Public Ed Works
@publicedworks.bsky.social
Public Ed Works is a nonpartisan organization that builds support for public education in North Carolina
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State laws prohibit strikes for North Carolina teachers, limiting advocacy efforts
Educators and other public employees cannot participate in walkouts or work stoppages to make demands of their employer, nor can they negotiate with their employers as a union or labor organization.
www.dailytarheel.com
It bears repeating: North Carolina law bans teachers from striking or bargaining as unions, limiting how they can push for better pay and benefits. Educators are protesting on personal time and urging lawmakers for change. #NCed
As National School Choice Week is underway, it's important to highlight the many choices offered by NC public schools — including charter, magnet, early college, STEM, career academies, and microschools — giving families flexible, free options to find the right fit. #NCed
New research on public school choice this National School Choice Week
Join the conversation about National School Choice Week, including a great public school choice ecosystem.
www.ednc.org
January 28, 2026 at 7:47 PM
As National School Choice Week is underway, it's important to highlight the many choices offered by NC public schools — including charter, magnet, early college, STEM, career academies, and microschools — giving families flexible, free options to find the right fit. #NCed
Lack of public test data for North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship students is a growing issue. As voucher enrollment and public spending surge, critics warn the absence of transparency makes it impossible to assess student outcomes or accountability. #NCed
How are NC private school voucher students doing? The test data isn’t public.
The state will spend $575 million this year with the majority of private school students getting a voucher. It won’t say how they’re doing.
www.newsobserver.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:17 PM
Lack of public test data for North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship students is a growing issue. As voucher enrollment and public spending surge, critics warn the absence of transparency makes it impossible to assess student outcomes or accountability. #NCed
After Hurricane Helene, western NC community colleges became lifelines—offering shelter, aid, and coordination despite their own losses. This EdNC report highlights leadership decisions, recovery efforts, and lessons for future disasters. #NCed
EdNC’s Hurricane Helene Playbook: Lessons learned from community colleges
Hurricane Helene taught North Carolina community colleges lessons about disaster preparedness and recovery.
www.ednc.org
January 27, 2026 at 5:15 PM
After Hurricane Helene, western NC community colleges became lifelines—offering shelter, aid, and coordination despite their own losses. This EdNC report highlights leadership decisions, recovery efforts, and lessons for future disasters. #NCed
Episode 2 of Broadcasting History spotlights WRVS-FM at Elizabeth City State University, where archivists uncovered fragile, nearly lost recordings—preserving decades of HBCU radio history, community voices, and the station’s first 1986 broadcast. #NCed
Inside HBCU radio preservation at Elizabeth City State University
This episode follows the preservation team to coastal North Carolina's Elizabeth City State University, where decades of radio history lay hidden in locked cabinets. Through the collaborative efforts ...
www.wyso.org
January 27, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Episode 2 of Broadcasting History spotlights WRVS-FM at Elizabeth City State University, where archivists uncovered fragile, nearly lost recordings—preserving decades of HBCU radio history, community voices, and the station’s first 1986 broadcast. #NCed
Fayetteville State University will launch a new bachelor’s degree in special education in fall 2026 to address North Carolina’s teacher shortage, preparing students for K–12 licensure with coursework, field experience, and specialization options. #NCed
Fayetteville State University to Launch New Bachelor's Degree in Special Education | The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
“FSU’s undergraduate special education program prepares educators who recognize the potential in every learner and advocate for inclusive opportunities,” said Chandrika Johnson, dean of the College of...
jbhe.com
January 26, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Fayetteville State University will launch a new bachelor’s degree in special education in fall 2026 to address North Carolina’s teacher shortage, preparing students for K–12 licensure with coursework, field experience, and specialization options. #NCed
Asheville teacher Allie Long, who is dyslexic herself, helps students with dyslexia and ADHD at Thrive Learning Center. Using hands-on methods she boosts student confidence and achievement beyond grade-level expectations. #NCed
Thanks to Teachers airing 1/23/26 Allie Long
At the Thrive Learning Center in Asheville, teacher Allie Long specializes in helping kids with dyslexia and ADHD.
