NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN February
2015
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
Volume 45, No. 6
NCAE: Standing for Social Justice and Equality
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News Bulletin
February 2015
Students Must Always Be at the Center of Education Excellence
Mark Jewell NCAE Vice President
At the heart of North Carolina’s core, for a little more than a century, has been educating the children of this state, no matter their income, social status or zip code. As public school educators, we have always been agents of the state and our clients have always been the parents and children in the communities that we serve. These families entrust us with their greatest and most precious resource every day and we are committed to the
success of each student. It’s a big job but we’re doing it, and we’re doing it well! We’re educating children from different cultures and religious backgrounds, we’re mainstreaming students with special needs, and we’re teaching ESL children the language of their new home. That’s the value of our public schools and the reason we must focus on a student-centered agenda during this legislative session. In order for parents and communities to continue to have faith that we are going to provide their children with the very best we have, we must meet their basic needs. Our classrooms must be places that foster a love of learning and embrace a passion for teaching. Public education is not a “one size fits all approach; if we are going to continue to fulfill the commitment and the promise of a free basic education all students deserve learning opportunities that begin with modern textbooks and technology, classroom supplies, and classes small enough for more one-onone attention between students and teachers. We must ensure every student has a caring, qualified, committed teacher with
the resources, mentoring and support every professional needs. Unfortunately, North Carolina continues to lag in the back of the pack when it comes to providing the resources our students need to succeed. North Carolina’s 2013 ranking of 48th in public school revenue per student at $8,780 is evidence that we must enhance our commitment to public schools. The national average for per-pupil revenue is $12,231. Continuing to starve our students and public schools of the resources they need is an injustice to our 1.5 million students who deserve so much more. That is why NCAE will work and fight even harder to change the direction of public education. The future of our state depends on it. Developing and supporting a student-centered agenda will help North Carolina grow because we will produce students who are career and college ready. And when students are career and college ready, they will be able to provide for their own needs. They will be able to acquire jobs and give back to their communities. And, we as a state will be able to meet the demands of our ever-changing economy and job market. It’s a win-win for everyone. As we move forward with our agenda, let’s not forget how intertwined public education and social justice are. Every child in North Carolina deserves an equal opportunity to be the best he or she can be, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that the public education system in this state provides them with that chance. For many years we have earned the reputation as a “shining star” of the southeast when it comes to education, not only for our institutions of higher learning, but for our public schools as well. Let’s continue to be that beacon of hope and keep North Carolina thriving!
NCAE Releases Student-Centered Legislative Agenda for 2015-16
PLEDGE to Support Social Justice & Equality
During this session of the General Assembly, which began on January 28, NCAE will focus on emphasizing student-centered solutions for great public schools. The Association will work to create great learning environments for every student and enhance opportunities for the state to attract and retain quality educators. “The decisions our elected officials make fully affect our personal and professional lives each day,” said NCAE President Rodney Ellis. “I encourage you to reach out to your state representative, state senator, or other local elected officials to make sure the voice of educators are heard.” Ellis added that there will be times when the Association will ask members to participate in the political process. “I hope that we can count on you to join us in these important efforts.” To view a copy of the 2015-16 Legislative Agenda, click here.
NCAE has launched the Wall of Justice Project in an effort to give members and others an opportunity to speak out for social justice. You can sign a pledge card stating “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 from your local president and online, where donations can be made electronically. All pledge cards will be placed on the Wall of Justice in the NCAE Auditorium. Pledges and donations collected from your school can be mailed to: NCAE Wall of Justice, 700 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601. You are also welcome to deliver your pledge card and donation in person. To help spread the word about the project, 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, or if you have questions, contact Derevana Leach (Derevana.Leach@ncae.org) or Angela Farthing (Angela.Farthing@ncae.org) by calling 1-800-662-7924.
