In September and October, State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green and other leaders are hosting launch events in each region of the state for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education’s joint strategic plan, “Achieving Educational Excellence.”
Educators in each region are sharing their reflections about the tour stops, which include several school visits during the day and a public presentation on the strategic plan in the evening. Find out when the tour is coming to your region on the strategic plan website.
Hannah Moon
An English teacher at Emsley A. Laney High School in Wilmington (New Hanover County Schools), Moon is the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Southeast Region Teacher of the Year.
Serving as the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Southeast Region Teacher of the Year has been an absolute joy and one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. This journey has given me the opportunity to step beyond my own classroom and witness firsthand the remarkable teaching and learning taking place across our region. Touring schools and engaging with educators has been so enriching and inspiring, as I have seen the extraordinary dedication, creativity and commitment that define public education. Being a part of the Southeast region tour with Superintendent Mo Green, his staff and other dedicated public school enthusiasts was a day that made my heart swell with pride for our region!
One of the greatest joys of this journey has been the chance to celebrate and place a spotlight on the many successes of our public schools in the Southeast. Too often, the narrative surrounding public education centers on its challenges. Yes, there are obstacles and difficulties. No one is blind to that fact. Yet, throughout this time, I have been able to see the countless stories of innovation, resilience and excellence that deserve to be recognized. Each visit and every conversation has reaffirmed my belief in the enduring power of teachers to positively shape the lives of students. While visiting Pamlico Primary School, I listened to young readers tell a story about a cat who lived in the library – their imaginations and literacy skills on full display. I met high school students from Craven Early College who were fun and funny and engaging and showcased their leadership styles. In Onslow County, the students at Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center were engaged in rigorous learning that tested their critical thinking skills in health care, cybersecurity and video game design.
I’ve seen students repair cars, become culinary experts, master spelling, rebuild self-confidence, gain admittance to top-tier universities, dive into coding and everything in between. These outstanding young people are the future of our region, the future of our great state and the future of our country. They are being taught skills and life lessons that will ensure a successful future, and they will shape the world for generations to come!
From Brunswick County in the south to Greene County in the north, from Carteret County in the east and Wayne County in the west, the teachers of Southeast North Carolina are nothing short of extraordinary. With dedication and passion, they pour their hearts into their classrooms each day, inspiring students to dream bigger and reach higher. Their commitment ensures that the future of Southeast North Carolina shines brighter with each student they teach. These educators are staying late and coming early, they buy supplies with money out of their own pockets and learn new programs on their own time, and they pour their hearts and souls into the profession that matters the most. It was refreshing to hear from leaders in our region that they support their students and staff and are willing to fight for appropriate funding and resources.
If you look around, you will see the amazing things happening in the public schools of Southeast North Carolina. Our students come from small towns, beach communities, cities and farmland. Their unique experiences and identities represent the future of this area — one filled with innovation and promise.
Christy Propst
Propst is the principal at Morehead City Elementary School at Camp Glenn (Carteret County Schools) and the 2025 Wells Fargo Southeast Region Principal of the Year.
For 25 years, I have had the privilege of serving as a proud public educator in North Carolina’s public schools. During that time, I have worked in two wonderful districts — one in the northwestern part of the state and one in the southeastern region. Each community, each school and each role I have held has shaped my understanding of what it means to educate, lead and inspire. Over the years, I have learned invaluable lessons not only as a teacher and administrator but also as a parent and community member. Public education is deeply personal to me — it is not just my career, but a calling and a commitment to the success of every child who walks through the doors of a North Carolina public school.
Most recently, I had the honor of seeing firsthand the outstanding work happening across districts in the southeastern region of North Carolina. Through these visits, I witnessed innovation, collaboration and a shared dedication to helping students thrive. One of the most inspiring moments came when I heard North Carolina State Superintendent Mo Green share his strategic plan for the future of our public schools. His vision is both bold and grounded in what makes North Carolina strong — our people, our partnerships and our unwavering belief in the power of public education.
One statistic he shared particularly caught my attention: Career and Technical Education (CTE) participation in North Carolina ranks second in the nation! That is an incredible achievement and a testament to the forward-thinking educators and leaders who are helping students connect their learning to meaningful, real-world applications. Currently, 36 percent of students in North Carolina public schools participate in CTE programs, and Superintendent Green has set an ambitious yet achievable goal to increase that number to 40 percent by 2030. I have no doubt this is possible. When schools, families and communities come together to support pathways that equip students with hands-on skills and career readiness, we are setting them up not just for graduation — but for lifelong success.
As both an educator and a parent, I see tremendous value in Career and Technical Education. These programs offer students the chance to explore fields that align with their interests and talents, often leading to high-demand careers in industries vital to our state’s future. Whether it’s agriculture, health sciences, information technology or skilled trades, CTE empowers students to discover their strengths while meeting the evolving needs of North Carolina’s workforce. As an administrator, I have witnessed how CTE programs boost student engagement, confidence and motivation. As a parent, I appreciate how they open doors for students to pursue fulfilling, well-paying careers — sometimes right in their own communities. And as a community member, I know that when our students succeed, our entire state thrives.
Another highlight of my recent experience was touring Tidewater Grain Company that partners with the Farm to School Program. This visit was a powerful reminder of how deeply connected our schools are to the communities around them. Learning about how this company traces its roots back to a grain traded by settlers in the 1900s was fascinating. Even more impressive was seeing how they have built on that history to create sustainable practices — growing their own products, developing new grains and ensuring nothing goes to waste. Their partnership with schools across the state to supply healthy, locally sourced foods for our students is inspiring. It shows what can happen when innovation, tradition and education come together for the common good.
Witnessing these partnerships and programs in action reaffirmed my belief that North Carolina’s public schools are moving in a remarkable direction. Our educators are passionate, our students are capable and our communities are supportive. The momentum is strong, and with continued collaboration, the future looks even brighter.
Good things have been happening in North Carolina’s public schools — but I truly believe that GREAT things are coming. The commitment to continuous improvement, the focus on student-centered opportunities and the spirit of unity across districts are all reasons to be excited and optimistic. I am proud to be part of this story — a story of growth, resilience and hope for every student who benefits from the power of public education.
Public School PROUD!