NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN March
2017
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
Volume 47, No. 7
NCAE Hosts 47th Annual Convention in Raleigh President Jewell and VP Moore Welcome Delegates to the “City of Oaks”
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NCAE...Our Credibility and Integrity is Strong! As the Association holds conversations about the return of the General Assembly and preparations for membership organizing, I reflect on my good friend Rodney Ellis and the passion he had for public education. No one loved advocating for the profession Mark Jewell more than he did; whether President participating in a rally dressed in jeans and a t-shirt or walking the halls of the Legislature in a suit, he had the power of NCAE and public education behind him. In the last few months since his passing, there have been many times that I wanted to pick up the phone, call him, and say, “You know when I was fussing about this and that? You were right!” I would very much like to get his thoughts on what has transpired politically since November – the defeats as well as the victories. We all know that we are at a frightful crossroads nationally as it relates to public education. There remains an agenda to dismantle public education as a basic human right for all by turning it over to privateers and profiteers. The plan for competition, educating on the cheap, and continuously reducing and underfunding core programs that define us as a country and as a democracy still exists. But, in the words from a quote published in The Guardian Magazine and a quote by NEA President Lily Eskelsen-Garcia, “Now is not the time for us to grow weary! Now is the time for us to step up, speak out, and organize. We will no longer play defense. We have been playing defense for a number of years, and that only gets us back to the status quo. It does not move public education
Wear Red 4 Public Ed Please join NCAE members and other public education supporters each Wednesday in wearing Red4Ed. It’s a very visual way to show support for our students and public schools. Share your photos with us by posting them to the NCAE Facebook page, www.facebook.com/wearencae, and use the hashtag #Red4Ed when posting. Also, on the first Wednesday of each month, participate in a Red4Ed Wednesday Teach-In in Raleigh, which will culminate in public education advocacy at the General Assembly. The Teach-In will last about an hour beginning at 9:30 a.m. and will focus on a different topic each month.
forward, which is the cornerstone of democracy.” Here in North Carolina, there is hope in our newly elected Governor Roy Cooper, and I am encouraged by his commitment. We now have a champion in the executive mansion that will fight for our state’s 1.5 million public school students and the recruitment and retention of high-quality educators. We have a governor who sees the value of and is a product of public schools, whose mother was a member of NCAE, and who knows how hard our teachers, support professionals, and administrators work. We have a governor who wants to move public education in North Carolina to #1 in the Southeast in three years and educators’ salaries to the national average in five years. Are these goals lofty? Yes, they are, but they are doable. But he can’t accomplish these goals alone. If his vision, ideas, and ideals are to come to fruition, it can’t happen without NCAE and you, the members, carrying the water and telling the stories of the wonderful learning that’s going on in our schools. Governor Cooper knows the most valuable resources are the public school employees who interact with our children every day, bottom line. The opportunity that we have to work together can and will put us back in a position where those in the education community will know that here in North Carolina, we are committed to investing in per-pupil expenditures and the much-needed resources our schools deserve. It’s also an opportunity for you as members to engage in some of the upcoming activities the Association is planning. Whatever we do, we must remain at the forefront because as the largest education advocacy organization in the state, our credibility and integrity is strong. We have the continued support of the community, parents, and the media. That’s powerful! Let’s utilize these sources and be mindful of them in every decision we make.
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Celebrating 20 Years of Read Across America Squeals of delight could be heard throughout the halls of Lake Rim Elementary School (Cumberland Co.) and W.H. Knuckles Elementary School (Robeson Co.) as students were surprised by guest readers Wonder Woman, Batman, and Captain America on the 20th anniversary of Read Across America Day. Not only did students receive lessons on the importance of literacy, they were also visited by other special guests, received lots of goodies, and had an opportunity to hug and share “high-fives” with the Cat in the Hat! To see more Read Across America Day highlights, click here. LEFT: Students at W.H. Knuckles enjoy the stories being read by Captain America, First Lady Kristin Cooper, and President Mark Jewell. BELOW: President Mark Jewell introduces some of our greatest hereos, Fort Bragg soldiers, from left: SFC Michael Maxwell, SFC Steven King, and Chief Warrant Officer II Tauheed Wood.