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Education: the pathway out of poverty and injustice This op-ed piece penned by NCAE President Rodney Ellis was recently published in the Winston-Salem Journal newspaper. It expresses his views on how education can serve as a pathway out of poverty for young people and help curb social injustices. Even though there is no sign of spring yet, this is the time of year I always have a renewed sense of optimism. The biggest reason is we get to recommit ourselves to the magical and meaningful words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and rightly celebrate his substance and sacrifice. His spirit of unity and his unmovable posture toward justice rings in our communities and school houses. Dr. King understood that education was a true beacon of hope that could cut the persistence of economic and social injustice. Education still remains a beacon today to close the pipeline to poverty and prison. Dr. King argued, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.” That “intelligence plus character – that is the goal of a true education.” What is lesser known is that he goes on to write, “The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason, but no morals.” As the only African-American third grader in my classroom in Advance, I experienced how individuals can hold you back. As the best reader in the class, I was never called upon and I was rarely allowed to participate in recess, instead told to sit at my desk with my head down with no explanation. However, the next year I realized the power of education when my teacher embraced my abilities and provided me with tremendous opportunities. She is why I became a teacher. An excellent education is the pathway out of poverty and injustice for millions of young people. However, education cannot reach its fullest potential as the great equalizer without equal access and equal opportunity for every child. The chances a child has for success should not depend on winning a charter lottery, affording a private school, or living in the right zip code. It should come by making the right investments that allow for more one-one-one interaction between students and teachers. When 25 students have to share one textbook or schools are scraping by just to provide toilet paper and other basic necessities for students – we clearly know North Carolina is better than that. I have met with teachers and students all over this state. In spite of all the challenges, what you will witness in these schools is great teachers helping students overcome the effects of poverty and injustice every day. Our classrooms are safe places for students to air their frustrations, ask questions, and learn about historical movements that have changed America. But let’s be honest, great schools also are losing kids to the stress of a parent without a job and not having food, a good home or health care. And we are losing kids to a criminal justice system that all too often can’t see beyond the color of a person’s skin, as we have seen recently by the lethal force used by police officers on unarmed African-American men.
President Ellis was a guest speaker at the First Annual Martin Luther King Fellowship Banquet in Raleigh, one of many events that took place during the MLK weekend. In his message Ellis said, “education justice and social and economic justice are linked like the arms of thousands of educators marching on Jones Street.” He also stressed that education can’t be the great equalizer without equal access and opportunity. Photo: Tim Crowley
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Black students are suspended and expelled at a rate three times greater than White students, and Black and Latino students account for 70 percent of police referrals. Educational opportunities and social justice are inextricably linked. They are interlocked just like the thousands of hands joined together as educators marched down Jones Street, or the thousands that marched arm-in-arm in Selma 50 years ago, or the powerful photos of unity coming out of Paris. Educational inequities perpetuate a cycle of social and economic injustices. As Dr. King understood, one way to break the cycle is through equal educational opportunity. While our elected leaders in the General Assembly may tout the great things they have done for education, the fact is that while many other states were righting the ship last year they continued to throw rocks in the bottom of the boat. North Carolina ranks near the bottom in per-pupil funding, and according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, North Carolina was the worst in the country last year with a $250 reduction. Dr. King expressed that “education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence” and “discern true from false.” The truth is we have not done enough in North Carolina to plug the dike of educational and social injustices. As the General Assembly is set to convene in a matter of days, we must follow Dr. King’s legacy by standing up for equal opportunity in schools, standing up for an end to poverty and racism, and standing up for a fair and just government and justice system.
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Career Status NCAE continued the fight for educators all over North Carolina during oral arguments at the North Carolina Court of Appeals over the repeal of career status. When teachers are leaving this state over issues like this and professional pay, it impacts our students and their success in the classroom. It’s unfortunate that the legislative majority continues to drag out this unconstitutional attempt to penalize teachers by stripping away basic employment protections. It undermines the ability of school districts to recruit and retain high-quality teachers. Just as the lower court decided, we hope when this court renders its decision later this year that it believes North Carolina should honor its commitment of basic employment rights for teachers. Fight on!
School Calendar Flexibility Legislation will soon be introduced to restore the ability of local school districts to have flexibility when setting the school calendar. School districts would be allowed to start before August 26 and/or end after June 11. NCAE is part of a broad coalition encouraging the flexibility so local districts can set school calendars to meet the needs of their students and communities. There will be other school calendar bills filed this session. We will keep you up-to-date when the coalition bill is introduced. To sign the petition supporting local calendar flexibility, click the button.
