April 2023 NCAE News Bulletin

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Back Together Again!

NCAE Celebrates 53 Years at Annual Convention and Representative Assembly

The 2023 Convention and Representative Assembly in Greensboro was truly exciting on quite a few levels! It was the first time in three years delegates were able to gather in person to take care of the business of the Association. Lots of hugs were shared among colleagues who hadn’t seen each other since before the pandemic and new friendships were also kindled. NCAE publicly endorsed Attorney General Josh Stein for the next governor of North Carolina in 2024 and for the first time in many years at a convention, a roll-call vote was taken on a New Business Item that generated much discussion and debate. Delegates received information on the organization’s strategic plan, heard compelling and heartfelt messages from state leaders Tamika Walker Kelly and Bryan Proffitt, and were treated to rousing words of encouragement from NEA Executive Director Kim Anderson. Not all of the fun took place on the Convention floor though. A Sneaker Ball dinner and dance celebrating the organization’s 53rd anniversary was a highlight of the two-day event, where delegates learned about NCAE’s history and some of its early accomplishments while donning dressy attire and sneakers that ran the gamut from those with bling to those with colorful patterns. See more photos on page 4.

No One Is Coming to Save Us … We Must Fight Together So We Can Win Together!

Our jobs have never been easy. And it’s no secret that our profession is facing some serious challenges. Whether it be a lack of trust from the public, a lack of respect from our peers, or a lack of support from those in positions of power, it is clear something needs to change.

It’s time to draw the line in the sand. Enough is enough. It is past time for us to raise our heads high, speak truth to power, and have the courage to do what must be done, not just for ourselves and the students we love so much, but for our very existence.

The theme for this year’s 53rd Annual Convention and Representative Assembly was “Power of Our Union and the Promise of Public Schools.” It wasn’t all that long ago a NCAE president would not be putting these words together. But after the last decade of relentless attacks, I think we’re finally ready to admit if public education is to be saved in North Carolina, WE are the ones who will do it. Us. You and I.

How, you ask? We must continue to use our voices to tell our stories, build a narrative with parents, community allies and partners, and do it loudly. We must be honest about the problems we are facing, from the failing infrastructure of so many school buildings to low pay and lack of respect. We must be willing to admit our own mistakes and shortcomings as our beloved NCAE was on a

path to no longer exist before we started to slowly turn the tide in recent years. We cannot allow policymakers to sweep issues like our unprecedented low recruitment and mass exodus of public school employees under the rug or to sugarcoat the problem or solution with rhetoric and empty promises. We must take back our power, stop being passive and start being active. We have to stop waiting for others to make the changes we need, the changes our students deserve, and start making them for ourselves! Finally, we must have the courage to take risks, step out of our comfort zones, challenge the status quo and put ourselves on the line for the sake of the profession.

Now, I know change requires sacrifice and hard work. But don’t think for a single minute you are not strong enough for this fight. Every day, students walk into classrooms with every manner of hope and hardship, and no matter who they are or where they come from, you fight for them. You fight for their freedom to learn and your freedom to teach. You fight for all of us. It is literally who we are.

Until we are a state that fully funds our public schools, we must have the courage to find the power, for our schools, and most importantly, for our students to see it through. If not us, then who? If not now, then when? There is no other option. No one is coming to save us. We must find the courage within ourselves to be the change we need. My NCAE family, I challenge you to join me – to join us –and make the bold choices that show everyone how brave we all can be!

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Tamika Walker Kelly President

This is an excerpt from President Walker Kelly’s State of the Association address delivered at the NCAE Convention. To read in its entirety, click here

Attorney General Josh Stein Receives

NCAE’s Endorsement for Governor

"Josh Stein has a hopeful vision that connects and cares for ALL North Carolinians, whether they be Black, Brown, White, Native, immigrant, from the mountains to the coast, and every county in between. Public school educators understand this about Stein as well as the needs of our students and our communities, and we are prepared to put our time and talents to the task of electing Attorney General Stein to the leadership of our state." —

NCAE Vice President Bryan Proffit

NCAE Celebrates 53 Years at Annual Convention and Representative Assembly

(Continued from page 1)

Region 5 is the 2023 PAC leader, contributing $6,115 and gaining bragging rights to the banner.

See More Photos on the NCAE Flickr Site

Meet A Few of Our Newest Members!

