Five years ago, I administered the first Teacher Working Conditions Survey to ask North Carolina teachers what they need to succeed. In 2006, a record 75,600 teachers and administrators responded to the survey, representing 66 percent of all school-based licensed educators in the state. Their feedback provides education leaders and policymakers with a valuable tool to improve our schools and increase student achievement.

This year, I am honored to recognize 10 North Carolina schools that have taken a leading role in using feedback from the Teacher Working Conditions Survey to empower teachers and encourage student success. These 2006 Real D.E.A.L. (Dedicated Educators Administrators and Learners) Schools are truly great places to teach and learn. According to data from the latest survey, these schools are committed to involving teachers in decision-making and providing planning time and professional development opportunities that teachers need to build their knowledge and skills. These winning schools represent the diverse demographics of the schools in our state.

Because these award-winning schools are models for other schools in our state and across the country, we have made more information about the Real D.E.A.L. winners available online. I encourage you to use this web site to learn more about these outstanding schools and the best practices and innovative strategies their teachers and principals have used to improve teacher working conditions and student learning conditions.

Thank you for your commitment to building a brighter future for our children. By sharing our success stories and working together, we will improve education in North Carolina and across the country.

With kindest regards, I remain