January 28, 2021, CHAPEL HILL, N.C.—Under Superintendent Marvin Connelly, Jr., Cumberland County Schools has become the eleventh district in North Carolina to join the national Opportunity Culture initiative, which extends the reach of excellent teachers and their teams to more students, for more pay, within schools’ recurring budgets.
The district, based in Fayetteville, N.C., will use Opportunity Culture roles to provide new opportunities for leadership and support for teachers, to help with recruitment and retention, and to reach every student with excellent teaching. The roles provide intensive support to all Opportunity Culture educators and create paid career paths that let great teachers advance without leaving the classroom. They have produced outstanding student growth in other Opportunity Culture schools.
The district received Advanced Teaching Roles status and a small grant this month from the state to assist with Opportunity Culture planning and implementation.
“Every day throughout Cumberland County Schools, there are teachers who are making a positive impact and changing students’ lives,” said Superintendent Marvin Connelly, Jr. “Through Opportunity Culture, these impactful teachers will be able to reach even more students while increasing their salary and building our community. It is a win-win for all.”