NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN May
2014
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
Volume 44, No. 9
NCAE’s Message to Lawmakers… When the doors of the General Assembly swing open on May 14 for the Short Session, NCAE will be there to send a clear message that We Heart Public Schools and that we will not allow lawmakers to further damage public education by creating bad legislation that adversely affects public school educators and students. Through the “We Heart Public Schools” campaign, the Association aims to change the political landscape in North Carolina by uniting those who support public education through grassroots organizing. A series of planned actions to mobilize members, citizens and elected officials to act in support of public schools has begun and will take place through November. One of those actions has been candidate forums and town halls, which are being coordinated by local affiliates to give citizens, legislators and candidates in their communities an opportunity to openly discuss and specify important solutions to saving public schools. Several locals have already held forums and they have proved successful. These forums give community members and leaders the chance to come together to hear about critical education issues and share their concerns. On May 14, NCAE leaders will deliver Decline to Sign petitions and copies of 25 Percent Contract Resolutions passed by school boards across the state to the offices of Senator Phil Berger and Speaker of the House Thom Tillis. Members of the General Assembly will also receive a copy of the NCAE Legislative Agenda. “We need as many members as possible to take part in this activity,” said President Rodney Ellis. “Locals that are unable to participate in
this event are encouraged to host activities in their areas on that day and invite the media. It’s critical that we spread our message statewide and mobilize in support of our students, our schools and our profession.” Other activities are also planned for that day, including a 10 a.m. press conference at the NC Department of Public Instruction and a 4 p.m. rally at the NCAE Center. Please check the We Heart Public Schools Web site, www.ncae.org/ weheartpublicschools/ for more information on all of the day’s events. Members considering participating in the May 14 event should make a request for personal leave as soon as possible. Beginning May 19, and continuing every Monday evening until the session concludes, members are asked to fill the galleries of the General Assembly in a strong show of support for public education. Members are reminded to wear the color red or sport “We Heart Public Schools” attire at each session. As in previous years, NCAE will continue the popular Education Wednesday activity. This weekly event gives members an opportunity to schedule face-to-face meetings with their legislators during the session and attend legislative committee meetings where important decisions are made about public education and other issues. It’s important to make appointments with lawmakers prior to traveling to Raleigh. Those who can’t participate in Education Wednesdays should strongly consider assisting in other ways -- calling or emailing their legislator(s) or volunteering in organized phone banking or door-todoor visitation efforts. Other events are planned throughout the summer and more information will be
available on the We Heart Public Schools Web site, and via social media outlets and other forms of communications. Here are key issues that NCAE will work to implement or restore during the Short Session as part of its 2014 Legislative Agenda. Increase Per-pupil funding (including expanding pre-K) Implement limits on class size Restore pay steps for all state employees Restore master’s pay Raise teacher pay to the national average Place a teacher assistant in every K-3 classroom Implement a teacher mentoring program Restore the Teaching Fellows Program Fund the mandated Read to Achieve summer camps Restore career status Implement developmentally appropriate assessments Repeal the 25 percent mandate Repeal vouchers
Disclaimer: This Mark [or We [Heart] Public Schools” is not affiliated with New York State or the ILNY trademark, owned by the NYS Department of Economic Development.”
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A Conversation with Rachelle Johnson NCAE’s New Exec Rachelle Johnson has been named the new executive director of NCAE. She succeeds Scott Anderson, who left the Association last summer, and Joyce Jarrett, who led as interim associate director for several months. Johnson comes to NCAE from the Ohio Education Association (OEA), where she served as assistant executive director of programs and was responsible for management oversight and coordination of Government Relations, Education Policy, Research and Member Advocacy, Communications and Marketing, Legal Services, and Information Systems. She will begin her position on May 5. During an interview with Johnson, she shared her vision for the Association, what her top priorities will be as executive director, and why the work of preserving and strengthening public education is so important. Q: What was it about the NCAE executive director position that appealed to you? R JOHNSON: There are a lot of positive things happening here at NCAE, and there is a sound infrastructure in place. A movement is taking place in North Carolina to hold politicians accountable for what they are doing to educators and public education, and I think NCAE is doing a lot to harness that energy and utilize it in a positive way. There are a lot of good people in place in North Carolina, on staff and within our membership and leadership, and I was very encouraged by that and wanted to come here to help lead the effort to regain North Carolina as a leader in public education. We have a lot of work to do, but together we can get it done. Q: What do you think your first 30 days on the job will look like? R JOHNSON: I think my first 30 days at NCAE will involve getting to know more about the internal workings of the Association and the good folks who work here. I hope to get a bearing on the state and a better feel for the organizations that we partner with in order to begin to build strong, positive working relationships. Q: What is your vision for the Association? R JOHNSON: My vision for NCAE is to continue the good work that folks are doing here and take it to the next level. I want us to regain our influence in the Legislature; rebuild, strengthen and retain our membership; show value to members as to why they should continue to be a part of NCAE; and position the organization to have a substantial impact on the 2016 governor’s race. Q: It’s clear that you must have a love for public education to do this work. When did you discover that love?