wlos.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Asheville teacher Allie Long, who is dyslexic herself, helps students with dyslexia and ADHD at Thrive Learning Center. Using hands-on methods she boosts student confidence and achievement beyond grade-level expectations. #NCed
Samantha Winthrow is the first and only female wrestling official east of Raleigh, breaking barriers in a sport long dominated by men. A former champion wrestler and coach, she now officiates across Eastern N.C., hoping to inspire more girls to compete, coach, and lead in wrestling. #NCed
One of a kind: Winthrow is only female wrestling official in Eastern N...
Samantha Winthrow is the first and only female wrestling official east of Raleigh. In fact, Winthrow is a trailblazer of sorts.
www.thewashingtondailynews.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Samantha Winthrow is the first and only female wrestling official east of Raleigh, breaking barriers in a sport long dominated by men. A former champion wrestler and coach, she now officiates across Eastern N.C., hoping to inspire more girls to compete, coach, and lead in wrestling. #NCed
Colleges across North Carolina are preparing for a possible winter storm, with plans for class changes, housing, food, and safety. Campuses are stocking supplies, weighing remote classes, and putting emergency plans in place to protect students if ice and power outages hit. #NCed
spectrumlocalnews.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Colleges across North Carolina are preparing for a possible winter storm, with plans for class changes, housing, food, and safety. Campuses are stocking supplies, weighing remote classes, and putting emergency plans in place to protect students if ice and power outages hit. #NCed
The N.C. Teaching Fellows program is accepting applications through Jan. 31, offering up to $10,000 per year in forgivable loans for future teachers. Loans are forgiven after graduates teach in N.C. public schools. #NCed
N.C. Teaching Fellows program seeks applicants - Richmond Observer
North Carolina’s forgivable loan program for future teachers will accept applications until Jan. 31, 2026. The North Carolina Teaching Fellows program, reinstated by the state legislature in …
richmondobserver.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:39 PM
The N.C. Teaching Fellows program is accepting applications through Jan. 31, offering up to $10,000 per year in forgivable loans for future teachers. Loans are forgiven after graduates teach in N.C. public schools. #NCed
It bears repeating: North Carolina law bans teachers from striking or bargaining as unions, limiting how they can push for better pay and benefits. Educators are protesting on personal time and urging lawmakers for change. #NCed
State laws prohibit strikes for North Carolina teachers, limiting advocacy efforts
Educators and other public employees cannot participate in walkouts or work stoppages to make demands of their employer, nor can they negotiate with their employers as a union or labor organization.
www.dailytarheel.com
January 21, 2026 at 7:11 PM
It bears repeating: North Carolina law bans teachers from striking or bargaining as unions, limiting how they can push for better pay and benefits. Educators are protesting on personal time and urging lawmakers for change. #NCed
Roy Williams is urging UNC leaders to keep the Dean Smith Center on campus, backing a petition to renovate rather than move the arena. He and many others argue keeping it on campus honors Dean Smith’s wishes and preserves what makes Carolina basketball special. #NCed
Roy Williams urges UNC leaders to keep Smith Center on campus amid arena debate
Roy Williams said Dean Smith charged him with protecting the Smith Center — and argues that renovating, not relocating, is the best path.
www.newsobserver.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:52 PM
Roy Williams is urging UNC leaders to keep the Dean Smith Center on campus, backing a petition to renovate rather than move the arena. He and many others argue keeping it on campus honors Dean Smith’s wishes and preserves what makes Carolina basketball special. #NCed
As science of reading laws expand, experts say results now depend on how well they’re put into practice. States must move beyond checklists and focus on clear plans, strong teacher training, aligned curriculum, and better testing to improve reading skills. #NCed
'Implementation is where it’s at': What’s next for the science of reading?
