ABOUT US
Learn More About AFPENC
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 1979 in Charlotte, the Professional Educators of North Carolina (PENC) emerged as a fresh, independent voice for educators seeking an alternative professional association. Under the leadership of its first president, Jan Carpenter, PENC stood for professionalism and independence.
From its humble beginnings sharing office space with the Classroom Teachers Association to its evolution into a fully independent, statewide organization, PENC has stayed true to its mission—supporting educators and championing quality education across North Carolina. In 2025, PENC became the first North Carolina affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT); forming the American Federation of Professional Educators in North Carolina (AFPENC).
Learn more at www.afpencweb.org.
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Learn more about North Carolina AFT here.
WE ARE...
FOCUSED ON EDUCATION
Our mission is to promote education reform for the benefit of all North Carolina children while ensuring the recruitment, development and retention of qualified educators.
ADVOCATES
We strive to advocate for our members to advance and protect their interests, and to amplify their voice and power.
STATE-BASED
NATIONALLY SUPPORTED
Our focus remains on NC educators, students, and communities, while our affiliation with AFT grants access to national-level resources.
COMMUNITY ORIENTED
We work hard to engage with NC communities in pursuit of the betterment of public education, school communities, and all North Carolinians.
AFFORDABLE
We believe educators should enjoy the best services and benefits at a reasonable cost. We continually strive to make protection and involvement accessible to all educators.