2014 Critical Issues Seminar — Public Education

The NC Council of Churches’ 2014 Critical Issues Seminar will focus on public education from pre-K through college. This daylong event will be held at United Church of Chapel Hill on Monday, June 16, from 9:00 – 3:45 (with check-in beginning at 8:15). The cost is $25 ($15 for students and for Pre-K through college educators), which will include arrival snacks and lunch. Register here.

The keynote speaker will be Mike Ward, former State Superintendent of Public Instruction for NC from 1997-2004. Bishop Hope Morgan Ward of the NC Conference of the United Methodist Church will lead worship. Dr. Scott Ralls, current President of the NC Community College System, Rebecca Garland, Deputy State Superintendent for the NC Department of Public Instruction, and Drew Moretz, Vice President of Governmental Relations for the UNC System will participate in a roundtable discussion to complete the morning session. The afternoon schedule will include two sessions of workshops led by public school advocates and faith leaders from around NC. Workshop sessions will cover topics such as the teaching profession, wealth disparities, early childhood education, college issues, and what churches can do to support public schools. The program will end early enough to allow those who attend the seminar time to join the Moral Monday event that evening in Raleigh.

The North Carolina Council of Churches has long affirmed the role of public schools as one of society’s primary vehicles for social, racial, and economic justice. Our goal is to provide information for progressive people of faith on ways they can engage and support the public education system in our state. The Council is excited to lift up voices in support of public education. We hope you will consider attending and lifting up your voice as well.