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, Kindergarten Teacher, Hoke County Schools
• Michael Vetter, Human Resources Director, Jackson County Public Schools
• Valencia Abbott, Social Studies Dept. Chair, Rockingham Early College High School

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 and school funding – a critical conversation considering North Carolina is now the only state in the nation without a current budget.

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 in 2025. Within the episode you’ll hear status updates on those issues, as well as analysis of the recent Leandro V ruling from legal expert Ann McColl.

Guests:

• Dr. Lauren Fox, Public School Forum of NC
• Ann McColl, Legal Expert

EdNC, a nonprofit news outlet, embedded in P.W. Moore Elementary School in Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools in 2024-25. From the first day of school through the last day of school, this film documents the power of the community school model for students, educators, families, and the community.

On this episode, we’re thrilled to be announcing North Carolina Legislators in Schools Week 2026! This year’s school visits will take place during the week of April 13, during which all members of the North Carolina General Assembly are invited to spend a day, or a few days, visiting the local public schools they represent.

Guests:
Representative Alan Branson
Representative Amos Quick III
Superintendent Don Phipps, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
Rachel Candaso, 2025 NC Teacher of the Year

On this episode, we’re discussing the NC College Connect Program: a groundbreaking initiative offering direct college admission to eligible high school seniors across the state for the 2025–2026 school year! To help us better understand the program before the January 2 application deadline, we’re joined by representatives from NCDPI, The UNC System, and the State Education Assistance Authority.

Last month federal agents from US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs Border Patrol (CBP) arrived in North Carolina, and it was recently announced that agents will likely remain in the area throughout the month of December. In this episode, we’re continuing our discussion on what that means for students, families and local communities at large.

Last month federal agents from US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs Border Patrol (CBP) arrived in North Carolina, and it was recently announced that agents will likely remain in the area throughout the month of December. In this episode, we’re taking a look at what that means for students, families and local communities at large.