Carolina Journal News Reports
CJ Series

North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching

Carolina Journal investigates a taxpayer-funded retreat for public school teachers with all the bells and whistles of a mountain getaway.

(8.29.11) Teacher Paradise Retrenches After Budget Cuts
RALEIGH — In the near term, the slashed budget at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching will mean fewer five-day seminars, more on-site training for teachers in school districts, and ramped up private fundraising. It’s also meant dozens of layoffs over the past two years.

(4.14.11) GOP Budget Proposals Would Close Teacher Paradise
RALEIGH — The brainchild of former Gov. Jim Hunt, NCCAT offers dozens of five-day seminars throughout the year, most focusing on cultural, historical, and artistic topics, including global warming, holistic health, and pottery. Each year, the retreat serves 5,000 public school teachers lucky enough to attend.

(8.03.09) Teacher Paradise in Jackson County Attracts Scrutiny
CULLOWHEE — Most people visit Jackson County for the mountain vistas, camping, and trout fishing. Public school teachers come here for the training. The remote county might seem an unlikely site for North Carolina’s only professional development center devoted exclusively to reviving a love of learning in state educators.