools. We are pleased to be joined by those who will implement and be directly affected by new legislation and policy, including district leaders and parents. Guests: Dr. Kathy Spencer, Executive Director, Southeast Education Alliance Dr. Matthew Cheeseman, Superintendent, Beaufort County Schools Steve Curtis, Finance Officer & Director of Auxiliary Services, Pamlico County Schools Susan Book, Parent, and Public School Advocate

This year's legislative session seems to have multiple bills every single week that would impact our schools, districts, educators, families, and students if passed. Some proposed legislation includes the Parents Bill of Rights, the Standards of Student Conduct Bill, and the Equality in Education Bill. We are pleased to be joined by some of those who will be directly affected by new legislation and policy, including teachers and students. Guests Xavier Adams, NCCAT 2022 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Dr. Lenora Crabtree, Instructor, Cato College of Education, UNC-Charlotte, 2012 Southwest Regional Teacher of the Year Bryce Guinness, Sophomore, Orange High School, Orange County Schools Kairee Jones, Senior, Orange High School, Orange County Schools Laviant Lewis, Senior, Orange High School, Orange County Schools Aiden McCollick, Senior, Orange High School, Orange County Schools

Nearly ⅔ of adults report experiencing at least one adverse childhood experience, or ACEs, which can have negative impacts, including health problems, mental health issues, and learning difficulties. Mental health supports for students are critical. Now, more than ever, we as a state need to invest in our children and provide them with the services they need. To see what a trauma-informed school looks like and what they are doing to support students, we visited Tramway Elementary School in Sanford, NC, in Lee County Schools to learn more. Our guest host who visited the school this week is Tom Williams, previous host of Ed Matters and the Immediate Past Chair of the Public School Forum's Board of Directors. Guests: Dr. Johnnye Waller, Assistant Superintendent of Auxiliary Services, Lee County Schools Andrea Cummings, Principal, Tramway Elementary School, Lee County Schools Megan O'Shaughnessy, School Counselor, Tramway Elementary School, Lee County Schools Myra Cole, Teacher, Tramway Elementary School, Lee County Schools Jessica Jackson, Intervention Teacher, Tramway Elementary School, Lee County Schools

Nearly ⅔ of adults report experiencing at least one adverse childhood experience, or ACEs, which can have negative impacts including health problems, mental health issues, and learning difficulties. Mental health support for students is critical. Now, more than ever, we as a state need to invest in our children and provide them with the services they need. To see what a trauma-informed school looks like and what they are doing to help students, we visited West Greene Elementary School in Greene County to learn more. Guests Elizabeth DeKonty, Director, NC Center for Resilience and Learning Antonio Blow, Director of Student Services, Greene County Schools Phil Cook, Principal, West Greene Elementary School, Greene County Schools Anya Mattingly, Assistant Principal, West Greene Elementary School, Greene County Schools Griffin Gurkin, Teacher, West Greene Elementary School, Greene County Schools

This week on Education Matters we talk with two teachers and seven students about the importance of a culturally responsive curriculum. Guests: Xavier Adams, NCCAT 2022 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Tia Hilber, Student, Orange High School, Orange County Schools Laviant Lewis, Student, Orange High School, Orange County Schools Grace McDaniel, Student, Orange High School, Orange County Schools Matt Scialdone, Teacher, Middle Creek High School, WCPSS Hallie Brew, Student, UNC-CH Addi Simpson, Student, Middle Creek High School, WCPSS Aliza Zahid, Student, Middle Creek High School, WCPSS Alexa Burke, Student, Middle Creek High School, WCPSS

Centering student voices can lead to an empowering classroom environment, bring about higher engagement and motivation, and ignite passions. Today we will hear from Bettina Umstead, Chair of the Durham Public Schools Board of Education, and students from New Hanover County about their Student Voices Initiative and the policy that they proposed which was unanimously passed. Guests: Samin Bhan, Junior, Hoggard High School, NHCS Cassidy Thompson, Junior, Hoggard High School, NHCS Tenaya Toon, Sophomore, Laney High School, NHCS Dr. Kayce Smith, Educational Consultant and former MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) coordinator at Myrtle Grove Middle School, New Hanover County Schools Schala Harper, special education teacher at Trask Middle School, New Hanover County Schools Bettina Umstead, Chair of the Durham Public School Board

