March 2016 news bulletin final

NCAE

NEWS BULLETIN March

2016

NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS

Volume 46, No. 7

NCAE is “All In” for Public Education Three days prior to delegates arriving in Winston-Salem for the 46th Annual NCAE Convention, you as voters will visit the polls on March 15 to participate in the Primary Election. There, you will cast your vote for 2016 presidential candidates, gubernatorial candidates, legislative candidates, council of state races, and more.

This year marks a critical time in an educator’s ability to elect pro-public education candidates. There are so many things at stake – school funding, student resources, reduction in positions, educator salaries and benefits, and the list continues. North Carolina has been on the front lines when it comes to all of these issues; selecting the right people to turn the tables in favor of public education is going to be paramount.

NCAE members will have a huge role to play in making this possible and that role runs the gamut.

This is a prime opportunity for you to become active in the Association, not only on the local level but on the state and national levels as well. NCAE has endorsed a slate a candidates who stand with educators, who know the needs of educators and students, and who want all children to succeed, regardless of their zip code.

They know the importance of having a highly qualified teacher in every classroom, of having textbooks and electronic resources for students, and of compensating public school employees with the salaries and benefits they deserve. They know that having a great public education system is the foundation of a great state.

Whether it’s attending a town hall forum, knocking on doors, handing out literature, making phone calls, or volunteering your time to a candidate’s campaign, the difference our members make will produce results that will propel North Carolina forward. The power of your actions and voices will lead to the state returning to its rightful place as the “education leader” of the South.

Before this election year progresses any further, NCAE is asking members to join the 2016 “All In for Public Education” campaign. Visit www.NCAEVotes.org to sign the pledge and you will be informed on ways you can get involved. We must help get our endorsed candidates elected in the Primary and in November! Our students and schools are counting on us!

For legislative endorsements, visit www.NCAEVotes.org.

NCAE Endorsed Candidates

Attorney General Roy Cooper

Deborah Ross U.S. SENATE

GOVERNOR

Josh Stein

June Atkinson

ATTORNEY GENERAL

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

Dan Blue III

Elaine Marshall

STATE TREASURER

SECRETARY OF STATE

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NCAE

News Bulletin

March

2016

I’m “All In”... Are You Ready to Join Me? Beginning today, I’d like to invite you to commit to being “All In.” What does this mean exactly, you may be asking?

Well, I strongly encourage you as members to dedicate yourselves 100 percent to the work we need to engage in together to move the Association forward in our quest to preserve Rodney Ellis President and strengthen public education.

In a few weeks the 46th Annual NCAE Convention will be held in Winston-Salem and many of you will be there as delegates. Whenever I visit this great city, I recall fond memories of my years as a student at Winston-Salem State University and as a teacher at the Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy. Things were different then. North Carolina was a renowned “public education” state and educators from around the nation flocked here for an opportunity to teach in our schools. Industry was booming because businesses knew that education was a top priority. But the reality now is things are different and have been for the past several years. Many of you probably know educators who have lost their jobs or have left the profession altogether; the cost of living is increasing but your salaries are shrinking; basic resources such as paper and pencils are in short supply; and to top it off, there are some lawmakers in Raleigh who either don’t or refuse to see the big public education picture.

But this is a new year and a new opportunity for us to make a difference in not only our lives, but the lives of our students.

Our work to ensure that they have what they need to be successful and to ensure you have the support you need to make that happen begins by being “All In.” It begins with plans to organize and mobilize ourselves, and our passion for something bigger and better in 2016 and beyond. It beings with our willingness to vote for pro-public education candidates in the March Primary Election; it begins with your participation in the “Stand Up for Schools Our Students Deserve,” week of action being planned by the Association this spring; and it begins by letting your voice be heard via opportunities such as the Teacher Working Conditions Survey.

So…are you ready to be “All In?” I’m ready, Mark is ready, Rachelle is ready…and we want and need for you to be as well! If we are going to change the direction in which public education is headed we need to grow our membership so that we can stand as a united force. We need to make the switch to Electronic Funds Transfer (if you haven’t already done so) and encourage your colleagues to make the switch so that our financial power remains in our hands. We need to stay informed, connected, and be prepared to roll up our sleeves so that we can remain empowered.

