February 2023 NCAE News Bulletin

Fostering a Love for Our Students, Cultures, Communities

With the month of February comes expressions of love in many forms, the most obvious being for a special someone. However, the love we show for our students, our communities and our respective cultures is just as significant. Love played a huge role in our decision to enter the profession. Our love of children, our love of learning and passing that on to future generations was and continues to be a driving force in this career path we’ve chosen. Whether a teacher, food service worker, custodian or administrator, our craft exudes love; it’s why we continue to get up every morning and go to our schools and worksites in an effort to create safe spaces for our students while advocating for their needs, and ours, to ensure success.

As we look at how to create those spaces where our children feel loved and cared for, we must also be mindful

Read Across America 2023

Create and Celebrate a Nation of Diverse Readers

Read Across America Day is Thursday, March 2. As the excitement builds, NEA has resources available that can help make your event one for the record books! Everything from a list of diverse books, to free materials, to a promo>onal toolkit can be found here. So, what are you wai>ng for? Get busy planning!

of ways in which we foster love for different cultures reflective in the communities in which we live and serve. Not only do we celebrate love associated with strong affection in the month of February, but also the history of African Americans. It’s important we honor and celebrate our cultural differences because our public schools are some of the most diverse places there are. They are places where every child, regardless of their zip code, is welcomed!

The love we give makes such a difference in so many lives, and sometimes we forget that we, too, need to be the recipients of love, especially from the community. We need them to come in and support the things we’re doing in our schools. We need community members, especially those who have a love for public schools, to become advocates alongside us. We need them to sometimes go and represent us as we do the important work of educating students. Communal love for public schools and public education is going to be the single thing that unites us and helps us be successful.

Love is in the air, and it can be contagious! Spread the love you have for your students and public schools with others and ask them to do the same. Have conversations about the great things going on in your building and extend invitations to visit with those who share your passion whenever possible. It can and will make a difference. Just you wait and see!

Tamika Walker Kelly President

The Work of the 2023-24 Legislative Session is Underway

Jones Street is once again abuzz with activity from the General Assembly, who gaveled in on January 25 for the start of the 2023-24 session. NCAE has been working diligently to achieve the things our public school students and educators deserve. During our January 10 all member call, we offered up new approaches and strategies for the 2023 long and 2024 short legislative sessions that include three working frames:

• Our vision and broad long-term legislative agenda. This requires continued analysis of the General Assembly, more relationships and work over time.

• Our short-term, immediate priorities for the 2023 long and 2024 short sessions. This requires bipartisan support and cooperation as well as coordinated work in targeted counties across the state and is focused on per-student funding and educator retention and recruitment.

• Our ”Must Stops,” bad policies proposed.

At the top of the 2023 long and 2024 short sessions priority list is to increase per-student funding from $11,651 to $15,000. This increase in per-student funding can be spent on things like, but not limited to, student physical and mental health. An expansion of funding will allow schools to hire additional teacher assistants, school nurses, counselors, social workers, and psychologists.

Again, the list above isn’t the exhaustive list of our 2023-24 session priorities. We will continue to advocate to fully fund Leandro, to work toward a teacher licensure system that works to attract and retain quality teachers to the profession, to provide a COLA for retirees, and other issues important to NCAE active and retired members, educators across the state, and our students.

North Carolina’s public education system is at stake, now more than ever, and will remain in limbo without the help and collaboration of educators, parents and those who support the profession. In the past 20 years, schools have gone from having teacher assistants in most early grades to inconsistent placement and none in upper elementary classes;

from due process for teachers to the elimination of those rights; from pay for advanced degrees to no incentives for one beyond the bachelor’s level; from some of the best salaries in the South to among the worst in the country ... and the list goes on and on. And to top it all off, schools are experiencing unprecedented staffing shortages across the board. It’s going to take a movement, with NCAE spearheading the efforts. We need all hands on deck and there are things you can do to get involved:

Stay Connected

• “Tuesdays with Tamika” will be offered twice monthly with special guests who will take a deeper look at developments through the General Assembly.