As we find ourselves at the mid-point of another school year, we have with us our North Carolina Regional Teachers of the Year to discuss both the challenges and the opportunities that are on their minds today — and the ways in which we can support educators so that they are able to support our students. Guests: Leah Carper, 2022 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Piedmont Triad North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Guilford County Ryan Mitchell, West North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Henderson County Elizabeth Santamour, Sandhills North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Hoke County Ashtyn Berry, Southwest North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Cabarrus County Clinton Todd, Northeast North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Pitt County Keegan Storrs, North Carolina 2022 Charter School Teacher of the Year

As we find ourselves at the mid-point of another school year, we have with us our North Carolina Regional Teachers of the Year to discuss both the challenges and the opportunities that are on their minds today — and the ways in which we can support educators so that they are able to support our students. Guests: Leah Carper, 2022 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Piedmont Triad North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Guilford County Ryan Mitchell, West North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Henderson County Elizabeth Santamour, Sandhills North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Hoke County Ashtyn Berry, Southwest North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Cabarrus County Clinton Todd, Northeast North Carolina 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year, Pitt County Keegan Storrs, North Carolina 2022 Charter School Teacher of the Year

The Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity at the Public School Forum recently held its 5th Annual Color of Education with our wonderful partners, the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University and the Center for Child and Family Policy. Today we are joined by four of the leaders who played critical roles in the planning and success of the convening and also the ongoing work across NC. Hundreds of educators, students, equity leaders, and community and business partners joined us to learn and create action steps for impact together are with us today on the show. Guests: Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, Senior Director of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards, Associate Director of Research for the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity Danita Mason-Hogans, Civil Rights Historian, Educator, Speaker, Activist Dr. Dudley Flood

The Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity at the Public School Forum recently held its 5th Annual Color of Education with our wonderful partners, the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University and the Center for Child and Family Policy. Today we are joined by four of the leaders who played critical roles in the planning and success of the convening and also the ongoing work across NC. Hundreds of educators, students, equity leaders, and community and business partners joined us to learn and create action steps for impact together are with us today on the show. Guests: Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, Senior Director of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards, Associate Director of Research for the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity Danita Mason-Hogans, Civil Rights Historian, Educator, Speaker, Activist Dr. Dudley Flood

Early voting is open through November 5th. We encourage you to check your voter registration, check out your sample ballot, and find your voting locations at the NC State Board of Elections website: www.ncsbe.gov. And remember, you are not required to show a photo ID when voting, and curbside/assisted voting options are available. On today's show, we will talk with guests about the importance of voting, how voting for local, state-wide, and country-wide elections can be critical for creating change, and why your vote matters. Guests: Dr. Lauren Fox, Senior Director, Policy & Research, Public School Forum of NC Rani Dasi, School Board Member and Vice Chair in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools, and Sr. Director of Operations Finance at RTI

Pathways to Excellence for Teaching Professionals (Model) is a proposal being developed and worked on by the North Carolina State Board of Education and the PEPSC (Professional Educator Preparation Standards Commission). The model, if approved by the State Board and ultimately enacted by the General Assembly could change how teachers are licensed and paid. The proposal includes a tiered approach to licensure, starting with apprenticeship and moving up based upon a range of measures. Here to discuss the proposed changes are Dr. Kathy Spencer, Executive Director of the Southeast Education Alliance and Dr. Jeff James, Superintendent of Iredell-Statesville Schools. Guests: Dr. Kathy Spencer, Executive Director, Southeast Education Alliance Dr. Jeff James, Superintendent, Iredell-Statesville Schools

The new school year has begun and with it came a shortage of teachers and school staff. To discuss what is going on and possible solutions are the North Carolina Principal of the Year and the two most recent North Carolina Teachers of the Year. Guests: Eugenia Floyd, 2021 NC Teacher of the Year Leah Carper, 2022 NC Teacher of the Year Patrick Greene, 2022 NC Principal of the Year

The Leandro Court Case has been ongoing for nearly 30 years and is set to continue this month. While the defendants and plaintiffs agree with the Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan, which provides a roadmap for education investments needed across our state, the Supreme Court will hear appeals to this case while schools and districts wait for investments that they urgently need. Here to discuss why these investments are critical and how this case can affect our state are business and state leaders. Guests: Brad Wilson, Former President/CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC Rev. Suzanne Parker Miller, Executive Director/Founder, Pastors for NC Children Jenice Ramirez, Executive Director, ISLA NC

