Meet DNCR's New Director Of Education, Christie Norris

Meet DNCR’s New Director of Education, Christie Norris

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With over 20 years of experience in K-12 education, Christie brings an unwavering passion for teaching, learning, and community outreach to the Department. As Director of Education, she will work with the Education and Outreach Team to advance the Department's "Learning Happens Here" initiative, while helping to enhance and showcase the diverse and extensive educational opportunities provided across the Department’s 100+ locations and programs. Her work includes designing and implementing cross-departmental professional development programs and teacher fellowships, supporting outreach to underserved populations, designing curriculum, and helping foster a collaborative, interdisciplinary network among the Department’s education staff.

Before joining the Department, Christie served as the Director of Carolina K-12 at UNC-Chapel Hill for twelve years, where she designed and implemented high-quality professional development programs, crafted acclaimed standards-aligned curriculum, and fostered appreciation and support for teachers across the state. Her selection as an Education Policy Fellow with the NC Public School Forum in 2018 and her recognition as the 2020 recipient of the Bryan Public Service Award underscore her commitment to advancing public education, innovative learning approaches, and culturally responsive teaching. Before joining Carolina K-12, Christie taught North Carolina History in Durham Public Schools and served as the assistant director of an arts-based educational nonprofit in East Harlem’s PS38.

Born and raised in Randolph County, NC, Christie is a proud product of North Carolina’s public schools. Despite a few years living outside the state, she developed an early love of North Carolina from her formative teachers and her North Carolina-born parents and grandparents, whether through stories shared around her grandparents’ kitchen table, and memorable class field trips to places like the NC Zoo and Town Creek. Today, she lives in Pittsboro with her husband, son, and mischievous rescue beagle.

You can contact Christie at christie.norris@dncr.nc.gov. Ways that she can help you/your site include (but are not limited to):

  • Developing meaningful relationships and collaborations with area K-12 teachers
  • Curriculum design and/or consultation (lesson plans, hands-on field trip activities, etc.)
  • Event planning (for adult or young learners) and professional development design (for teachers)
  • Arranging teacher focus groups and/or teacher cultivation events at your site
  • Have an idea you have been dreaming about? Reach out!
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