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Dr. Sharon Contreras honored with lifetime achievement award

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In recognition of her distinguished career in public education, Dr. Sharon Contreras was honored in June 2024 with the Voice4Equity Lifetime Achievement Award, according to a press release.

In announcing the award, Voice4Equity, a national organization, said, “Dr. Contreras has led large complex school systems placing children at the center of her leadership decisions. She has achieved herculean feats around funding and access for the children of North Carolina. Sharon’s enduring commitment and transformative leadership have inspired many women to lead boldly for social justice.”

With more than 30 years in public education, Contreras was the first Latina superintendent in the state of North Carolina. She previously served as superintendent in Guilford County Schools in North Carolina and Syracuse City School District in New York.

“Education is freedom, and I will continue to advocate for policies and practices that ensure every single student has the opportunity to succeed.”

Dr. Sharon Contreras

Contreras now serves as the CEO of The Innovation Project (TIP), a collaborative of education leaders in 23 public school districts across North Carolina.

“TIP serves as a catalyst for change through innovation, collaborative partnerships, and pioneering initiatives,” the press release said.

In October 2023, TIP announced it had been awarded more than $21 million through the Teacher and School Leader Incentive Program (TSL) Grant administered by the U.S. Department of Education, which will focus on promoting equity in student access to educational resources and opportunities, supporting a diverse educator workforce, and ensuring educators’ professional growth to strengthen student learning.

“It is an incredible honor to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Flamboyan Group,” Contreras said. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the many educators and communities with whom I have had the privilege to serve.”

According to TIP’s press release,

Throughout her career, Dr. Contreras has championed policies, systems and structures aimed at closing achievement gaps that continue to persist from generation to generation. She has developed and implemented innovative initiatives that improve outcomes for all students.

Under her leadership, Dr. Contreras has expanded career technical education programming, advanced placement offerings, and dual enrollment opportunities, ensuring improvement of life outcomes for students and their parents.

Dr. Contreras’ vision for education extends beyond traditional boundaries, emphasizing the importance of innovation, accountability, equitable resource allocation, modern school facility design, and leveraging technologies to enhance operational efficiency and academic outcomes — empowering students and educators alike.

Contreras previously wrote in EdNC, “What makes the American miracle of public education work is communities coming together in spite of our differences. As adults, we must model good behavior for our children and lead by example. Our children need us more than ever. They deserve good role models, a safe learning environment, social and emotional support, and — above all — love.”

Mebane Rash

Mebane Rash is the CEO and editor-in-chief of EducationNC.