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Payroll Deduction Bill Filed A bill filed in the Senate would repeal public employee payroll deduction for payments to employee associations. The bill has not officially been read on the Senate floor or assigned to a committee. We are gathering more information about the legislation and will keep up updated as the session continues.
New National Policy Brief shows A-F Report Cards Deserve a Failing Grade On February 5, the Department of Public Instruction is set to announce A-F letter grades for schools as adopted by the General Assembly. A recently released study shows the much-touted system of giving schools A-F letter grades deserves a failing grade itself because it is confusing, withholds key information from parents, and fails to help kids in struggling schools learn. The Department of Public Instruction already has a school and LEA state report card that uses multiple measures. NCAE’s legislative agenda calls for the elimination or modification of the A-F system.
Who’s Who? • • • •
House K-12 Education Committee Co-Chairs: Rep. Linda Johnson, Rep. Craig Horn and Rep. Jeffrey Elmore House Education Appropriations Co-Chairs: Rep. Hugh Blackwell, Rep. Bryan Holloway, Rep. Craig Horn and Rep. Rob Bryan Senate Education Committee Co-Chairs: Sen. Dan Soucek and Sen. Terry Tillman Senate Education Appropriations Co-Chairs: Sen. Tom Apodaca, Sen. Chad Barefoot and Sen. Dan Soucek
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to get a sense of what’s happening. I think the changes are so rapid and the issues that each school faces are so different perhaps than what many legislators may have experienced growing up. It’s a different time and I think the only way you can get a sense of that is by being a part of it.” NC Lawmaker Nationally Recognized Glazier said he began volunteering in schools for Going Back to School while practicing law. His firm was involved in a Rep. Rick Glazier’s view on the state program with Westover High School, of public education in North Carolina is where he and several colleagues teamsimple: with education spending and taught a Civics class every Friday. When policy being the number one priority of he became chair of the Cumberland the Legislature, he feels it’s difficult for County School Board, he talked with the lawmakers to make decisions about superintendent about the importance of public schools if they are not making a knowing what it would be like to concentrated effort to visit them on a experience a day in the life of a teacher. regular basis. He was afforded the opportunity; For 12 years, Glazier has been laughing, he recalls by the end of the representing the citizens of Cumberland sixth period he couldn’t remember what County as a member of the North he had taught during the first period. Carolina General Assembly. He is a “It was a learning experience on many long-time public education advocate and levels that legislators ought to try to get has made it a point to visit all 87 schools an understanding of what it’s like to be a in his district, as well as others around teacher, to be good at your craft, and to the state, during his legislative career. understand the physical and mental Because of his efforts, Glazier was stresses of a teacher’s day.” recently named the winner of the 2014 The General Assembly is back in America’s Legislators Back to School session and there is a lot of work ahead Program, sponsored by the National to begin reversing the damage that has Conference of State Legislatures. He led been done to public education (click here in school visits among all North Carolina to listen to some of the issues that Rep. legislators by visiting 23 schools in his Glazier hopes lawmakers will address). district between September 15 and “Public education, to me, is the only October 31. institution that bonds our people together “As a lawmaker, you have to talk to as one nation, under one flag with a the main consumers that will be affected common set of values. There is no by the decisions you make,” Glazier substitute for public education. My hope said. “The only way I know to do that is is that we strengthen our commitment to by constantly visiting schools, spending the public school system and that we quality time there, and talking with grow it, adapt it as it needs to be for the students and educators. 21st century, so that we create a globally “I don’t think anyone who is a competitive opportunity for every child legislator can honestly and legitimately in North Carolina regardless of where be fairly voting on education issues and they live and regardless of the strengths education appropriations if they are not and weaknesses they bring to the regularly spending time in public schools schoolhouse doorstep.” in their area, as well as private schools,
5 NCAE Welcomes to the Staff... Justin Conley has been hired as a UniServ director for the South Central Region (Charlotte). He was a computer science and career readiness instructor at Lyndon B. Johnson Job Corps Center for four years prior to joining the Association. A graduate of Western Carolina University, Conley grew up in Franklin, North Carolina. He says he’s “excited to work with members to ensure that North Carolina keeps its obligation of providing a comprehensive education for all children and that educators are treated like professionals.” When Conley is not working, he enjoys listening to Blue Grass music and traveling. He also enjoys the volunteer work he does with the Young Democrats of North Carolina, of which he serves as president.
