Topics Related to A+ Schools

In December, Governor Roy Cooper visited Pinewood Elementary in Gaston County and had a chance to see A+ practice in action.

School’s in for summer!When students begin their summer vacation, teachers at many A+ schools return to learning at an A+ Schools of North Carolina summer conference. Each summer, the staff of multiple A+ schools come together for networking and professional development, led by teams of A+ Fellows who plan and facilitate sessions focused on the A+ Essentials, building a creative culture, and exploring arts-integrated curriculum.

Marcus Edge, the newest principal at Clarkton School of Discovery, has a special connection to his A+ middle school in Bladen County—he was a Clarkton student from 1997 to 2000! Marcus has returned to lead his alma mater with hopes of strengthening its arts programs and commitment to the A+ Schools philosophy. He shared with us a little about himself, his background in arts and education, and his vision for Clarkton.

A+ Schools of North Carolina provides high-quality professional development to A+ educators through skilled facilitators known as A+ Fellows. Every other year, a new cohort of Apprentice Fellows is selected following a comprehensive application and training process. Apprentice Fellows spend at least one year shadowing veteran A+ Fellows, observing professional development sessions, and learning the unique processes of A+ implementation.

The A+ Fellows who conduct high-quality professional development for A+ schools and our partner organizations enter the network as apprentices with a wide range of expertise and experience. They are asked to serve in a “cognitive apprenticeship” role for one year, observing and assisting veteran A+ Fellows as they conduct professional development. Meet the nine A+ Apprentice Fellows who joined A+ Schools in 2021.

Two schools in the A+ network have recently received national honors. We congratulate each school’s staff and students on their exemplary work in building a creative and engaging learning environment that helps students enjoy school while achieving success.

Our A+ schools cultivate engaging learning environments for students every day, and we love highlighting the creative work that is happening across the A+ network. Here are a few of the initiatives, projects, and lessons taking place in A+ schools. If you have interesting news from your A+ school, please contact us and let us know.

Join A+ Schools of North Carolina for our new online A+ Educator Conference!
August 3 and 4, 2022 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
There is something for everyone!

This online conference is for the entire A+ Schools of North Carolina network.
A+ educators and administrators may register individually
and select sessions "a la carte" based on interests and schedules.

View a conference agenda overview.

Registration is now closed.

Are you interested in becoming a learning and contributing member of a diverse network of professionals? Do you have a collaborative spirit and the ability to facilitate large and small groups of adult learners?

Victoria Lightfoot is a superstar educator. This past May, Victoria—a newly inducted A+ Fellow and an instructional coach at Millbrook Elementary, in Wake County—was awarded the Milken Educator Award. Known as the “Oscars” of teaching awards, this prestigious recognition comes with a $25,000 check, a trip to Los Angeles, and professional development support.