NCAE North Carolina Association of Educators
News Bulletin Dec. 2019
Vol. 50, No. 5
Happy Holidays
www.ncae.org
NCAE News Bulletin
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Rest, Rejuvenate, and Prepare for 2020
I absolutely love the holiday season! For me, it’s not about receiving gifts, or decorating, or the yummy dishes that are served (although I enjoy each of these). It’s about the hope and love that we feel and share Mark Jewell with each other. President During this magical time of year as you prepare to spend time with family and friends, take a few moments to reflect on 2019 and the great work we have accomplished as an Association. We made some great strides this year, but there is more to accomplish as 2020 approaches. Next year is going to be busy for us. NCAE will celebrate its 50th anniversary and we will be preparing for elections on the state and national levels. While you are out and about over the holidays, take an opportunity to have discussions with family, friends, and neighbors about their voter registration status. We are going to have to work harder than ever to make sure that we elect candidates who will invest in North Carolina public schools because we know what our options are. We must face 2020 with optimism. We only have to look at recent elections in neighboring states – Kentucky in the election of pro-public education Governor Andy Beshear, Virginia in the election of a majority House and Senate, Louisiana in a razor-thin election re-elected pro-public education Governor John Bel Edwards. And, let’s not forget the impact we had in 2018 in breaking the supermajority! Victory is at our feet! All we have to do is
make sure we have candidates in place who will invest in the state’s 1.5 million students and reverse the backward trend that we have found ourselves in for the past eight to 10 years. Even though a budget has yet to be passed, we cannot lose hope. There is still time for lawmakers to come back in January and talk about educator salaries with the governor, which they have unfortunately refused to do. If you happen to see your representative over the holiday break, I encourage you to engage him/her in conversation about why it is you do what you do and why funding public education on all levels is so important. Before I wrap up, I want to thank each of you who participated in the Red for Ed Walk-Ins and attended the series of press conferences held around the state. We appreciate the efforts local affiliates took to organize these events to make educators’ voices heard. Activities such as these are important in ensuring that our stories are shared and we must continue to keep public education front and center. We are educators, not bargaining chips to be used to get corporate tax cuts and pork projects passed! The jobs we do every day makes a huge difference in the lives of many. We are worth more and so are our children! On behalf of NCAE leadership and staff, we wish you a peaceful, bountiful, and joyous holiday season. Savor your time with loved ones and get some much-needed rest. We look forward to working with you in the new year!
Congrats to:
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Kids… Not Corporations!
Members “Walk In” for Public Schools The morning of November 13 was one of the coldest on record for the month with temps in the 20s and wind chills in the teens. Frigid weather did nothing to stop members at several schools around the state from hosting Walk-In events in support of public schools and public education. Holding signs and bundled in their cold-weather gear, educators, students, and parents stood united and lifted their voices to let lawmakers know that they deserve so much more!
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1 1) Transylvania Co. members 2) C. Joyner Green Education Center, Guilford Co. Below, some of their signs.
3 3) Durant Road Elem., Wake Co.
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6) Walter G. Byers Elem., Charlotte
4) Rural Hall Elem., WinstonSalem
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5) Brightwood Elem., Guilford Co.
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7) Peck Elem., Guilford Co.
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NCAE Announces Endorsements for Governor and Council of State “These candidates have been champions for public schools and have proven their commitment to ensuring every student has an opportunity to receive a quality public education.” — NCAE President Mark Jewell
Roy Cooper, Governor
Josh Stein, Attorney General
Elaine Marshall, Secretary of State
Beth Wood, State Auditor
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Members Share Their Holiday Education “Wish Lists”
RESPECT!
It’s the beginning of the holiday season and hard to believe that half of the school year is almost over! For many, the focus has turned to hosting family and friends, shopping, and decorating. This time of year, some like to prepare a holiday “wish list” of things they would like to receive or give to others. You, our members, were recently asked to share three things pertaining to your job as an educator that you would like to include on a “wish list.” Here are a few of the responses that were shared.
