MURFREESBORO, NC – Educators representing institutions of higher education, local education agencies, and charter schools in northeastern North Carolina were invited to Chowan University on September 20, 2017, to address and discuss common issues. 9 a.m., newly renovated Meiggs Auditorium on the University campus seated approximately thirty-five attentive educators as Sonya Rinehart, N.C. Department of Public Instruction’s (NCDPI) regional education facilitator for the northeast region, led the workshop.  

The mission of NCDPI is to provide collaborative sessions for institutions of higher education, local education agencies and charter schools in each of the eight State Board of Education districts across the state to enhance teacher preparation. These educators gathered to discuss recruitment, retention, support of one another, and better ways to work for student interns and beginning teachers. The goal of these meetings is to ensure that every classroom has a qualified teacher by analyzing teacher preparation, collaborating to enhance beginning teacher support, providing resources to promote quality induction, analyzing teacher attrition data, and sharing resources.

Following an introduction from Dr. Brenda Tinkham, Chowan University’s Associate Provost for External Relations, and a welcome from Dr. Christopher White, University President, the workshop began. Laptop keyboards were typed, coffee sipped, and pens stroked while information was shared by Rinehart. An open dialogue period about legislative and policy updates was livestreamed with Dr. Tom Tomberlin of NCDPI, then there was an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues using peer review Standards Two and Three.

Chowan University is delighted to have the facilities to host this event and supports the work that the NCDPI is doing to ensure we have qualified educators for students.