Education Matters

This week we’re diving into the newly passed state budget along with new policies prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in North Carolina schools and universities. We’re joined by policy and education experts.  Guests: Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, Sr. Director, Dudley Flood Center Xavier Adams, Orange High School educator Moira Kelly, UNC graduate Jose Hidalgo, Orange High School stude...

 School leadership plays a critical role for students, educators and families. This is not an easy task, but thankfully, there are several principals across our state who excel at the job. This week we’re continuing our conversation with some outstanding educators, the 2026-27 North Carolina Wells Fargo Regional Principals of the Year. They’ve been recognized for their strong leadership and commit...

This North Carolina General Assembly Short Session has been a unique one from the outset, as our legislators did not pass a state budget last year. So, what has been accomplished since this session began in April and what’s still in the works? Today we'll discuss the ongoing NC 2026 Legislative Short Session and potential major policy changes that could impact how schools are funded, how NC B...

Across the country this week, educators were applauded for their commitment to students. Their extremely important work plays a critical role in shaping the futures of our kids as well as our communities. To help us celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and recognize just how critical that work is, we’re joined by two classroom teachers and a district HR director. Guests: Chyna Delk-Bratcher, Kinder...

On this special episode we’re taking a look at the Public School Forum’s annual Eggs & Issues event, which was held on April 7 in Raleigh this year. Eggs & Issues is held at the beginning of each legislative session so that the Forum can share our policy agenda for the biennium. This year’s program featured a panel of policymakers from the North Carolina General Assembly discussing revenue...

On this special episode we’re taking a look at the Public School Forum’s annual Eggs & Issues event, which was held on April 7 in Raleigh this year. Eggs & Issues is held at the beginning of each legislative session so that the Forum can share our policy agenda for the biennium. This year is a short session year, meaning the Top Issues focused on measuring progress toward the issues named...

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...

On this episode of Education Matters, we’re joined by the 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.

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.

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 deci...

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 th...

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 th...

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 reso...

In today’s episode we’ll be reflecting on results from 2024 state election results and examining how those results will likely impact local public schools in the near future. We’re joined by some education and political science experts to take a deep dive into what to anticipate as new terms begin next year. Guests: Dr. Chris Cooper, Western Carolina University Political Science Professor Liz Schl...

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 t...

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 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 Caroli...

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 presente...

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 Of...

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 Kry...

On this episode, we’re exploring the importance of school nutrition and the innovative strategies being used to ensure every student has access to healthy, consistent meals. We’re joined by leaders from the Carolina Hunger Initiative, the Department of Public Instruction and the Department of Agriculture to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and bold ideas shaping the future of school nutritio...

On this episode, we’re joined by some outstanding educators, the 2025-26 North Carolina Wells Fargo Regional Principals of the Year. They’ve been recognized for their strong leadership and commitment to student success, and today they’ll share some insight on how they’re striving to lead learning environments that prepare students for life. Guests: Jason Johnson, NC Wells Fargo Principal of the Ye...

Guests: Jason Johnson, NC Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Orange High School Orange County Public Schools Dr. John Lassiter, Northeast NC Principal of the Year, Northeast Hertford Grammar School, Perquimans County Schools Kelly Withrow, Southwest NC Principal of the Year, Battleground Elementary School, Lincoln County Schools Dr. Laura Bailey, NC Sandhills Principal of the Year Scotland High Sch...

On this episode, we’re joined by business leaders to discuss the important relationship between businesses and local public schools in their communities, and the role those schools play in maintaining our status as a leading state for business. Guests: Tom Oxholm, Retired Executive Vice President, Wake Stone Corporation  Mike Hawkins, President, Pisgah Enterprises  Jarian Kereekes, Head of Social...

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...