Education Matters

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

Today is a special day for our show—over the last 5 and a half years, we have been so fortunate to produce 200 episodes of Education Matters that tell the story of why public education in North Carolina is so important for our children, families, and communities. We have had discussions ranging from the potential impacts of school-related legislation to spotlighting the many innovations that educators implement across our schools. To mark this milestone, we have with us today the North Carolina Teachers of the Year from the last 5 years, who will share their reflections as well as their hopes and predictions for the years to come for North Carolina public education. Guests: Eugenia Floyd, 2021 NC Teacher of the Year Maureen Stover, 2020 NC Teacher of the Year Mariah Morris, 2019 NC Teacher of the Year Freebird McKinney, 2018 NC Teacher of the Year Lisa Godwin, 2017 NC Teacher of the Year Dr. Dudley Flood

We are coming to you from the Public School Forum’s Annual Event, Eggs and Issues and have with us some spectacular guests today to discuss the top issues surrounding education across our state. GUESTS: Elena Ashburn, NC POY/WCPSS Sen. Deanna Ballard, NC General Assembly Emma Battle, Higher Ed Works Jennie Bryan, Southeast RTOY/BCS JB Buxton, Durham Tech Community College Renee Caven, Truist Rep. Ashton Clemmons NC General Assembly Debra Derr, NC Chamber Lisa Eads, NC Community Colleges Eugenia Floyd, NC TOY/CHCCS Dale Jenkins, Curi (Retired) Liliana Soto, Vance County Schools Kathy Spencer, Southeast Education Alliance Deanna Townsend-Smith, State Board of Education Joshua Webb, Edgecombe Early College Tre Woods, Teacher Cadet

On today’s show, we talk about Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma-informed practices. ACES affect social and emotional learning and academic outcomes, and COVID has only exacerbated this issue. To talk about how to better support students, we are joined by our Resilience & Learning team members, a principal, and a school psychologist. Guests: Eulanda Thorne, Program Manager, Resilience & Learning Angela Mendell, Program Manager, Resilience & Learning Quintin Mangano - Principal, Nashville Elementary/Nash County Schools Leigh-Hileman Steele - School Psychologist /Nash County Schools

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.

As we find ourselves at the mid-point of another school year that has proved to be incredibly challenging for all, we have with us for the next two weeks 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: Eugenia Floyd, 2021 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, North Central Region Teacher of the Year, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Susanna Cerrato, Western North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Asheville City Nicole Rivers, Sandhills North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Cumberland County Jennifer Bryan, Southeastern North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Brunswick County Erin Ellington, Northwest North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Watauga County Kelly Poquette, Piedmont Triad North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Alamance-Burlington Jennifer Attkisson, Northeast North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Edenton-Chowan Cecelia Sizoo-Roberson, Southwest North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Jeremy White, Charter School North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, West Lake Preparatory Academy

As we find ourselves at the mid-point of another school year that has proved to be incredibly challenging for all, we have with us for the next two weeks 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 out students. Guests: Eugenia Floyd, 2021 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, North Central Region Teacher of the Year, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Susanna Cerrato, Western North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Asheville City Nicole Rivers, Sandhills North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Cumberland County Jennifer Bryan, Southeastern North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Brunswick County Erin Ellington, Northwest North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Watauga County Kelly Poquette, Piedmont Triad North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Alamance-Burlington Jennifer Attkisson, Northeast North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Edenton-Chowan Cecelia Sizoo-Roberson, Southwest North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Jeremy White, Charter School North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, West Lake Preparatory Academy

One thing that you may not realize is that many school districts across North Carolina offer a variety of options within the public school system, ones that are high quality and scalable to other districts. Today we’ll hear about how North Carolina public schools offer many opportunities for students that are taking shape across our state and preparing our children to compete in a global workplace. Guests: Leigh Ann Lampley, Principal, International School at Gregory, Spanish Immersion Magnet, Wilmington James Hopkins, Principal, Lakewood Elementary Jake Henry, Chief Academic Officer, Participate Learning

