Public Ed Works
@publicedworks.bsky.social
Public Ed Works is a nonpartisan organization that builds support for public education in North Carolina
Pinned
Judge orders UNC trustees to preserve records related to ex-provost’s lawsuit
A judge Wednesday ordered UNC’s trustees not to delete records related to a lawsuit filed by former provost Chris Clemens.
www.newsobserver.com
A judge ordered UNC-Chapel Hill trustees to preserve records amid ex-provost Chris Clemens’ lawsuit alleging secretive use of Signal and violations of open meetings laws, including claims that Bill Belichick’s hiring was discussed in illegal closed sessions. #NCed
NC Rep. and teacher Frances Jackson argues the state must raise low teacher pay, noting NC ranks near the bottom nationally and faces high attrition. She urges lawmakers to pass long-stalled raises, saying delays harm students, schools, and communities. #NCed
North Carolina must raise teacher pay to keep schools strong | Opinion
North Carolina pays educators well below what neighboring states offer.
www.fayobserver.com
December 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM
NC Rep. and teacher Frances Jackson argues the state must raise low teacher pay, noting NC ranks near the bottom nationally and faces high attrition. She urges lawmakers to pass long-stalled raises, saying delays harm students, schools, and communities. #NCed
Pinehurst Elementary was honored as one of four inaugural NC Blue Ribbon Schools, recognized for top academic performance and closing achievement gaps. With three straight A grades, strong leadership, and community support, the school is celebrated as a statewide model of excellence. #NCed
Pinehurst Elementary celebrated at board meeting - Sandhills Sentinel
Pinehurst Elementary School was celebrated at the Moore County Board of Education meeting on Monday.
sandhillssentinel.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Pinehurst Elementary was honored as one of four inaugural NC Blue Ribbon Schools, recognized for top academic performance and closing achievement gaps. With three straight A grades, strong leadership, and community support, the school is celebrated as a statewide model of excellence. #NCed
When the Ida and William Friday Building at UNC–Charlotte was dedicated in 1982, Wilma Thornburg—Bill Friday’s elementary school teacher—sat on the platform between the Fridays as their proud guest. #NCed
Padilla: Teachers and shortages - Public Ed Works
By Art Padilla WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH (December 10, 2025) – When the Ida and William Friday Building at UNC–Charlotte was dedicated in 1982, Wilma Thornburg—Bill Friday’s elementary school teacher—sat on ...
www.publicedworks.org
December 10, 2025 at 9:47 PM
When the Ida and William Friday Building at UNC–Charlotte was dedicated in 1982, Wilma Thornburg—Bill Friday’s elementary school teacher—sat on the platform between the Fridays as their proud guest. #NCed
Wake County Schools warn more budget cuts are likely amid major uncertainty in state and federal funding for 2026. Costs are rising, reserves are shrinking, and leaders say “difficult decisions” and repurposed funds are unavoidable next year. #NCed
More cuts, 'difficult decisions' likely in next Wake Schools budget
Financial uncertainty is largely because of uncertainly about what state and federal funding Wake schools will have by the fall of 2026, because of late state budget and possible significant reduction...
www.wral.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Wake County Schools warn more budget cuts are likely amid major uncertainty in state and federal funding for 2026. Costs are rising, reserves are shrinking, and leaders say “difficult decisions” and repurposed funds are unavoidable next year. #NCed
NC is launching free Child Care Academies at 16 colleges to quickly train early-education teachers and ease a severe staffing shortage. Supporters praise the effort but warn that better pay, support, and real classroom experience are crucial to keep educators. #NCed
North Carolina launches Child Care Academies to tackle teacher shortage
North Carolina introduces Child Care Academies to address the critical teacher shortage, offering free training and certification for aspiring child care professionals.
www.wral.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:28 PM
NC is launching free Child Care Academies at 16 colleges to quickly train early-education teachers and ease a severe staffing shortage. Supporters praise the effort but warn that better pay, support, and real classroom experience are crucial to keep educators. #NCed
NC has launched a task force to redesign its school letter-grade system, which now relies heavily on test scores. The group will craft a new model by 2027, considering access to AP, CTE, and readiness beyond graduation. #NCed
Education leaders have long struggled with NC's school letter grades. That system could soon change
A new task force has started work to redesign how the state measures school performance after years of criticism for the current system by education leaders.
