Education Matters

EPISODE: 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

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 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 School, Scotland County Schools Dr. Jessica LaBrose Anthony, NC Northwest Principal of the Year Davenport A+ Elementary School, Caldwell County Schools Dr. Jake E Wilson, NC Charter School Principal of the Year, Mountain Island Charter School, Mount Holly, NC

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 nutrition. Guests: Dr. Jessica Soldavini, Research Specialist, Carolina Hunger Initiative/School Meals for All NC and Asst. Professor at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC - Chapel Hill Rachel Findley, Sr. Director of School Nutrition, NC Department of Public Instruction Heather Lifsey, Marketing Specialist, NC Department of Agriculture

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 Office of Exceptional Children, NC Department of Public Instruction Glynnis Hagins, Attorney, Disability Rights North Carolina Susan Book, parent and public school advocate Lindy Southern, student, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

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 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: Dr. Lauren Fox, Public School Forum Sr. Director of Policy & Research Natalia Mejia, NCCAT 2023 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year, CC Griffin STEM Middle School, Cabarrus County Schools Dr. C’Monee’ Wilkins, Principal, Clarke Elementary School, Vance County Public Schools Dr. Don Phipps, Superintendent, Caldwell County Schools

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 teacher, Lakewood High School in Sampson County Maria de Pedro, Communications Assistant, Wake Electric Membership Corporation

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 this vital race for public schools in NC. Guests: Sen. Leslie Winner, NC Leadership Forum John Hood, NC Leadership Forum Michele Morrow, NC Superintendent Candidate Mo Green, NC Superintendent Candidate

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 decisions impact schools. Guests: Dr. Chris Cooper, Western Carolina University Political Science Professor Jennifer Rubin, League of Women Voters of North Carolina President Laura Wilson, 2023 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Southeast Region Teacher of the Year Dr. Marlow Artis, Craven Early College High School Bettina Umstead, Durham Public Schools Board of Education