Fast Facts
150+
$25 million
Strengthening student well-being in North Carolina schools
UNC School of Education faculty members Dorothy L. Espelage, Ph.D., and Marisa E. Marraccini, Ph.D. are leading North Carolina’s role in a multi‑state study to reduce adolescent suicide‑related risk through school‑based prevention. As part of the PCORI‑funded BRITE project, researchers are working directly with schools to compare widely used prevention programs and identify what works best for students in different school contexts. The work brings evidence‑based mental health supports into North Carolina schools—helping educators make informed decisions that strengthen student well‑being.
Framing the Pandemic in North Carolina schools
Research by UNC School of Education faculty members Thad Domina, Ph.D. and Ethan Hutt, Ph.D. is helping North Carolina make sense of how schools navigated the unprecedented challenges of the COVID‑19 pandemic. By analyzing hundreds of ESSER funding applications from districts and charter schools statewide, the researchers revealed how local leaders identified needs, adapted quickly, and balanced academic recovery, student well‑being, and access during crisis. The findings offer critical lessons for state and local leaders — informing stronger policy and more resilient decision‑making for future emergencies.
DPI, State Board turn to Carolina to overhaul Teacher Working Conditions Survey
When North Carolina leaders set out to overhaul one of the state’s most influential education tools, they turned to Carolina. UNC School of Education faculty member Peter Halpin, Ph.D. partnered with DPI and the State Board of Education to redesign the biennial Teacher Working Conditions Survey — used by more than 100,000 educators — to reduce burden on teachers, strengthen data quality, and make results more actionable. The updated survey ensures teacher voices directly inform decisions that shape working conditions, retention, and school improvement across North Carolina.
Research That Shows Up for NC Schools
Grounded in the depth and rigor of a flagship R1 public university, the UNC School of Education's work reflects the highest standards of scholarly excellence, designed not only to advance knowledge, but to serve people. Our world‑class faculty bring nationally recognized expertise, methodological rigor, and a commitment to evidence‑based inquiry to every partnership.
Just as importantly, our researchers bring care — responding to real needs and honoring the expertise of educators. By collaborating closely with schools, districts, and educators, we produce research that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply human, and that translates insight into action.
Carolina’s partnership with Person County Schools is helping raise reading and math proficiencies in rural North Carolina
Annemarie Hindman is partnering with Person County Schools on a Transition to Kindergarten Toolkit
North Carolina Practitioners Network (NCPN)
The North Carolina Practitioners Network (NCPN) is a groundbreaking partnership between the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), the University of North Carolina’s School of Education, the NC Collaboratory, Harvard University, and Georgetown University. Established to support North Carolina’s K-12 education leaders in addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Network provides a vital link between rigorous research and practical recovery strategies for schools across the state.
Research Collaboration
We collaborate with North Carolina schools and districts to conduct research grounded in real challenges and shared goals. If you’re interested in partnering with our faculty, we welcome the opportunity to connect.