• Significant pay raises for all educators
• White Board space
• Allotted mental health days for education professionals and students (sometimes you just need to get away from things)
• New Smart Board
• At least a $15 an hour minimum wage for those who keep our schools going • Basic health and nutritional needs for my students • Universal healthcare through the expansion of Medicaid
• Math 1 and 3 textbooks or e-Books
• 16 percent raise to make my step worth what it was in 2008 + inflation • Longevity pay • Master’s degree pay
• 30-minute duty-free lunch and one (1) 10-minute restroom/ distress break • Teacher assistant
Click here to read more.
• Salary increase
NCAE News Bulletin
Running for Office? Deadline for Forms Is January 7 If you are interested in running for an NCAE office in 2020, please visit the website to process and send in your information. The following state and regional positions are open: NCAE president, vice president, regional directors, NEA delegate positions – Categories 1 and 2, positions within the Division of Principal/ Administrators, positions within the Education Support Professionals Division, and positions within the Student Services Division. Forms for all positions are available by clicking here. Forms for candidates running for state positions, regional directors, and division positions MUST be accompanied by an official NCAE biographical form, personal statement, and a professionalquality photograph. This 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 the above e-mail address or contact Derevana Leach at 1-800-662-7924, ext. 203. You may print a copy of your form, which must be submitted via certified mail and postmarked on or before January 7, 2020. Information submitted after the January 7 deadline, or without all of the proper documentation, will not be published in the NCAE News Bulletin. NOTE: April 4-14, 2020, are the days the NCAE Board of Directors has allocated for voting on the above 2020 election of officers. Local elections must be held at the same time as this election. The deadline for submitting local nominations for election is Friday, February 14, 2020.
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From the NCAE Center for Instructional Advocacy Educators of Color Academy The Educators of Color Academy (EOC) is a three-year program which focuses on recruiting and maintaining minority educators as well as increasing NCAE membership. Participants are expected to complete a three-year program geared toward creating leadership opportunities while building a community of professional learning networks. The program is open to educators of color who are NCAE members. Both certified and non-certified educators are welcome to apply. Applications will be accessible January 15, 2020, with a deadline of February 15. Participants will be notified on March 15, 2020. 2020 Teacher Working Conditions Survey Mark Your Calendar! The North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Survey will be administered March 2-31, 2020, and is open to all licensed school-based educators. Data from this anonymous survey is critical to the ongoing process for collaborative school and district improvement plans across the state. Teaching conditions in schools are important for many reasons. Whether it’s the relationship to student learning or strong influence
on teacher retention. Research continues to confirm that this data matters. North Carolina’s response rate for the survey in 2018 was 91 percent. The aim for next year is 100 percent. The voices of educators need to be heard because “teacher working conditions are student learning conditions!” Stay tuned for more information. School Opportunity Checklist Have your voice heard by completing the NEA opportunity checklist for your school. Share on social media for students, parents, educators, and community members to complete. The checklist provides all stakeholders the opportunity to speak up and say what their students and educators still need in schools. This data can be a starting point to determining how you can organize and advocate for your students and schools to have exactly what is needed to be successful! Click here to complete the checklist. National Board Winter Bootcamp NCAE will host its winter National Board Bootcamp January 30-February 1, 2020, at the NCAE Center. To register, click here.
With Horace Mann Auto Insurance Educators Get An Advantage With Horace Mann auto insurance, North Carolina educators get our Educator Advantage® package of special features and benefits at no additional charge. With Educator Advantage® you get: •liability coverage if you’re transporting students in your vehicle; •replacement care if your new car is declared a total loss; and •additional towing and labor costs coverage if you have that coverage on your policy. And there’s more. With Horace Mann auto insurance, North Carolina educators receive an additional discount on top of already competitive rates. To learn more, contact your local Horace Mann representative. Horace Mann Insurance Company and its affiliates underwrite Horace Mann auto, home, enters and condo insurance. The benefits and discounts listed: are only general descriptions of coverage; do not constitute a statement of contract; are subject to terms, limits and conditions of the policy contract; and may vary by state. Horace Mann Life Insurance Company underwrites Horace Mann life insurance products.