LEFT: The Cat is greeted by students at Lake Rim Elementary. BELOW: Students don red-andwhite stovepipe hats.
BELOW: A captive audience listens as Executive Director Rachelle Johnson reads the book “I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More!”
Wonder Woman reads a Dr. Seuss favorite, “Hop on Pop.”
Batman poses with Robeson County President Dee Grissett and a group of his fans at W.H. Knuckles.
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2017 Candidates on the Ballot for NCAE/NEA Offices Click on the candidate’s name to see his/her statement and biographical information. The designated voting days are March 25 (beginning at 7 p.m. ) through March 30 (ending at 11:59 p.m.)
NEA DIRECTOR
REGION 1-B DIRECTOR
AMY GARRISON LAWRENCE BRINSON
AMY HARRISON
1-YEAR & 3-YEAR TERM
1-YEAR TERM
REGION 3 DIRECTOR
LAWRENCE BRINSON DALLAS BROWN
RONDA MAYS
1-YEAR TERM
1-YEAR TERM
LINDA INGLE
REGION 4 DIRECTOR
LISA DELANEY
JULIO MORALES
3-YEAR TERM
3-YEAR TERM
EDRIS E. GLOVER
BRIAN LINK
Continued on Page 5 3-YEAR TERM
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2017 Candidates on the Ballot for NCAE/NEA Offices Continued from Page 4
REGION 5 DIRECTOR
STUDENT SERVICES DIVISION PRESIDENT
KRISTIN
JAMEEL
BELLER
WILLIAMS RANDOLPH
DOV
FRIERSON
ROSENBERG
REGION 6 DIRECTOR ESP DIVISION SECRETARY
NO PICTURE AVAILABLE
DEE GRISSETT
PRINCIPAL/ADMIN DIVISION PRESIDENT
VICE
ASST. PRIN
PRESIDENT
REP
KHEM IRBY
VOTING DAYS: March 25 - March 30
OLIVER
SHAMMAH
LENWOOD
HOLLEY
BARRETT
THOMPSON
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Governor Cooper Proposes Budget that Invests in Education
Gov. Cooper has unveiled his first budget, a $23.8 billion spending plan that invests in education, health care, economic development, and public safety. The governor’s budget includes pay raises for ALL educators, a scholarship program to attract new teachers into the profession similar to N.C. Teaching Fellows, and a phase out of the private school voucher program. “Governor Cooper’s long-term vision for making North Carolina a top tier state for public education will return North Carolina to its rightful place as a beacon of hope for our students, families, and communities,” said NCAE President Mark Jewell. “By making long-term investments in our classrooms and educators, we can truly give our students the schools they deserve.”
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Draws talented North Carolina students by reinstating a similar program to N.C. Teaching Fellows by providing $10,000 scholarships per year for four years to students who commit to teaching in N.C. public schools after graduation.
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Invests $30 million of lottery funds in classroom support staff, textbooks, and digital learning materials.
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Invests $15 million to help low-performing schools.
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Provides a $20 million flex funds to local school districts to use for additional instructional support like teacher assistants, nurses, social workers, or others.
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Proposes funding 4,700 additional early childhood education slots.
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Free Community College tuition through NC GROW scholarships.
Cooper’s Education Budget Highlights: •
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Average teacher pay increases of 5 percent each year for the next two years. It’s the largest investment in teachers in a decade. Gov. Cooper’s budget puts N.C. on the path to lead Southeastern states in three years and reach the national average in five. Invests $20 million for 6.5 percent salary increases for principals and assistant principals – administrators rank 50th in average pay. Gov. Cooper is proposing the largest pay raise for ESPs and other educators not on the state teacher salary schedule in nearly a decade. State employees would receive a recurring 2 percent or $800, whichever is greater, along with a one-time bonus of $500. A 1.5 percent one-time cost-of-living adjustment for retirees. Phases out the private school voucher program.