• Education Insight, published weekly during the legislative session, includes a briefing on things you need to know from the week before in the General Assembly and what to watch for in the week ahead.

• Monthly Legislative Briefing Calls will be held on March 22, April 12 and 26, May 10 and 24, and June 14 and 28.

• Member Lobby Days are scheduled in March, May and July (more details forthcoming).

Become a Legislative Contact Liaison or Build a Legislative Contact Team — LCLs/LCTs should:

• Be members or potential members engaged with their local affiliate

• Have an interest in policy, the legislative process, issue advocacy or electoral campaigns

• With support, be willing to build a relationship with and hold elected officials accountable

• Work or live in the county the legislator(s) represents

• Collaborate and communicate well with local leaders and NCAE GR staff

To sign up, visit https://link.ncae.org/LCT

CMAE President Participates in NEA Talks on Gun Violence Prevention

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Association of Educators’ (CMAE) President Amanda Thompson-Rice recently participated in the NEA Gun Violence Prevention Convening at NEA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. NCAE was one of 13 affiliates represented to discuss the NEA New Business Item on gun violence.

Thompson-Rice said NEA is reviewing its crisis guide on how to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and follow up on incidents of gun violence. The participants heard from a panel of educators and staff who shared their experiences, discussed what NEA has to offer, and dug deep to review processes and fill potential gaps. Also offered were ways to include community stakeholders in the conversation.

“As someone who has personally dealt with gun violence, finding preventive measures and lobbying our elected officials is where my heart resides. Schools cannot become prisons for our students. They, along with our communities, must begin to heal so we can become wellness centers. Communities must become trauma-informed and students and families must have access to highquality, culturally competent, coordinated, social, emotional and mental health supports to address the impact of trauma.” Click here to see NEA resources on gun violence

WINTER LEADERS CONFERENCE UPDATE

The date for the NCAE Winter Leaders Conference has changed to February 25 and will be a virtual training to give more members an opportunity to participate. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and to view the sessions being offered. NOTE: If you registered previously for the Feb. 3-4 dates, you will need to re-register.

Member Wins!

NCAE Helps Resolve Disability Issues

Membership in the Association has its privileges and each year, members seek assistance for everything from issues dealing with benefits to legal matters. Recently, three members received help with disability claims and were able to get resolution thanks to NCAE.

CASE #1: A member in western NC who became disabled earlier this year applied for disability. While waiting for the 60-day waiting period to end, he opted to use paid leave, which he used until school closed in mid-June. The remainder of June, all of July and the first 19 days of August he received no salary compensation due to being a 10-month employee or disability benefits, which is paid over 12 months. When school reopened in mid-August, he was able to use personal leave the first four workdays and exhaust all of his paid leave. From that point to the end of the month, his disability was prorated, although he was eligible to receive payments beginning in June. The member’s UniServ director coordinated a meeting between the district’s superintendent of personnel, the HR director, the school board attorney, NCAE attorney Verlyn Chesson Porte, and Marge Foreman to work out the issue. Foreman shared that the member had been entitled to disability beginning in June, but wanted to exhaust his paid leave, which was an acceptable option. However, when school ended, that was no longer viable, at which point disability payments should have started. The member exhausting his leave did not mean he gave up the right to receive disability. Because of NCAE’s help, the member received a check of more than $7,000 in disability pay.

CASE #2: When a member applied for and began receiving social security disability, she ran into an issue that only NCAE could help with. Because she was receiving disability through the Retirement System, she had to inform them of the social security disability she was receiving,

which is subject to a counterbalance process by law. The Retirement System mistakenly did not implement the process and when it discovered, requested the member repay more than $20,000. The member called

Marge Foreman, who spoke with a representative at the Retirement System on her behalf. Foreman knew the statute required repayment but told the rep the repayment option was unfair since it was the Retirement System’s error. The issue was resolved by allowing the member to repay over an extended period of time without causing a financial hardship. “The member was so thankful and excited about the outcome and having more time to repay the money,” Foreman said.

