Education Matters

On this special episode we’re joined by student leaders from Hyde and Durham counties. These students have, and continue to advocate for themselves and their classmates, improving their school communities for everyone. They’re joining us on Education Matters for a conversation on the power of student voices to create positive change.

Guests:

Rose Golonka, Students Against Sexual Harassment (SASH) Club, Durham Public Schools

Gabe Campos, Students Against Sexual Harassment (SASH) Club, Durham Public Schools

Essie O'Neal, Student Health Ambassadors, Hyde County Schools

Aislyn Brinn, Student Health Ambassadors, Hyde County Schools

In this episode, joined by the NC Center for Resilience & Learning and a principal from one of the Center’s partner schools in Wilson County to explore what it means to cultivate trauma-informed learning and working environments.

EdNC, a nonprofit news outlet, embedded in P.W. Moore Elementary School in Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools in 2024-25. From the first day of school through the last day of school, this film documents the power of the community school model for students, educators, families, and the community.

On this episode, we’re thrilled to be announcing North Carolina Legislators in Schools Week 2026! This year’s school visits will take place during the week of April 13, during which all members of the North Carolina General Assembly are invited to spend a day, or a few days, visiting the local public schools they represent.

Guests:

Representative Alan Branson

Representative Amos Quick III

Superintendent Don Phipps, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

Rachel Candaso, 2025 NC Teacher of the Year

Last month federal agents from US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs Border Patrol (CBP) arrived in North Carolina, and it was recently announced that agents will likely remain in the area throughout the month of December. In this episode, we’re continuing our discussion on what that means for students, families and local communities at large.

Last month federal agents from US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs Border Patrol (CBP) arrived in North Carolina, and it was recently announced that agents will likely remain in the area throughout the month of December. In this episode, we’re taking a look at what that means for students, families and local communities at large.

Our country recently faced the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history as Congress was unable to pass a budget by the September 31 deadline. North Carolina continues to operate without a state budget following the failure of the General Assembly to pass a budget by the July 31 deadline. Both of these political stalemates have meant instability for many communities, local public schools and the students they serve. In this episode, we’re exploring how such instability can impact school nutrition and what that means for students, educators and the local programs working to fill the gap

EP 262 North Carolina After 3 PM by Public School Forum of NC

EP261: The Plan to Make North Carolina’s Public Schools the Best in the Nation by Public School Forum of NC

On this episode, we’re joined by the 2025-26 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teachers of the Year. These outstanding educators have been recognized for their dedication to students and contributions to their school communities, and during the episode we hear about their inspiration, experiences and hopes for the future.

Guests:

Rachel Candaso, NC Teacher of the Year, Wellcome Middle School (Pitt County Schools)

Hannah Moon, Southeast Teacher of the Year, Emsley A. Laney High School (New Hanover County Schools)

Tamika Farmer, North Central Teacher of the Year, G.W. Carver Elementary School (Edgecombe County Schools)

Dr. Anthony Martin, Sandhills Teacher of the Year, East Columbus Junior/Senior High School (Columbus County Schools)

Chanel Jones, Piedmont-Triad Teacher of the Year, Broadview Middle School (Alamance-Burlington School System)

Tayler Bomar, Northwest Teacher of the Year, Greenlee Primary School (Mitchell County Schools)

Lydia Sale, Western Teacher of the Year, West Elementary School (Swain County Schools)

Yaronda Kilgo, Southwest Teacher of the Year, Wingate Elementary School (Union County Public Schools)

Lindsay Phillips, Charter School Teacher of the Year, Mountain Island Charter School