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2014
“I’ve always believed in public education and have always championed for it. A majority of my career has involved working with the public education section and combining my skill set to champion the need for high-quality public education no matter one’s zip code.”
R JOHNSON: I can’t pinpoint an exact time, but a lot of my family is or has been involved in public education in some form. My mother was a teacher’s assistant, many of my aunts were librarians, my sister is a teacher’s assistant in Ohio, and my father was always a tremendous proponent of education, which led me to believe that education is a great equalizer and should be the right of everyone. I’ve always believed in public education and have always championed it. A majority of my career has involved working with the public education sector and combining my skill set to champion the need for a highquality public education no matter one’s zip code. Q: Education seems to be a prominent career choice in your family. Have you ever taught? R JOHNSON: Yes, I taught high school English for a short time, and I loved it. There’s always an educator part of me that likes to connect and collaborate with people to figure out solutions to problems. I love the connection that comes from interacting with people and the feeling that you get when you impact someone in a positive way, whether it be a student, colleague or member. I actually miss the classroom. Q: What was school like for you growing up, and do you remember your favorite teacher? R JOHNSON: I enjoyed school; I was probably a bit of an overachiever. I’ve always had tremendous respect for the profession and the dedication that my teachers exhibited. I had a number of great teachers that had a meaningful impact on me and inspired me to go into education. Q: Who is Rachelle Johnson? R JOHNSON: I would say I am an outgoing, tenacious, intelligent, fun person who loves to try new things. I am a native of Ohio, and I have two siblings – a brother and sister, who still live there. I have been married for almost 10 years, and my husband Rob and I are avid hockey fans. I am excited about becoming a supporter of the Carolina Hurricanes! I love to read fiction books and going to see all types of movies in my spare time. I am also a big fan of unusual jewelry and collect unique and special pieces.
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NCAE’s Recommended Pro-Education Candidates for 2014 These candidates, who are running in the May 6 primary, have been endorsed by NCAE members and have been evaluated on their level of support for public schools, public school employees and children. The primary is vital and we encourage you to exercise your right to vote. Click on a candidate’s name for more information.
NC Supreme Court
Associate Justice Robin Hudson
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Senate
Sen. Kay Hagan Clay Aiken-D
Laura Fjeld-D
Jonathan Barfield-D Alma Adams-D
District 2
District 6
District 7
District 12
North Carolina Senate
Stan White-D Senate Seat 1
Sen. Don Davis-D Senate Seat 5
Dr. Ernie Ward-D Senate Seat 8
Sen. Gladys Robinson-D Senate Seat 28
Sen. Fletcher Hartsell-R Joyce Waddell-D Senate Seat 36 Senate Seat 40
Mike Lavender-R Senate Seat 47
North Carolina House
Ray Jeffers-D House Seat 2
Rep. Jean FarmerButterfield-D House Seat 24 Shelley Willingham-D House Seat 23
Rep. Pricey Harrison-D House Seat 57
Rep. Robert Reives-D House Seat 54
Rep. Hugh Blackwell-R House Seat 86
Kerry Graves-D House Seat 58
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NCAE
News Bulletin
May
2014
Results of the 2014 NCAE Election
NCAE’s Voucher and Career Status Lawsuits: An Update Voucher Litigation NCAE is working with the N.C. Justice Center to represent 25 plaintiffs, including President Rodney Ellis and former state superintendent Mike Ward, in litigation to challenge the constitutionality of the voucher program passed by the 2013 General Assembly. On February 28, Superior Court Judge Robert Hobgood issued a detailed order granting our request for a preliminary injunction that would halt the voucher program until the court decides the case on the merits. Since then, the North Carolina Court of Appeals has refused to hear an emergency appeal of the preliminary injunction. A trial date has not been set but is likely this spring or early summer. In the process of preparing evidence for the trial, more detailed information has emerged regarding the lack of accountability and standards of quality for private schools in North Carolina. We will be sharing this information with members and the public.