Implementation of the science of reading across the country was the subject of a recent Fordham Institute webinar.
www.ednc.org
January 20, 2026 at 8:21 PM
As science of reading laws expand, experts say results now depend on how well they’re put into practice. States must move beyond checklists and focus on clear plans, strong teacher training, aligned curriculum, and better testing to improve reading skills. #NCed
Hundreds of UNC Asheville students walked out to protest plans to develop 45 acres of campus forest for a stadium and housing project. Students and advocates say the woods are vital to campus identity, ecology, and community, and vow continued protests. #NCed
Friday walkout echoes through campus as UNC Asheville students protest forest development
UNC Asheville students walked out of class Friday to protest university plans to develop 45 acres of forest on South Campus, drawing hundreds to Reed Plaza outside the Highsmith Student Union. The stu...
thebluebanner.net
January 20, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Hundreds of UNC Asheville students walked out to protest plans to develop 45 acres of campus forest for a stadium and housing project. Students and advocates say the woods are vital to campus identity, ecology, and community, and vow continued protests. #NCed
“The function of #education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.” #MLK
January 19, 2026 at 7:15 PM
“The function of #education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.” #MLK
UNCC launched the National Defense and Intelligence Innovation Institute to accelerate military research and support national security partners. The new center connects faculty with government & industry to turn research in areas like AI and cybersecurity into deployable military technology. #NCed
UNC Charlotte Creates Defense Research Center To Support Military Tech Development
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte unveiled the National Defense and Intelligence Innovation Institute on Monday.
kiss951.com
January 16, 2026 at 8:09 PM
UNCC launched the National Defense and Intelligence Innovation Institute to accelerate military research and support national security partners. The new center connects faculty with government & industry to turn research in areas like AI and cybersecurity into deployable military technology. #NCed
Two weeks into North Carolina’s cellphone-free classroom law, Charlotte teachers report better focus, engagement, and critical thinking, saying consistent enforcement has reduced behavior issues despite lingering parent safety concerns. #NCed
Classroom cellphone ban boosting focus, critical thinking, Charlotte teachers say
Some students actually welcome the change.
www.charlotteobserver.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Two weeks into North Carolina’s cellphone-free classroom law, Charlotte teachers report better focus, engagement, and critical thinking, saying consistent enforcement has reduced behavior issues despite lingering parent safety concerns. #NCed
52 UNC Charlotte student and staff groups cleaned 130 acres through the Adopt-a-Spot program, collecting 1,000+ pounds of litter in fall 2025 and boosting campus sustainability through regular volunteer cleanups! #NCed
52 Campus Groups Clean 130 Acres Through UNC Charlotte Sustainability Program
UNC Charlotte clubs have joined the Office of Sustainability's Adopt-a-Spot Program. Fifty-two groups committed to two cleanup events each semester on their assigned areas.
kiss951.com
January 15, 2026 at 6:32 PM
52 UNC Charlotte student and staff groups cleaned 130 acres through the Adopt-a-Spot program, collecting 1,000+ pounds of litter in fall 2025 and boosting campus sustainability through regular volunteer cleanups! #NCed
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said federal relief won’t cover NC school districts’ budget gaps from enrollment declines, calling it a local issue. The announcement came during a civics tour stop in Cumberland County that drew partisan concerns. #NCed
‘A local issue’: US education secretary rules out federal relief for NC school district deficits
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited Fayetteville to launch a nationwide civics tour. The event was met with concerns regarding partisan sponsorship and a lack of federal support for local f...
www.wral.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:55 PM
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said federal relief won’t cover NC school districts’ budget gaps from enrollment declines, calling it a local issue. The announcement came during a civics tour stop in Cumberland County that drew partisan concerns. #NCed
Amid student protests, North Carolina’s GOP-led elections board rejected early voting sites at several college campuses and cut Sunday voting in multiple counties, creating barriers for students and voters of color. #NCed
Amid protests, NC elections board rejects campus voting sites and Sunday voting in several counties • NC Newsline
The GOP majority on the NC Board of Elections rejected requests for polling places on college campuses and proposals for Sunday voting hours.