www.wfae.org
December 9, 2025 at 2:16 PM
NC has launched a task force to redesign its school letter-grade system, which now relies heavily on test scores. The group will craft a new model by 2027, considering access to AP, CTE, and readiness beyond graduation. #NCed
FTCC EMS students shared how personal challenges motivated them to pursue emergency medicine. Through FTCC’s partnership with a local community center, they’re inspiring teens and showing how empathy and lived experience shape strong future paramedics. #NCed
How personal encounters shaped Fayetteville Tech EMS students | Opinion
Students and graduates from Fayetteville Technical Community College's EMS program share their stories at Way2Real on Murchison Road.
www.fayobserver.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:16 PM
FTCC EMS students shared how personal challenges motivated them to pursue emergency medicine. Through FTCC’s partnership with a local community center, they’re inspiring teens and showing how empathy and lived experience shape strong future paramedics. #NCed
NC advisors recommend requiring all school social workers to hold a master’s degree to improve direct student support and compete with higher-paying private jobs. The plan would cost about $10.9M but could be partly offset. Current employees would have 5 years to earn a master’s. #NCed
State Education Board mulls requiring master’s degrees for school social workers
A committee that advises the state Board of Education on students’ non-academic needs has recommended the board back requiring a master’s degree for all school social workers in the state.
www.wfae.org
December 8, 2025 at 2:27 PM
NC advisors recommend requiring all school social workers to hold a master’s degree to improve direct student support and compete with higher-paying private jobs. The plan would cost about $10.9M but could be partly offset. Current employees would have 5 years to earn a master’s. #NCed
North Carolina educator Rebecca Huggins says she’s seen how easy it is to mistake busy classrooms for real learning. She argues that students thrive not from flashier lessons, but from clear teaching, real thinking, and the confidence that comes from genuine success. #NCed
The Three Big Misconceptions About Student Engagement (Opinion)
For teachers, engagement is the holy grail. But what if we’re thinking about it all wrong?
www.edweek.org
December 5, 2025 at 5:48 PM
North Carolina educator Rebecca Huggins says she’s seen how easy it is to mistake busy classrooms for real learning. She argues that students thrive not from flashier lessons, but from clear teaching, real thinking, and the confidence that comes from genuine success. #NCed
A new report says many NC teacher prep programs aren’t graduating diverse candidates, worsening gaps as DEI faces political attacks. Advocates warn students lose academic and social benefits when teachers don’t reflect them and urge stronger support and recruitment. #NCed
DEI is under fire, but new report says NC schools need more teacher diversity
The National Council on Teacher Quality report comes as the Trump administration has defunded federal efforts to promote teacher diversity.
www.newsobserver.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:38 PM
A new report says many NC teacher prep programs aren’t graduating diverse candidates, worsening gaps as DEI faces political attacks. Advocates warn students lose academic and social benefits when teachers don’t reflect them and urge stronger support and recruitment. #NCed
Unless leaders in the North Carolina General Assembly change course before the end of the year, Jan. 1 will bring unhappy news for North Carolinians fed up with the rising cost of living. #NCed
General Assembly should pause tax cuts, invest $1B in affordability - Public Ed Works
By Sally Hodges-Copple N.C Budget & Tax Center RALEIGH (December 3, 2025) – Unless leaders in the North Carolina General Assembly change course before the end of the year, Jan. 1 will bring unhappy ne...
www.publicedworks.org
December 4, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Unless leaders in the North Carolina General Assembly change course before the end of the year, Jan. 1 will bring unhappy news for North Carolinians fed up with the rising cost of living. #NCed
The Treasury and IRS are taking public comments through Dec. 26 on a new federal voucher-style tax credit that diverts funds from public schools. You can submit your thoughts through the Federal e-Rule Making Portal, available on the IRS' website. #NCed
Treasury, IRS seek comments on federal school choice program
The agencies are seeking input into policies for scholarship-granting organizations that will distribute the funds contributed by taxpayers.