Celebrate Read Across America Day!
WHEN: Monday, March 2 WHY: To motivate children and teens to read HOW: Plan an activity in your local Visit the NEA Web site for books, giveaways, and other items to help make your event a success. Help spread the word through the Read Across America Facebook fan page and cause page, where you can share photos, videos and ideas. Ready for your 15 minutes of fame? Consider uploading your music reading video, book trailer or event coverage to SchoolTube. And don’t forget to share photos of your events and activities on NCAE’s Facebook wall (http:// www.facebook.com/wearencae).
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4 Are Finalists for Presidential Awards of Excellence
Wendy DiStefano
Justin Osterstrom
Four NCAE members are finalists for 2014-15 Presidential Awards of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. They are Wendy DiStefano, a teacher at Bostian Elementary School in Rowan/Salisbury; Justin Osterstrom, a teacher at Martin Middle School in Wake County; Kayonna Pitchford, a teacher at Stoney Point Elementary School in Cumberland County; and Meredith Stanley, a teacher at Haw Creek Elementary School in Buncombe County. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors
NEA to Recognize an Outstanding Social Justice Activist NEA knows that members have a long and proud history of social justice activism. In advocating for human and civil rights of students, some public school educators are ahead of their time – challenging the social conventions of the day and taking extraordinary action to welcome, protect, and educate America’s students. Beginning this year, NEA will be recognizing one of these outstanding social justice activists via NEA’s Social Justice Award. This special award will be presented to one exceptional member who demonstrates the ability to lead, organize, and engage educators, parents, and the community to advocate on social justice issues that impact the lives of students, fellow educators and the communities they serve. All NEA members of an NEA state/ local affiliate or bargaining unit who have been members for two years as of
Kayonna Pitchford
bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 mathematics and science teaching. Established by Congress in 1983, the PAEMST program authorizes the president to bestow up to 108 awards each year. The award recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a highquality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning. Since the program’s inception, more than 4,300 teachers have been recognized for their
January 15 of the award year are eligible. Nominees must be active members at the time of selection. The award will be presented annually by the NEA president at the NEA Convention. The awardee will receive an all-expense paid trip to attend and address both the NEA Representative Assembly and the Joint Conference on Concerns of Minorities and Women. The winner will also be invited to attend Educator Empowerment Day as part of the preRepresentative Assembly activities. The application deadline is March 30, 2015. Online voting will begin on April 15 and close on May 1. The award winner will be notified on May 18. To submit a nomination form, click here. For more information about the award, visit http://www.nea.org/home/ 60579.htm.
Meredith Stanley
contributions to the classroom and to their profession. Recipients of the award will receive a certificate signed by President Barack Obama, a paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. The deadline for 2015 nominations are April 1 and the deadline for submitting applications is May 1. For more information, visit www.paemst.org.
Are you looking for professional development opportunities or want to continue your education? The NEA Academy may have just what you’re 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.
