NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN September
2016
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
Volume 47, No. 2
Help Build
a Pro-Public Education
MAJORITY
Ready to go “All In” for NCAE in the 2016 Election? Visit the NCAE Votes Web site, www.ncaevotes.org, to see a list of pro-public education candidates being endorsed by the Association. You can also sign up to stay informed about opportunities with NCAE. This year marks a critical time to elect policymakers who can STOP the dismantling of public schools and right some of the issues at stake -- school funding, reduction in school positions, professional compensation and benefits for educators, student resources, and much more. Let’s make sure that every candidate in every race in North Carolina knows that NCAE VOTES!
I M P O R T A N T D A T E S
September 9: Absentee Voting Begins October 14: Voter Registration Ends October 20: One-Stop Early Voting Begins November 5: One-Stop Early Voting Ends November 8: ELECTION DAY
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September 2016
The Public Education Movement Needs You! I recently read a quote that has been resonating with me ...”A movement exists when people are inspired to move, to do something, to make the cause their own.” During this time in which we live, we have witnessed several movements recently taking Kristy Moore shape – Moral Mondays, Black Vice President Lives Matter, and the elimination of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations of some of our students, just to name a few. Movements are an important and necessary part of our social fabric because they lead to the change of cultural ills that can quite often be detrimental. Movements allow us to become involved in a cause, they serve as a vehicle by which we can lift our voices, and they help unify and empower the masses. And, movements also foster togetherness and strength, two of the things we as educators are going to need in order to be “All In” for our students and the profession. During this 2016 election cycle, we must take a stand to keep public education from spiraling more out of control than it already has. Our children deserve more than what they are
receiving from this state and we’re going to have to be the ones to make sure that happens! It’s going to take commitment, it’s going to take hard work, and, it’s going to take what we can do individually as well as collectively. It’s going to take us having conversations with our colleagues about the Association and why we are a member of the largest education advocacy organization in North Carolina. It’s going to take us sharing with them why they need to join the MOVEMENT to ensure that every child is rightfully educated. Also, it’s going to take us supporting our endorsed candidates and having conversations with others about who they are and the impact they will have if elected. My fellow educators, this movement should hold a special place in your heart and is one that we cannot and must not ignore! We have faced many challenges in this profession called public education, and we have fought, and won, many battles. This is not a time to slow our pace, but to keep the torch held high and make our way victoriously toward the finish line on November 8. Together we can make the change that needs to happen in Washington, D.C., in our governor’s office and state Legislature, and in our communities. We just have to be “All In.” Stay focused, stay dedicated, and remember … we are and always will be “Stronger Together!”
Discussions With a President
NCAE leaders President Mark Jewell and Vice President Kristy Moore, along with several members, recently got an opportunity to sit down with former President Bill Clinton to discuss presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s plans for jobs and education. The meeting was held at Shaw University in Raleigh and was also attended by State Superintendent June Atkinson, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, and Linda Coleman, candidate for N.C. lieutenant governor. Clinton was in town as part of a fund-raising effort for his wife’s campaign.
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The Most Important Campaign. Ever. The countdown is on. By the time you read this, there will be less than two months until the November election. I am sure you have heard multiple times over the years – this is THE most important election we have ever had in North Carolina. Every time, it was true, and this time is no different. A lot is at stake this year. This time, we have a chance to take back the future of North Carolina and the direction that public education is headed. It will be you, the dedicated members of NCAE, that will help to tip the scales in the right direction and put key candidates in important offices to level the playing field for our students and public education. Victory however comes with a price tag, and I am not talking about the cost of all those political ads that are running on TV and radio. I am talking about the price of time and effort. While those ads are important and necessary, campaigns are usually won on the ground with the right messengers with the right message. This means that educators will need to speak up to anyone who will listen on which candidates are pro-public education and have the best interests of all students in North Carolina. While all NCAE endorsements are important, two statewide races are pivotal to changing the tide – governor and attorney general. NCAE endorsed Roy Cooper for Governor last December and Josh Stein for Attorney General. These two positions act as goalies for public education and our issues. Other statewide endorsements include – Linda Coleman for Lt. Governor, Dan Blue III for Treasurer, June Atkinson for State Superintendent, and Elaine Marshall for Secretary of State. If you are unfamiliar with NCAE’s endorsements to date, please visit www.NCAEvotes.org for more information. Please share this Web site with others who want to know who NCAE endorsed. As we move through the next two months, how can educators help move our endorsed candidates across the finish line? 1) Educate yourself on the candidates running for offices. Know NCAE’s endorsed candidates. If running again, know your current elected officials’ positions on key issues like voucher expansion, Achievement School Districts, funding for public education, career status and more. Have they made statements in the press and done something different? Have they been
