NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN June
2018
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
Volume 48, No. 10
More Than 30,000 Strong! March for Students, Rally for Respect May 16, 2018
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News Bulletin
June 2018
Let’s Make This An Education Summer! May 16 was a historic day for public education in North Carolina. Never before has our Capital City seen such a massive turnout of educators, all coming together to rally for the students and profession they love. The world is still watching and asking, “what’s Mark Jewell next?” President What’s next is that we must continue to move forward and channel the energy and advocacy begun on May 16 into our communities. Let’s make this an “Education Summer” by educating our neighbors and colleagues about why, as voters, public education is important. As educators, it is our responsibility to share the voting records on which lawmakers currently stand, and if they are not committed to investing in the public education priorities that NCAE has shared, we must work hard to make sure they are looking for new jobs after November 6. As long as we make public education the number 1 priority, we have the power to reverse the defunding and dismantling that has plagued us for the past eight years. During this “Education Summer,” not only should we be educating our communities, but we should also be educating non-members about the power of the organization and how
we need them to help build NCAE into the powerhouse we know it can and should be. We also have to embrace the multitude of young educators who became part of the NCAE family as a result of May 16, and engage them in this movement. It was so encouraging to see the massive number of young educators who participated and added their voices to the mix. I truly believe what happened on Jones Street a few weeks ago is the renaissance we’ve been waiting for, and it could not have happened without our NCAE leaders and staff, as well as parents, students, community members, and public education supporters. It was one of our greatest days, but it’s not the last of them. We will continue to push forward because great days lie ahead for this organization and public education. I couldn’t be prouder of the fact that NCAE led the fight! The work begins now. So, as you prepare for the close of school, keep what happened on Wednesday, May 16, close to your heart. If you traveled to Raleigh, think about what you saw, what your heard, and how you felt. Take the time to reenergize and spend time with family so that you will be ready to hit the ground running. We will be reaching out to each of you to help return North Carolina back to its rightful place in whatever way you can so we need for you to be fired up and ready to go! Enjoy your summer and remember…we are NCAE Strong!
NCAE Gives Lawmakers a List of “Respect for Public Education” Priorities Lawmakers have received an extensive list of public education fixes from the Association to begin finding solutions for as they work their way through the Short Session, which began on May 16. These expectations were unveiled a few days prior to the March for Students and Rally for Respect, which is the beginning of a sixmonth stretch of time to hold legislators accountable for prioritizing corporate tax cuts instead of our classrooms. The ultimate goal is to elect more pro-public education leaders in North Carolina on November 6 and return the state back to a beacon for public schools. • Per-Pupil Spending to the National Average in Four Years • A Multi-Year Professional Compensation and Benefits Plan for ALL Educators that includes: *Ending Experienced Educator Pay Discrimination *Average Teacher Pay to National Average in Four Years *Significant and Livable Raises for ALL Public School Employees *Restoring Advanced Degree Pay
*Restoring Longevity Pay *Annual Cost-of-Living Increase *Enhanced and Protected Health Insurance and Pension *Ending Pay for Performance Based on Test Scores, Including for Administrators *Reinstating Career Status *Real Dedicated Planning Time and Lunch Time • Investing in the Health and Well-Being of our Students and Making Schools Safer including: *At least 500 additional school nurses, social workers, and counselors this year *Improve health options for our most vulnerable students by expanding Medicaid • Fix Our Crumbling Schools and Large Class Sizes With a $1.9 Billion Statewide School Construction Bond • No Corporate Tax Cuts Until Per-Pupil Spending and Teacher Pay Reach the National Average
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June 2018
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Life After May 16 I have never been prouder to be part of something in my life. I have never been more moved by the passion and commitment of educators. I have rarely felt the depth of emotion I experienced participating in an event or movement. It was a historic day in the state of North Carolina. On May 16, approximately 30,000 teachers, educators, parents, and community supporters marched for our students and rallied for Respect – a sea of red in the state’s capitol. And NCAE led the way. NCAE leadership had a number of goals for the day and event; all of which we accomplished. 1. Tell the story of what is actually happening to public education in North Carolina and the impact on our students, educators, and communities. 2. Provide a space for like-minded individuals to band together in collective action to find their voices. 3. Kick off an accountability campaign that doesn’t end until November to hold those in power accountable for their decisions, including on election day. At about 7 p.m. that night, as I debriefed with the NCAE management team and staff, I was overcome with emotion because I was so proud of the work we accomplished together – statewide leadership, member leaders, management, and staff. We were exhausted but happy. We all knew it was the beginning of something bigger. It’s been about three weeks since that unprecedented march and rally. On May 17, participants returned to their classrooms, work sites, and homes renewed and invigorated because of the experiences they had in Raleigh the day before. Our challenge is now to keep that momentum going. So, what’s next? What has happened since May 16? The answer is a lot. • NCAE asked members and participants to follow up with their legislators about our priorities for public education funding. • NCAE called members to be patched through to their legislators to let them know our displeasure at the lack of transparency in the budget process being used and the lack of respect the proposed budget showed to public education and educators.
