Paula McAvoy

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. 

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. 

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?” 

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. 

Oct 10, 2022

Commonwealth Club of California: Experiencing Democracy: Creating a Civic Culture in School

Associate Professor Paula McAvoy was an invited guest for this event focused on creating a civic culture in school. 

Oct 5, 2022

Colleges Competing in Pack the Polls’ Civic Education Challenge

Colleges across NC State University will compete to see who can gain the most students to pledge to vote in the 2022 U.S. midterm elections. 

Apr 4, 2022

The New Republic: Why Teachers are Afraid to Teach History

Founded in 1971 initially to bring high school students on trips to Washington, D.C., Close Up encourages “deliberation” on heated policy questions as a way of helping students build consensus. A study of its model, published this past summer by professors at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina Greensboro, found that high school students felt more respected in classroom political discussions designed as deliberation rather than debate. 

Oct 7, 2021

Publication and Presentation Roundup: A Look at Scholarly Work from College of Education Researchers from June-September 2021

Faculty and research associates at the NC State College of Education, including the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research and Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, are publishing their research related to pressing topics and sharing their work through national and international presentations. Take a look at presentations and publications from our faculty and research associates from June through September 2021. 

Aug 11, 2021

The Wall Street Journal: Civics Education in Schools Gains Steam

Associate Professor of Social Studies Education Paula McAvoy says political polarization will likely make it hard for schools to adopt the Educating for American Democracy Initiative's recommendations.