Women's Forum Oral History Collection Interview Index

Jo Ann Payne Norris was born April 22, 1942 in Apex, North Carolina. While growing up, her parents owned and operated restaurants. She attended Fuquay Varina High School and UNC Greensboro, where she earned a degree in early childhood education. After graduating, Norris’ first job was as a first grade teacher in Fuquay. She then worked in El Monte, California for a year as a substitute and classroom teacher. Norris returned to North Carolina and worked at Garner Elementary until 1979, when she was named North Carolina Teacher of the Year. As Teacher of the Year, Norris spent a year traveling the state and speaking with other educators. After being Teacher of the Year, she worked for the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) as a Political Affairs Specialist and lobbied for educators in the General Assembly. She eventually joined the Public School Forum of North Carolina as Director of Educational Policy and Executive Director, and in that work helped establish the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program. Through her work with NCAE and the Public School Forum, Norris was involved in politics and became aware of the ERA movement and other women involved in the movement. She was asked to run for President of North Carolinians United for the Equal Rights Amendment (NCUERA) and was elected. As president of NCUERA, Norris participated in debates and rallies. After the amendment was not ratified, she continued to advocate for alternative pathways to equality, such as getting more women in leadership positions and advocating for equal pay. She has served as President, Vice President, and a board member of the Women’s Forum.