Some North Carolina school districts have utilized a new structure to help retain and expand the reach of highly effective teachers. To learn more about what these roles are and how districts are utilizing the approach we are joined by BEST NC, an organization that has explored the opportunities provided by advanced teaching roles; a principal and lead teacher who are currently using advanced teaching roles at their school, and by Public Impact, the organization that created the Opportunity Culture framework. Guests: Brenda Berg, President and CEO, BEST NC Beth Callicutt, Principal, Charles England Elementary School, Lexington City Schools Sha Mosley, Lead Teacher, Charles England Elementary School, Lexington City Schools Bryan Hassel, Co-President, Public Impact

NC's education system and schools affect each and every one of us across our state. We have much work to ensure that our educators and students have what they need. And, many of the actions needed by our state are clear and common sense. Here to talk about this are the North Carolina 2021 and 2022 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Teachers of the Year and our first three NCCAT Prudential NC Beginning Teachers of the Year. Guests: Eugenia Floyd, 2021 North Carolina Teacher of the Year Leah Carper, 2022 North Carolina Teacher of the Year Leanne Rose, Mooresville Graded School District, Beginning Teacher of the year, 2019 Emilee Higdon, Macon County Schools, Beginning Teacher of the year, 2021 Xavier Adams, Orange County Schools, Beginning Teacher of the year, 2022

Most of you watching today know children who are in our schools right now. We've talked a great deal with educators and students themselves about the challenges and promising moments of this year. On today's show, we will talk with three elementary school principals about how our kids and educators are doing - and what we need to consider as we wind down the school year. We want to note how significant and often thankless the role of our principals has been during these past two-plus years of the pandemic. Research tells us that principals are the second, only to teachers, school-related factor that influences student outcomes. Please stay tuned to hear from principals Sandy Chambers, Suzanne Owen, and Adrian Parry. You will not want to miss this discussion. GUESTS: Sandy Chambers, Principal, Horton Creek Elementary School, Wake County Public Schools Suzanne Owen, Principal, Cliffdale Elementary School, Cumberland County Schools Adrian Parry, Principal, Hickory Ridge Elementary School, Cabarrus County Schools

Today we have the privilege of introducing the 2022 Beginning Teacher of the Year, Xavier Adams as well as one of his students and the beginning teachers of the year from the inception of the program in 2020. For beginning teachers who are just starting from scratch, the first year of employment is challenging to navigate. Today we are going to learn from them about what being a new teacher is like, the challenges, and how they are hoping to make positive changes in education. GUESTS: Xavier Adams, NCCAT 2022 Beginning Teacher of the Year Kaylee Faison, Student at Orange County High School Emilee Higdon, NCCAT 2021 Beginning Teacher of the Year Leanne Rose, NCCAT 2019 Beginning Teacher of the Year

Today's show comes from the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity's Student Voices Series: Implications of Desegregation on NC Teacher Pipeline. This event explored the difficult experiences of students and educators of color during the years following the landmark decision of Brown v. Board of Education. Also discussed is how these experiences of the desegregation of schools can shed light on the root causes, current barriers, and possible solutions to recruiting and retaining a diverse teaching workforce. Guests: Dr. Dudley E. Flood, Flood Center Namesake and Retired Educator Dorothy Counts-Scoggins, Retired/Community Activist Dr. Jo Ann Chavis Lowery, Retired Educator Stanley Vickers, Retired US Marine

Most of you probably know a student or even students who have struggled with mental health. Supporting students' mental health has always been a challenging and important issue for schools — and today more than ever, the mental health needs of students are complex and significant as we navigate this global pandemic. Reporter Rupen Fofaria of EducationNC; Dr. Jeff James, Superintendent of Iredell-Statesville Schools; and Mr. Jermaine White, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services at Harnett County Schools are with us today to talk about the innovative ways some North Carolina districts are increasing mental health supports in their schools. GUESTS: Rupen Fofaria, Reporter, EducationNC Jermaine White, Assistant Superintendent, Student Support Services, Harnett County Schools Dr. Jeff James, Superintendent, Iredell-Statesville Schools