Atkins “Trey” Michael, a 17-year veteran of the Department of Public Instruction, has been named director of Career and Technical Education for the agency.
A former teacher, Michael has served with the division of Career and Technical Education since joining DPI. He has served as the marketing education consultant for the division for eight years, special assistant for curriculum and assessment development for seven years, and section chief for two years. In these roles, he worked with business and industry partners, teachers, local staff, and other state agencies to ensure students and teachers have the best tools possible to prepare students for success in college and the workforce.
Michael taught at West Cary Middle School and Green Hope High School in Wake County after a brief time in the financial sales sector, deciding that he wanted to teach and help students achieve readiness for college and career. He earned a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in business management, both from N.C. State University.
He has served as the president of the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education for two terms, the chair of the board of trustees for the MBA Curriculum and Research Center for four terms, and holds a project management professional credential.
About the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction:
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction provides leadership to 115 local public school districts and 160 charter schools serving over 1.5 million students in kindergarten through high school graduation. The agency is responsible for all aspects of the state's public school system and works under the direction of the North Carolina State Board of Education.