A Message from NCAE Executive Director Matt Aber-Towns

Membership is on the rise at NCAE! Member organizing in the last few months has secured wins throughout the state -everything from increasing local supplements in a district for the first time in 20 years, to new restrooms for safety assistants, and increases in pay are victories that have been secured through member action and strategic plans. These wins and the members gained over the last couple of years, are the result of the choices many local presidents and the NCAE Board of Directors made to invest in organizational change and growth. For the first time in years, NCAE membership is 500 members stronger than it was a year ago, with more than 2,500 educators joining across the state this year.

Education Support Professionals are leading the way. Classified staff made huge leaps in rebuilding their power this year by already being at their strongest membership total in more than six years!

This summer, members will be able to deepen their skills and learning at the Summer Leadership Conference, July 18-21. The conference is open to ALL members who are dedicated to growing their local union. Local presidents and other elected member officers are strongly encouraged to bring a team. Those who attend will learn valuable skills and strategies proven to build local union power and will have an opportunity to receive state resources, including funding for local plans. To let us know you would like to attend, visit: https://link.ncae.org/SL2023-Interest

Student Members Learn About Profession, Beautify a School During Annual Spring Conference

For three days in late March, SNCAE members from all corners of the state gathered on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro for the group’s Spring Conference.

The students participated in a host of training sessions focusing on topics such as the history of NCAE/NEA/ SNCAE, classroom management, how to navigate childhood trauma, and building a classroom community, to name a few. Sessions were led by several great presenters that included former NCAE President Eddie Davis, university professors, members, and NCAE staff.

A highlight of the conference was the annual Outreach to Teach community service project, in its eighth year. The students spruced up Rankin Elementary School by painting a hallway mural and bathrooms, power washing sidewalks, beautifying the grounds, installing a creative play area for the kindergarteners, and revamping the teachers’ lounge.

“We are so glad the children and staff at Rankin Elementary were thrilled with the work we did for them,” said Reyna Herba, SNCAE president. “It’s times like this, when the community comes together, that we truly show what SNCAE stands for!”

Monthly News Bulletin Being Replaced by Weekly "In the Loop" Publication

The NCAE News Bulletin has served as the Association’s official publication since the 1970s, keeping members abreast of everything from education policy to member benefits. What began as a newsletter printed and mailed nine (9) times a year transitioned to an electronic publication offered monthly except January and July.

As beloved as the News Bulletin has been, we are now in a climate where the delivery of news and information is ever-changing. The world is more fast paced, and we must be able to keep up with how our content is delivered to and received by you. Beginning April 14, NCAE will publish a weekly newsletter called "In the Loop" that offers more up-to-date content in a format we hope will be easier for you to read and digest.

This April News Bulletin will be the final issue published.

Thank you for your readership over the years. Please continue to share story leads and ideas you think your colleagues may have an interest in with Linda.Powell@ncae.org.

NCAE Announces Its 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Recipients

Four North Carolina high school seniors are recipients of 2023 NCAE Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarships. Presented by the Human and Civil Rights Commission, each student will receive $2,000 to provide financial assistance to further their education beyond high school. Money for the scholarships was donated by NCAE members, staff and public education supporters. Selection criteria for students include scholastic achievement, character, and personality. In these brief descriptions, the students share how their lives have been influenced by the ideals and philosophies of Dr. King. Click here to read more about these amazing students.

Dr. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and his ideologies have had a profound effect on Safa, who is trying to emulate the love and resilience he showed throughout his lifetime. “I am awestruck by his mindset. I want to be someone who can be as loving and understanding as he was but still powerful. Like me, he experienced anger, but did not let it corrupt his heart. I want to be able to do this. His resilience and love are something I want in my life.”

Victoria Hall, Leesville Road High School in Wake County

Described as a strong leader with an admirable work ethic, Victoria has a thirst for reading and learning. On one side of her family, she will be the first grandchild to attend college, and on the other she will be the fourth generation of women to attend an institution of higher learning. A social studies teacher said of her, “From day one, Victoria approached each class with an optimistic attitude. While many students spend their first weeks feeling out the class before they decide to raise their hand and contribute to discussion, Victoria participated in every class, and brought a unique perspective to discussions and debates.”

Cai Parks, West Stokes High School in Stokes County

Cai commented that he has always strived to challenge himself. At school, he is president of Youth and Government, president of the Student Government Association, president of the National Honor Society, and is a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions. He is also senior patrol leader of his Boy Scout troop, works a part-time job, and has found time for activities such as powerlifting and fostering kittens.

