NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN April
2015
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
Volume 45, No. 8
House Bill 738 Gives LEAs Flexibility in Use
NCAE-Backed Legislation Would Boost Textbook Fund for Students State lawmakers have filed legislation in the N.C. General Assembly that would infuse the state’s textbook fund with $76 million, a level last reached in 2008. House Bill 738 would give local school administrative units flexibility to use the funds for textbooks, other instructional resources or supplies, and equipment in the best ways to help students. The proposed legislation has bipartisan support with Rep. Craig Horn, Rep. Rick Glazier, Rep. Bryan Holloway and Rep. Marvin Lucas as primary sponsors. “Providing additional resources and giving local school districts the flexibility to use them in the best way to ensure our students are successful is critically important,” said Rep. Horn. “We must continue to find opportunities to get modern textbooks and technology in the hands of our children.” “One of the critical needs for school systems, parents and students across the state is a return of basic resources for textbooks, classroom supplies and digital materials, without which we hamstring teachers, hurt schools' capacity to educate, and seriously harm student educational opportunities,” said Rep. Glazier. “This bill is a major bipartisan CLICK TO SIGN TEXTBOOK PETITION
NC Textbook Funding: 2008-09 to 2014-15 Millions 125
100
75
50
25
0 2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Source: NC State Department of Public Instruction
effort, with NCAE assistance and leadership, to attack this resource deficit and substantially enhance student opportunity and achievement." In 2008, North Carolina’s textbook fund was $100.7 million and since that time has been cut more than 75 percent. “In addition to being an educator, I’m the parent of a sixth grader who has not brought a textbook home in years. I
2013
2014
Year
Compiled by: NCAE/GR, April 2015
know firsthand the challenges our classrooms and students are facing,” said NCAE President Rodney Ellis. “While we continue to transition to more digital resources, we cannot lose an entire generation of students by not providing them textbooks and other resources. This legislation will make a significant difference for students.”
Concerned About Education Issues? Make Your Voice Heard on April 28 at NCAE Lobby Day WHERE: North Carolina General Assembly, Raleigh DETAILS: Plan to arrive at the NCAE Center by 9:30 a.m. A briefing will be held prior to visiting the General Assembly. Professional dress is encouraged along with wearing NCAE buttons. SIGN-UP: Visit http://www.ncae.org/lobby-days/
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News Bulletin
April 2015
What Matters Most 2.0 Do the hopes and dreams of North Carolina’s 1.5 million public school children matter to you? Does providing the basic constitutional right to a free education? Does ensuring that every student has the resources needed to be successful? Does ensuring the promise that every child has the guarantee of a welltrained, professionally paid and highly respected teacher? I know Mark Jewell these things matter to you because NCAE Vice President they matter to NCAE. “What Matters Most” was the theme of this year’s convention and it’s a message that we must continue to drive home to those who set education policy in this state. We are in the throngs of a new political landscape where some are questioning the purpose of public education in the 21st century. If they would only ask those of us who work every day in public schools they would see our message is simple… access and equity for all! Public education has made North Carolina strong. It produces good citizens and is a vehicle to teach values and ideals like a just society, equal opportunity and democracy. Our schools have always been the key that opens the door to economic opportunity. And we all know that there is more to
education than academics. We address the needs of the whole child…issues such as health care, good nutrition, safe schools and family environment. We see students as more than a desk or data on a spread sheet. As educators, we know the importance of our work as we shape and influence the lives of almost every student in North Carolina. We know that the realities of inadequate funding, overuse and misuse of testing, and misguided and unproven policies consume time and energy that should be used to focus on the success of our students. Your incredible talents and creativity are worth so much more. Regardless of who they are, where they live, their race, ethnicity, religion, economic status or sexual orientation, ALL of our students are valuable and deserve a fair and equal chance. But it’s up to us to make that happen; we need to create change that is student-centered and NCAE led! We must embrace and engage everyone who works in the public education arena. But not only should we engage them, we must also engage parents and the community at large. We must raise awareness, remain or become involved, and ensure that our voices are heard on Jones Street and beyond. We have power as individuals and collectively. We have the passion, strength and commitment. We know what matters… improving the lives of ALL students and making public education stronger. Let’s be the change that we are waiting for!
