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North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green recently visited Sanford, where he met with faculty, staff, and students to share his vision for the future of public education in the state. Green, a double Duke graduate with degrees in political science, economics, and law, spoke with optimism and conviction about his five-year strategic plan, Achieving Educational Excellence, which outlines bold goals for making North Carolina’s public schools the best in the nation by 2030.
Green began by reflecting on his personal journey, including his years as an undergraduate and law student at Duke—when Terry Sanford, the school’s namesake, served as university president—and his service as president of Duke’s Black Student Alliance. He shared stories from his early legal career representing the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, his leadership as superintendent of Guilford County Schools, and his time as executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.
He said that varied experience shaped both his deep respect for public educators and his commitment to servant leadership. “This is not Mo Green’s plan,” he told the Sanford audience. “It’s not even just the Department of Public Instruction’s plan. It is all of our plan.”
Throughout his talk, Green emphasized that his goal is not for North Carolina to make incremental improvements but to make significant leaps forward. “We can no longer be about small change,” he said. “If we’re going to turn the tide for public education, we must aim to be the very best.” His plan outlines eight “pillars” that focus on students, educators, families, and communities, including measurable actions to advance academic achievement, strengthen school operations and safety, and elevate the reputation of public education statewide.
Across this country, I believe we have lost our way in how we think about our teachers. This is a noble profession. They are doing transformative work. Respect is good, but it isn’t enough. We must revere them.
Maurice "Mo" Green, North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction
One of the plan’s most distinctive features is its call to “revere” educators—a word Green chose intentionally. “Across this country, I believe we have lost our way in how we think about our teachers,” he said. “This is a noble profession. They are doing transformative work. Respect is good, but it isn’t enough. We must revere them.” He urged the audience to help restore public respect for teachers and school staff, noting that the strength of the state’s schools depends on those who dedicate their lives to educating children.
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Green also highlighted impressive gains in North Carolina’s public schools, such as record-high graduation rates and leading participation in career and technical education programs. These achievements, he said, demonstrate that North Carolina has the foundation and talent to reach national excellence.
When asked about navigating political dynamics, Green responded that his approach centers on listening and service. “I don’t see this as a political position,” he said. “I’m about having the best public education system for our kids and for North Carolina. I’m here to serve—not as a politician, but as someone who brings people together for the sake of our students.”
Throughout the discussion, Green’s warmth and optimism were evident. He spoke candidly about the challenges facing public schools but remained focused on collaboration and opportunity. His visit inspired many in the Sanford community, especially students preparing for careers in education policy and public service. Green was invited by Sanford faculty member Jenni Owen, who returned to Sanford this Fall after serving for 8 years in Governor Roy Cooper's administration. Green attended Owen's graduate course during his visit.
Green closed with a call to action that echoed his belief in shared responsibility: “Everyone can find their lane to support public education—as advocates, as researchers, as funders, or as thought partners. It’s up to all of us.”