• NCAE hosted a tele town hall with Governor Roy Cooper to discuss his proposed budget, which would have put public education and educators ahead of tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations. • NCAE helped locals organize their local screening Rachelle Johnson committees to start the Executive Director endorsement process for legislative districts so we can hit the ground running on targeted districts. • NCAE is partnering with coalition groups to continue the work on getting the message out about the realities in public education through door-to-door canvasses, phone banks, town halls, and community forums. Much more is planned in the coming weeks and months so please stay tuned for ways to participate in our collective efforts. One lesson learned from the turnout on May 16 is that there is strength in numbers. Friends, allies, and enemies took notice of 30,000 public education supporters marching down Fayetteville Street to lift up one collective voice from the voices of many. While we are strong, NCAE can be even stronger by inviting those who joined us on May 16 to become part of the family. If you know of someone who participated but is not yet a member, please reach out to them, talk to them about becoming a member, and tell them why you are an NCAE member and the value of membership. We need ALL who care about public education to join us in our collective efforts. Folks can join on www.ncae.org or through the Association Representative in their building or work location. We need all to be with us on this journey because we have miles to go before we sleep (once an English teacher, always an English teacher). Thank you for joining us in Raleigh on May 16 and thank you for being an NCAE member. I hope to see you at an event in the near future.
Has Your Status Changed? Before the summer break sets in, make sure the Associa4on has your correct contact informa4on. If you need to update your address, phone number, e-mail or name, simply visit h=p:// www.ncae.org/ncae-profile-update/.
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June 2018
May 16...Why You Came to Raleigh James Carter, Rowan County – “By participating in the march and rally, I stood up for educators’ and students’ rights because educators’ rights equal students’ might. It’s imperative lawmakers increase per-pupil funding so students have the resources they need, as well as work to get educator salaries to the national average.”
Shannon Daniels, Pender County – “I came with the expectation of change occurring. I’m a pre-k teacher, and our students need more resources, educators need better working conditions and better support, and we need more school nurses. May 16 was an exciting beginning and I was so glad to be a part of it.”
Melissa Eatman, Durham County (right) – “I’ve been teaching since 1990 and I remember when North Carolina was a leader in education. I want us to once again be a model and a place where educators are respected and can feel proud.”
Mary Segman, Catawba County – “For me, the march and rally was a way for me to show my passion. I signed up as a new member while there because I wanted to be part of an organization that supports all educators. My mother, who has been a long-time member, is the reason I wanted to teach and the reason I am now a part of the NCAE family. I graduated in December and was hired in February. Things have not been easy, but they have been rewarding!”
Bryant Blackwell, Granville County – “The march and rally represented educators coming together to achieve better conditions for our students and ourselves. I currently teach in a classroom where I was a student more than 40 years ago and it needs a lot of work. Our students deserve so much more and so do we!”
Beverly Robinson, Wake County – “May 16 was long overdue. Seeing thousands of educators all wearing red brought on feelings of excitement and joyfulness. Words can’t explain what it was like to see us coming together to walk to the Legislative Building for what we believe in. And, we’re not thugs, contrary to what some may think. We’re educated and some of us are still paying off student loans, as well as the student loans of our children. I don’t know too many thugs who would do that!”
News Bulletin
June 2018
NCAE
NCAE March and Rally... One for the History Books!
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Brunswick Early College High School, Brunswick County Clear Creek Elementary School, Henderson County Davis Drive Middle School, Wake County Highland School of Technology, Gaston County Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy Charter, Mecklenburg County Riverbend Elementary School, Haywood County
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Six North Carolina schools received National Blue Ribbon School Awards from the U.S. Department of Education for 2017. The awards are presented annually to schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps. All six schools were recognized for their high performance on state exams. Congratulations to:
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Six N.C. Schools Recognized as Some of the Best in the Nation
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Kathy Bosiak, an earth science/geology teacher at Lincolnton High School, is the winner of a $5,000 Learning and Leadership Grant from the NEA Foundation. To better understand the obstacles faced by firstgeneration and low-income learners, Mrs. Bosiak and a colleague will attend the GlobalMindEd Conference. The team will frame issues faced in their Title 1 school through an international lens that will offer new perspective on student success rates and ways to make global skills and issues relevant to students. The NEA Foundation awards two levels of grant funding, $2,000 or $5,000, for two categories of grants to public education professionals. Student Achievement Grants fund projects to improve student learning by engaging them in critical thinking and problem solving that deepens knowledge. Learning and Leadership Grants fund effective, high-quality professional development, such as professional learning communities, collegial study, conference attendance, and action research. The NEA Foundation awards its grants to educators three times a year: June 1, October 15, and February 1. Application forms and step-by-step instructions on how to apply can be found in the Grants to Educators section of the NEA Foundation website.
