Accomplishments

Increased the high school graduation rate to 86 percent, the highest in North Carolina’s history;
Increased reading achievement of third grade students;
Increased the number of students taking advanced placement and community college courses—over 35 percent of the High School Class of 2015 graduated with college credit.

Current State Superintendent of Public Instruction, first woman ever elected to this position
Public school business teacher in Roanoke, VA and Charlotte, NC
State leadership positions in instructional services & career-technical education
20+ national and state awards such as Champion for Children, Friends of the Arts, State Policy Maker of the Year, Inclusive Leadership Award, National Vocational/ Business Awards of Merit
Outstanding Alumni Award—North Carolina State University
Educator Hall of Fame, East Carolina University
Razor Edge Award, University of North Carolina-Wilmington
Honorary Doctorate, Campbell University
Author of five books, including Help with Business & Computer Careers and A Tee Shirt Named Zee