Maurice “Mo” Green’s vision for North Carolina public schools can be summed up in three words: Achieving Educational Excellence. The son of a special education teacher, Green is a lifelong champion of public education and has seen first-hand its ability to transform both lives and communities.

As North Carolina’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction, he is committed to ensuring all students in public schools have access to a high-quality education. He strongly champions greater support and resources for public education, striving to create a brighter future for students, educators and communities across the state.

After doing two United States judicial clerkships and working as a lawyer in private practice, Green served as general counsel for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), the second-largest school district in North Carolina, starting in 2001. In 2006, he was named its chief operating officer and later moved into the role of deputy superintendent.

In 2008, he became superintendent for Guilford County Schools (GCS), the third largest district in North Carolina. During his more than seven years of leadership, he was widely recognized for his innovative approach to education and impactful reforms. Under his guidance, the district achieved significant improvements in academic performance, increased graduation rates and prioritized character development, earning both state and national acclaim for these successes.

After leaving GCS, Green served as the executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, an influential North Carolina foundation that supports various causes including public education, from 2016-2023. During his tenure, he led a strategic assessment and planning process that resulted in All For NC, a framework for grantmaking and learning that centers efforts to strengthen democracy, advance public education, foster a healthy and sustainable environment and promote social and economic justice.

Green has served on numerous boards focused on educational issues including homelessness, athletics, policy, media, arts and community support. He is a double Duke University graduate, with a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics and a law degree. Green is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and Sigma Pi Phi (the Boulé) fraternities. He is married and has two adult children, both of whom graduated from North Carolina public schools.

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Mo Wants to Know

Superintendent Green is building a strategic plan for North Carolina schools, and your input matters! As part of his “Mo Wants to Know” initiative, he’s meeting with and listening to students, parents, educators, community members, faith leaders, business leaders and anyone passionate about public education.

Drawing on the insight he gathers, Green will lead NCDPI in drafting a comprehensive plan that includes goals, initiatives and accountability measures to achieve excellence in North Carolina schools.

Visit the Mo Wants to Know Page