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.