Landry Smith, Lenoir County Early College High School in Lenoir County

Receiving stellar grades is Landry’s primary focus. However, she is also very involved in extracurricular activities at school and in her community. She is a member of the Student Government Association, is vice president of the Early College Rotary Interact Club, and is a math tutor. She is a social media marketer for her church, and has volunteered for the American Red Cross, and has helped coordinate a Black History Month display. Some of the honors/awards she has received include the National Society of High School Scholars Award of Excellence and having her poem “Stay Golden, Black Girl” published by the America Library of Poetry.

Safa Akhter, City of Medicine Academy in Durham County

April is School Library Month: Let’s Celebrate the Important Role of School Librarians

School library media coordinators do a lot more than check out and shelve books. We educate students about the joy of reading, digital citizenship, research skills, and information technology. And, we work with classroom teachers to collaboratively plan lessons that help our students learn.

School Library Month was started by the American Association of School Librarians in 1985 to celebrate school libraries and school librarians. During the month of April, we magnify the vital role of school libraries and librarians in the education of public school students.

More than ever in this age of “fake news,” school librarians are needed to teach our students to evaluate the credibility of information they consume on the Internet and social media. Most importantly, we are defenders of intellectual freedom. School library collections are under attack and are being heavily scrutinized due to the increasing diversity of our readers and the authors who publish stories. Many of our books teach our country's true history, and many of these stories are not pleasant to read. However, as NCAE members, we should be very dismayed that censorship and book banning is occurring at an alarming rate, particularly works by Black, Latino, and LGTBQ authors.

So, let’s celebrate all the wonderful work school library media coordinators do every single day and let’s work towards upholding our students’ First Amendment right to read what they choose.

To learn more about the important role of school librarians, intellectual freedom, and censorship, check out these websites:

• American Association of School Librarians — https://www.ala.org/aasl/

• ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom — https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/oif

• PEN America — https://pen.org/

To be certified as a K-12 school library media coordinator in North Carolina, one must have a master’s in library science or library and information science and have taken classes in education and or have a bachelor’s degree in education.

Have You Heard?

NEA’s “School Me” monthly podcast is a real educational experience that is fueled by educators and will help you thrive in your career. School Me brings you advice from your fellow colleagues, expert breakdowns of education trends and news, and the encouragement you need to give your students your very best each day.

In the latest episode, “Battling Educator Stress,” Todd Scholl from the Center for Educator Wellness and Learning discusses the toll stress can take on educators, as well as strategies for managing it, taking action for the greater good, and maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Click here to listen.

Submitted by Michelle Burton, school library media coordinator at Spring Valley Elementary in Durham County and president of the Durham Association of Educators and the NCAE Student Services Division.

New Staff

Brian McKeown is an organizer in Asheville/Buncombe County. He taught history at Erwin High School in Buncombe County prior to being hired.

McKeown said he wanted to work for NCAE because “I felt I could make a greater impact on students and educators by joining the organizing fight for better learning and working conditions across the state. I served as an executive board member of the Buncombe County Association of Educators (BCAE) and grew tired of continuing to watch the state of public education worsen.”

A native of Illinois, McKeown attended Loyola University of Chicago, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He worked with at-risk youth for 10 years but became disillusioned with the industry and began looking for a way to be more effective in preventing young people from being in crisis rather than being involved in the recovery phase. He got involved in community development through a local non-profit, which led him to working in high school classrooms. It was there he realized teachers are on the front lines of working with students and can help them from going into crisis. “I decided I would become a teacher, a decision I have never regretted. My proudest accomplishment has always been the work I’ve done with students.” He was a teacher for 10 years.

McKeown and his wife, Hollis, who is an educator, have two sons, Finn, age 10 and Abe, age 7. He said his goal for his boys is to ensure they receive the highest quality education and that they have a strong sense of justice and equity in their decision-making.

When not involved in organizing work for the Association, he enjoys the vibrant Asheville music scene, watching movies at home with his family, playing trivia, and hiking in the mountains.

The impact of inflation on your auto insurance premium

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Dates to Remember

April

7th NCAE Spring Break (offices closed through April 10)

11th National Teach Children To Save Day

17th National Stress Awareness Day

18th Income Tax Pay Day

22nd Earth Day

27th Take Your Daughters & Sons to Work Day: Link

Autism Awareness Month Link

Celebrate Diversity Month

Child Abuse Prevention Month

Global Child Nutrition Month Link

School Library Media Month

Everyonedeserves aneducation

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, 3700 Glenwood Ave., Suite 510, Raleigh, NC 27612, 1-800-662-7924.

Linda Powell, Editor/Designer

“Nine tenths of education is encouragement.”

— Anatole France