Rodney Ellis Sr.
Mark Jewell
Tripp Jeffers
President
Vice President
NEA Director
Deborah Norris
Belinda Kinder-Minnich
Nicholas Nostro Jr.
1-B District Director
3-A District Director
3-B District Director
Career Status Litigation NCAE is headed to court in May to challenge the constitutionality of stripping career status from teachers. We anticipate a court hearing on our motion for summary judgment the same week that the Short Session of the General Assembly begins. Guilford County Schools recently won a preliminary injunction to stop the 25 Percent Contract requirements that would give teachers who sign the new contract a small raise in return for giving up due process protections. The written order, which will likely be provided soon, will give more guidance on the scope of the order. The lawsuit filed by Guilford County, and later joined by Durham County, complements NCAE’s lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of stripping career status from teachers.
William Hennessee
Dawn Moretz
Barbara Davis
4-A District Director
5-A District Director
7-A District Director
Message From the Vice President The alarm bell is sounding in North Carolina. More than ever, educators are feeling devalued and disrespected and are making hard decisions as to whether they should seek employment elsewhere. NCAE feels your frustration and wants you to know that our work is far from done. We have the means to climb back up the education ladder and we’re going to do it, together. Read more of Vice President Jewell’s message here.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Member Named “Top” Teacher in the State James Ford, a World History teacher at Garinger High School in Mecklenburg County, said this year has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of his life. He has been given a platform on which to speak on behalf of teachers and illuminate issues that are important to them as the 2014-15 North Carolina Teacher of the Year. This opportunity, he said, is huge! “More than anything, I want to be that voice in the wilderness that speaks the heart and mind of educators throughout the state,” said Ford, who is completing his fifth year as a teacher. “I look forward to addressing the issues of teacher compensation, educational equity, and closing the achievement gap, to name a few. This position will allow me to at least have some influence with the gatekeepers and a mantle from which to reintroduce ordinary citizens to the importance of a quality public education.” As the state’s Teacher of the Year, Ford will spend the next school year traveling across North Carolina as an ambassador for the teaching profession. He will also serve as an advisor to the State Board of Education for two years and as a board member for the NC Public School Forum for one year. In addition, as Teacher of the Year, Ford will compete for National Teacher of the Year. Before becoming a teacher, Ford pursued a career in print journalism and served as a truancy intervention specialist and director of a teen center. “I enjoyed the work so much that I decided to become a teacher,” Ford said. Once a disengaged and apathetic student himself, he recognizes the irony of his career choice and uses the experience to strengthen his teaching. “I remember all too well sitting in those desks, waiting to be challenged, engaged and stretched. Now, I sit in the seat of instruction, fueled by the motivation to be the teacher that I never had. Instead of teaching like I was most often taught, I spend a tremendous amount of energy planning daily, reflecting and experimenting, attempting to teach a new way.” One of Ford’s guiding principles is to show his students how important education is to their future. “If my students have
learned nothing else from me, my hope is that they understand the value that they all carry and the life-changing potential of quality education. Unlike my former self, I now comprehend the true relevance of academics and just how much it relates to real life. My task is to impart this revelation to each and every one of my students, one lesson at a time.” A graduate of Illinois State University, Ford has a bachelor’s degree in mass communication. He received a master’s in arts teaching from Rockford College in Illinois. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Wingate University. An active advocate for education in and out of the classroom, he serves as a professional learning community leader and co-leader for the F.R.E.S.H. Peer Mentorship Program at Garinger High, and also helps conduct school wide professional development on Wiki pages. He is co-chair of the annual Garinger Cultural Fair, and has served on the Common Core State Standards World History Curriculum Writing Team. Some of his accolades include being named the 2013 Southeast Region Teacher of the Year, the 2013 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ Teacher of the Year, and the 2013 Garinger High School Teacher of the Year.
