Recently, my students in the Martin Innovative Middle School Program at Riverside Middle School in Williamston engaged in a unique and meaningful educational experience through DNCR’s NC Kids’ Exploration Journal. The journal, provided FREE to schools requesting them, guides students through outdoor observations and reflections and quickly became a favorite among students and families alike.
Topics Related to Notes from the Field
Ask any educator what it means to be a teacher and you’ll get a range of responses. For me, I’ve always felt a responsibility to be an expert and a leader in instruction—in my classroom, in my school, and in the profession as a whole. And throughout my 29 years in the classroom, I’ve learned that one of the most important ways to lead in education is to continue learning. I can’t overstate how vital it is to seek out new information and strategies and to keep growing as an educator. That’s why high-quality professional development experiences matter so much.
As educators, one of our greatest rewards is watching our students grow academically, discover their passions, and make connections that will shape their futures. North Carolina History Day, an affiliate of the National History Day® (NHD) program and operated by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), fosters these qualities in students while also providing teachers with an enriching and rewarding experience.
Thanks to the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), C.C. Griffin STEM Middle School had the distinct honor of hosting an unforgettable educational experience: The Ongoing Fight for Freedom, a one-man performance presented by the powerful and passionate Dr. Sonny Kelly.
This unique theatrical presentation, commissioned by DNCR as part of the America250 NC commemoration, is a vital contribution to preserving and elevating the history of veterans from North Carolina, particularly the often under told stories of Black veterans.
“To hear a thousand monarch wings beating
To see a humpback whale breach
To savor foods and flavors I have never tasted before
As a DNCR Teacher Ambassador, there have been many inspiring resources and experiences that have stood out to me – but when I learned about DNCR’s free dual-language publication Plott’s Tales and Trails: Aventuras con Carolina, my brain lit up.
Ever wish you could take your students on a statewide adventure, exploring art galleries, walking historic battlegrounds, peering into a shark tank, basking in the sounds and stories of a symphony orchestra, or even handling real archaeological discoveries? The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) makes that possible.
As a transplant from the lower Carolinas, I arrived at Bennett College for Women in 1989 as a young, impressionable future teacher. Now, with thirty years of educational experience, I proudly call this state home. And as an African-American woman, I want to see my reflection and my students’ identities reflected in my state's educational content and curriculum.
Field trips have the power to change lives. I know that’s a bold statement, but it’s true.
June marked an incredible start for the 2025 America 250 NC Freedom Fellows! sponsored by DNCR as part of our statewide leadership of the America 250 NC initiative and hosted in partnership with Carolina K-12.