As we put our best ideas forward and use the Association’s vision, mission, and core values as our guide, let’s remain optimistic in knowing that the progress we make will be the beginning of a plan that will greatly affect the two things we cherish and believe in most – our students and the public education profession as a whole. Thank you for being a member of NCAE, thank you for your dedicated service, and thank you for providing our students with the best education possible.

Congrats to the 2016 Excellence in Equity Award Winner Surrounded by members of the Guilford County Association of Educators (GCAE), Vice President Mark Jewell presents Guilford County Schools Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green, far left, with the 2016 NCAE Excellence in Equity Award, which honors an individual or group for their long-term dedication, commitment, and energy toward the goal of making N.C. a more equitable state. Under Green’s leadership, graduation rates increased in Guilford County and dropout rates declined. He has also been instrumental in bringing the “Say Yes to Education” project to Guilford County, which promotes the goal of giving every high school student an opportunity to attend college.

News Bulletin

March 2016

NCAE

Let’s Do This!

Last year at the NCAE Convention, my first one as your Executive Director, I walked to the podium to the song by Kelly Clarkson, What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger. It has always been a favorite of mine. It reminds me that no matter what challenges come my way that perseverance and resilience make all the difference. This is especially true for NCAE and public education.

In recent years, the General Assembly has attacked public education, teachers, administrators, education support professionals, and teaching assistants. It has tried to limit educator voices by attacking your state organization. It has failed to provide adequate per-pupil funding or resources for textbooks and instructional materials. It has failed to appropriately compensate teachers and those who sacrifice every day for the children of North Carolina. It even stripped away basic due process rights for teachers.

To be clear, there are some in the General Assembly who stand up for public education and stand with us. However, they are outnumbered and kept out of key conversations on these issues.

With the General Assembly returning to regular session this April and a gubernatorial election coming up in November, we must remember how important perseverance and resilience really are. As an organization, we must continue to follow our mission and our core values; we must continue to fight for high-quality public education for all students in North Carolina and for the respect that all educators deserve. No matter how difficult that may be; no matter how hard that may become. There is no choice if we are to protect what we all believe in – public education.

Not only must we be committed to doing whatever it takes to impact this General Assembly and the upcoming election, we must also be committed to reaching out beyond our classrooms, buses, cafeterias, and offices to build support in our communities. We must share our “whys” and tell the story about all the good work being done for students in North Carolina’s public schools. All the good work you all are doing every day… While we can and should lead the charge, we

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cannot be insular in our approach. There are many who will join us if we just ask.

As it has been for more than 150 years, NCAE is ready and prepared to do just that. But we cannot do it alone. We need your voice, your energy, and your commitment to do what must be done if we are to shape what happens to public education, the profession, and Rachelle Johnson Executive Director our state.

So, my question for you…

Are you ready to be “All In?” This year’s theme for the Convention and campaign is “All In.” Convention delegates will see and hear references to this idea all throughout the Convention. Speakers and leaders alike will ask what delegates are prepared to do to make this year the year that we all worked together to turn the tide FOR public education and not AGAINST public education.

This theme will continue as we roll out this year’s campaign - a new logo will ask – Are you “All in?” Are you “All In” for working to elect or re-elect pro-public education candidates that will have the best interests of public schools and educators at heart? This election year is critical as we have the possibility of electing a new governor who believes in public education and educators. NCAE has endorsed Attorney General Roy Cooper. Please check out the NCAE Web site for more information on NCAE endorsed candidates. And please remember to vote in this month’s primary. It’s important.

So, I ask again… Are you “All In?” All In for our students?

All In for our public schools?

All In for NCAE? I know I am. I’ll see you on the front lines.

Reaching Out to Reach Them All...Forum Focuses on Issues of EC Educators, Students Finding common ground to possible solutions addressing EC educators and students, and best practices that are being implemented in public schools, was the focus of a recent EC Issues Forum hosted by Region 6. Participants heard from a panel of experts then selected one issue on which to brainstorm in order to come up with solutions. They also had an opportunity to engage in breakout sessions on a variety of topics. NCAE members Bridget Wortman of Pender County (who serves as the Teacher Voice Network leader of Hope Street Group of NC) and James O’Connor of Cumberland County assisted in planning the forum. Resources provided for background information that may be of interest include: Revised EC Policies, N.C. Exceptional Children’s Council position paper, and an overview of the MTSS process that incorporates PBIS, Response to Intervention and best practices for all students.

