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Former teacher of the year joins Public School Forum

The Public School Forum of North Carolina announced today that popular 2014-15 North Carolina Teacher of the Year James Ford is joining their organization. 

Ford will start this month as program director, focusing on beginning teacher support and engagement as well as helping develop the education policy at the Forum. 

“Over the past year, as he served our state as Teacher of the Year, James Ford distinguished himself as a powerful and authentic voice for North Carolina’s teachers and our public schools,” said Keith Poston, the Forum’s President and Executive Director in a press release. “In this new role, James will remain engaged with our schools, helping early-career teachers become better instructors in the classroom, and more effective leaders in their schools, communities and the state.”

The Public School Forum is planning an expansion of its Beginning Teacher Network program – currently piloted in Wake County – across the state. Ford will lead the effort. 

Since 2010, Ford taught World History and Sociology at Garinger High School in Charlotte. 

James Ford speaking about the teacher pipeline

James Ford on school choice

Alex Granados

Alex Granados was the senior reporter for EducationNC from December 2014-March 2023.