December 2022 NCAE News Bulletin

Joyous Holiday Wishes

Preparing for Peace, Joy and Togetherness This Holiday Season

Well, here we are, once again … the end of the year. It’s hard to believe 2022 is almost over. As I reflect on the almost past 12 months, we as an organization have accomplished a lot. We have worked through legislative issues, we’ve worked in the community to educate people on our issues, we’ve been front-and-center on the proposed licensure changes, and we’ve made it through a highly contentious midterm election.

One way is to hold on to the joy that keeps you rooted in the profession. Being an educator in North Carolina is challenging, to say the least, but grounding and centering yourselves in why you do this work is key. My wish is for each of you to hold on to those feelings as we enter 2023.

Tamika Walker Kelly President

Through all of it, we’ve learned many lessons. Of those lessons, we need to think about the takeaways and how we want to use them as we move forward into a new year. And as we enter the second half of the school year, how do we reflect, review and renew our image and our passions?

Also, be mindful of the wins and celebrations of the Association, no matter how large or small. We must continue to find and acknowledge them when they occur because NCAE is a needed asset for public education in this state. We should always be uplifting the work of the organization in every place we can.

So, as you prepare for the holiday season – this time of peace, joy and togetherness – engage in some welldeserved time off to be with family, friends and loved ones, whether it’s binging in front of the television watching Netflix or traveling. Take a real break from social media and the stresses of the job and focus on dedicating that time to renewing yourselves to be ready for the next part of our work beginning full throttle in January. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or some other religious or cultural tradition, all of us here at NCAE wish you a happy and safe winter break. See you next year!

NC Supreme Court Demands State Fully Fund Public Schools

Imagine … walking into your school and every student has textbooks, a computer and tablet on which to work, and a bounty of supplies such as pens, pencils, paper, etc. Imagine smaller class sizes where teachers could give students the attention they need. Imagine having the proper staff, resources and tools necessary to make our schools places where ALL children can thrive and succeed to their fullest potential! Can you see it?

This vision shouldn’t be a figment of educators’ imaginations, but a reality in every school in North Carolina, regardless of whether in the largest city or the smallest town. It’s about equal opportunity for every child and their ability to dream. Make no mistake, the state has the funds available to make it happen -- $5 billion in unreserved funds and a Rainy Day reserve of $3.6 billion in the coffers, which would go a long way in fulfilling this obligation.

On November 4, 2022, our students and schools were awarded a victory when the North Carolina Supreme Court affirmed and reinstated the November 10, 2021, order by Judge David Lee directing funds be transferred by the state treasurer, state controller and state budget director for the second and third years (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) of the Leandro Plan, the basis of a lawsuit filed against the state 28 years ago to fully fund public schools.

This is a victory all educators should be excited about, with a willingness to mobilize others and build conversations

around this good news! What can you do to help? 1) Sign the “NCAE Fund Our Public Schools” petition and encourage your colleagues, friends and anyone who supports public education to do the same. We need thousands of signatures to share with Governor Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein asking them to take IMMEDIATE ACTION to get the Leandro funds released to schools. 2) Each Wednesday through the month of December, wear the color red in support of the court’s ruling to fully fund public education and post your photos on social media.

“This ruling reaffirms that the General Assembly must fund the Leandro education plan is a victory for everyone who believes all students, regardless of their background, deserve to receive a fully funded education that prepares them for the future,” said NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly upon hearing the news. “Since the start of the Leandro legal battle, an entire generation of students in North Carolina has lost out on what it means to have a fully funded education. Our legislators have done us all a disservice by not providing adequate resources for our schools to be successful and it is up to us to hold them accountable to the Constitution of our state.

“We see every day the disparities in this state between affluent and marginalized communities and we know this ruling takes us one step closer to allowing every student to grow and thrive in their public schools.”

The Lake Case: A Win for Retirees and Employee Rights

In 1972, the State of North Carolina began offering state employees premium-free health coverage that would cover them through retirement. Throughout the years, slight changes were made to the plan requirements, but the premiums remained cost free, that is until 2011, when the General Assembly, in an attempt to balance the budget, authorized the State Health Plan to begin charging retirees a monthly premium to enroll in the 80/20 PPO Plan. In essence, the state reneged on its promise leading retirees to file a lawsuit against the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees, the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System and its trustees, the State Treasurer, and the State of North Carolina.

The case – Lake vs. State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees –which affects thousands of retired state employees, was generated by plaintiffs retired educator and NCAE member Mike Latta, former Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court I. Beverly Lake, and two active teachers. Latta spent weeks reviewing state statutes and working behind the scenes doing research because he felt what the

ESP Learning Network Webinar Series

General Assembly did was illegal and a violation of the state constitution and statutes. The plaintiffs argued the General Assembly had other options to find the money to balance the budget instead of doing so on the backs of retirees.

This case has been moving through the judicial system since 2011, but in March 2022, the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled there is a contractual right established between the state and state employees vested before 2011 to receive a premium-free health benefit. “This is a big win for our members because the Court recognized the benefit is a constitutionally protected contractual right, which should not be taken away by the state without due process of the law,” said NCAE lead attorney Verlyn Chesson Porte. “NCAE filed an amicus brief to support our current and retired members whose rights are affected by this decision and because it is important for NCAE to have a voice in the consideration of all members’ rights before the courts.