Courtesy of Angela Farthing, NCAE Center for Instructional Advocacy

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News Bulletin

March 2016

Celebrating the Value of Reading The Cat in the Hat and the Carolina Mudcats mascot Muddy helped students at Riverwood Elementary School in Johnston County celebrate the importance of literacy and Read Across America Day. NCAE leaders President Rodney Ellis, Vice President Mark Jewell, and Executive Director Rachelle Johnson served as guest readers and shared with students the work they do as advocates for public schools, students, and employees.

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A: A student assists President Rodney Ellis with reading “The Butter Battle Book.” B: Muddy received lots of high-fives. C: Students were amazed and excited to see the Cat and the Hat and Muddy. D: Vice President Mark Jewell had a captive audience. E: Executive Director Rachelle Johnson reads “Miss Nelson Is Missing,” a student favorite! F: The mischievous feline the Cat in the Hat doled out hugs and handshakes.

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NCAE

March 2016

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2016 Roster of Candidates Running for NCAE/NEA Offices To view a candidate’s statement and biographical information, click on his or her name.

REMEMBER...Voting Days are March 19 (beginning and 7 p.m.) through March 24 (ending at 11:59 p.m.)

NCAE PRESIDENT

NCAE VICE PRESIDENT

Kristy Moore

Mark Jewell

REGION 2 DIRECTOR

Tripp Jeffers

REGION 4

Helen Williams

Charles Young

REGION 5 DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Hackney

Paulette Jones Leaven

REGION 6 DIRECTOR

Turquoise Parker

REGION 7A DIRECTOR

Bryan Proffitt

REGION 7B DIRECTOR

John Bryant No Photo Available

Tamika Walker Kelly

Christopher Meek

Marcel Veilleux (See 2016 Roster on page 6)

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News Bulletin

March 2016

2016 Roster of Candidates Running for NCAE/NEA Offices (Continued from page 5)

Student Services Division REGION 7A DIRECTOR

SECRETARY

No Photo Available

Vickie Livingston

Rhonda Florence

Education Support Professionals Division PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

Karen Slade

Tijuana Greene

REGION 6 DIRECTOR

Peggy Locklear

REGION 7A DIRECTOR

Margaret Powell

Now in its eighth year, the N.C. Teaching Working Conditions Survey is a great way for teachers to have their voices heard. The online survey, which is anonymous, will be administered March 1-25 by the New Teacher Center in partnership with NCAE, the North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Initiative, and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.

The Teacher Working Conditions Survey was an NCAE initiative, with the support of NEA, the New Teacher Center, and the former N.C. Teaching Standards Commission.

The 30-minute survey asks questions about teaching and learning conditions within a school. Some of the questions and topics include teacher and school leadership, community engagement and support, use of time, professional development, and instructional practices and support.

Results are used to provide education policy-makers and school leaders with information they can use as a roadmap to guide positive change and strengthen professional development, school improvement plans, and teacher and administrator evaluations. They will be available for any N.C. public school reaching the 40 percent minimum response rate and has a minimum of five educators in the school.

Codes have been sent to NCAE association reps. Schools that don’t have ARs will be able to obtain codes from the school’s Teacher of the Year or another identified teacher leader.

For more information about the Teaching Working Conditions Survey, visit www.ncteachingconditions.org or click here to view a FAQ document.

News Bulletin

March 2016

NCAE

2016 NCAE Operation Cooperation Project Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Parent Involvement Mobile Resource Unit

“Education is the Key to Success!”

The Parent Involvement Mobile Resource Unit is the brainchild of FCAE members Denise McCoy, Javier Correa-Vega, and Sharon Frazier. Some parents don’t feel comfortable visiting their child’s school, so the purpose of the bus is to visit neighborhoods and give parents access to some of the resources that schools offer. Parent involvement coordinators serve as volunteers, distributing information on topics such as helping with homework, school procedures, registering students for kindergarten, and how parents can obtain a GED. The bus is also equipped with laptop stations and a childcare area.

In order to continue the great work of engaging parents, the bus is in need of the following items.

Please bring them to the Operation Cooperation table at the NCAE Convention in Winston-Salem (March 18-19).