NCAE 2.0...Putting the Future of
Today, you have the opportunity to strengthen the education family by joining or rejoining NCAE, or switching to e-Dues, as we continue to build a more united voice for students, public schools and education professionals. Join the many other members who are switching to e-Dues and help move NCAE into the 21st century. To learn more
the Association in Your Hands! NCAE’s members have a long and rich history of standing up for North Carolina’s public schools and helping students be successful. This united, organized voice of empowered educators has made a difference in the classroom, for your professions, and in your personal lives. Every voice is critical as we continue our effort to help students be more successful, empower educators and strengthen public education. Through an initiative we are launching this week called NCAE 2.0, we are envisioning our future by putting the power of membership in your hands. NCAE 2.0 is about doing what is right for your students, for educators and for public schools. By continuing to build a more powerful voice, our members will have more influence over decisions and policies that impact your professional and personal lives every day.
about NCAE 2.0, please watch this video. Thank you for your membership and for being a champion for students, educators and public schools.
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News Bulletin
April 2015
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NCAE’s 2015 Elected Officers These members have been elected or re-elected to serve on the NCAE Board of Directors.
Kristy Moore
Lisa Delaney
Val Young
NEA Director
Region 1-A Director
Region 2 Director
Charles Smith
Linda Davis
Dallas Brown
Region 3 Director (3-yr term)
Region 3 Director (2-yr term)
Region 6 Director
Michael Putney, president, Principals/ Administrators Div.
Rhonda Gordon, president, Student Services Div.
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News Bulletin
April 2015
Technology Levels the Playing Field for Students, Teachers in Lenoir Co. Dr. Steve Mazingo, superintendent of Lenoir County Public Schools, is a firm believer that it’s not always about how much you have, but how creative you’re willing to be with your resources. Last fall, he implemented a three-year technology project to bring his district into the 21st century by purchasing Apple laptops and iPads for each teacher and iPads for all 4,300 K-5 students in the county’s nine elementary schools. “I wanted to create a sense of uniformity across the county,” said Mazingo. “Some of our schools had new equipment and some had equipment that was outdated. It created a system of ‘have’s and have-not’s.’ This project is really leveling the playing field.” Mazingo said the project is being funded using reappropriated money that was already being spent on supplying resources for teachers and students. He crunched the numbers and shared the plan with principals, who were instantly on board. “I told them if they gave me 21 percent of their Title I funds for the project, I would solve their technology needs forever. Every three years, new equipment will be purchased; our schools will never again have to work with 10- or 12-year-old outdated equipment.” The project will be implemented in middle schools during the 2015-16 school year and in high schools in 2016-17. In addition to new equipment, each school has a designated digital learning specialist who is in charge of working with teachers on how to incorporate A student at Northwest Elementary School shows Lenoir County technology into the curriculum. The specialists also Superintendent Dr. Steve Mazingo how the iPad is helping with classroom provide weekly professional development for teachers instruction. Photo: Patrick Holmes, Lenoir County Public Schools on new techniques that can be effective in the classroom. community is looking at our schools and certainly how they The results of the project, Mazingo said, have been very are looking at our teachers.” positive. Students are 100 percent engaged and teachers are According to Mazingo, Lenoir County is a high-poverty area. able to be more effective with their instruction time. “I recently It is 86th in the state in terms of the amount of funding received visited a classroom and the students didn’t even look up when I for schools. It’s also one of the districts that is able to offer free walked in,” he said with a laugh. “I had to really sit down and breakfast and lunch to all of its students. “It took about two ask questions to get them to acknowledge me. They were years to solidify this plan but it was well worth it,” he said. working on projects and were totally engaged in the lesson. “For those superintendents in counties with limited resources “Members of the school board are equally as impressed, as who may assume that a project such as this is not possible, I are parents because their children are excited about what beg to differ. It’s going to take a lot of hard work but when you they’re doing in school. The project has really elevated how the look at what you’re already spending, what you’re already providing, and you think about the things that you won’t need if you provide this type of technology for your teachers and students, it becomes more possible than you ever imagined. It’s about combining your resources and using funds you’re Ana, a student at Southwood already spending in a different way. Because of this project, Elementary, takes a “selfie” Lenoir County is a happy place. We’re special here and we’re with Dr. Mazingo on the first moving forward! day the iPads were distributed “Good teachers want to teach and when you give them the in the district. tools, they are going to use them. I’m very proud of my teachers and I’m equally as proud of what they have been able to do with our students.”
