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Chalkbeat: Book Challenges May Have ‘Chilling Effects’ on New LGBTQ Books in School Libraries,…

Paula McAvoy

A group of people work together around a table at the Dining with Democracy event in Cary, North Carolina.

Feb 12, 2026

Connections Built Through NC-ACE Interdisciplinary Research Hub Expands Reach of Dining with Democracy Event

When Kim Roberts, cultural program leader for the Town of Cary, attended “A Day of Civic Learning”, hosted by the NC State College of Education's North Carolina Advancing Civic Engagement (NC-ACE) Interdisciplinary Research Hub last April, she was excited to engage in intellectual conversations and network with people from other sectors in the state and beyond. The event, however, also turned into a partnership that was able to bring a civic engagement program to her community.

Memorial Belltower

Feb 5, 2026

Associate Professors Tim Drake and Paula McAvoy Named 2025-26 NC State University Faculty Scholars

Two NC State College of Education faculty members—Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Tim Drake and Associate Professor of Social Studies Education Paula McAvoy—have been named 2025-26 University Faculty Scholars.

May 12, 2025

North Carolina Advancing Civic Engagement (NC-ACE) Interdisciplinary Hub Engages Educators, Students and Community through Two Events

Dozens of educators, students and members of various North Carolina organizations had opportunities to learn about civic engagement this spring thanks to two events hosted by the NC State College of Education’s North Carolina Advancing Civic Engagement (NC-ACE) Interdisciplinary Research Hub.

Interdisciplinary Research Hubs

Nov 13, 2024

College of Education Launches Fourth Interdisciplinary Research Hub with Focus on Civic Engagement

In line with its Strategic Plan: 2023-2030, the NC State College of Education has launched a fourth Interdisciplinary Research Hub. This hub, entitled “North Carolina Advancing Civic Engagement (NC-ACE),” will join three other hubs approved in 2023 in finding innovative solutions to pressing educational problems by bringing together individuals from different units and disciplines.
students and staff at table during Dining with Democracy

Jul 30, 2024

Spectrum News: Dining with Democracy: N.C. State professors’ recipe for bridging political divides over dinner

Dining with Democracy is an initiative created by education professors Christy Byrd and Paula McAvoy. McAvoy says a master's student inspired the idea, after she and a colleague created a similar event with middle schoolers and parents to talk about political issues.

Sep 28, 2023

The Board Table: Political Discussions in the Classroom

Associate Professor Paula McAvoy discusses strategies for engaging students in political discussions in social studies classrooms.

Apr 27, 2023

Associate Professor Paula McAvoy Receives NC State’s 2022-23 Outstanding Teacher Award

For Associate Professor Paula McAvoy, teaching has always been creative work. Now, her creativity has been recognized with NC State University’s 2022-23 Outstanding Teacher Award, which recognizes creative and innovative teaching and learning practices.

Trump from Education Week

Apr 3, 2023

Education Week: The Trump Indictment: What Should We Tell the Kids?

Even though social studies teachers have become experts in discussing extraordinary, politically charged news events over the past several years, the recent indictment of former President Donald Trump by a New York grand jury involves navigating potential landmines—especially given restrictions states have passed in the last three years. It’s difficult to completely step around the politics here, said Paula McAvoy, an associate professor of social studies education at North Carolina State University. But teachers can model discussing the topic using evidence, as opposed to partisan perspectives.
Students at computer

Jan 26, 2023

‘Teach and Model an Open-mindedness to Competing Points of View:’ Associate Professor Paula McAvoy Shares Advice for Discussing Political Issues in the Classroom

Educators often wonder how they can discuss controversial political issues in the classroom or if these issues should even be brought up at all. NC State College of Education Associate Professor Paula McAvoy helped teachers address this question through a recent workshop entitled “Political Neutrality in the Classroom: What is it and Should I Value it?”
Library books

Jan 13, 2023

Chalkbeat: Book Challenges May Have ‘Chilling Effects’ on New LGBTQ Books in School Libraries, Study Finds

Associate Professor of Social Studies Education Paula McAvoy spoke with Chalkbeat about a new study out of Boston University that looked at book challenges in school districts and the effect they may have on library acquisitions.