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When I took office as state superintendent earlier this year, I made a promise to North Carolinians: before charting our course forward, I would listen. That promise became the “Mo Wants to Know” listening tour and learning tour, which took me from the mountains to the coast and into virtual spaces across our state.
Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of hearing directly from thousands of North Carolinians through eight regional in-person sessions, more than 30 virtual meetings, more than 40 school visits, and countless conversations with educators, students, parents, business leaders, and community members.
In every corner of our state, I encountered passionate advocates for public education who shared both their celebrations and their concerns.
What struck me most was the remarkable consistency in what I heard. Whether I was in Haywood County or Pasquotank County, in urban centers or rural communities, certain themes resonated everywhere.
North Carolinians are immensely proud of our dedicated educators who go above and beyond every day. They celebrate our many academic offerings, from dual-language programs to career and technical education pathways that prepare students for life beyond high school. They value the strong community partnerships that enrich our schools.
But I also heard clear challenges. Across every region, stakeholders emphasized the need for competitive educator compensation and improved working conditions.
In the Northwest, participants stressed the importance of nutrition programs that ensure no child learns on an empty stomach. In the Sandhills, I heard calls for a “whole child” approach that balances academics with character development and social-emotional learning. The Southeast region highlighted the need for modern facilities and technology, while the Western region advocated for stronger mental health supports.
I also heard calls for less focus on testing and more focus on project-based learning. Some students simply wanted more recess.
I was particularly moved by some of the ideas that emerged.
A teacher in the Piedmont-Triad region suggested creating teacher residency programs modeled after medical residencies. A parent in the North Central region proposed regional collaborations where neighboring districts share specialized positions like human resource and financial officers. A student in one of our virtual sessions advocated for curriculum that integrates financial literacy and real-world skills alongside core academics.
Some of the most powerful moments came when stakeholders shared their personal stories.
A school nurse described driving between three schools in a single day, trying to meet students’ health needs with too little time and too few resources. A veteran teacher shared how she buys supplies for her classroom despite struggling to pay her own bills. A parent tearfully recounted how a dedicated special education team transformed her child’s educational experience.
These stories aren’t just anecdotes — they represent the real-life impact of our educational policies and investments. They remind us that behind every data point and policy decision are real children, real educators, and real communities.
As the State Board of Education and Department of Public Instruction move forward in developing our strategic plan for North Carolina public education, I commit to honoring what I heard.
In the coming months, I will share a comprehensive strategic plan informed directly by what you told me. While not every suggestion will be in the plan, the tour revealed eight pillars that will guide our work moving forward: preparing each student for their next phase in life, revering public school educators, enhancing parent and community support, ensuring safe and secure learning environments, exploring transformative systems change, optimizing NC DPI to provide the best leadership and service, celebrating why public education is the best choice, and galvanizing public education champions.
This plan won’t sit on a shelf – it will guide our daily work and hold us accountable to the priorities identified.
The path to educational excellence must be traveled together.
— Superintendent Mo Green
What I learned most clearly from this listening tour is that North Carolinians from every background share a deep commitment to our public schools. Despite our challenges, there is tremendous hope and tremendous potential. Our task now is to harness that collective energy and transform it into meaningful action.
To everyone who shared their thoughts, concerns, and dreams during this listening tour: I heard you. Now, let’s work together to build the nation’s best public education system — one where every student is prepared for their next phase in life, every educator is revered, and every school is a place of excellence.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but if there’s one thing this listening tour taught me, it’s that North Carolinians are ready for the journey. I am too.
Editor’s Note: The update includes more detail on the eight pillars, the video, and this link to the report.
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