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NCAE News Bulletin teaching corps, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement. As a recipient, Matthews received: •A certificate signed by the president of the United States •A paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities •A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation •An opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation
Cumberland Co. Member Surprised with Award Henrietta Juston, a teacher at Jack Britt High School in Cumberland County, won $50,000 from Harbor Freight to use in the school’s integrated technology systems program. The money will be used to purchase classroom equipment. Juston and Jack Britt were among 15 second-place nationwide winners of Harbor Freight’s Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. The school’s Integrated Systems Technology and Applied Engineering Academy seeks to provide students opportunities to study and learn technical design, engineering concepts, and skills needed to compete in a global job market. Drones and robotics are two areas of study. “I think this is pretty awesome,” Juston said after the ceremony in the school auditorium. “Our equipment is not inexpensive. Our students need to have practical applications. They need to know what the tools look like and how to use them.” Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Observer Watauga Co. Member Receives Prestigious Science Award Kathryn Matthews, a science teacher at Valle Crucis Elementary School, was one of four North Carolina teachers to receive a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the highest honor bestowed by the federal government specifically for K-12 mathematics and science teaching. The award recognizes those teachers who have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the nation’s
Halifax Co. Member Named One of The Best Special Ed Teachers in the Nation Srinivas Pannela, a teacher at Northwest Collegiate and Technical Academy, is the recipient of a 2019 Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award, presented by the National Association for Special Education Teachers (NASET). The award is given to special education teachers who have demonstrated outstanding achievement as a teacher in the field of special education, and recognizes the special skills and excellence of special education teachers throughout the United States. “In my classroom, I want students to have freedom that allows for expression and creativity. My personal goal is to challenge students and watch them grown to their full potential.” NASET is a national membership organization dedicated to rendering all possible support assistance to those preparing for or teaching in the field of special education. Carteret Co. High Schoolers Earn Highest Test Scores in NC According to the annual School Performance Grade Accountability Report, released by the N.C. State Board of Education, Carteret County public high school students earned the top end-of-grade and end-of-course test scores in the state. More than 88 percent of the district’s schools received an A or B grade, which is based on a school’s achievement scores on reading and math tests combined with the academic growth rate of its students. All three of the high schools were in the top 15 out of almost 400 high schools in the state. In addition to earing high EOG and EOC scores, Carteret County high school students also consistently earn among the highest SAT and ACT scores annually in the state. Graduates scored above the state and national averages on the SAT, earning the third highest score out of 115 public school systems in North Carolina, as reported by the Carteret County News-Times.
“To teach is to learn twice.” — Joseph Joubert
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Give a Child the Gift of Warm Clothing This Holiday Season! “Darius,” (name has been changed to protect the student’s identity), lives in a non-bus zone and walks 25 minutes oneway to school each day. His single mother is struggling to put food on the table. Darius has outgrown his warm clothes. Clothing charities in the area quoted a four-week waiting period before Darius could be helped, but…after his school social worker contacted the N.C. Foundation for Public School Children, Darius had a warm coat and warm clothing the very next day! The Foundation is seeing an increase in requests for clothing for students across the state. When you contribute, educators don’t have to deal with red tape and there is no waiting. Statistics show the longer a student struggles, the further behind they fall in school. The further behind a student falls, the chance they will move on to the next grade and ultimately graduate from high school is greatly reduced. Those of you who contribute regularly to the Foundation, thank you on behalf of our students. If you would like to help this holiday season, visit www.ncfpsc.org for more information.
NCAE Principals/Administrators Division
Join, Advocate, Lead for Strong Public Schools Get involved and join the Board of Directors to represent the following regions/positions: 1-B, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and Central Office. Send your resume or contact LaAlice Hopkins, laalice.hopkins@ncae.org, 1-800-662-7924 for more information.
