Relay Graduate School of Education is a national, accredited nonprofit institution of higher education that partners with educators, schools and districts to strengthen instructional leadership, teaching practice and student outcomes.
For educators and school leaders, access to high-quality professional development is essential to supporting student success. Through this partnership, Bladen County Schools will receive yearlong coaching and professional learning opportunities designed to strengthen instructional leadership and enhance classroom instruction at no cost to the district.
The Relay/NCDPI partnership focuses on two of the most important in-school factors linked to student achievement: high-quality, standards-aligned instruction and strong instructional leadership. Through targeted coaching, professional learning and systems level support, Bladen County Schools will work alongside Relay Graduate School of Education and NCDPI's ODSSS to build sustainable leadership practices and instructional systems that promote improved teaching and learning outcomes for students.
As the selected district partner, Bladen County Schools will participate in a customized support model that includes a baseline assessment to identify district strengths, evaluate needs and develop a plan for the upcoming school year. The partnership also includes:
Two full days of professional development before the start of the 2026–27 school year
Eight days of in-school instructional leadership coaching
Monthly virtual coaching sessions
Four days of instructional rounds focused on implementing Relay instructional strategies
The district's initial professional learning sessions are scheduled for July 28–29, and will serve as an important launch point for the yearlong partnership. Throughout the collaboration, district leaders, school leaders, Relay coaches and ODSSS staff will engage in ongoing planning, coaching, classroom observation, reflection and implementation support to strengthen instructional leadership practices across Bladen County Schools.
ODSSS will use insights and lessons learned from this partnership to inform the development of a scalable statewide model for district support focused on instructional leadership and high-quality core instruction. This work will help build statewide capacity for sustainable systems improvement and stronger student outcomes across North Carolina.
Bladen County Schools' selection reflects both recognition of the district's ongoing commitment to excellence and investment in its continued growth. The district brings prior experience with Relay-supported leadership development through participation in the North Carolina Instructional Leadership Academy (NCILA), which will help accelerate learning, implementation and impact for school and district leaders.
This partnership represents more than professional development. It reflects a shared commitment to ensuring educators have the support, coaching and resources they need to help every student succeed. By investing in instructional leadership and effective teaching practices, Bladen County Schools is strengthening opportunities for students both inside and outside the classroom.
NCDPI commends Bladen County Schools for its vision, readiness and dedication to improving outcomes for every student. Congratulations to the district's leadership team, principals, educators, staff, students, families and community on being selected for this transformative partnership.