“When any of us faces an important challenge, we search for strength. Strength to rise to the occasion. Strength to reach across differences in search of common ground. Strength to stand up for what we know is right. Strength to meet the moment. Sometimes, you don’t know how strong you are until you are put to the test.” Governor Josh Stein, State of the State Address
It’s been six months since Hurricane Helene disrupted life in Western North Carolina, leaving communities to rebuild everything from homes and roads to schools and classroom routines.
For our WNC teachers, the challenges haven’t faded with the headlines. Whether teaching out of temporary locations, navigating the realities of a harsh winter that exacerbated school closings, or comforting children who still flinch at the sound of heavy rain or wind, WNC teachers remain on the front lines. Resilience isn’t just a lesson they are teaching –it’s something they are embodying every single day.
March 13 – 16, 2025, the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) was honored to co-sponsor the "East - West Teacher Exchange" along with our friends at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center and too many community partners to name, who showed up in all kinds of ways to shower these teachers with love.
Over the course of three days, teachers from Western North Carolina engaged with educators in the East who have also experienced and are still recovering from the long-lasting impacts of hurricanes. In this collaborative and rejuvenating space, 40 brilliant educators shared their professional and personal stories of recovery while exploring ways to support their students, and one another, during the long process of crisis and recovery.
To all of our WNC educators, we still see you and the heavy loads you are carrying - DNCR remains committed to supporting you. Contact us at educationoutreach@dncr.nc.gov to schedule a free field trip, a classroom outreach program, or other needs.
#WNCStrong