News Bulletin
April 2015
NCAE
NCAE’s 45th Annual Convention in Pictures! This year’s convention and representative assembly was held at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside Hotel, nestled on the beautiful Cape Fear River. It was a two-day event filled with hard work, professional growth and fun as delegates focused on the theme “What Matters Most!” To see more convention highlights, visit the NCAE Flickr site.
Want to Hear the Messages of the Keynote Speakers? (Click on the individual’s name to listen)
James Ford, 2014 N.C. Teacher of the Year Bill Raabe, former educator and union leader
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News Bulletin
April 2015
First-Time Delegates Share Why It Was Important to Attend the NCAE Convention
Desiree Anderson, Durham Association of Educators -- “I wanted to see what the process was like and how things really work. It was amazing to experience the checks and balances that have been put into place and the fact that we really have a voice in the organization. It was important for me to see firsthand and just be a part of that process. It was also amazing to see the collaboration that took place and everyone working together!
Lee Childress, Forsyth County Association of Educators – “As a public education advocate at the local level, I wanted to experience the convention for all that it had to offer and participate in the work that is critical to what we do as an organization. It was another way for me to be involved in my association.”
Lanisha Daye, Vance County Association of Educators – “I feel it was important as a first-time delegate because I want to be an advocate for other educators. We are one voice and it’s great to come to collaborative conventions so that we can bring the information back to our peers.”
Noelle Dixon, Wake County NCAE – This is my second year teaching and at my school I realized how many people do not know their rights. I wanted to be more informed so that I can share that information with fellow coworkers. I want to be more informed and proactive when it comes to public education and make a difference for myself and my students.”
Amanda Garrison, Burke County Association of Educators – “As a new delegate I wanted to see how NCAE operated. I got to see even more how NCAE is fighting for the rights of teachers and students and public education as a whole. It was good to connect with other educators from across the state and have discussions around the things that are happening in our profession. I found the new delegates’ session informative and learned a lot about how the convention/rep assembly works.”
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April 2015
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SNCAE Closes the Books on Another Successful Outreach to Teach Project North Hills Elementary School in Forsyth County received a make-over recently thanks to members of the Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE). More than 75 students, along with current and retired NCAE members, rolled up their sleeves to landscape the grounds, refresh bulletin boards and paint. They also donated books and school supplies to the school. “Outreach to Teach is an annual day of service that provides students an opportunity to bond and give back to the community,” said Elic Senter, the state student organizer. “As future educators, they take pride in being able to do something special for and make a difference in the lives of students who attend these schools.”
Landscaping
Bulletin Boards
Painting SNCAE members spent the day sprucing up North Hills Elementary School. Photos: Elic Senter
Are you looking for professional development opportunities or want to continue your education? The NEA Academy may have just what you are looking for. As an NEA member, you can find more than 600 courses that fit your budget, your schedule and your life. Visit www.neaacademy.org for more information.
N.C. Foundation Champions for Children Gala WHEN: Thursday, April 23, 2015 WHERE: Grand Marquise Ballroom 225 Fidelity Court, Garner, N.C. TIME: 5:30 p.m. TICKETS: $125 To purchase tickets, visit the Foundation’s Web site, www.NCFPSC.org, or contact Marca.Hamm@NCFPSC.org.
