Shannon Stein, Superintendent, Lake Norman Charter

Invest: sat down with Shannon Stein, superintendent of Lake Norman Charter, to discuss how rapid advances in technology, workforce needs, and community partnerships are reshaping K-12 education. “Education is at an exciting turning point. We’re moving away from a one-size-fits-all industrial model toward a system that recognizes individual strengths and learning styles,” Stein said.

What major shifts or trends are you seeing in K-12 education that are impacting your school right now?

The most significant shift we’re seeing is the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence and how quickly it’s changing education, both in positive and challenging ways. We’ve been anticipating this for several years, but it has truly accelerated recently. Lake Norman Charter is one of a small number of schools in North Carolina participating in a statewide AI pilot, where we’re providing intensive training for teachers on how to use AI as an instructional tool.

AI has the potential to fundamentally change education because it allows us to individualize learning experiences for every student. It also requires thoughtful implementation. Our teachers didn’t receive formal training on this during their preparation programs, so we’re investing heavily in professional development to ensure it’s used responsibly and effectively.

We’re also working to establish clear expectations for students around academic integrity, appropriate use, and digital citizenship. The goal isn’t to chase the newest tool. It’s to build the judgment that helps students decide when AI supports learning, when it hinders it, and how to ask better questions to get better outcomes.

There’s also the challenge of helping older students understand that AI shouldn’t replace learning. It’s pushing us to rethink assessment and focus more on process rather than product. A paper can be generated in minutes, but understanding how a student thinks, applies information, and grows intellectually is far more important. If we’re not teaching kids how to use AI as a tool, then we’re not doing our jobs, which is to make them future-forward.

What makes the Lake Norman region an ideal place for a charter school like yours?

One of the region’s greatest strengths is the willingness of local businesses and institutions to partner with K-12 education. As we work to teach students how AI is used in real-world settings, we’re able to connect them directly with organizations across the region.

For example, we partner with healthcare providers like Novant to show students how AI supports diagnostics, communication, and personalized care. Financial institutions such as State Employees’ Credit Union work with our middle and high school students to demonstrate how AI is used in banking and personal finance. These experiences give students a clear sense of purpose and help them see how what they’re learning connects to future careers.

Those regional partnerships are invaluable. They deepen student engagement and allow learning to extend far beyond the classroom.

How are student expectations evolving in what is now a global market, not just a regional one?

Technology has completely changed access. Students today can participate in opportunities that were once limited to specific regions or elite institutions. We’ve had students take part in national research initiatives and specialized programs that simply wouldn’t have been possible years ago.

This exposure helps students understand that they’re competing and collaborating on a much larger stage. It also helps them develop confidence and awareness of what’s possible. Technology, broadly speaking, has removed geographic barriers and opened doors that allow students to explore interests and talents at a much deeper level.

How do community partnerships support long-term student outcomes?

AI and technology have changed the educational focus from acquiring knowledge to applying it. Information is readily available, but understanding how to use it effectively is what matters. That’s why we place such a strong emphasis on what we call durable skills, including collaboration, communication, creativity, and adaptability.

Through partnerships with organizations like the Lake Norman Chamber and local employers, students learn that these skills are transferable across industries. Whether a student pursues college, certification programs, or career and technical education, those foundational skills will serve them throughout their careers.

Our goal is to help students see that success isn’t defined solely by grades, but by how they apply what they learn and how they contribute to teams and organizations.

As a charter school, how do you ensure equitable access to high-quality opportunities for all students?

One advantage of our model is continuity. We’re expanding again this year with the addition of a new elementary school, which allows students to remain with us from kindergarten through high school if they choose. That continuity helps us personalize learning from an early age and consistently reinforce leadership, service, and durable skills.

Because we know our students well, we can identify their interests and strengths early and intentionally cultivate them over time. Older students mentor younger ones, and leadership development is built into the experience. That long-term relationship allows us to provide meaningful, individualized support regardless of a student’s background.

How are you attracting and retaining top teaching talent in a competitive environment?

Education is facing a workforce shortage, so retention is critical. We structure our organization similarly to a business in some ways, offering performance bonuses and prioritizing teacher voice in decision-making. Teachers are involved in strategic planning, calendar development, and major initiatives, which helps them feel valued as professionals.

Our retention rates are strong because teachers can see the long-term impact of their work. An elementary teacher may later see the same students graduate from high school. That sense of continuity and purpose is powerful and reinforces why educators choose to stay.

How do you support ongoing professional development for teachers?

We take a three-pronged approach. First, we support external professional development through grants that allow teachers to attend state and national training programs. Second, we invest in internal training, drawing on expertise within our own faculty, particularly around technology and AI.

Third, we prioritize collaboration. Teaching can be isolating, so we’re building a Community Hub designed specifically for teacher collaboration. This space allows educators time away from the classroom to plan lessons, align instruction, and share best practices, ensuring consistent, high-quality experiences for all students.

What are your top goals for the school looking ahead?

Our primary goal is to remain a high-performing school while meeting students where they are as individuals. We want every student to reach their highest potential, whether that path includes advanced placement coursework, dual enrollment, certification programs, or career and technical education.

We work closely with partners like Central Piedmont Community College to give students early exposure to collegiate environments. We also remain focused on supporting students as people, not just learners. They’re growing individuals with unique needs, and our responsibility is to partner with families and communities to help them thrive.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Education is at an exciting turning point. We’re moving away from a one-size-fits-all industrial model toward a system that recognizes individual strengths and learning styles. With the tools now available, we can identify where students excel, where they need support, and how to engage them more deeply.

That personalization allows us to not only meet academic standards but also help students develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. It’s an exciting time to be in education.