By Nicholas Allen | December 5, 2020
UNC World View has impacted me as an administrator in the way that I see myself. Through storytelling, I learned just how similar we are all across the world. I learned to be bold in my leadership, meaning it’s okay to put yourself out there.
Eric Cunningham is the Superintendent of Halifax County Schools. Halifax County is located in rural Northeastern North Carolina with a population of more than 50,000. Halifax County Schools is part of the Roanoke River Valley Education Consortium (RRVEC). “We focus on the needs of students by empowering them to be successful global residents,” said Cunningham, “to do so we must create a supportive and positive learning environment to address the needs of the whole child in partnership with educators, staff, parents and communities.” Such an ambitious mission inherently comes with challenges, but Cunningham meets them with enthusiasm and an optimism. “It’s by far the hardest job I’ve ever loved! We are a lighthouse district with some rough waves. This job requires me to be vulnerable which in turn allows me to be my most creative self in order the face the waves but at an angle and with a life jacket…my team!” At Halifax County Schools, going forward together is a mode of operation, and professional development is no exception.
As a member of RRVEC, Halifax County Schools is a UNC World View partner that sends participants to programs every year. Cunningham has personally participated in a number of UNC World View programs—most recently the inaugural Global Education Leaders Abroad Study Visit to Ireland—but Halifax County educators from principals to classroom instructors receive global professional development thanks to the RRVEC partnership. In Cunningham’s experience, that professional development has made a difference.
UNC World View has impacted me as an administrator in the way that I see myself. Through storytelling, I learned just how similar we are all across the world. I learned to be bold in my leadership, meaning it’s okay to put yourself out there. In order to make the difference in Halifax County Schools, I knew that I would have to be bold and put myself out there to create opportunities for the district that are sustainable. Putting myself out there would be subject to criticism, but you have to take that risk when you’re trying to grow as a leader and grow your district as well.
Cunningham’s boldness in creating opportunities has undoubtedly grown his district, especially their global capacity. They’ve implemented a Dual Language Immersion program with a focus on Spanish literacy as well as implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to address challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, peace and justice. Additionally, they’ve expanded student experiences around global STEM and STEAM. They’ve developed makerspaces and a workforce readiness program. “We are growing our future STEM leaders and innovators today who will tackle and solve tomorrow’s challenges,” Cunningham reflected. “I am thrilled at the idea of Halifax County Schools will produce graduates who will go off and become bilingual engineers.” However uncertain tomorrow’s challenges may be, we do know that they will be affected by the challenges of today. Halifax has not been immune to the onslaught of change brought on by global pandemic, but it is finding strength in unity.
On the forefront of pandemic difficulties for educators is the challenge of re-opening schools safely despite the uncertainty of the future. “It’s completely making us change the way we think about all things!” Cunningham stated. “The sacred truths COVID has taught us is just how much we need each other. We need to strengthen our global connections and continue to work together to stay in front of this issue that has cut us off.” It is Eric Cunningham’s belief that our collective actions will help us build resiliency. At UNC World View, we find strength in his optimism and stand alongside Halifax County Schools and all of our partners as the fight against COVID continues. We’re looking forward to the day when Global Education Leaders Program Abroad Ireland 2020 is no longer the last global study visit we took, but the global study visit that set a foundation for international cooperation and educational exchange for years to come. Cunningham’s unabridged reflections on the trip are words worth sharing.
My experience in Ireland resonated in my spirit. The visit absolutely moved me to my core. I was able to learn the genesis of many things—how the US has helped to shape and define other countries, the struggles, the sense of urgency, how the world is flattened yet all connected. In Ireland, I was not seen as a just a black man, but as an American. My knowledge and opinions mattered. I met with people who wanted to learn from me and people I could learn from. It was mind blowing to see that some of the initiatives in Halifax County Schools are consistent to what they are doing in Ireland. It will please me if, one day, one of our students is afforded the opportunity to visit Ireland and say, “Wow, we learned this in Halifax,” or “We are doing this also.”
If unity is the way forward to a brighter future, then we are proud to be united with Halifax County Schools, the RRVEC, and superintendent Eric Cunningham. Excelsior, Dr. Cunningham, we’re grateful for your selflessness and dedication to North Carolina education!