CASE #3: The member’s disability application, which was to be reviewed by the NC Medical Board to determine long-term disability eligibility, was on hold because he was asked to provide more information. The member, who thought he had provided the board with the best documentation possible, questioned why the application was continuing to be rejected. He had made the decision to retire early, but that would have meant not receiving full retirement compensation (there is a penalty for retiring early that affects the amount of one’s pension for life). He talked with Marge Foreman, who explained the best route was to apply for disability. After supplying the additional piece of documentation, she was able to assist him with obtaining another appointment with the Medical Review Board and he was granted disability. As a result, he will receive 65 percent of his total employment compensation and will earn a free year of retirement service credit for every year he receives disability until he reaches 30 years at any age or age 60 with at least 25 years of service but less than 30. In addition, he will continue to receive health coverage and a yearly cost-of-living adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index.

Four Members Named Regional Teachers of the Year and Will Vy for State’s Top Teaching Honor

Kimberly Jones

North Central Regional Teacher of the Year

Four NCAE members, out of nine teachers from across the state, have been selected as Regional Teachers of the Year. They will compete for the title of 2023 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, which will be announced on April 14. These educators were chosen for their dedication, innovation and ability to inspire students to achieve.

The North Carolina Teacher of the Year program is a partnership between the Department of Public Instruction and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund to honor North Carolina’s teachers, which began in 2013. However, the state has recognized outstanding teachers through its program since 1970. The mission of the program is to promote the profession through advocacy and support while recognizing outstanding teaching professionals who are implementing best practices in classrooms across North Carolina. Click here to learn more about the program.

Congratulations to:

Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools

Casey Schulte

Northeast Regional Teacher of the Year

Bath Elementary School/ Beaufort County Schools

Laura Wilson

Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year

Roger Bell New Tech Academy/Craven County Schools

Tiffany Wynn

Piedmont-Triad Regional Teacher of the Year

Thomasville Middle School/Thomasville City Schools

Teacher Honors Students’ Identity by Learning Real Names

Here's a “feel good” story about an assignment member Justin Parmenter did to help him learn to pronounce students’ names correctly. “Our kids flourish when they feel valued and respected at school, and sometimes it's the little things that help us get there,” said Parmenter, who teaches seventh-grade language arts at South Academy of International Languages in Charlotte. Click here to read more.

Charlotte Member Recognized as the Manilow Music Teacher of the Year

Walter Suggs, a music teacher at Phillip O’berry Academy of Technology in Charlotte, is the recipient of the Manilow Music Teacher Award. He was personally congratulated by renowned singer-songwriter Barry Manilow and presented with a check for $10,000 from The Manilow Music Project during a recent celebration.

“I was overjoyed at winning the award,” said Suggs, a 29year teaching veteran. “This was a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment and it was an honor to meet Barry Manilow.”

Suggs said he will use the monetary prize to purchase as many instruments as possible for students. Each year, at least five or six students transitioning from middle to high school use a school-owned instrument to be able to continue playing. “The goal is to put an instrument in the hands of every student who wants to learn or continue to play. This money will be a great start in helping to do that.”

On average, 76% of each generation thinks they will have a harder time achieving nancial security than their parents did,1 and 80% of women believe it’s important to save more to generate more income for their future.2 Yet nearly half of the women surveyed by Retirement Insights, LLC in February, 2020, were saving 6% or less in their retirement plans.3

Some of the challenges women cite when trying to save for retirement include4:

It’s important for you to manage your savings and begin planning for retirement. Contact your local Horace Mann representative to help get on track for the retirement of your dreams.

New Staff

Help us welcome these new staff members to the NCAE Family. Click on their names to read more about them!