“For the Court to recognize the free premium as a protected right in this case is very important. It sets a

standard, in line with precedent, that the state can’t promise to provide a benefit employees rely on and diligently work to meet the requirements to obtain, then rescind the promise. This case will also serve as a powerful example for employee rights’ advocates, including NCAE, to utilize for the protection of educators’ rights in future lawsuits. NCAE is dedicated to advocating for our members’ rights and benefits to ensure neither are taken away without proper redress. Regardless of the benefit, if we work for it, we intend to obtain and maintain it.”

In October, the Supreme Court of the United States declined to hear the State of North Carolina’s petition for a Writ of Certiorari appealing the North Carolina Supreme Court’s decision in favor of the plaintiffs. Therefore, the case is now back in the hands of the trial court for a decision, which could include reimbursement of payments to the plaintiffs. A date has not been set for a hearing to begin, but the NCAE Advocacy Center will provide updates as they become available.

The NEA ESP Quality Department offers a wide variety of professional development webinars to support the professional growth of school support staff. Register for these upcoming webinars in December and January relevant to ESP careers.

• Changing the Lens to Change the Outcome - Thursday, Dec. 8, 7-8 p.m. Gain practical ideas to build emotional resilience as ESPs. Learn to take responsibility for your emotional well-being in the face of trauma. Register here. This webinar is being presented by North Carolina’s own Margaret Powell, a data analyst in Wake County, and Christina Gordon, NEA Professional Practice and Policy Fellow.

• How is the Air Treating You? - Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, 7-8 p.m. Learn about preventative measures and treatments to ensure safe and healthy school environments for all. Register here. Pre-recorded webinars are also available and can be accessed here.

NCAE Election Forms

Due by January 10, 2023

If you are interested in running for an NCAE office in 2023, now is the time to begin thinking about the process and getting your information in order.

The following state and regional positions are open: NCAE President, NCAE Vice President, NEA Director, Regional Directors, NEA delegate positions – Categories 1 and 2 (Category 1 - non-supervisory personnel and Category 2supervisory personnel), and positions within the Division of Principals/Administrators, the Education Support Professionals (ESP) Council, and the Student Services Division. Forms for all positions are available by clicking here.

Biographies and photographs of all candidates for president, vice president, NEA director, regional directors and councils/divisions will be published in the NCAE News

Kenan Fellows Program Accepting Applications

Applications for the 2023-24 Kenan Fellows Program are being accepted through January 13, 2023. Fellowships will be awarded to K-12 teachers working on projects related to workforce development and STEM education.

NCAE member Daria Fedrick, a teacher in Harnett County, participated in the program last summer, saying, “the Kenan Fellows Program was the next logical step in furthering my career and education here in North Carolina.” Click here to see more about Daria’s experience.

The annual fellowship is the flagship initiative of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at N.C. State University. The fellowship develops and empowers a network of community-minded teacher leaders through partnerships with school districts, community colleges and universities and industry.

Teachers who complete the program say they have the skills and confidence to build meaningful relationships with industry professionals that better prepare students for the future and inspire them to explore subjects beyond prescribed learning.

To learn more about the program or to apply, click here.

Bulletin. Submit a biographical statement and professionalquality photo via e-mail (ncaeelections@ncae.org) or by certified mail to Derevana Leach, 3700 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 510, Raleigh, NC 27612, postmarked no later than January 10, 2023. The form is available by clicking here. All materials should be sent to ncaeelections@ncae.org Should you have questions, please send an e-mail to ncaeelections@ncae.org or contact Derevana Leach at (919) 755-5565 or 1-800-662-7924, ext. 203. Information submitted after the January 10 deadline, or without all the proper documentation, will not be published in the NCAE News Bulletin.

NOTE: April 2, 2023, beginning at 7 p.m. through April 16, 2023, ending at 11:59 p.m. are the days the NCAE Board of Directors has allocated for voting in the 2023 election of officers. Local elections must be held at the same time as the NCAE/NEA elections. The deadline for submitting local nominations for election is February 16, 2023.

Membership Forms, Dues Charts Only a Click Away

If you need the most updated membership forms or dues charts for your local, look no further! The NCAE Membership Department has created this form so you can request and automatically receive the most updated information for your local. Just click here, complete the brief questionnaire, and you will be sent links and PDF copies of membership forms and dues charts for your local. Be sure to bookmark the link for future reference.

8Money-Saving Ideas for the Holidays

As you celebrate the upcoming holiday season with family and friends, take a few minutes to give yourself a little something extra — peace of mind with these eight moneysaving ideas.

Simple ways you can SAVE during the holiday season:

1. Create a Budget – Gift giving adds up quickly. Give yourself a spending limit for the season and stick to it. You can break it down into categories, such as charitable giving, family presents and last-minute hostess gifts. Be realistic, and include a small slush fund for the unexpected.

