Advanced Teaching Roles Program Coming To Johnston County Public Schools

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Johnston County Public Schools will soon join 34 other school districts and more than 600 schools participating in North Carolina’s nationally recognized Advanced Teaching Roles (ATR) program under the state budget released by the North Carolina General Assembly earlier this week.

Launched in 2016, the Advanced Teaching Roles program will expand to Johnston County through a provision included in the state budget, which is expected to receive bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly this week.

The Advanced Teaching Roles program allows school districts to implement innovative staffing models that enable accomplished teachers to mentor and coach other educators while continuing to teach students. Districts that have adopted the model have reported strong results.

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, students attending Title I schools using an Advanced Teaching Roles staffing model have met or exceeded academic growth expectations at higher rates than students attending traditionally staffed Title I schools. In addition, a 2025 report by the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at NC State University found that the program improved beginning teacher retention and that teachers in ATR schools generally demonstrated greater effectiveness, as measured by the Education Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS), than teachers in non-ATR schools.

“This is a win for students and teachers in Johnston County, and I’m proud to have worked to ensure this provision was included in the state budget,” said Senator Benton Sawrey (R-Johnston). “The Advanced Teaching Roles program directs resources into our classrooms, strengthens instruction for students, and creates meaningful career opportunities that help our best teachers remain in the classroom.”

Teachers selected to serve in Advanced Teaching Roles may earn up to $10,000 annually in additional state compensation, along with any supplemental compensation provided by the local school district.

“Having served on the Johnston County Board of Education, I’ve seen firsthand that great schools begin with great teachers,” said Representative Larry Strickland (R-Johnston). “The Advanced Teaching Roles program gives our best educators the opportunity to mentor and develop the next generation of teachers without leaving the classroom. That’s good for our teachers, good for our students, and good for Johnston County. As our community continues to grow, investing in the people who educate our children is one of the smartest decisions we can make.”

Funding for Johnston County’s participation will become available upon enactment of the state budget and approval of the district’s implementation plan by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.