The Professional Educator Preparation and Standards Commission
The Professional Educator Preparation and Standards Commission (PEPSC) was created on September 1, 2017 as a part of the passing of Senate Bill 599 (Section 1.(a)., Article 17.C.115C-268.1.).
The purpose of the Commission as an advising body to the North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) is to do the following:
- involve stakeholders in establishing high standards for North Carolina educators.
- make rule recommendations for the SBE regarding all aspects of preparation, licensure, continuing education, and standards of conduct of public school educators.
- exercise its powers and duties independently of - while located administratively under - the SBE.
| PEPSC MEMBERSHIP | ||
|---|---|---|
Dr. Ann Bullock, Chair Term: September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2027 | Dr. Bill Griffin, Vice Chair Term: September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2028 | Ms. Madison Edwards, Secretary Term: September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2028 |
Dr. Aaron Fleming Term: September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2027 | Dr. Paula Groves-Price Term: September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2028 | Ms. Tracie Jenkins Term: September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2027 |
Mr. Cason Justice Term: June 30, 2026 - June 30, 2027 | Dr. Connie Locklear Term: September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2028 | Mr. Darrell Pennell Term: September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2028 |
Mr. Blair Propst Term: September 1, 2025 - | Mr. Craig Smith Term: September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2028 | Ms. Shannon Stein Term: September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2028 |
Dr. Cory Stirewalt Term: September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2028 | Dr. Paola Sztajn Term: September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2027 | Ms. Ida Weisner Term: September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2027 |
Dr. Hank Weddington Term: September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2028 | Dr. Kim Winter Term: September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2028 | Vacant Personnel Administrator from LEA in NC with 30,000+ students |
FAQs about PEPSC
Senate Bill 599 sets the criteria for appointing PEPSC members. This bill states that PEPSC will consist of 18 members total, eight appointed by the NC Senate and eight appointed by the NC House of Representatives (HR). Each legislative body must appoint members for a two-year term, except for the NC Teacher of the Year who serves one year, who represent specific stakeholders within the world of educator preparation and K-12 public school education. These stakeholders include Principals, Superintendents, HR Directors, Teachers and University Education Faculty.
PEPSC meets the second Thursday of each month in the 7th Floor State Board Room of the NC State Education Building. The address is 301 N. Wilmington Street; Raleigh, NC. As a public body, PEPSC’s official meetings are open to the public.
- Residency license model (replacing lateral license model)
- EPP Authorization process and individual licensure area approval process
- School Administrator Preparation Standards
- edTPA/PPAT cut scores
- CTE licensure Policies and Procedures manual updates
- Supporting the focus on rigorous outcomes data to assess effectiveness
- Alignment of SB599 with Licensure policy
- Alignment of SB599 with Educator Preparation policy
For future meetings, agendas can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting on the NC State Board of Education Meeting website. NOTE: The live audio streaming link, directions, and parking are located on this webpage with the meeting information. For agendas, locate the correct date on the meeting listing and for minutes, locate the following meeting’s agenda to find them listed and posted there.
Sign-up for DPI alerts, which will include PEPSC meeting notifications, by email or text:
Meetings take place on the second Thursday of each month at 3:30 PM. The meeting is listed on the NC State Board of Education Meeting website at least 48 hours prior to the set meeting date and time.