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News Bulletin
April 2015
Congratulations 2015 Multicultural Arts Contest (MAC) Winners Two NCAE members and six students are statewide winners of the 2015 Multicultural Arts Contest. The contest is sponsored annually by the NCAE Human and Civil Rights Commission and is open to all public school students in grades K-12 and educators who are members of NCAE. There are six contest categories – artwork, short stories, poetry, essays, quiz books and teaching units. Each winner received a plaque that was presented during a special presentation at their schools or school board meetings. Congratulations to:
Gloria Lawrence, second from left, teaches at Gateway Education Center in Guilford County. She received first place for her teaching unit “Chinese New Year.”
Student Winners
Parkview Elementary School, Guilford County Above from left: second-grader Martin Del Angel for his artwork “Flower In His Garden,” fifth-grader Pei Wah for her artwork “Women of Color,” fifth-grader E’More Snipes for her poem “We Are Connected.”
Mount Airy Middle School, Surry County Randolph Frierson, center, teaches at Stoney Creek Elementary School in Charlotte. He received first place for his poem “One Voice: The Awakening of My Dream” and for his short story “Realizing the Power of My Dreams.”
Eighth-grader Karaline Fritchey for her artwork “Freedom”
Fairmont High School, Robeson County 10th-grader Margot Hunt for her poem “No Color No Size” 11th-grader Juanita Martinez for her artwork “In the Future We’re Still Together”
Give to the NCAE Wall of Jus4ce Project NCAE is giving you a tool so that you, and others, can demonstrate your willingness to speak out for social justice beyond the classroom and community -- it’s the Wall of Justice Project. The Wall of Justice is located at the NCAE Center and gives you an opportunity to sign a pledge card that says, “I Will Do All That I Can to Ensure Social Justice and Equality for All.” NCAE encourages all members to take the pledge and make a donation of at least $2, which will be used to support the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund for high school students entering college. Pledge cards are available through your local president and can be found online, where donations can be made electronically. Simply mail your pledge to NCAE Wall of Justice, 700 South Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601. You can also deliver your pledge card and donation in person. To help spread the word, please use #NCAEWallofJustice, or take a “selfie” with the pledge card and post it to your social media sites as well as on the NCAE Facebook wall, http://www.facebook.com/wearencae. For more information, contact Derevana Leach (Derevana.Leach@ncae.org) or Angela Farthing (Angela.Farthing@ncae.org), or call 1-800-662-7924.
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NCAE
April 2015
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DEALS for NEA Members
Dates to Remember
NEA Click & Save “Buy-Lights” for April
April 2015
NEA Click & Save is an online discount buying service for NEA members. Check out these featured items for April and start saving today! • Poppin.com (innovative office products) – Enjoy 10 percent off your entire order, plus free shipping • Zephora – Get free three-day shipping on orders of $50 or more • Home Depot – Save 10 percent on appliances $396 or more; free shipping on orders of $45 or more • Under Armour – Get free standard shipping on U.S. orders of $49+ and free two-day shipping on U.S. orders of $149+ • Samsung – Get up to 50 percent off suggested retail price; plus free shipping on orders over $50 • Sports Authority – Save up to 70 percent off; get free shipping on shoes, clothes and most orders over $49 • 1Voice (wearable fitness technology) – Get 25 percent off any order plus free shipping
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Earth Day National Board Spring Seminar. Click here for more information. NCAE Lobby Day, NCAE Center
Celebrate Diversity Month School Library Media Month
NCAE Student Services Division Annual Conference
NEA Vehicle Protection Program Plan Unexpected car repair bills can wreck your budget – that’s why it’s smart to participate in the NEA Vehicle Protection Program through CARCHEX. From now until April 30, 2015, NEA members are eligible for a $150 discount. For more information, visit www.neamb.com, click on the “Discounts” tab, and then on “Auto and Home Discounts.”
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“Student Services Advocacy and Leadership -- Meeting the Demands of a Diverse Society” When: Friday, April 24, 2015 Where: Clarion Hotel, Greensboro, NC Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: $10 for members, $25 for non-members Registration: Contact Rfrierson1@bellsouth.net
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. www.ncae.org
Linda Powell-Jones, Editor/Designer