Accelerate, Invigorate, and Motivate: those are the three words that officials at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction rallied behind as they planned the inaugural AIM Conference for district leaders and teachers across our state that was held earlier this month. On today’s show, we will have with us DPI officials as well as North Carolina’s State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, who will discuss their vision for the AIM conference as well as a host of other top issues that are impacting public schools today. Guests: Catherine Truitt, North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Michael Maher, Executive Director of the Office of Learning Recovery and Acceleration at NCDPI Julie Pittman, Educator Engagement Special Advisor, NCDPI Dr. Robert Taylor, Deputy State Superintendent, NCDPI

Last week the Color of Education Annual Summit took place, with educators and advocates coming together to discuss equity and opportunity. On today's show, we'll bring to you the Spark of Color panel discussion from the event. Sparks of Color: The Untold Stories of Racial Equity Advocates Mod: Iheoma Iruka, FPG Child Development Institute, UNC-CH Guests: Eugenia Floyd, 2021 BWF NC Teacher of the Year, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Monika Johnson Hostler, Wake County Board of Education Rep. District 2 Letha Muhammad, Executive Director of the Education Justice Alliance Dr. Loury Floyd, Dean, UNC-Pembroke School of Education

GUESTS: Monica Battle Rene Flores Martha Flores Shannon Ford Talia Ragland Kissue Mims

This week we hear from superintendents across the state about what the biggest challenges and opportunities our schools and students face this year. Guests: Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent, Chatham County Schools Dr. Jeff McDaris, Superintendent, Transylvania County Schools Dr. Eisa Cox, Superintendent, Ashe County Schools

With classrooms full and a school year like no other, we decided to talk with some of the most impactful people when it comes to student learning outcomes, our teachers. Today we are kicking off a two week series with the North Carolina Regional Teachers of the Year. Guests: Susanna Cerrato, Western North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Asheville City Schools Nicole Rivers, Sandhills North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Cumberland County Schools Jennifer Bryan, Southeastern North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Brunswick County Schools

Today we delve into education issues with two special guests, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, and U.S. Representative Alma Adams from the NC 12th district. These two life-long educators have been spending time on the ground in NC and share what they consider to be critical issues during Covid recovery and in the coming years. They remind us of the importance of our schools and the remarkable efforts by our educators, students, and families this past year. Guests: U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona U.S. Representative Alma Adams, NC 12th District

Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity Student Voices Series, Increasing Diversity in STEM

Today on our show, we’d like to take the time to explain the federal, state and local roles in education, and how each of those actors contributes to supporting education in different, yet very necessary ways. Joining us to discuss these roles are Lindsay Wagner, the Director of Communications for the Public School Forum, and Congresswoman Deborah Ross, who represents North Carolina’s second congressional district Guests: Rep. Deborah Ross, Congresswoman for NC’s 2nd District Lindsay Wagner, Director of Communications, Public School Forum of NC

Dudley Flood Center for Equity and Opportunity Student Voices Panel: Ensuring Access to Rigorous Coursework

Today we have the privilege to hear from two incredible North Carolina teachers of the year as well as Dr. Jim Causby, a longtime school superintendent and advocate for the recent creation of North Carolina's Beginning Teacher of the Year program as they discuss what impacts teachers, the needs of the classroom, and how they hope to make positive change in the field of education. Guests: Emilee Higdon, 2021 Prudential NCCAT NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Dr. Jim Causby, NCCAT Foundation Board, Chair of the BTOY Steering Committee, Retired Superintendent and Interim Superintendent of many districts across our state Eugenia Floyd, 2021 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Teacher of the Year

As we continue to move through this time of transition and recovery from COVID-19, many critical issues continue to be top of mind for our schools, educators, and students. That includes developing pathways to ensure that all students have equitable access to high quality and well prepared teachers and elevating the importance of social and emotional learning, and identifying and investing in early childhood education so that our children are ready to reach critical milestones as they enter kindergarten. Many of these issues align closely with the goals set forth in the Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan that has been submitted to Judge David Lee, and today we’ll continue the talk about that plan and what is needed for the success of students across our state in the second part of this two part series. Guests: Dr. Beverly Emory, Executive Director for the Office of District and School Transformation for the NC Department of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education Geoff Coltrane, the Senior Education Advisor to Gov. Roy Cooper Dr. Tony Jackson, Superintendent, Vance County Schools Brad Wilson, Chair of the Leandro Commission, Executive in Residence at Wake Forest University, and former CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield NC