www.k12dive.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:07 PM
The Treasury and IRS are taking public comments through Dec. 26 on a new federal voucher-style tax credit that diverts funds from public schools. You can submit your thoughts through the Federal e-Rule Making Portal, available on the IRS' website. #NCed
Once again, for the second time in seven years, the NC General Assembly has failed to pass a budget. Our state stands alone as the only one in the country unable to complete its most basic responsibility. #NCed https://www.publicedworks.org/2025/12/no-christmas-for-north-carolina/
No Christmas for North Carolina - Public Ed Works
By Douglas Shackelford and Paul Fulton CHAPEL HILL (December 3, 2025) – Once again, for the second time in seven years, the NC General Assembly has failed to pass a budget.1 Our state stands alone as the only one in the country unable to complete its most basic responsibility. While every other state managed to fund... READ MORE
www.publicedworks.org
December 3, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Once again, for the second time in seven years, the NC General Assembly has failed to pass a budget. Our state stands alone as the only one in the country unable to complete its most basic responsibility. #NCed https://www.publicedworks.org/2025/12/no-christmas-for-north-carolina/
Former Onslow County teacher and coach Nicholas Bailey shares a hard truth-- North Carolina is losing passionate teachers to neighboring states with better benefits. The NC legislature must step up. #NCed
December 3, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Former Onslow County teacher and coach Nicholas Bailey shares a hard truth-- North Carolina is losing passionate teachers to neighboring states with better benefits. The NC legislature must step up. #NCed
A Winston-Salem conference highlights how involved fathers and male caregivers boost children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Leaders from Smart Start urge more men to enter early education and are creating paid pathways and certifications to help. #NCed
Triad early childhood education conference focuses on the role men play
The Triad Men in Early Childhood Education Conference will be held in Winston-Salem this Saturday.
www.wfdd.org
December 3, 2025 at 2:25 PM
A Winston-Salem conference highlights how involved fathers and male caregivers boost children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Leaders from Smart Start urge more men to enter early education and are creating paid pathways and certifications to help. #NCed
With your support on #GivingTuesday, we will continue to highlight the positive role that public education plays in North Carolina and the importance of keeping it accessible and well funded for all. Please make an investment in our children’s future today! www.publicedworks.org/donate/
December 2, 2025 at 3:33 PM
With your support on #GivingTuesday, we will continue to highlight the positive role that public education plays in North Carolina and the importance of keeping it accessible and well funded for all. Please make an investment in our children’s future today! www.publicedworks.org/donate/
NC’s new law lets private schools arm teachers and volunteers. Parents and advocates say this puts kids in danger, could confuse police during emergencies, and adds undue stress for students. #NCed
Parents and advocates rally against new NC law allowing guns in private schools
Advocates urge North Carolina schools to reject a law allowing armed volunteers on campus, fearing it endangers children more than it protects.
www.wcnc.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:16 PM
NC’s new law lets private schools arm teachers and volunteers. Parents and advocates say this puts kids in danger, could confuse police during emergencies, and adds undue stress for students. #NCed
The Trump administration’s loan reform redefines “professional degrees” to exclude vital programs like nursing. This change not only diminishes the hard work being done by nurses, but would undermine efforts to grow the workforce amid a national nurse shortage. #NCed
Nursing is not a 'professional degree' amidst student loan changes
Nursing isn't considering a professional degree for the purposes of student loans. Will this impact the industry?
www.usatoday.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:29 PM
The Trump administration’s loan reform redefines “professional degrees” to exclude vital programs like nursing. This change not only diminishes the hard work being done by nurses, but would undermine efforts to grow the workforce amid a national nurse shortage. #NCed
ESL classes for documented immigrants in Greensboro—once a joyful experience for all involved—were abruptly ended due to fear of ICE raids. This climate of fear harms learners of all ages and tarnishes the American Dream of a hopeful, patriotic immigrant experience. #NCed
Sunday's letters: How fear ended our class teaching English as a second language to legal immigrants
The in-person classes had been canceled due to fear of ICE raids. These are all documented people. This is what Donald Trump has wreaked upon this country.