responsive? Do they care about your voice? 2) Volunteer. Volunteer. Volunteer. This election will be key for public education and the future of our state. No one is more respected than you – educators – on public education. Our NCAEendorsed candidates need your voice and energy to help the general public understand why NCAE is supporting them and Rachelle Johnson working to get them elected. Executive Director Everyone is watching North Carolina. Our state will be pivotal to the presidential election and has the most competitive governor’s race in the country. If we are successful in this campaign, we can stop the bus from driving off the cliff. There will be plenty of opportunities to phone bank or canvass, and NCAE will be providing more information on dates, times, and locations as we become aware of them. Some will be with our endorsed candidates’ campaigns. Others will be memberto-member conversations. All are important to success and keys to victory. 3) Vote. Early. Absentee. In Person. Whichever way you choose. It is also important to vote in all down ballot races, including judicial. The courts are important avenues for addressing wrongs, as we experienced in the career status litigation, which NCAE filed and won at the Supreme Court level. Given recent victories which restored early voting and removed unreasonable restrictions like voter ID for this election, there will be more opportunities for all citizens to exercise their right to vote in this important election. Make a plan for how you will vote and when. Encourage others to do the same. Exercise your right. Whether you vote, knock on doors, and/or make phone calls, it will all make a difference – for public education, for students, for educators. I’ll see you on the campaign trail. #TeamNCAE. #StrongerTogether.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! NCAE Law Conference Election Year Edition WHEN: 10
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Saturday, October 1 -- 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: NCAE Center in Raleigh Click here to register
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News Bulletin
September 2016
Know Who Represents You on the NCAE Board of Directors
Mark Jewell
Kristy Moore Vice
Rachelle Johnson
President
President
Executive Director
Lisa Delaney Region 1-A Director
Deborah Norris Region 1-B Director
Val Young Region 2 Director
Sandy Young Region 2 Director
Linda Davis Region 3 Director
Brenda Feathers Region 3 Director
Liz Hackney Region 4 Director
Arielle Hogarth Region 4 Director
Barbara Davis Region 5 Director
Bryan Proffitt Region 5 Director
Dallas Brown Region 6 Director
Tamika W. Kelly Region 6 Director
Tony Veilleux Region 7-A Director
Christopher Meek Region 7-B Director
Tripp Jeffers NEA Director
Julio Morales NEA Director
Denise McCoy NEA At-Large Dir.
Karen Slade, Pres. ESP Division
Ronda Mays, Pres. Student Serv. Div.
Michael Putney, Pres. Prin/Admin Div.
Courtney Foster SNCAE President
Joan Bass NCRSP President
Willie Ramey NCRSP Vice Pres.
John Lucas Honorary Director
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ESP Pres ... “Don’t Let Fear Deter You From Becoming a Leader” Karen Slade always knew that she possessed the qualities of a good leader, but for a long time fear and lack of confidence held her back. Things changed in 2004, she said, when a personal shift in her life turned those stumbling blocks into victories. “I used to look for approval from others because I wasn’t strong enough to believe in myself,” said Slade, a teacher assistant at Southern Alamance High School in Alamance County. “During this time I served in a variety of leadership positions but wasn’t comfortable with my ability to be an effective leader.” Now president of the ESP Division, Slade has identified her personal strengths and weaknesses and is using this knowledge to lead the division to new heights. She credits the NEA ESP Leaders for Tomorrow Program for the self-check and selfevaluation needed to run for the position. “I knew I had leadership skills, but they were skills that needed to be tweaked and reconstructed. The intense training helped me focus on seeing myself in every aspect as a leader. I learned how my actions and reactions as a leader can affect the outcome of different situations. I fine-tuned my organizing skills, and was reminded how important it is to keep an open mind and respect the opinions and ideas of others.” Slade said when the opportunity presented itself to apply for the program, she hesitated to do so because she felt it involved too much paperwork. Former ESP Division President Chris Bridges, who is also a Leaders for Tomorrow graduate,
encouraged her to take advantage of the opportunity. “He explained how helpful it would be and he was right.” The NEA ESP Leaders for Tomorrow program is a threesession training process that is held over an eight-month period. The program trains both current and future leaders in leadership attitudes, skills, and knowledge that will enhance their ability to be visible, vocal advocates at the local, state, and national levels of NEA. Her role as a leader runs the gamut. In addition to serving as ESP president, Slade has been an association rep for 15 years and local treasurer for the Alamance/Burlington Association of Educators (ABAE) for five years. She served as local president for three years, as local vice president for a year, and was a member of the NCAE ESP Board. When asked about her leadership style, she compares it to the analogy of the body – every part of the body has a purpose, but it takes the whole body to function as a unit. Being a leader is never easy and requires a lot of hard work, long hours, and interacting with all types of personalities. It can also be a thankless job, but Slade said she is up to the challenge. “As a leader I refuse to give up,” said Slade, who believes that good leaders should encourage others to use their talents, should recognize the potential in others, and should feel that everyone has something to contribute. “During this journey, I want to see more professional development offered to ESPs, I want there to be more opportunities for ESPs to become involved in their locals, and I want to fulfill the goal of discovering and developing strong leaders within our division, which will benefit NCAE as a whole.” Slade said since taking on the role of ESP president, she has been moved to tears (in a good way) because of the awesome group of ESP Board members she works with. “During our retreat, I was so overwhelmed with how smoothly and efficiently everything went. It was at that moment that I realized that I work with a team of effective leaders, and that no matter what we encounter, we will get things done, together!”