As we continue to move through this time of transition and recovery from COVID-19, many critical issues continue to be top of mind for our schools, educators, and students. That includes developing pathways to ensure that all students have equitable access to high quality and well prepared teachers and elevating the importance of social and emotional learning, and identifying and investing in early childhood education so that our children are ready to reach critical milestones as they enter kindergarten. Many of these issues align closely with the goals set forth in the Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan that has been submitted to Judge David Lee, and today and next week we’ll talk about that plan and what is needed for the success of students across our state in this two part series. Guests: Dr. Beverly Emory, Executive Director for the Office of District and School Transformation for the NC Department of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education Geoff Coltrane, the Senior Education Advisor to Gov. Roy Cooper Dr. Tony Jackson, Superintendent, Vance County Schools Brad Wilson, Chair of the Leandro Commission, Executive in Residence at Wake Forest University, and former CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield NC

Through the work of myFutureNC, the state of North Carolina has set an ambitious goal for 2 million North Carolinians to have a high-quality postsecondary credential or degree by 2030. Today, we will hear more about what opportunities exist in our communities and schools and what we need to do as a state to move closer to achieving this goal. Guests: JB Buxton, President, Durham Technical Community College Cecilia Holden, President and CEO, myFutureNC Dr. Jeff McDaris, Superintendent, Transylvania Public Schools

Early childhood education, care, and support provide our children with the foundation to do well in school and in life and are critical for our families and our state. Our guests are here today to talk about the importance of early childhood learning and support and what needs to happen across North Carolina to give our children the best chance for success. Guests: Michelle Hughes, Executive Director, NC Child Muffy Grant, Executive Director, NC Early Childhood Foundation Sen. Jay Chaudhuri (D-Wake)

The data is clear about the importance of children being able to read on grade level by third grade as a foundation of their education and future success. Today, we will delve into some shifts in how we think about early literacy and the direction the state and other partners are heading in regard to reading. Guests: Munro Richardson, Executive Director, Read Charlotte Johanna Anderson, Executive Director, The Belk Foundation Catherine Truitt, NC State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Our schools require significant human and fiscal resources, and the way our schools are funded is an important key to supporting our schools and ensuring we are able to provide a high quality and equitable education for all students. Here to talk about it are Jim Deal, Chair of the Finance Committee on the Leandro Commission, Patrick Miller, Superintendent of Greene County and Chair of the Principal Committee of the Leandro Commission, and Senator Michael Lee. Guests: Jim Deal, Attorney in Boone and Chair of the Finance Committee on the Leandro Commission Patrick Miller, Superintendent of Greene County and Chair of the Principal Committee of the Leandro Commission Sen. Michael Lee, Chair of the Senate Education and Higher Education Committee and the Education Appropriations Committee

Teachers are the backbone of society, they inspire, motivate, and educate the next generation, which is why recruitment and retention are fundamental when it comes to our teachers. Here to talk more about this topic are Jennifer Bryan, 2021 Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year, Rep. Jeffery Elmore, and Charlene Pittman, Assistant Superintendent, Edgecombe County Schools. Guests: Jennifer Bryan, 2021 Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year Rep. Jeffery Elmore, (R), 94th district Charlene Pittman, Assistant Superintendent, Edgecombe County Schools

Today we are coming to you from the second half of the 7th annual Eggs and Issues breakfast presented by the Public School Forum of North Carolina. Today's discussion on Equity and Education Policy will be hosted by Lauren Fox, Senior Director of Policy at the Forum. Guests: Maggie Murphy, Teacher, Allegheny County Schools Reagan Razon, Student, Wake County Schools Rep. Ricky Hurtado, NC General Assembly Dr. Anthony Graham, Provost, Winston Salem State University

Today we are coming to you from the 7th annual Eggs and Issues breakfast presented by the Public School Forum of North Carolina. Today's discussion on COVID-19 and Education Policy is part of a two episode series on the Top 10 Education issues for 2021. Here to talk with us today are Dr. Catherine Edmonds, ECPPS Superintendent and future NCDPI Deputy Superintendent, Daniel Scott, 2020 NC Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year, Onslow County Schools, Sen. Kevin Corbin, NCGA, and Dr. Scott Elliott, Superintendent, Watauga County Schools.