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Area Sports Teams Offer Special Discounts for Educators
2019 ACC FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 | CHARLOTTE, NC
EDUCATION NIGHT FIRST 100 TICKETS INCLUDE POSTGAME ON-FIELD GROUP PHOTO FIRST 200 TICKETS INCLUDE EXTRA YARD FOR TEACHERS T-SHIRT TICKETS: $45
FEVO.ME/TEACHERS-ACC QUESTIONS? ASIA PARKER | 336-464-0246 | ASIA.PARKER@ACCTICKETSOLUTIONS.COM
NATIONAL GIRLS & WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY
EDUCATOR APPRECIATION GAMES AT NC STATE BASKETBALL VS. THE CITADEL Sunday, Dec. 22 | 6 pm | PNC Arena
EDUCATOR APPRECIATION DAY
AT NC STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. GEORGIA TECH
*Winter Wonderland Kids Activities
Sunday, Feb. 16 | 2 pm | Reynolds Coliseum
DISCOUNTED tickets starting at $8 exclusively for educators!
Exclusively for Educators and Families
To purchase tickets, call Michelle Christie at (919) 865-1456 or visit GoPack.com/Promo and enter promo code PACKTEACHER
Discounted $3 tickets
To purchase tickets, call Skylar Chilton at (919) 865-1427 or visit GoPack.com/Promo and enter promo code PACKTEACHER Tickets must be purchased in advance of game day. Max of 8 online.
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DEALS
2019
for NEA Members NEA Click & Save “Buy-lights” for December Make holiday shopping and entertaining fun and festive! NEA Click & Save, the online discount buying service for NEA members, highlights select retailers and merchants each month. Check out these featured “Buy-lights” for December. • SimpliSafe – Protect your family and home with affordable security solutions from SimpliSafe. Watch your property from anywhere. No hidden fees, middle men, or long-term contracts. • Best Buy – Find great deals on computers and antivirus software, wearable tech, tablets, smart home devices, TVs, home theater equipment, and more. • TRX.com – Achieve fitness head-to-toe with a TRX full-body workout system that’s based on fitness bands – there’s no excuse not to take it along during holiday travel. • MovieTickets.com – Take the family to see the latest holiday blockbuster without breaking the bank. Save up to 30 percent off tickets at popular theaters including Regal, AMC, and Cinemark. • Macy’s – Check Macy’s website often for sales and limited-time offers on clothing, footwear, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances, home furnishings, and more. • Ebags.com – Get up to 40 percent off backpacks, travel accessories, laptop carriers, and luggage from top brands including Samsonite, Delsey, and Kenneth Cole. Earn 6XWOWPoints on your order and get free shipping when you spend $49 or more. • Alex & Ani – Peruse a vast array of unique and reasonably priced jewelry pieces. Save up to 50 percent off sale items. Plus, earn 2XWOWPoints on your purchase. Send Holiday Wishes from the Heart NEA members save 20 percent on holiday flowers and gifts across the entire family of 1800FLOWERS.COM brands. Call 1-800-755-7474, 24 hours a day, and use promotion code NEAMB or visit www. 1800flowers.com/nea.
N C A E
N E W S
Dates to Remember December
5th International Volunteer Day for Economic & Social Development 7th National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 10th Human Rights Day 20th International Human Solidarity Day 21st Winter Solstice 24th NCAE Offices closed through January 1, 2020 30th Bacon Day 31st New Year’s Eve Universal Human Rights Month
January 2020 1st 8th 15th 17th 20th
New Year’s Day War on Poverty Day Humanitarian Day International Mentoring Day Martin Luther King Day (NCAE Offices closed) National Day of Service Financial Wellness Month Get Organized Month
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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., Raleigh, NC 27601, 1-800-662-7924. Linda Powell, Editor/Designer
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