This back-to-school season, teachers discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of teaching in a history-changing year. Join the nationwide discussion on the role of teachers in the midst of a continued pandemic and ongoing protests.

Submit stories, videos, photos, and questions to nc@teach.org.

Description of the campaign

In March 2020, in response to a global pandemic, teachers around the world gathered their collective brainpower and changed the nature of education almost instantly. Two months later, educators in the U.S. faced another big sea change as nationwide protests erupted demanding racial equity. In these and countless other moments of national change, educators have stepped up to meet the challenges and opportunities of historical shifts, helping students make sense of the world and prepare to change it.

Nobody knows what the Fall 2020 semester will look like. But everybody knows that teachers and schools have one of society’s biggest roles to play.

So we’re asking teachers: how have you met the challenges and opportunities of teaching in 2020? What is your vision for the future of education, both this fall and beyond? What role do teachers play in creating a more just, healthy, and equitable society?

Example topics

We’ve already had some great responses, including:

• An article discussing the importance of Black teachers in addressing racial inequality.
• A video discussing an innovative/creative change to teaching practices in light of online learning.
• An article by a special education teacher and military veteran about how military service helped prepare her to meet the challenges of transforming her classroom practices.

Ways to contribute

• Write a short article. Enjoy writing and telling a story? Draft an article (400-600 words) and our editorial team will work with you to make your story shine. Check out recent stories on our Articles page and in our sample submissions folder.
• Submit a short video. Enjoy talking more than writing? 1-2 minute videos are perfect. If you can take a good photo or a selfie, then you have what you need to make a short video. Check out samples of recent teacher videos and a how-to guide in our sample submissions folder.
• Send a “microstory” or quote along with a photo. We love sharing quotes, short anecdotes and photos on our website and on social media. These are usually 100 words or less. We have some recent examples in our sample submissions folder.

* Submit stories, videos, photos, and questions to nc@teach.org.*

How we’ll use your contribution

We’ll run our back-to-school “teachable moments” campaign throughout August and September. We may share your story on our website, on our social media channels, in email or in other digital outreach. We have campaigns and opportunities for teacher contributions all year long. If we think your story is a fit for another campaign, we’ll let you know!

About the Campaign

Changing lives isn’t easy, but it’s critical work. Join forces with TeachNC to share your teaching victories and spread the message—teaching is a profession that shapes lives and communities. 

The Better Work Stories campaign promotes real stories about real teachers making an impact in the classroom. We're collecting videos and stories by North Carolina teachers that highlight the impact of educators.

When We'll Publish Your Story

We’ll feature these stories during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, 2020, on our social channels and on our Better Work Stories page. 

How to Submit

• Grab any device with a camera.
• Record a short video telling about your best teaching win! (It's easy! Here's some advice.)
• Prefer to write it? Jot down your story in 100 words or less and include a photo of yourself.
• Post your video or written story on social and tag @TeachNCorg using the #bwsNC hashtag.
• Or email it to us at nc@teach.org.
• Need inspiration? Check out these Better Work Stories.