ncnewsline.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Amid student protests, North Carolina’s GOP-led elections board rejected early voting sites at several college campuses and cut Sunday voting in multiple counties, creating barriers for students and voters of color. #NCed
Public Schools First NC and the NC PTA plan rallies at the NC General Assembly urging lawmakers to increase public school funding and require accountability for private schools receiving voucher funds. #NCed
Education groups to rally at NC General Assembly
Public Schools First NC and the North Carlina PTA are asking state lawmakers to boost public school funding.
www.wral.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Public Schools First NC and the NC PTA plan rallies at the NC General Assembly urging lawmakers to increase public school funding and require accountability for private schools receiving voucher funds. #NCed
Are North Carolina’s neighborhood public schools failing our children — or are we failing to support our neighborhood public schools? #NCed
NC shortchanges its children – on purpose - Public Ed Works
By Emma Battle Public Ed Works RALEIGH (January 8, 2025) – Are North Carolina’s neighborhood public schools failing our children — or are we failing to support our neighborhood public schools? A recen...
www.publicedworks.org
January 13, 2026 at 8:31 PM
Are North Carolina’s neighborhood public schools failing our children — or are we failing to support our neighborhood public schools? #NCed
A proposed ASL-immersion charter school in New Hanover County aims to open in 2027. It would serve deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students together in bilingual ASL-English classrooms, pending state approval. #NCed
ASL-immersion charter school proposed for New Hanover County, state approval needed | Port City Daily
NEW HANOVER COUNTY — A proposal is underway to bring New Hanover County a charter school integrating both deaf and hard-of-hearing students with children that can hear. Founding members say it would…
portcitydaily.com
January 13, 2026 at 3:42 PM
A proposed ASL-immersion charter school in New Hanover County aims to open in 2027. It would serve deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students together in bilingual ASL-English classrooms, pending state approval. #NCed
Dick Christy will step down as UNC Pembroke athletics director after 13 years, moving to deputy chief of staff. He leaves a program with 30 titles, 40+ NCAA trips, record fundraising, and major facility upgrades. #NCed
UNCP Athletics Director Dick Christy to Step Down After 13 Years
Dick Christy will leave his position as athletics director at UNC Pembroke when the spring semester ends. He’s led the program for 13 years. Christy stays on through this academic...
foxy99.com
January 12, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Dick Christy will step down as UNC Pembroke athletics director after 13 years, moving to deputy chief of staff. He leaves a program with 30 titles, 40+ NCAA trips, record fundraising, and major facility upgrades. #NCed
Facing tight budgets and uncertain state and federal funding, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Mecklenburg County struck a collaborative tone, pledging shared problem-solving, internal reallocations and long-term efforts to boost teacher pay. #NCed
With budgets tight, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Mecklenburg County strike collaborative tone
Both the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education and Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners are preparing for a tight budget cycle.
www.wfae.org
January 9, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Facing tight budgets and uncertain state and federal funding, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Mecklenburg County struck a collaborative tone, pledging shared problem-solving, internal reallocations and long-term efforts to boost teacher pay. #NCed
North Carolina’s State Board approved new English standards starting in 2027–28, expanding reading and writing to include poetry and audio texts. They hope to emphasize complex texts and align instruction with the Science of Reading. #NCed
State Board of Education approves new reading, writing standards
The new standards expand reading and writing requirements to include poetry and even audio texts.
www.wral.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:31 PM
North Carolina’s State Board approved new English standards starting in 2027–28, expanding reading and writing to include poetry and audio texts. They hope to emphasize complex texts and align instruction with the Science of Reading. #NCed