Showing Impact on Student Growth: Now that Standard Six has been eliminated as a Stand-‐Alone Standard The following standards and indicators provide opportunities for teachers to demonstrate impact on student growth by using relevant data and multiple or a variety of assessments. These already in place indicators replace Standard Six (connected to SBE Policy ID Number: TCPC-004). ➡ Standard I: Teachers Demonstrate Leadership
➡ Standard IV: Teachers Facilitate Learning for Their Students ➡ Standard V: Reflective Practice Click here to read more about each standard. Interested in hosting a session for members around this component of the evaluation process? Contact Angela.Farthing@ncae.org or Elic.Senter@ncae.org at NCAE.
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News Bulletin
September 2016
How Members Plan to Commemorate the Anniversary of 911 September 11, 2016, marks the 15th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center complex, the Stonycreek Township in Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Many of us will never forget that day…where we were, who we were with, and what we were doing. Members were asked to share how they will honor the memory of the thousands of Americans who lost their lives. Here are some of the activities they will participate in during this year’s National Day of Service and Remembrance. Ida Smith, Emsley A. Laney High School in New Hanover County – “I am a high school social studies teacher, and just like in past years, I will expose my students to LeRoy Wilton Homer Jr., an African-American pilot who was the first officer on United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed into a field near Shanksville, Penn., killing all 37 passengers and seven crew members. Each school year I am surprised at the number of students who do not know about this terrible tragedy. I believe we do our students a disservice when we don’t share the sacrifices of all citizens in our commemoration of the day.” LTC Tony A. Memminger, Douglas Bryd High School in Cumberland County – “I plan to collaborate with other teachers to conduct an annual ceremony prior to the first period class,” said Memminger, a senior Army instructor. “Cadets will conduct a formation and share information with students acknowledging the events of 911. The band will play Taps and the SGA representative will make an announcement to the student body. Also, the Army JROTC Department will present information in class.” Louisa Huerta, John R. Kernodle Middle School in Guilford County – “Since September 11, I have commemorated that tragic day with my chorus students. Every year I prepare them to sing patriotic and inspirational songs. On the day of remembrance, each chorus class sings the songs during their class period in the school’s commons area, which is located in the center of the school. All students, faculty, staff, and parents are invited to listen and share their own stories. This is just a small way I have created to keep the memory alive for our students, and, it has become a school tradition!” Linda Lane, retired educator and member of the Stokes County NCRSP – “My husband and I place flowers at our church, Trinity United Methodist Church.”
Get to Know a New Educator in Your School Being a new educator can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. As a more experienced colleague, make new educators in your school feel welcomed by getting to know them, share why you chose a career in public education, and why you are a member of NCAE. If you need help having a conversation, click here to access a card that can make having a talk with them a little easier!