Four other NCAE members, from left, Everlene Davis, Rhonda Holmes, Alex Reynolds and Kathy Saunders are 2014 Regional Teacher of the Year Finalists and will serve with Ford on the Teacher of the Year Team. The program is sponsored by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and the NC Department of Public Instruction. Click here to read more about each of these amazing educators.
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News Bulletin
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2014
NCAE Participates in Education Day at the Durham Bulls During the recent Education Day at the Durham Bulls, NCAE President Rodney Ellis had the honor of throwing out the first pitch. The event was an opportunity for schoolchildren from across the Triangle Area to participate in learning activities that were provided via interactive stations throughout the ballpark concourse as well as enjoy the game. Members of the NCAE staff were also on hand, and Ellis received a special souvenir – a baseball autographed by Durham Bulls infielder Ray Olmedo.
Paperwork must be in by May 1, 2014, to support getting a master’s degree prior to July 1, 2014, in order to receive additional payment for that degree. Beginning next year, educators will receive no additional pay for a master’s degree or other advanced degrees unless their job requires it. Those currently paid for their master’s degrees (or who will be paid this school year) will be grandfathered, and will continue receiving master’s pay even if not required for the job.
Dates to Remember May 2014 1st 3rd 5th-9th 6th 7th 10th 12th 14th 26th
Community Conversation/Town Hall, Smith High School, Fayetteville (for more information contact naomi.chisolm@ncae.org) Public Schools First Forum “Keeping Schools Strong,” McKimmon Center, Raleigh www.publicschoolsfirstnc.org to register National Teacher Appreciation Week National Teacher Appreciation Day National School Nurse Day Community Rally for Public Education, Marshall Park, Charlotte Noon-2 p.m. (for more info, contact marcus.bass@ncae.org) Town Hall, New Hanover Public Library, Wilmington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. NCAE Day of Action – Opening Session of the General Assembly Memorial Day
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Looking to Save Some Money? Check Out These New Member Benefits! “Moving with NCAE” Home Referral Program Are you looking to buy or sell real estate? Make the SMART MOVE by using a new benefit program exclusively for NCAE members. “Moving With NCAE” www.movingwithncae.com, is a robust, nocost member benefit designed to offer unmatched service and cost savings to NCAE members who are buying or selling homes throughout North Carolina. This service is offered through Fonville Morisey. If a member registers for the program and works with an assigned real estate agent, they are eligible for a financial incentive at point of closing as well as mortgage incentives. For example, if an educator purchases a $150,000 home via the program, he/she is eligible for a $1,000 credit at closing. For more information, contact rdaniels@fmrelocation.com.
7 The Fun Begins Now!
Online savings for tickets to Kings Dominion and Carowinds are available for NCAE members and their families. NCAE Summer Special Days run from June 15-30 and tickets are only $39 for ages 3 and up at both parks. To purchase tickets for Kings Dominion, visit www.kingsdomion.com and enter promo code “NCAE” in the top right-hand corner. For Carowinds tickets, visit www.carowinds.com and enter the promo code “NCAE” in the top right-hand corner as well.
NEA Member Benefits Announces Dental and Vision Insurance NEA Member Benefits now offers an NEA Dental and Vision Insurance Program, provided through its partnership with Renaissance Dental. The new program will provide members with the following key features: • Great Coverage: including preventive care like routine exams and cleanings, plus dental procedures such as crowns and implants • Freedom of Choice: The ability to visit any licensed dental professional or save the most money by visiting one of the more than 200,000 credentialed PPO dentist locations nationwide • Hassle-free Benefits: PPO participating dental offices complete and file claims for members, so they don’t deal with paperwork or wait for reimbursement; • Generous Annual Maximum: Options for a maximum that increases over a three-year span • Special Retiree Plan Option: For members 55+ with generous $1,200 annual maximum • Vision Coverage: Plan options to add vision coverage for one affordably bundled price For more information, visit www.neamb.com, click the Insurance tab and look for “Health-Related Insurance.”
N C A E
N E W S
Save up to 25 percent off car rentals with Hertz when you reserve with the special discount code CDP#50655. Book online at www.hertz.com/ neamb.
B U L L E T I N
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Positions stated in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official position of NCAE unless so identified. The NCAE News Bulletin, a journal of the Association, is published by the North Carolina Association of Educators, 700 S.Salisbury St., Post Office Box Box 27347, Raleigh, NC 27611, 1-800-662-7924. Linda Powell-Jones, Editor/Designer
www.ncae.org