A+ Schools - North Carolina

08/21/2026

Meet our 2026 Teaching Artists! This new program brings accomplished artist educators directly into classrooms, sparking creativity, connection, and deeper learning — at no cost to participating schools in its inaugural year.
Educators—want a teaching artist for the 2026–27 school year? Submit your request by September 15.

Explore the program and meet the inspiring 2026 cohort of teaching artists: https://www.ncarts.org/arts-council-z/arts-learning-opportunities-and-resources/bring-teaching-artist-your-school

Image 1: Larry & Joe, photo by Tommy Coyote, courtesy of Larry & Joe. Image 2: John Brown Jazz, photo courtesy of John Brown. Image 3: Black Box Dance Theatre, photo courtesy of BBDT. Image 4: Mike Wiley, photo courtesy of Mike Wiley. Image 5: Peter Marín, photo courtesy of Peter Marín.

Black Box Dance Theatre Mike Wiley Productions Larry & Joe A+ Schools - North Carolina NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources

08/21/2026

Happy Back to School to our North Carolina teachers! As you prepare for another school year, DNCR is here for you. Our new Educator Resource page has valuable information to enhance your professional development and inspire your students.

dncr.k12.nc.gov

08/06/2026

A+ Schools of North Carolina partners with schools, educators, and communities to bring creative, engaging learning to classrooms. Our NC‑grown model has 30 years of proven success in building joyful, hands‑on learning environments. Let’s talk about creative learning that supports teachers & students! Get to know us—learn more at: ncarts.org/become-an-aplus-school

07/29/2026

A+ Conference - Our dedicated teachers participated in a three-day PD program. This valuable experience provided them with new strategies and insights to further enhance the learning environment for all students.

What is "PD"...it's PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT! And our teachers do this A LOT. Maybe you know, maybe you don't, but here's the latest!

Background: 3 years ago, we decided we wanted to offer more to our students, so we joined A+ Schools. It's what gave us the ability to add "of Arts and Science" to our school name (fun fact).

What does this mean!?
It means we are proud to be part of the A+ Schools Network — a nationally recognized program that integrates the arts into everyday learning to help students grow academically, socially, and creatively.
Being an A+ School means:
• The arts are woven into instruction across all subject areas
• Students learn through creativity, collaboration, movement, music, visual arts, and performance
• Classrooms encourage critical thinking, innovation, and student engagement
• Teachers work together to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences
• We support the whole child by nurturing both academic excellence and creativity
It also means we give our teachers more resources to teach how they want and integrate things we may not have thought of!
At ICAAS, our students develop Strong Minds and Good Hearts by exploring learning in ways that inspire curiosity, confidence, and joy. Through the A+ Schools approach, we are helping students become creative problem-solvers and lifelong learners prepared for success in school and in life.
Thank you to our incredible teachers, students, and families for bringing learning to life every day!

http://edne.tw/n1023571

07/29/2026

07/22/2026

Each summer, A+ Schools of North Carolina hosts engaging professional development conferences that spark creativity and collaboration. Our recent gathering in Raleigh was filled with joy, inspiration, and a memorable visit to the North Carolina Museum of Art. Thank you to the North Carolina Museum of Art and all the educators who made it such a special week!

North Carolina Museum of Art JT Barber Elementary School

Photo credit: Images 1,2 & 6 by A+ Fellows, courtesy of NCAC.
Image 3: A+ Schools of North Carolina educators visiting the North Carolina Museum of Art learned about the painting, Bridal Veil Falls, Yosemite by Albert Bierstadt. Image 4: Educators gather around a Mosaic by an unknown Roman artist at the NC Museum of Art. Image 5: A+ Schools of North Carolina educators get a closer look at the painting, Untitled by John Thomas Biggers at the NC Museum of Art. Images 3-5: Photo by Andie Freeman, courtesy of NCAC.

07/22/2026

The NC Arts Council is looking for an enthusiastic Deputy Director to join our team! The Deputy Director of the North Carolina Arts Council provides executive level support to the agency’s Executive Director and is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of the agency’s extensive programs.

The Deputy Director works closely with the Executive Director on developing and implementing the agency’s strategic plan and recommends policy that advances the arts in the state. This position directly and indirectly supervises half of the agency staff; assists with budget development and oversight; board meeting planning and implementation; preparation of legislative, departmental and other requests, reports and materials; and is responsible for leading and managing the agency in director’s absence.

Learn more and apply at bit.ly/DeputyDirectorNCAC

NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources Come Hear North Carolina A+ Schools - North Carolina

07/17/2026

Art Matters is out! In this month’s issue, we check out Dillsboro Creative Arts Center which is powered innovatively and is making an impact in their community. Also, we share about an NCAC staff presentation at the upcoming LEAD conference, and the newly formed Commission on Accessibility. We have some big staff changes; plus catch up on art news you may have missed!

Read Art Matters and don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already! https://mailchi.mp/dncr/ncac-art-matters-july-2026

A+ Schools - North Carolina Come Hear North Carolina Jackson County Green Energy Park The Kennedy Center

07/13/2026

07/07/2026

The NC Arts Council is looking for an enthusiastic Deputy Director to join our team! The Deputy Director of the North Carolina Arts Council provides executive level support to the agency’s Executive Director and is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of the agency’s extensive programs.

The Deputy Director works closely with the Executive Director on developing and implementing the agency’s strategic plan and recommends policy that advances the arts in the state. This position directly and indirectly supervises half of the agency staff; assists with budget development and oversight; board meeting planning and implementation; preparation of legislative, departmental and other requests, reports and materials; and is responsible for leading and managing the agency in director’s absence.

Learn more and apply at bit.ly/DeputyDirectorNCAC

NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources