By James Strope Principal, Onslow Early College High School EDITOR’S NOTE: Below, an eastern North Carolina principal shares one unique struggle students face after legislators failed to pass a budget on time. JACKSONVILLE (April 29, 2026) – Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving competition that has been around since 1978. The students select… READ MORE
Campus to community: UNC Charlotte highlights education partnerships
By Amy Cockerham Public Ed Works CHARLOTTE (April 2, 2026) – UNC Charlotte’s Cato College of Education boasts a whopping 350 community partnerships that were highlighted last week at the Charlotte Urban Institute Community Engagement Showcase. Toye Watson is Director of Community and Strategic Partnerships for the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. “We know that it… READ MORE
Pitt truck driving: ‘Really, really good instructors’
WINTERVILLE (March 26, 2026) – Whether it’s due to a genuine shortage or rampant turnover, truck drivers are in demand. Trucking has been essential to restoring the nation’s post-pandemic supply chain. And after courses that last just four to 12 weeks and cost $1,180 or less, drivers can emerge from the Commercial Driver’s License program… READ MORE
Pitt nonprofit creates future leaders
By Amy Cockerham Public Ed Works WINTERVILLE (March 11, 2026) – Public school leaders are coming together outside the classroom to improve the lives of Pitt County children and their families. IMPACT Leadership & Educational Center was founded in 2023, for third- through eighth-grade students. (IMPACT stands for Integrity -Merit – Perseverance – Accountability –… READ MORE
Nonprofit steps in as public schools struggle
By Amy Cockerham Public Ed Works WILMINGTON (March 6, 2026) – One eastern North Carolina nonprofit is trying to make a difference in public schools as they deal with underfunding and understaffing. Kendall Englehart is the Communications Manager for Communities in Schools (CIS) Cape Fear. “The mission of CIS is to support kids,” Englehart said…. READ MORE
Bladen superintendent: ‘Do the right thing’ for kids
By Amy Cockerham Public Ed Works ELIZABETHTOWN (February 13, 2025) – Bladen County is one of 78 rural counties in North Carolina suffering the consequences of state underfunding in public schools. Bladen County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Atkinson grew up in the county that’s located between Fayetteville and Wilmington and came back in 2021 to… READ MORE
Rockingham superintendent weighs in on underfunding
By Amy Cockerham Public Ed Works EDEN (February 5, 2026) – North Carolina’s public schools are grappling with underfunding and uncertainty because state legislators haven’t passed a budget for the current year. Dr. John Stover is in his fourth year as superintendent of Rockingham County Schools, previously working for the Washington, D.C. public school system…. READ MORE
Cabarrus beginning teacher named finalist for award
By Amy Cockerham Public Ed Works CONCORD (January 29, 2026) – A new North Carolina teacher is sharing more about her journey to teach as she’s named an award finalist. Kennedy Elmore is one of 27 educators in the running for the NCCAT 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award. The… READ MORE
Forsyth Tech and AI: ‘Let’s use it the right way’
WINSTON-SALEM (January 22, 2026) – We’re all adapting to the world of artificial intelligence. Some folks thrive with it. Others struggle to trust it. But one thing’s for sure: It’s not going away. With that new reality, leaders at Forsyth Technical Community College have worked to incorporate AI into every program for the college’s 9,700… READ MORE
Winston-Salem group fights poverty with education
By Amy Cockerham Public Ed Works WINSTON-SALEM (January 15, 2025) – A nonprofit is trying to uplift one of the oldest Black neighborhoods in Forsyth County by improving access to education. Boston-Thurmond United leads revitalization efforts in the Boston-Thurmond neighborhood of Winston-Salem. Executive Director Regina Hall said the organization, formed in May 2019, serves about… READ MORE