June Atkinson

Editorial Summary

(from candidate's website) From being president of her 4th grade 4-H Club to her 2004 election as State Superintendent of Public Instruction, June has worked with thousands of teachers, students, school leaders, and business people. Her journey in education started with her own at a small rural public school in Virginia and her graduation from Staunton River High School, Moneta, Virginia. She knows what it is like to stretch a dollar to meet educational goals. She worked her way through college to get three degrees—a bachelors from Radford University, a masters from Virginia Tech, and a doctorate from North Carolina State University in educational leadership and policy. June’s commitment to help others become educated started with her being a teacher in Roanoke, Virginia and then at Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. She knows the frustration of students who struggle to learn and the excitement of students whose eyes say, “I get that.” Throughout the years, many of June’s former students have thanked her for caring and helping them develop skills needed in the workplace. During her years in educational administration, June has traveled to all 115 school districts and visited schools. She knows the struggle of teachers who work day and night to ensure that students learn, and she has watched teachers beam with pride when their students are recognized, whether it is an “A” on a history test, a beautiful picture, a choral performance, a winner in a mathematics contest, or a career-technical competitive event. Over ten associations or groups have recognized June’s contribution to education by awarding her with special recognition. Two national associations have elected her as their president. She has authored or co-authored two textbooks and made presentations in 43 states. When June has spoken at high school graduation ceremonies, she has heard family members cheer as a principal hands a high school diploma to each of the graduates. June knows, however, that some of our children are not graduating with a high school diploma. That’s why June has worked with the legislators, State Board of Education, and many other partners to improve public education and increase funding. That’s why she has worked tirelessly to bring to the attention of all North Carolinians that we must all work together to reform our high schools, reduce our dropout rate, and make sure that all students can read well. That’s why she has supported teacher salary increases and better working conditions for every teacher. After all, the classroom teacher is the “key” to student achievement. In the 21st century, she knows that technology must and should be a part of every student’s and educator’s toolbox. That’s why she has worked for and supported technology connectivity, computers for every student, the North Carolina Virtual High School, and access for public school students to online courses from community colleges and universities. Public education has made progress during June’s tenure as State Superintendent, but she wants the opportunity to make Cameron Crowder’s words become a reality for every student. Cameron Crowder, a student in a North Carolina middle school, told June that he went to a school “where learning is almost fun.” During the next four years, June wants to ensure that all students will want to repeat Cameron’s words. To make that happen, June will work to ensure that Every child graduates from high school with a diploma. Every child reads well. Every child has access to technology for improving learning. Every child has a teacher who is paid well and appreciated. June knows that improving education requires the work of many people. She has demonstrated many times that she is always willing to work with parents, educators, policy makers, and business people to make school a place “where learning is almost fun.” Imagine the day that when you cross North Carolina county lines and see a sign, “100 percent of our students graduated from high school.” Imagine the day when no student is embarrassed to read in public because they have poor reading skills. Imagine the day, when teachers will not need second jobs to “make ends meet.” Imagine the day when North Carolina is recognized as having the best public education in the world. With June’s experience, commitment, and vision, and willingness to develop partnerships, North Carolina won’t have to imagine. It can become a reality.