Cooper also released a forward-thinking proposal to have North Carolina rank in the top 10 in these categories by 2025: Early Childhood: Increase pre-kindergarten enrollment from 22 percent to 55 percent. K-12: Improve high school graduation rate from 85.6 percent to 91 percent. Higher Education: Increase percentage of adults with higher education degrees from 38.7 percent to 55 percent. To review Governor Cooper’s complete budget, click here.
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ESP Conference Focuses on “Empowering Successful Professionals” The sun and surf of Myrtle Beach set the tone of the 2017 ESP Conference, which offered sessions meant to further empower these valuable employees who are often on the front lines at the schools where they work. Participants learned about bullying prevention among students and in the workplace, how ESSA applies to Education Support Professionals, and how to keep privatization out of schools. There was also time for fun and lots of networking. Special guest, Dr. Stephen Sroka, kept the group in stitches, as he shared his personal story growing up labeled with ADHD, as retarded, and dyslexic, and how education saved his life. Now, he is an internationally recognized, awardwinning educator, author, motivational speaker, adjunct assistant professor of medicine at Case Western University, and president of his own company, Health Education Consultants. Click here to see more conference photos.
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1) Members perform a skit on bullying. 2) Vice President Kristy Moore and Sharon Propst prepare for some fun! 3) ESP member Margaret Powell leads a session on ESSA. 4) Presenters Maria Bennett and Nate Greenawalt of Pennsylvania share how ESPs can help prevent privatization in the workplace. 5) Dr. Stephen Sroka says “the new secret for education is relationships.” 6) Maryland UniServ Director Seleste Odewole and NCAE Board Member Ronda Mays demonstrate a “rock, paper, scissors” activity. 7) ESP President Karen Slade and Audrey Nichols team up to present a session on childhood bullying and harassment. 8) On a scale of one to 10, members shared where their voices fall when it comes to activism. 9) Mike Gavin of NEA Member Benefits.
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PROUD MOMENTS
Career of VGCC SNCAE Advisor Spans 40 Years Jacquelin Heath, the SNCAE Advisor at Vance-Granville Community College and long-time member, recently retired after serving more than 40 years. Her tenure spanned longer than any other retiree in the history of the college, and most of those years were spent working for the SchoolAge Education Program. At her retirement, Heath was honored with the prestigious Cardinal Award, which recognizes individuals who have contributed at least 30 years of exemplary public service to the state of North Carolina. “Many recognitions may come in life, but one from the state of North Carolina stands as one of the highlights,” Heath said. “The Cardinal Award was a wonderful surprise. During my employment, I didn’t think about who would get the credit. I just wanted to get the job done.” For 31 years, Heath served as the college’s SNCAE advisor. VGCC was the first community college to have a SNCAE chapter, which was organized by Heath because she felt students would be better served by linking with an organization that had state and national chapters on a college level. She may be retired, but Heath said she will continue to volunteer with SNCAE and plans to be an active retired member as well. Public education has been a part of her life for many years. Her legacy, she said, is embraced in this quote: “Excellence can be obtained if you care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, expect more than others think is possible.” -- Unknown Watauga Schools Ranked Third Best in North Carolina Watauga County Schools has been rated the third best school system in North Carolina, according to a study released by
Niche, an online company that analyzes public data sets to produce comprehensive rankings, report cards, and profiles for every K-12 school in the United States. The company draws on data from the U.S. Department of Education to rank districts based on state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and public school district ratings. The study ranked Watauga County Schools highly in student to teacher ratio at 12:1 – below the national average of 16:1, and graduation rates, which the study cites as 87 percent. In the most recent data, however, that figure crossed the threshold of 90 percent, the district’s highest ranking. Statewide, the only districts to rank higher than Watauga County Schools were Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Asheville City Schools. Six Guilford County Public Schools Named Schools of Character Out of 18 applicants across the state, seven schools in the Guilford County School System were named 2017 State Schools of Character. Six of them were public schools.They are: Grimsley High, Oak View Elementary, Dudley High, Southwest Elementary, Sumner Elementary, and Sedalia Elementary. Each was recognized by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Schools of Character are schools that stand out by their use of character development to drive a positive impact on academics, student behavior, and school climate. The applications of these schools will move forward to Character.org in Washington, D.C. for consideration in the National Schools of Character program. Guilford County Schools has the most State Schools of Character awards in North Carolina with a total of 17.
