North Carolina Becomes New State Affiliate of Educators Rising

Arlington, VA—October 6, 2025—PDK International is proud today to announce that North Carolina has officially become a state affiliate of Educators Rising, a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) that supports aspiring educators. This affiliation means that students in North Carolina now have expanded opportunities to engage in Educators Rising’s sponsored activities, including conferences, competitions, leadership development, and networking events.

“State affiliation is a powerful step forward for students and schools in North Carolina,” said Dr. John Ramos, Sr., transitional chief executive of PDK International. “With Educators Rising officially recognized as a CTSO, students can take part in meaningful experiences that prepare them for careers in education and leadership within their communities.”

Through this new recognition, students in North Carolina chapters will now be able to participate in both state and national Educators Rising events. These opportunities allow students to showcase their skills, connect with peers and mentors, and build professional pathways toward future teaching careers.

Educators Rising’s partner in North Carolina is the North Carolina Teacher Cadet program.

“We’re excited by the opportunity to expose our students to the resources and collaboration with the larger Educators Rising network. North Carolina is facing a teacher shortage crisis. The North Carolina Teacher Cadet program’s work to grow future teachers is vital to our state. We’re looking forward to this partnership as we are all working together to expose students to the possibilities of future careers in education, while developing their skills and capacity to become future rock star teachers,” said Marca Jones, Executive Director for the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children.

For more information on how states become affiliates of Educators Rising, visit educatorsrising.org/start-a-program.

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About PDK International
Established in 1906, PDK International supports P-20 educators, researchers, and policy makers by strengthening their commitment to the profession throughout the entire arc of their careers. We are committed to elevating the profession through the intersection of research and practice. Through our core values of community, leadership, service, optimism, and excellence, we encourage educators and stakeholders to elevate the discourse and change the narrative around teaching and learning to ensure that every student has a high-quality education. www.pdkintl.org

About Educators Rising
In 2015, PDK International – in its 115-year commitment to the profession of education – launched Educators Rising, formerly the Future Educators Association (FEA). Today, Educators Rising is cultivating a new generation of highly skilled educators by guiding young people on a path from high school through college and into their teaching careers. By working with aspiring educators who reflect the demographics of their communities and who are passionate about serving those communities through public education, Educators Rising is changing the face of teaching. educatorsrising.org

About North Carolina Teacher Cadet
North Carolina Teacher Cadet, a program of the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children is an in-state teacher, grow-your-own recruitment and leadership program designed to create a pipeline of students to be the next generation of teachers. Implemented through courses for high school students, Teacher Cadet is a solution for the teacher shortage and the lack of educators who reflect student demographics, both which lead to increased student achievement, graduation, and career preparedness. ncfpsc.org/teacher-cadet/