In this podcast, Steve Johnson discusses K-5 (STEM) Education Programs. Steve explains the engineering process, support needed to start STEM Programs, and the annual K-5 Building Engineers Conference. Steve shares the beginning of STEM programs in North Carolina and how teachers and counties can get involved in STEM programs. Steve offers insight into how the Program uses equity to make STEM programs accessible to students and districts.

In Episode 2, Julie and Matt continue the conversation on Early College High Schools with a focus on the supports needed to help with student success and the positive impacts of Early College High Schools. Matt and Julie recount instances of students who needed these supports and the difference the supports made. This episode explores the core of what makes Early College High Schools successful.

Dr. Julie Edmunds, Executive Director, Early College Research Center at UNC Greensboro.
Matt Bristow-Smith, Principal at Edgecombe Early High School in Edgecombe, North Carolina.

In this episode, Julie and Matt offer their expertise on Early College High Schools. They engage in a rich discussion into the portrait of Early College High Schools and the impacts on Postsecondary Outcomes.

Dr. Julie Edmunds, Executive Director, Early College Research Center at UNC Greensboro.
Matt Bristow-Smith, Principal at Edgecombe Early High School in Edgecombe, North Carolina.

In this final episode of the series, Julie and Matt round out their discussions on Early College High Schools with lessons learned from implementing an Early College High School. They share their perspective of accomplishments and challenges as Early College High Schools continue to evolve. They also make a call to action for policymakers to include equitable practices that can be helpful to the long-term success of future Early College High School graduates.

Dr. Julie Edmunds, Executive Director, Early College Research Center at UNC Greensboro.
Matt Bristow-Smith, Principal at Edgecombe Early High School in Edgecombe, North Carolina.

A Podcast Featuring Carla Garrett,
Early Learning Specialist, 
Region 6 Comprehensive Center


Carla provides support, technical assistance, and policy guidance across early learning projects at SERVE. 

Carla’s focus on building relationships contributes to her mission of providing the best possible experiences in education for young children and their families. 

In this episode, Carla, Sharon, and Eva talk about the work they have done together on a variety of local, state, and national projects over the last 20+ years. You can hear the excitement in their voices as they discuss how the key to their important work is all about relationships.

Carla Garrett, Dr. Sharon Ritchie, and Dr. Eva Phillips

In this episode, Carla, Sharon, and Eva continue the conversation on Early Learning with a deep dive into their work on the PreK–3rd Grade Distinguished Leadership Institute. Learn more about the questions they ask, such as “Who’s at the table and who’s missing? Is there representation from preschool, as well as the early grades?” The guiding principles of their work center on educational equity.

Carla Garrett, Dr. Sharon Ritchie, and Dr. Eva Phillips