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2017 NCAE Operation Cooperation Project Wake County Public School System McKinney-Vento Program for Homeless Students
Having access to personal hygiene items can help a homeless student be successful in school.
Every day, thousands of students who don’t have the basic necessities attend Wake County Public Schools. Personal hygiene items, which can be difficult to afford, can help make a difference in the lives of these children. The Wake County Public School System’s McKinneyVento Program, which identifies, provides services to, and supports students experiencing homelessness, distributes much-needed items to students so that they can receive an education free from barriers that might hinder them from coming to school. This year’s Operation Cooperation Project will focus on donations to the McKinney-Vento Program. Delegates are asked to bring the following items, packaged in Ziploc® bags, to the NCAE Convention in Raleigh (March 24-25). • • • • • • • • • •
Toiletry cases (small and discreet) Hairbrushes and combs with handles Toothpaste and toothbrushes Toothbrush holder Shampoo and conditioner for diverse populations Bar soap Lotion Washcloths Deodorant Soap holder
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News Bulletin
DEALS
2017
for NEA Members
Dates to Remember
Click & Save “Buy-Lights” for March Get ready to welcome spring! 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. • WarbyParker.com – Fantastic deals on the Spring Collection of eyewear for women and men. All frames are designed in-house and crafted from the best materials. Try up to five frames at a time at home (you must return them) with free shipping and returns. Plus, earn 2X WOWPoints on your purchases! • Lenovo.com – Get great prices on laptops, tablets, desktops, and more, plus free shipping on all orders. • Casa.com -- Earn 3X WOWPoints and save on thousands of home products like cooking tools, dishes, storage solutions, bedding – even lightbulbs and faucets! • PlowHearth.com – Plow & Hearth specializes in unique, enduring home and lifestyle products that are quality built and guaranteed to meet customers’ expectations! Earn 1X WOWPoints on purchases! • Wrangler.com – Find rugged, western-inspired jeans, shirts, and accessories for today’s men, women, and kids. Earn 4X WOWPoints and get free shipping on orders of $100 or more. • GapKids.com – Take advantage of great sales on new trends in children’s clothing. • ShoeBuy.com – See the largest selection of shoes, featuring more than 1,400 top brands and one million products. Get free shipping on all orders! Enjoy FREE Travel Perks from Hertz® Make travel more rewarding. Skip the rental counter lines and earn points toward free rental days and much more! Simply sign up for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® with your NEA discount code (CDP#) 50655. Signing up is fast, free, and easy. Visit www.neamb.com/hertz or click here to sign up directly.
N C A E
N E W S
March 12th 14th 21st
22nd 24th-25th
Daylight Savings Time Begins Pi Day International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence Education and Sharing Day NCAE Convention, Raleigh, NC
Child Life Month Expanding Girls’ Horizons in Science & Engineering Month Music In Our Schools Month National March Into Literacy Month National Women’s History Month Youth Art Month
Shop from the comfort of your home with NEA Click & Save. Everything you could possibly want is located in one place! All you have to do is log on to NEAMB.com/clickandsave. Happy shopping!
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
March 2017
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