2. Keep Track of Your Spending – Write down your spending as it happens. There’s a lot of buying during the holiday season; you won’t be able to remember it all. Diligent record keeping of who, what and how much will allow you to stay on course with your purchasing decisions.

3. Choose a Holiday Skip Payment Option for Your Auto Insurance – Adjust your payment schedule to EZ Pay and choose to skip your December/January payments. Auto and Home Insurance provided by California Casualty gives you protection, value and service with a convenient holiday skip payment option that’s perfect for this time of year.

4. Don’t Buy for Everyone – Invite family and friends to secretly pull names of individuals so you can buy just one special gift for your

designated recipient. You can also offer gifts to only the children in your family or choose to sponsor another family in need in lieu of buying gifts for your own.

5. Create New Traditions (That Cost Less) –Watch a holiday movie as a family. Find recipes that reflect your celebrated holiday and make them with loved ones. Time together and memories made from those moments can give you better return on investment than extravagant gifts purchased.

6. Seek Out Sales – Holiday sales are opportunities to save — if you know the real deals. Just remember: if something is on sale, it doesn’t mean you should buy it. To truly save, it’s best to have a few gift ideas in mind and then comparison shop for the best price(s).

7. Quit While You’re Ahead – Stop shopping once you have crossed off everyone on your list. Sticking to your gift-giving plan will lead to less debt following the holiday season. However, if you’re one who enjoys the hustle bustle of lastminute shopping, then save your “stocking stuffers” till the end.

8. Quote with California Casualty if You’re with Another Carrier – The member-only rates and educator-specific benefits offered through the NEA Auto and Home Insurance Program could offer significant long-term savings. Members who switch save an average of $423 on their auto insurance.

California Casualty has been serving the insurance needs of educators since 1951 and is the only auto and home insurance company to earn the trust and endorsement of the NEA. As such, NEA members qualify for exceptional rates, deductibles waived for vandalism or collision to your vehicle parked at school, holiday or summer skip payment plans and free Identity Defense protection – exclusive benefits not available to the public. Learn how to save by getting a quote at www.calcas.com/neamb, or by calling 1-866-680-5142.

New Staff

Matt Burris is NCAE’s newest organizing manager. Prior to joining the NCAE family, he worked as director for AAUP Oregon (American Association of University Professors/Oregon State Conference).

A native of Oklahoma, Burris said he was attracted to NCAE because the Association has a real commitment to organizing. “Organizing is who I am at my core,” he said. “When a colleague reached out and said there was a position open here that would give me an opportunity to help develop a strong organizing program, I knew it would be a good fit for me. I was like, ‘Yes! That’s an organization I want to work for.’”

Public education, Burris said, is important to him and this is his way of giving back to those who are responsible for the person he is today. His mother is a middle school special education English teacher. He remembers when she got involved in her local union, later becoming a building leader and an officer. “I have always been around education unionism. So, when it came time to decide on a career, I knew in which direction I wanted to go. My being able to work with K-12 educators is deeply connected to what I am doing. Plus, I had great educators in my life, like by fifthgrade teacher Ms. Tyler, who encouraged and pushed me to complete a program in which I had a huge interest. She knew how bad I wanted to complete the program and helped me put in the work to make it happen.”

We’re feeling festive

And we’re grateful for our clients, colleagues, family and friends this holiday season. From all of us at Horace Mann, we wish you peace, connection and joy in the year to come.

Horace Mann is here to help and always just a click away Contact your Horace Mann representative today.

NEA Discount Marketplace

The NEA Discount Marketplace, powered by Rakuten, enables members to earn cash back when they shop and save on brand-name merchandise from over 3,500 top retailers and online stores.* Check out the following member-exclusive deals for December 2022 at neamb.com/marketplace:

• 1800Flowers -- Surprise family and friends, near and far, with a seasonal bouquet or gourmet gift. Choose from Harry & David, The Popcorn Factory, Fruit Bouquets.com, Cheryl’s Cookies, and Simply Chocolate — just to name a few!

• Nike -- Shop some of the most popular athletic wear and shoes on the planet. You can even create a pair of custom kicks for the high-styler in your life! Join the Nike community for free and never pay for shipping.

• Kohl’s -- Make your wardrobe and your home sparkle for the holidays. Find great deals on clothing, footwear, home furnishings, seasonal décor, toys and more. Enjoy free curbside pickup and get free shipping on purchases of $49 or more.

• Shiseido -- Glamorize your look for the holidays with quality skincare products and makeup for women (and men)! Gift sets — perfect for holiday giving — are available, too!

• Chewy.com -- Pamper your pet with toys, treats, clothing, beds, gourmet food, and more. Save 5 percent on autoship products; plus, all orders over $49 ship free!

Kids’ Magazines — Great for Holiday Gifts

Delight the special children in your life with an entertaining and educational holiday gift from the NEA Magazine Service. Choose from dozens of titles suitable for all age groups including preschoolers, children, teens and ‘tweens’ at up to 85 percent off newsstand prices. View the complete list of titles at: www.neamb.com/magazine. You just might find some cool gifts for the ‘other kids’ (wink-wink) in your life!

Everyonedeservesaneducation

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

NCAE