greensboro.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:15 PM
ESL classes for documented immigrants in Greensboro—once a joyful experience for all involved—were abruptly ended due to fear of ICE raids. This climate of fear harms learners of all ages and tarnishes the American Dream of a hopeful, patriotic immigrant experience. #NCed
Former Apex Friendship Elementary School Teacher of the Year Kate Franzen shares a teacher's perspective on what lawmakers can do to help our public schools. #NCed
November 25, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Former Apex Friendship Elementary School Teacher of the Year Kate Franzen shares a teacher's perspective on what lawmakers can do to help our public schools. #NCed
NC’s Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans is facing deeper budget cuts: benefits for current students will drop 25% this spring, after earlier cuts halted new awards for many disabled-veteran families, leaving students uncertain about continuing college. #NCed
NC children of disabled veterans see expanded cuts to scholarships
“To lawmakers. I would say fulfill your promise. We, the people, are being affected by this. And this is real.”
www.newsobserver.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:18 PM
NC’s Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans is facing deeper budget cuts: benefits for current students will drop 25% this spring, after earlier cuts halted new awards for many disabled-veteran families, leaving students uncertain about continuing college. #NCed
North Carolina teachers and administrators are packing their bags and hitting the road after finding they can almost double their income in other states. #NCed
Educators exit NC for better pay - Public Ed Works
By Amy Cockerham Public Ed Works RALEIGH (November 20, 2025) – North Carolina teachers and administrators are packing their bags and hitting the road after finding they can almost double their income ...
www.publicedworks.org
November 24, 2025 at 6:23 PM
North Carolina teachers and administrators are packing their bags and hitting the road after finding they can almost double their income in other states. #NCed
Dr. Cristy Page, longtime UNC Health leader and educator, has been named CEO of UNC Health, Dean of UNC School of Medicine, and Vice Chancellor for medical affairs. Page has served as interim CEO since April. #NCed
UNC Health names new chief executive officer
Dr. Cristy Page will officially begin the roles as UNC Health's CEO, the dean of the UNC School of Medicine and as vice chancellor for medical affairs at UNC-Chapel Hill on Monday, Nov. 24.
www.wral.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Dr. Cristy Page, longtime UNC Health leader and educator, has been named CEO of UNC Health, Dean of UNC School of Medicine, and Vice Chancellor for medical affairs. Page has served as interim CEO since April. #NCed
More than 200 Durham School of the Arts students walked out to protest Border Patrol and ICE activity, saying it fuels fear and disrupts education. Students reported classmates carrying documents and avoiding certain streets amid rising anxiety. #NCed
Durham students protest Border Patrol, ICE activity as threat to education
More than 200 from Durham School of the Arts gathered to support immigrant rights and criticize the culture of fear keeping classmates home.
www.newsobserver.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:32 PM
More than 200 Durham School of the Arts students walked out to protest Border Patrol and ICE activity, saying it fuels fear and disrupts education. Students reported classmates carrying documents and avoiding certain streets amid rising anxiety. #NCed
When Walmart made the bold decision in 2015 to raise its starting hourly wage by 24% – impacting nearly half its more than 1 million U.S. hourly employees –investors initially reacted with shock. Shares fell 10% in a single day, erasing $21.5 billion in market value. #NCed
Invest in NC Teachers: Lessons from Walmart’s retention strategy - Public Ed Works
By Shawnice Meador Executive Director, Public Ed Works RALEIGH (November 20, 2025) – When Walmart made the bold decision in 2015 to raise its starting hourly wage by 24% – impacting nearly half its mo...
www.publicedworks.org
November 21, 2025 at 2:57 PM
When Walmart made the bold decision in 2015 to raise its starting hourly wage by 24% – impacting nearly half its more than 1 million U.S. hourly employees –investors initially reacted with shock. Shares fell 10% in a single day, erasing $21.5 billion in market value. #NCed