Education Matters
Education Matter aims to provide the public with real facts about the state of public education in North Carolina. The weekly series explores everything from the history of public education to the impact of legislation and policy decisions on our public schools.
Episodes
36 episodes
Education Matters Episode 278: Meet the 2026-27 NC Teachers of the Year
This week on Education Matters we’re joined by some outstanding educators, the 2026-27 North Carolina Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teachers of the Year. They’ve been recognized for their commitment to student success, and today they’l...
Education Matters Episode 277— Policy Updates: DEI Ban and a New State Budget
This week we’re diving into the newly passed state budget along with new policies prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in North Carolina schools and universities. We’re joined by policy and education experts. <...
Education Matters Ep 276: Meet the 2026-27 NC Principals of the Year Pt. 2
School leadership plays a critical role for students, educators and families. This is not an easy task, but thankfully, there are several principals across our state who excel at the job. This week we’re continuing our conversation wit...
Education Matters Ep 274: 2026 Short Session Policy Updates
This North Carolina General Assembly Short Session has been a unique one from the outset, as our legislators did not pass a state budget last year. So, what has been accomplished since this session began in April and what’s still in the work...
Episode 273: Celebrating Teacher Apperception Week 2026
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 Appreciati...
Ep 272: Eggs & Issues 2026 Pt. 2 - Policymakers on Education Funding
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 ca...
Episode 271: Eggs & Issues 2026 Pt. 1 – Measuring Progress on the Top Issues
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...
Episode 268: Our Community School
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 m...
Episode 267: Save the Date for NC Legislators in Schools Week 2026
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...
Episode 266: NC College Connect
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 pro...
Episode 265: The Impact of Immigration Enforcement in Local Public Schools Pt. 2
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 thi...
Episode 264: The Impact of Immigration Enforcement in Local Public Schools Pt. 1
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 thi...
Episode 263: The Impact of Political Uncertainty on School Nutrition
Our country recently faced the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history as Congress was unable to pass a budget by the September 31 deadline. North Carolina continues to operate without a state budget following the failure of the Gen...
Episode 262: North Carolina After 3 PM
In this episode, we’re exploring the Afterschool Alliance’s 2025 America After 3 PM report. According to the findings, North Carolina parents and families overwhelmingly agree that afterschool programs keep their children safe, off screens and ...
Episode 261: The Plan to Make North Carolina's Public Schools the Best in the Nation
In this episode, we’re joined by NC Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green to learn about the strategic plan to make North Carolina’s local public schools the best in the nation by 2030. Key goals include increased graduation rates, incr...
Episode 259: Meet the 2025-26 Teachers of the Year PT.2
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 durin...
Episode 258: Meet the 2025-26 Teachers of the Year Pt.1
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 durin...
Episode 257: Leading the Way in Business and Education
On this episode, we’re joined by business leaders to discuss the important relationship between businesses and local public schools in their communities, and the role those schools play in maintaining our status as a leading state for business....
Episode 256: Meet the NC 2025-26 NC Principals of the Year Pt. 2
Guests:Jason Johnson, NC Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Orange High School Orange County Public SchoolsDr. John Lassiter, Northeast NC Principal of the Year, Northeast Hertford Grammar School, Perquimans County SchoolsKelly Withr...
Episode 255: Meet the 2025-26 NC Principals of the Year
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 ...
Episode 254: Innovating School Nutrition in 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 Depar...
Episode 253: Community Connections: The Power of Rural Schools and Local Businesses
On this episode, we explore the value of partnerships between rural schools and local businesses and how these collaborations can strengthen both education and community. We’re joined by a business owner, two community school coordinators, and ...
Episode 252: Celebrating 50 Years of IDEA
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 s...
Episode 251: Policymaker Perspectives at Eggs & Issues 2025
Welcome to Education Matters presented by the Public School Forum of North Carolina. In 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 ...
Episode 250: Top Education Issues at Eggs & Issues 2025
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...