STRENGTHENING P-12 EDUCATION ACROSS NORTH CAROLINA

The UNC System is the state’s largest educator of future teachers, producing more than 70% of the state’s bachelor’s and advanced degrees in education. This enormous responsibility is accompanied by the knowledge that our public universities have an early impact on student success. The confidence and competence of our future teachers is foundational to every child’s learning, and our universities are committed to producing outstanding graduates who will mentor and guide a new generation from pre-school to high school, and beyond.

That is why the UNC System partners with educators, schools, and communities across the state to improve learning outcomes, strengthen the educator workforce, and expand opportunity for P-12 students

From preparing teachers and school leaders, to advancing literacy and mathematics instruction, to building innovative school models, UNC System institutions are key to supporting student success throughout the state’s P-12 education system.

Educating future teachers

UNC System institutions prepare thousands of future teachers and school leaders each year while partnering with schools and districts to strengthen teaching and learning statewide.

Through programs like North Carolina Teaching Fellows and North Carolina Principal Fellows, the UNC System helps address workforce needs by supporting:

  • Teacher recruitment and retention
  • School leadership and development
  • High-need licensure areas
  • Rural and underserved communities
  • Evidence-based educator preparation
A young female teacher helping a young elementary school student with school work at a table in a bright, colorful classroom.
Young female teacher helping two elementary students with schoolwork

North Carolina Teaching Fellows

The North Carolina Teaching Fellows program supports the recruitment and preparation of teachers in high-need licensure areas across North Carolina.

North Carolina Principal Fellows

The North Carolina Principal Fellows program is developing the next generation of transformational school leaders through professional development  and scholarship support.

ADVANCING TEACHING AND LEARNING

UNC System faculty and education experts help shape instructional practices through statewide initiatives focused on literacy and mathematics.

These efforts support:

  • Continued improvements in student outcomes
  • Evidence-based instruction
  • Alignment between educator preparation and classroom practice
  • Professional collaboration across institutions and schools

Framework for elementary math education

The UNC System’s research-informed framework for future elementary mathematics teachers was designed to improve foundational math instruction across UNC System educator preparation programs.

Literacy instruction

The UNC System is helping strengthen literacy instruction across North Carolina through evidence-based practices, educator preparation, and collaboration with schools and state partners. By connected research, classroom practice, and teacher preparation, these efforts support reading success and improved outcomes for students statewide.

INNOVATING THROUGH SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS

The UNC System partners with schools and communities, creating  opportunities to pilot innovative approaches, strengthen student support systems, and expand access to high-quality educational experiences.

Elementary school students in a colorful classroom at the ECU Community School on Howell Street.

UNC Laboratory Schools

UNC Laboratory Schools build public school and university partnerships that expand educational opportunity and support student achievement in historically underserved communities. The laboratory schools also allow education students to teach in real classrooms, practicing the tools and curriculum they have learned during their own rigorous teacher training courses.