More than 8,000 NEA members -including 75 from NCAE -- are expected to attend the NEA Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly from June 30-July 5 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Delegates will propose, debate, and take action on new business items and other association policies, and vote by secret ballot on proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws. For more details, visit https:// ra.nea.org/2017/09/15/2018-nea-annualmeeting-representative-assembly/.
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Lincoln County Member Wins NEA Foundation Grant
June 2018
Minneapolis is Host City for 2018 Annual NEA RA
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News Bulletin
June 2018
NCAE
NC Association of Educators Friends & Families Save over 30% on Tickets To the Carolinas’ Favorite Waterpark! Purchase online at www.emeraldpointe.com Enter promo code NCAE18
General Admission (48” & above) you pay $29.00 Gate Price $40.99(M-F)/$43.99 (S-S) Junior Admission (under 48”) you pay $23.00 Gate Price $31.99 (M-F)/$34.99 (S-S) Hope to see you this summer for a splashing good time! For additional information call 336-852-9721 x219 This coupon cannot be combined with any other discounts or group rates. Prices are subject to change at any time.
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NCAE
News Bulletin
June 2018
As an NCAE Member, when you switch your auto insurance to Horace Mann, you receive preferred educator rates, multiline discounts (if you have other Horace Mann products) and a school payroll discount (where available). Turn to the company Founded by Educators for Educators® in 1945 to provide teachers with affordable auto insurance. We want to save you money on auto insurance – money you can use to reach your financial goals. Call your local Horace Mann representative to find out how much you could save.
Securities offered through Horace Mann Investors, Inc. Member FINRA * 1 Horace Mann Plaza * Springfield, IL 62715-0001 * 217-789-2500 * www.horacemann.com. Horace Mann Insurance Company and its affiliates underwrite Horace Mann auto insurance. Benefits and discounts are subject to terms and conditions, and may vary by state.
News Bulletin
NCAE
June 2018
DEALS
2018
for NEA Members
Dates to Remember
NEA Click & Save “Buy-Lights” for June With Dad’s and grads in the spotlight, and summer around the corner, it’s time for some fun! NEA Click and Save, the online discount service for NEA members, highlights select retailers and merchants each month. Check out these featured “Buy-Lights” for June. • Advance Auto Parts -- Polish up your wheels for prime cruising season! Get 15 percent off your next order and 1X WOWPoints. • Best Buy -- Earn 200X WOWPoints on your purchase of the Char-Griller Patio Pro Charcoal Smoker Grill, and find other outdoor products to make summer great. • Home Depot -- Get up to 25 percent off appliances and 1X WOWPoints on your purchase. Create your own patio set featuring the new CushionGuard fabric. • Fragrance.net -- Check out the largest inventory of brand name fragrances, candles, and skincare and aromatherapy products. Earn 1X WOWPoints on your purchase. • Macy’s -- It’s time to spiff up your look with some name brand sportswear, workout clothes, and swimwear from brands such as Nike, Under Armour, the North Face, Adidas, and Champion. Purchases of $99 or more get free shipping and returns. • Shoes.com -- Complete your outfit with the latest styles in footwear, from stilettos and sneakers to deck shoes and comfortable slip-ons. Right now, get up to 75 percent off sale styles and earn 4X WOW Points. • NEA MB Entertainment Store -- Exclusive pricing on world-class entertainment, including Broadway shows, movies, sporting events, and amusement parks; also featuring college sports, NBA, and NHL game tickets.
N C A E
N E W S
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June 6th 10th 12th 14th 15th 17th 21st 23rd 30th
National Higher Education Day Multicultural American Child Day Race Unity Day World Day Against Child Labor Flag Day Worldwide Day of Giving Father’s Day First Day of Summer Public Service Day NEA RA Begins, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Children’s Awareness Month Student Safety Month
July 1st-5th 2nd 4th 7th 30th
NEA RA, Minneapolis, Minnesota Made in the USA Day Independence Day (NCAE Offices Closed) Global Forgiveness Day National Support Public Education Day
Get Ready for Kindergarten Month National Make a Difference to Children Month Social Wellness Month
“No other investment yields as great a return as the investment in education. An educated workforce is the foundation of every community and the future of every economy.” -- Brad Henry
B U L L E T I N
Follow NCAE events and activities on:
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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