Gideon Bueno organizing apprentice

Douglas Curry organizer

Katlyn Dillard organizing apprentice

Eyricka Geneus organizer

Bennett Heine organizer Rebecca (Bex) Krop organizer

Abigail Mosley organizer

Lily Nicole Nelson organizer

Jocelyn Pearce organizer Sarah (Mo) Vukelich organizer

10 Must-Carry Items for Your Car This Winter

Winter Regional Leadership Meetings for Local Leaders

Members who serve on their local’s leadership team are invited and encouraged to join their Winter Regional Leadership Team meeting in February. During these meetings, Regional directors will share updates on the strategic planning process and preparations for the NCAE Convention and Representative Assembly as well as information about other upcoming opportunities for members.

Region 1 Leadership Team Meeting: Feb. 21, 4:30 p.m. https://link.ncae.org/NCAE-RLT-1

Region 2 Leadership Team Meeting: Feb. 15, 6 p.m. https://link.ncae.org/NCAE-RLT-2

Region 3 Leadership Team Meeting: Feb. 13, 7 p.m. https://link.ncae.org/NCAE-RLT-3

Region 4 Leadership Team Meeting: Feb. 20, 7 p.m. https://link.ncae.org/NCAE-RLT-4

Winter driving presents its share of challenges, from icy road conditions to car batteries that strain due to the cold. When temperatures dip and your car breaks down, you could find yourself stuck for hours. Thankfully, some forethought and preparation can help. Make sure you’re fully prepared for whatever winter throws at you and stock up on these must-carry items for your emergency winter car kit this season.

#1: Ice scrapers, snow brushes and a foldable shovel

#2: A bag of sand or kitty litter

#3: Hazard triangles and LED flares

#4: A flashlight and extra batteries

#5: Jumper cables and a battery charger

#6: A cell phone charger and portable power bank

#7: Blankets and cold weather clothes

#8: Snacks and water

#9: Entertainment

#10: First-aid kit

For more details, click here.

Region 5 Leadership Team Meeting: Feb. 22, 5:30 p.m. https://link.ncae.org/NCAE-RLT-5

Region 6 Leadership Team Meeting: Feb. 11, Noon https://link.ncae.org/NCAE-RLT-6

Region 7 Leadership Team Meeting: Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. https://link.ncae.org/NCAE-RLT-7

HOT DEALS for February 2023

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 February at neamb.com/ marketplace:

• 1-800Flowers -- Send flowers and exclusive gifts to show you care this Valentine’s Day or for any occasion! Save $15 on two dozen red roses and receive 5 percent cash back.

• Godiva -- Treat your special someone (and yourself) to delicious Belgian chocolates this Valentine’s Day. Buy a box of chocolates and add on an additional 15 pc. milk or dark chocolate gift box for only $20 using the code SWEETTREAT. Plus, free standard shipping on orders $40+.

• Sephora -- This Valentine’s Day, shower your loved ones with gifts from Sephora that make them feel radiant and beautiful! Get 10 percent off your next purchase when you sign up for text updates and get free shipping on every order!

• Macy’s -- Not sure what to give that special someone? Explore all your options at Macy’s. Don’t miss out on the Deals of the Day, earn cash back, and join Star Rewards for even more benefits.

• Omaha Steaks -- For the meat lovers in your life, give them a sizzling reminder of your love by sending Omaha Steaks! Help them stock their freezer for up to 55 percent off during the Freezer Filler sale and add gift wrap for that personal touch.

2023 is the Year to Find Your Next Car

Find your next new or used car online with the NEA Auto Buying Program. Shop vehicles from top brands and view upfront price offers on local inventory. Browse vehicles at neamb.com/products/nea-auto-buying-program

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Dates to Remember

February

9th National Pizza Day

11th International Day of Women and Girls in Science

12th Super Bowl LVII (57)

14th International Book Giving Day

Library Lovers Day

National Have a Heart Day

17th World Human Spirit Day

20th Presidents Day (NCAE closed)

World Day for Social Justice

African-American Cultural Heritage Month

International Boost Self-Esteem Month

Library Lovers Month

North American Inclusion Month (NAIM)

Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month

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Everyonedeserves aneducation

“To the uneducated, an A is just three sticks.” — A.A. Milne

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Linda Powell, Editor/Designer