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September 2016
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More Than an Education ... An Equal Chance at Success
PROUD MOMENTS Five Members Receive NEA Founda5on Grants The educational projects of five NCAE members will be funded thanks to grants they received from the NEA Foundation. An independent public charity, the Foundation awards two levels of grant funding, $2,000 to $5,000, for two categories of grants – Student Achievement Grants for initiatives to improve academic achievement and Learning Leadership Grants for high-quality educational professional development activities. ✦ Lisa Von Dohlen, a social worker at Enka High School in Buncombe County, received a $2,000 Learning & Leadership Grant. She will attend a language school and volunteer at a local learning center in Mexico. ✦ Melissa Hamlin and Heather Stafford of Central Middle School in Surry County. This team received a $5,000 Student Achievement Grant for a “Shark Tank” project to develop and present prototypes to solve a chosen problem. “Adolescents must see a need for learning,” said Hamlin, a science teacher. “So, our students will design technology that meets a specific need with a cooperative engineering group. Then they’ll create a presentation to ‘sell their prototype.’” ✦ Wendi Pilliars is an English as a Second Language teacher at Jordan-Matthews High School in Chatham County. Her $2,000 Learning & Leadership Grant will be used to explore the latest findings in language development at a national language learning conference. ✦ Lauren Piner, a social studies teacher at South Central High School in Pitt County. The $2,000 Learning & Leadership Grant she received will be used to study and explore the history of World War II, the Holocaust, and 20th century European history, as well as current European events with other educators from around the world. “As a world history teacher, I teach a curriculum that spans more than 5,000 years,” said Piner. “It can be difficult to make the subject matter relevant to students’ lives. But my attendance and participation in this seminar will further my own knowledge and allow me to make more connections for my students.” The NEA Foundation awards grants to educators three times a year. The next education grant deadline is October 15, 2016. More information is available in the Grants to Educators section of the NEA Foundation Web site.
Third-grade student Maria sits in her classroom suffering from a severe case of eczema. Her single mom lost her job a month ago and can no longer afford the medicated cream Maria needs. Carlos, an active fifth grader, has not been to school in two weeks. His dilapidated shoes finally came completely apart, and his parents just don’t have the money to buy him a new pair right now. Alexis, now a senior in high school, dreams of attending college. But, she knows it is only a dream. She doesn’t have the money for the SAT and without those scores, she cannot apply for schools or scholarships. Do you read this and think these are made-up stories designed to tug at your heart (and hopefully your wallet)? They are not. These are real children, struggling to get through school the best way they can. Every year, thousands of children suddenly find themselves in a situation of need with no one to turn to and no hope for change. The North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children exists to serve these children. Every year the Foundation arranges for eyeglasses, clothing, medicine, supplies, and various other needs as the requests pour in. You can help these children by supporting the Foundation through your donations and service. The Foundation will sponsor various fundraising events this year and you can help by volunteering and getting the word out. Help by identifying the need. If you know a child who could use assistance, please make sure someone in the school system contacts the Foundation. The issue will be addressed quickly so the student can get back on the path to success. No child deserves less than a level playing field. Please help the Foundation make that happen. For more information, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.NCFPSC.org or contact Executive Director Marca Hamm at marca.hamm@ncfpsc.org.
READING LIST FOR STUDENTS For teachers looking for the best new titles to add to their classroom library, the International Literacy Association Teachers’ Choice Reading List is the place to start. Not only is it where you’ll find the best books for ages 5–14, but you’ll know they come from a source you can rely on -- your fellow educators. Click here to view suggested selections.
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September 2016
SHP Open Enrollment Set for Oct. 1-‐31, 2016 The State Health Plan’s Open Enrollment for 2017 benefits will be held Oct. 1-31, 2016. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your health benefits. State Health Plan benefits are changing for 2017, and the Plan wants to make sure you make the best choices for yourself and your family. The State Health Plan will continue to offer active employees and non-Medicare retirees a choice among these three plan options: • Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) 85/15 • Enhanced 80/20 Plan • Traditional 70/30 Plan This year during Open Enrollment, ALL members and eligible dependents will be enrolled into the Traditional 70/30 Plan for 2017. If you want to reduce your premium or enroll in either the Enhanced 80/20 Plan or the ConsumerDirected Health Plan 85/15, YOU MUST TAKE ACTION DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT. Each health plan option will offer wellness premium credits to reduce your monthly premiums. Wellness premium credits include the opportunity to: • Attest during Open Enrollment in eEnroll that the subscriber is tobacco free, or will enroll in QuitlineNC • Choose or confirm a Primary Care Provider for subscriber and all covered dependents • Subscriber completes a confidential online Health Assessment. To receive this wellness credit, you must have completed or retaken your Health Assessment since May 1, 2016.
