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NCCAT appreciates these teachers for joining us for "Bringing High Quality Project Based Learning to Your Classroom" in Cullowhee. High Quality Project-Based Learning is a pedagogical strategy used by forward thinking educators around the world to inspire students to collaborate, think critically , and share their work. Though many educators have heard about PBL and are excited about it, they struggle to implement it with fidelity in their own classrooms. This program, designed for educators in grades 6-12 of all subjects, including Career and Technical Education, introduced educators to the HQPBL framework and help them create their own PBL units in a high energy, collaborative atmosphere. 

NCCAT was pleased to host North Carolina educators in Ocracoke for the "STEM Schools of Distinction" program. During this planning institute schools reviewed the overarching principles of the NC STEM Schools of Distinction Rubric, considered what each principle means in the context of their individual school, assess the school’s readiness, drafted a strategic plan and developed next steps for school improvement or to apply for the NC STEM Schools of Distinction. The institute included whole group discussion to learn from best practices across the state and individual school team planning. Those who were encouraged to attend were: School teams of three to five (including a required administrator). Schools which currently have a STEM focus or have previously applied for the STEM School of Distinction designation will benefit the most from this institute.

Educators from across North Carolina joined us for "Shifting the Paradigm: Student-Centered Instructional Coaching" at NCCAT Cullowhee. The work of instructional coaching is a dynamic part of school communities. Supporting coaching cultures where students are at the center is an essential part of this work. Throughout the week, the participants learned coaching moves that create opportunities for professional growth, and suggestions for putting student learning at the forefront. Sessions included models for co-teaching moves, providing strength-based feedback, and high-impact instructional strategies. Time was spent collaborating with coaches from across NC, and learning new ways to connect with teachers and their classrooms.

NCCAT Summer registration for programs in July, August, and September is now open. NCCAT, a recognized national leader in professional development, supports teachers and impacts students across North Carolina. NCCAT is also starting a new registration system. Find out more at https://learn.nccat.org/ NCCAT helps North Carolina teachers grow in knowledge, skills, compassion, and professionalism so that students become engaged, self-motivated, and successful. NCCAT's instructional programs reflect the broad range of unique professional development topics for public school teachers and other educators. Challenging formats shape the offerings. All programs incorporate state standards.

With enhanced search capabilities, a convenient shopping cart and a mobile friendly interface, the new North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching registration platform has been designed for ease of use.  Summer registration opens May 16th. Users may experience issues with registration during the changeover thank you for your patience. The layout has been simplified, and all the information prospective students need for registration will now be conveniently available in one location.

NCCAT enjoyed the opportunity to officially recognize Kirby Forbes, a second-year math teacher at Lee County High School, and the NCCAT 2023 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year runner-up at a recent Lee County Schools Board of Education meeting. NCCAT Executive Director Dr. M. Brock Womble and Deputy Executive Director Dr. Karen Sumner presented Ms. Forbes with the BTOY award that had her name engraved on it. Thank you to all who were present including students, her family and Lee County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year Coordinator Patricia Coldren.

NCCAT enjoyed the opportunity to recognize Natalia Mejia, a teacher at CC Griffin STEM Middle School in Cabarrus County Schools, and the NCCAT 2023 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year at a recent Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education meeting. NCCAT Executive Director Dr. M. Brock Womble and Deputy Executive Director Dr. Karen Sumner presented Ms. Mejia with the BTOY award. Thank you to all who were present including the principal at Ms. Mejia's school Dr. Yolanda Blakeney.

Thank you teachers for all you do. NCCAT is so proud to have the opportunity to work with amazing North Carolina teachers. This week and every week we truly appreciate all the hard work, dedication, and passion that goes into supporting students and families across our state. Please let us know if we can ever help with professional development and check out courses here at our website. Thank you teachers!

NCCAT appreciates these educators from across North Carolina being with us in Ocracoke for the "STEM Schools of Distinction" program. During this planning institute schools reviewed the overarching principles of the NC STEM Schools of Distinction Rubric, considered what each principle means in the context of their individual school, assess the school’s readiness, drafted a strategic plan and developed next steps for school improvement or to apply for the NC STEM Schools of Distinction.

Summer registration will open May 16th for programs at The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching Cullowhee and Ocracoke campuses.

We are so proud to see 2022 NCCAT Career and Technical Teacher of the Year runner-up Robert Ballard, an automotive instructor at Chapel Hill High School, honored by WRAL TV as Teacher of the Week. Thanks for all you do for students Mr. Ballard! View the video story by clicking headline link.

We appreciate these teachers from across North Carolina joining us for "All Kids Can Write" at NCCAT Ocracoke recently. They discovered new ways to turn reading strategies into writing opportunities that deepen comprehension and extend student learning. This in-depth, interactive program focused on the power of the teacher as the mentor model in exploring multiple tools for unlocking thinking in the classroom—through the process of uncovering your own writing life.

Our faculty and staff had such a great time with guests from Fairview Elementary School Jackson County Public Schools, NC kindergarten in Cullowhee with learning fun around literacy and digital learning. It was our pleasure to spend time with these awesome students and teachers.

MEETING NOTICE: NCCAT Board of Trustees Meeting

Friday, April 28, 2023 9:00 am The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Board of Trustees will convene their next regularly scheduled meeting on Friday, April 28 at 9:00 a.m., in person at the NCCAT Ocracoke campus, located at 2 Irvin Garrish Hwy., Ocracoke, NC 27960

Successful transition into the workforce force depends on the right training and credentials, but how do we ensure that students have the skills they need to do the job?  This program in May at NCCAT will explore North Carolina’s career development continuum that scaffolds students’ work-based learning opportunities in elementary, middle and high school.