Coming into the new year with an eye toward the transition and recovery from COVID-19 brings changes and challenges to education. Here to speak with us on critical issues are statewide policymakers, State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis, Representative Ashton Clemmons, and Senator Kevin Corbin. Guests: Catherine Truitt, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Rep. Ashton Wheeler Clemmons, (D) District 57, Guilford Sen. Kevin Corbin, (R) District 50 Eric Davis, Chair, NC State Board of Education

From supporting social, emotional, and academic development, to providing a safe and supportive environment, Afterschool Programs have been a vital resource for students and their parents, especially during COVID-19. North Carolina is ranked among the top 10 states in afterschool programs and number 1 for parent satisfaction. To discuss more about this report and the work that still needs to be done, we have national and statewide leaders and a parent and director from a local program with us today. Guests: Jen Rinehart, Senior Vice President of Research and Policy, Afterschool Alliance Sheronda Fleming, Ph.D., Director, NC Center for Afterschool Programs Carolyn Ross-Holmes, Program Director, J316 Camp Connect Program Tracy Thorpe, Parent, J316 Camp Connect Program

While each state determines its own teacher licensure and re-licensure requirements, for over thirty years the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards has worked to advance teaching through a voluntary National Board Certification process. North Carolina is the top state in the entire nation when it comes to the number of National Board Certified Teachers employed in our schools. This week we will hear from the head of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards and a district and teacher leader to learn more about why National Board Certification is so important for NC. Guests: Carolann Wade, NBCT, Administrator for Human Capital and National Board Certification, in Wake County Schools Peggy Brookins, NCBT, President and CEO of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Dr. Kellie Jackson, NBCT, K-12 Certified Reading Specialist, works at GCS as instructional coach and testing coordinator

Schools do a lot more than providing education, they are pillars in communities that also provide students’ and families’ with supports for social, emotional, and physical needs. On today’s show, we will talk with some amazing guests that are making sure the whole child and the community are taken care of, especially during COVID-19. Guests: Julie Paige Pittman, Education Outreach Manager, NC No Kid Hungry Reginald Ross, Operations Consultant at North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and President of the School Nutrition Association Kisha Clemons, 2020 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Austin Morris, Teacher, Pinecrest High School, Moore County

Classrooms around the world have been looking very different this fall. Between virtual learning, smaller classrooms, and split weeks, learning has evolved into a challenge for many. Here to discuss some of the changes, successes, and the future, are state and local leaders in education.

Programs in career and technical education provide students from middle school through post secondary school an opportunity to learn technical, academic, and career skills. Programs in CTE are crucial, while they help students, these programs also help communities in social and economic development. Here to teach us more are guests with local and state perspectives. Guests: Trey Michael, Director of Career and Technical Education, NC Department of Public Instruction Steve Dutton, Administrator, Career and Technical Education, Anson County Schools Carey Manor Marketing and Public Relations Specialist and former CTE student, Anson County

The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a bright light on the critical need for school support personnel. This past week was National School Psychologists Week, and on today’s show we take the time to highlight the amazing work of our school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and more who are doing so much to help keep our school communities healthy and safe. NC has many incredible individuals in these roles, but as we also know that we can do much more in terms of investments and support to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need. Guests: Yvette Richardson, School Social Worker, Nash-Rocky Mount Schools Leigh Kokenes, 2019 National School Psychologist of the Year, WCPSS Elementary School Psychologist Hallie Moore, High School Counselor, Transylvania County Antonio Blow, Student Services Director, Greene County

The culmination of the Color of Education series this week comes with an exciting launch of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity. The Flood Center has been created to connect organizations and people who work to address equity, access, and opportunity in education. We are pleased to be joined by several guests engaged in this work, including Dr. Dudley Flood himself. Guests: Alfred Mays, Senior Program Officer, Burroughs Wellcome Fund and Chair Elect of the Public School Forum Board of Directors Dr. Dudley Flood Dr. Beverly Emory, Executive Director of Leandro Implementation, NC State Board of Education