Ways to Make Your Students Feel Welcomed This School Year First impressions are lasting impressions, especially at the beginning of a new school year. Students sometimes arrive with a mix of emotions – nervousness, anxiety. These feelings are normal, even healthy. However, as educators, you can do a lot to ensure your classroom and school is a welcoming place they will enjoy coming to each day. Use Students’ Names -- Using a student’s name creates a sense of familiarity. When you know someone, you call them by name. Have students write their first name on a paper name tent with a bold marker to help you remember who they are. Share Your Story With Students -- Why did you go into teaching? Share your story with students not only helps them get to know you, it also reminds you of your chosen path. Give Them Something to Commemorate -- Show students that as an educator, you are investing in their future. For example, you may want to give each student a toy $5 bill and let them know if they still have it on the last day of school, they
This year’s changes include: • If you choose to stay in the Traditional 70/30 Plan, in order to receive coverage without paying the employee premium, you must attest that you are either tobacco-free or will enroll in the QuitlineNC tobacco-cessation program. (This does not apply to retirees.) • Under both the Traditional 70/30 Plan and the Enhanced 80/20 Plan, there are changes to the annual deductible, outof-pocket maximum and various copays. • Beginning January 1, 2017, CVS Caremark will be the pharmacy benefit manager for all health plan options. If you take your Health Assessment online between May 1 and October 15, 2016, not only will it count toward your wellness premium credit for 2017, but you also will be entered into a weekly drawing beginning in September for a $250 Amazon gift card. One lucky grand prize winner will receive an Apple Watch! To access the Health Assessment, visit the Plan’s Web site at www.shpnc.org and click Personal Health Portal. Watch your mail for information on member outreach meetings statewide as well as Telephone Town Hall meetings, all starting in September. As a reminder, all members are encouraged to stay engaged with the State Health Plan. The Member Focus e-newsletter keeps members up-to-date on pharmacy and health benefits, and provides tips on how to stay healthy, save money, prepare healthy recipes and more. Click here to subscribe.
can redeem it for a prize. This exercise may encourage them to be responsible with what they have been given. Have them share strategies on how they managed to keep from losing it. Give Students the Tools They Need -- Do something special such as freely giving out pencils throughout the year. This eliminates the anxiety often associated with forgetting something to write with. Students won’t have to worry that negative attention is being drawn to their errors. Promise to Give Your Best -- It is common practice for educators to ask students to give their best, be their best, demonstrate self-respect, and value learning. Teachers can also promise to give students their best as well. This can be as simple as saying, “I will work hard for you. I will push you to learn. I will require your best, and I will give you my best.” Contact Families Periodically -- Using an online learning management system should allow you to e-mail parents occasionally about students’ progress. Parents will appreciate this and interpret it as a sign that you are a conscientious teacher. Reaching out sets a precedent that emphasizes the value you place on communication. Adapted from an article printed in NEAToday.
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September 2016
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NCAE
10 DEALS
News Bulletin
September 2016
2016
for NEA Members
Dates to Remember
“Buy-Lights” for September Welcome to a new school year! NEA Click & Save is the online discount buying service for NEA members. Check out these select retailers and merchants for the month of September. • NEA Apparel Store -- Build your back-to-school wardrobe with access to dozens of top retailers -- like Kohl’s, Under Armour, Macy’s, and Nike -- all in one place! • Shoes.com -- Special savings on athletic shoes; free shipping on orders of $49 or more, plus a 60-day return period and prepaid return shipping. • Paragon Sports -- Get everything you need for fall hiking and camping, plus free shipping on orders of $49 or more.
September 8th 11th 15th 18th 21st 22nd
International Literacy Day National Day of Service and Remembrance International Day of Democracy National Respect Day International Day of Peace First Day of Autumn
Hunger Action Month Library Card Sign-up Month National Child Awareness Month National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
• NEA MB Electronics Store -- Get member pricing and earn WOW Points on name brands like Panasonic, Samsung, Dell, HP, and Canon. • NEA MB Entertainment Store -- Exclusive member pricing on world-class performances and entertainment including Broadway shows, movies, sporting events, and amusement parks.
It’s back-to-school time! Looking for classroom makeover ideas, tips on managing your classroom, how you can get deals on the essentials you need? NEA Member Benefits has what you’re looking for! Visit www.neamb.com/backtoschool for back-to-school resources.
NEA Auto & Home Insurance Program Did you know that NEA members save an average of $495 per year on auto insurance with the NEA Auto & Home Insurance Program through California Casualty? Find out how much you can save by calling 1-888-497-1090 and requesting an auto insurance quote. There’s no obligation, and you’ll receive a $25 Amazon Gift card in the process! For more information, visit www.neamb.com/autohome.
N C A E
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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. www.ncae.org
Linda Powell-Jones, Editor/Designer
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