Children’s books (pre-K through grade 6) -- English and Spanish Chapter books (grades 7 through 12) -- English and Spanish School supplies Book bags/backpacks Monetary donations are also welcomed. Checks should be made payable to: Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Schools Parent Involvement Mobile Resource Unit

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News Bulletin

March 2016

Educator Tax Deduction Now Permanent

Improving Outcomes for Schools and Students Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is a multi-tiered framework which promotes school improvement through engaging, research-based academic and behavioral practices. NC MTSS employs a systems approach using data-driven problem solving to maximize growth for all.

The N.C. Department of Public Instruction will prepare for total school improvement and support LEAs to implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support by providing professional development, coaching and technical assistance, research and evaluation, and communication and visibility that results in college and career readiness for all students.

DPI believes that MTSS is the most effective and efficient approach to improving school outcomes and student

performance thereby ensuring equitable access to a sound basic education.

QUICK FACTS: • All staff and all students are part of a multi-tiered system of support • MTSS utilizes a systematic problemsolving model to analyze multiple pieces of data to determine how all students are responding to instruction • Teams problem solve in the areas of instruction, curriculum, and environment • MTSS is layering academic and behavior supports • All students have access to layers of instructional supports For more information, visit http:// mtss.ncdpi.wikispaces.net/.

Congress has expanded and made permanent the educator tax deduction that allows educators to deduct eligible unreimbursed classroom spending up to $250.

It’s welcome news for public school educators, 99.5 percent of whom dip into their own pocketbooks to provide supplies and instructional materials for their students. With a record number of students living in poverty and education funding lagging in most states, educators have only seen student needs for basic supplies and classroom tools increase.

The deduction was significantly improved by indexing it to inflation and including professional development as an eligible expense.

NEA has been a long-time supporter of this deduction for educators.

Champions for Children Gala When: Friday, April 29, 2016 Where: The Angus Barn Pavilion, Raleigh Time: 6 p.m. Silent Auction * 7 p.m. Dinner Cost: $150 per person For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Marca Hamm at marca.hamm@ncfpsc.org or 704-633-6466.

(NCFPSC is a NC 501(c)(3) non-profit -- contributions are tax deductible)

News Bulletin

NCAE

March 2016

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DEALS

2016

for NEA Members

Dates to Remember

Click & Save “Buy-Lights” for March Spring into action: spring holidays, spring break, and spring weather will soon be upon us. 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 March!

• Under Armour – Save on athletic gear for men, women, and children; free shipping on orders of $49 or more.

• Shari’s Berries – Unique gifts for every occasion, including the “original” gourmet dipped strawberries.

• Kohl’s – Get yourself a new spring outfit, plus free shipping on orders of $75 or more.

• NEA MB Entertainment Store – Exclusive member pricing on world-class performances and entertainment including Broadway shows; movie tickets from Regal, AMC, and Cinemark theaters; and deals at Six Flags, Universal Studios, and Legoland.

• LLBean – Equipment and apparel for a variety of outdoor pursuits; free shipping on all orders.

March 4th-5th 11th-13th 13th 15th 18th-19th 22nd 25th-28th

NCAE-ESP Conference, Greensboro NEA-ESP National Conference, Orlando, FL Daylight Savings Time begins Digital Learning Day Primary Election Day NCAE Convention, Winston-Salem, NC Education and Sharing Day NCAE Spring Break (offices closed)

Expanding Girls’ Horizons in Science & Engineering Month National March Into Literacy Month Music In Our Schools Month

Save On Your Spring Vacation with Hertz NEA members can enjoy special offers from Hertz through the end of March: • Save up to an EXTRA $30 off a weekly rental -- discount codes CDP# 50655 and PC# 105162 when booking.

• Save an EXTRA 15 percent off weekend rentals -discount codes CDP# 50655 and PC# 105151 when booking.

Reserve your Hertz car rental at www.neamb.com/hertz with NEA discount code CDP# 50655 to save up to 25 percent off, plus combine with either of the above coupon codes (PC#) to save even more.

N C A E

N E W S

Anything you need -- a new car, life insurance, a weekend getaway -- can be found through NEA Member Benefits. Savings abound for members and their families.

Visit www.neamb.com/ myresources for more information.

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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