“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” -- George Washington Carver
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February 2015
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New Learning Opportunities Are Only a “Click” Away
NCAE Has What You Need When It Comes to Professional Development The skills you need as an educator are ever-evolving and one way to hone them is through professional development opportunities. The beginning of a new year is a great time to think about expanding your learning horizons and NCAE has just what you need to get started! Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, education support professional or student (SNCAE), there are professional development workshops and trainings available for all members through the NCAE Center for Instructional Advocacy. “NCAE is proud to bring professional development opportunities in a new, interactive, online format,” said Angela Farthing, director of Membership, Advocacy and Organizing. “These workshops are organized by the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards, and are current, relevant and support teaching and learning standards.” Farthing, and her colleague Elic Senter, manager of the Center for Instructional Advocacy and Organizing, provide training across the state, as well as each regional UniServ director. Some of the most popular PD options available are: Strategies for Success in Being an Effective Teacher, Rigor and Relevance in Your Classroom, How Personalities Impact the Classroom Environment, Building Successful School Improvement Teams, Educators and the Law (Being a Professional Educator), Bullying and Harassment, Cultural Competency, and Intervention Strategies. In addition, members can also take advantage of specialized
Good News in Education Beaufort County School Receives National Recognition for Student Achievement Chocowinity Primary School in Beaufort County was recently recognized for achievement and received a $12,500 check from the NC Department of Public Instruction for being chosen as the state’s nominee for National Title 1 Distinction for High Achievement. It is one of 100 schools throughout the country that was recognized for exceptional student achievement in 2014. Congress Extends Education Tax Deduction Congress has passed a bill to retroactively extend more than 50 expired tax provisions through 2014,
trainings such as the Regional Professional Learning Days, the Summer Leadership Conference (for local leaders), as well as sessions geared toward those who are earning or are interested in National Board Certification. Workshops and training sessions offered at your school are FREE if the principal is a member. If a request is made by the local affiliate, the sessions are FREE if 15 or more participants are present. To see the professional development opportunities offered by NCAE, click here. If you are interested in having a workshop conducted at your school, contact Angela.Farthing@ncae.org, Elic.Senter@ncae.org, or your UniServ director.
More Opportunities Available Through NEA! As a member of NEA, you have access to the NEA Academy! NEA has quality courses online that are free, or at a reduced cost to NCAE members. Visit www.neaacademy.org for information and to browse course listings! (Please note – online Master’s degrees offered through the NEA Academy’s partners are not guaranteed to be accepted in North Carolina. You’ll need to confirm such acceptance before beginning an online Master’s program to ensure that your online Master’s will be eligible to be added to your North Carolina teaching license.)
one of them being the $250 deduction for educators for classroom supplies. This is an advantageous deduction because it is an above-the-line deduction on Schedule A, which means educators don't have to itemize and it reduces your overall adjusted gross income. Click here to read more about things you as an educator need to know before filing your taxes. FCC Increases Funding for Internet Access in Lower Income and Rural Schools The Federal Communications Commission has approved an additional $1.5 billion in spending for the E-Rate Program, which provides discounts for Internet and broadband access for schools and libraries across the country. This means that millions of students in lower income and rural schools will have access to high-speed Internet. The program’s expansion could help connect an additional 101,000 schools and 16,000 libraries.
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February 2015
DEALS for NEA Members
Dates to Remember
Click & Save “Buy-Lights” for February
February 2015
NEA Click & Save is an online discount buying service for NEA members. Check out these featured items for February and start saving today!
5th-7th NCAE National Board Boot Camp, NCAE Center 7th Take Your Child to the Library Day 14th Race Relations Day 16th President’s Day (NCAE Offices Closed) 20th World Day for Social Justice 27th NEA National Leadership Summit, Anaheim, CA (click for more information)
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National African-American History Month Youth Leadership Month
Did You Know? Facts About Personal Leave
Save on Tax Preparation with H&R Block NEA Member Benefits and H&R Block, the nation’s largest tax preparation company and a name that millions of Americans know and trust, have joined forces to offer discounts and special pricing on tax preparation for NEA members. Take advantage of these special tax preparation savings: • $20 off in-office tax preparation services through March 31, 2015 • Special pricing on tax preparation software and online tax preparation programs To download your discount coupon for use at an H&R Block office, start your return online, or to purchase tax preparation software, visit www.neamb.com/hrblock.
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• Only teachers and media specialists are awarded personal leave. • When a teacher takes personal leave on a school day, the teacher receives full salary less a substitute deduction. If a substitute is not hired for the teacher, the teacher shall be refunded the substitute deduction. No substitute deduction is taken for personal leave used on optional teacher workdays. • A teacher who requests personal leave at least five days in advance shall be automatically granted the request subject to the availability of a substitute teacher. • The principal may deny personal leave on the first day of the teacher’s school year, required teacher workdays, days scheduled for state testing, days connected to holidays, or scheduled vacation days. Contact the NCAE Legal Advocacy Center if you have questions about personal leave or any employment issue through www.AskNCAE.org.
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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