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Kenansville, NC -  Duplin County Schools recently welcomed educators and administrators from across southeastern North Carolina for the Southeastern Advancing Middle Grades Conference, held at Wallace-Rose Hill High School in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).

The conference provided a valuable opportunity for middle grades educators to collaborate, share best practices, and focus on strategies that support the academic and personal growth of middle school students. The event was led by Dr. Beth Metcalf and the NCDPI Southeastern Regional Team, whose leadership helped create a meaningful day centered on professional learning and student success.

Superintendent Dr. Daren Tyndall opened the conference by welcoming participants to Duplin County and encouraging educators to continue leading with compassion and purpose. He reminded attendees that they may never fully know the future impact of the students they teach, underscoring the profound influence educators have on shaping lives and communities.

A featured highlight of the conference was a presentation by Dr. Marlow Artis, who served as the guest speaker. Drawing from This We Believe, the Association for Middle Level Education's foundational framework for middle grades education, Dr. Artis explored the key characteristics and needs of middle school learners. He shared practical examples of how educators can bring these principles to life in their schools and classrooms, emphasizing the importance of creating responsive, student-centered learning environments that support the academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of young adolescents.

Wallace-Rose Hill High School served as host site for the regional event. Principal Dr. Nichols and the Wallace-Rose Hill staff worked diligently to ensure attendees experienced a welcoming and productive environment throughout the day.

A highlight of the conference was the opportunity for Duplin County Schools educators to showcase innovative practices taking place in local classrooms. Teachers Dena Hall, LaChrista Jackson, Consuelo Johnson, Richea Wicks, and Amelia Bellomy led conference sessions, sharing effective instructional strategies, student-centered learning experiences, and classroom successes with fellow educators from across the region.

Throughout the day, over 100 participants from the Southeast engaged in meaningful discussions, explored innovative teaching practices, and strengthened professional connections, all with a shared goal of supporting student achievement during the critical middle school years.

Duplin County Schools is proud to have partnered with NCDPI to host this important regional event and remains committed to fostering opportunities for educators to learn from one another as they work to prepare students for future success.

The conference served as a powerful reminder that when educators come together to share knowledge, inspire one another, and focus on students' needs, the positive impact reaches far beyond the classroom.