CLAYTON – North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt visited Cleveland Elementary on Wednesday, December 12, 2023, Accompanied by NC Department of Instruction Regional Coordinator Dr. Kendra King and Special Advisor to Superintendent for Principal Engagement Tabari Wallace.
Fifth grader Parker Mortenson welcomed Truitt, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy, JCPS cabinet members, and several Johnston County Board of Education members to the school.
Truitt visited several classrooms engaging with the students, and observing teachers as they demonstrated the principles of a new K-5 program entitled Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS).
LETRS is a comprehensive professional learning program designed to provide early childhood and elementary educators and administrators with deep knowledge to be literacy and language experts in the science of reading.
Following the classroom visits, Truitt was joined by a panel of eight educators that included Cleveland Elementary teachers, the school’s curriculum coach, and the school counselor for a discussion.
Various topics were discussed, including the implementation and impact of LETRS, the effectiveness of Heggerty and Fundations, and the need for mental health support programs. Truitt shared her vision for future initiatives, and preparing students for flexible career paths.
Truitt also shared her experiences as a former Clayton resident, who spent her final three years in the classroom at West Johnston High, where she taught English to 11th and 12th grade students.
Truitt ended the meeting by telling the members of the panel, many of whom are veteran teachers, “I just can’t thank you enough!”
She is literally the roadblock holding up the enforcement of SB49. She’s gotta go.