This fall, State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green and other leaders hosted 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. Learn more about the strategic plan by visiting the NCDPI website.
Tamika J. Farmer
A fourth grade teacher at G.W. Carver Elementary School (Edgecombe County Public Schools), Farmer is the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Central Region Teacher of the Year.
Serving as the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Central Regional Teacher of the Year has opened doors to experiences that have deepened my understanding of the incredible work happening in our region. One of the most impactful opportunities was joining State Superintendent Mo Green and the State Board of Education on the Achieving Educational Excellence Tour across the North Central region of North Carolina. This tour allowed us to visit schools that are not only excelling but also modeling innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
Our first stop was Henderson Collegiate Charter School. The level of commitment shown by both students and staff was inspiring, especially the strong academic culture built on high expectations and meaningful support.
We also visited the Vance County Schools Center for Innovation in Henderson, where we saw firsthand how educators are leveraging creativity and hands-on learning to expand opportunities for students.
In Orange County, we spent time at Orange County High School, where a clear focus on student-centered learning and community engagement stood out. The dedication of teachers and administrators was evident in the vibrant classroom environments and the thoughtful integration of career and college preparation.
Our final visit was to Chapel Hill High. The school’s emphasis on academic excellence and diverse learning pathways highlighted the district’s commitment to ensuring that every student finds a place where they can grow and thrive.
This tour was impactful because it showcased the incredible range of talent and innovation within our region. We learned so much about how each school is working to meet the needs of its students while pushing the boundaries of what education can look like. I left each stop energized by the dedication of North Carolina educators and grateful for the chance to witness excellence in action.
Jason Johnson
Johnson is the principal of Orange High School (Orange County Schools) and the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year.
Our first stop was at Henderson Collegiate Charter School. Their commitment to establishing a strong college going culture was clear from the moment we arrived. The high expectations that staff hold for their students were both inspiring and evident in the students we interacted with. Student leadership stood out as a defining strength, showcasing a school community where students are empowered to lead and take ownership of their learning.
Our next visit was to Vance County Schools’ Center for Innovation in Henderson, where students are engaged in hands-on, real-world learning experiences. The level of creativity displayed throughout the building was remarkable. Equally impressive was the unified advocacy from the school, district leadership and school board members to ensure that students have access to experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for future success beyond the classroom.
The third stop of the day was at my own school, Orange High School. It was exciting to welcome so many visitors and to showcase the incredible leadership of our staff. They shared how intentional collaboration, high expectations and a focus on student well-being have contributed to our school’s growth. Hearing our students share their perspectives on public education and mental health was a proud moment and highlighted the thoughtful, informed voices we have in our building.
Our final stop was at Chapel Hill High School, where staff and students showcased a variety of impressive talents and programs. This event was open to the community and to the entire North Central Region, and the energy in the room was electric. It was inspiring to see how deeply the school and community embraced the North Carolina Strategic Plan. It was clear that they were not just learning about the strategic plan; they were owning it. I am proud to say that I own the strategic plan as well.
This tour was powerful because it brought together students, staff and community members from across the region. Listening to student and staff leaders speak with such passion and ownership of the strategic plan affirmed for me that public education in North Carolina is moving in the right direction. Our work is in very good hands.