NCAE North Carolina Association of Educators
News Bulletin March 2022
Vol. 52, No. 7
www.ncae.org
Delegates Gear Up for the Virtual 52nd Annual Convention March 26-27
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Lessons We Can All Learn From Welcome to March, a very special month for many reasons. In addition to the beginning of Daylight Savings Time and the spring season, it’s the month we celebrate Read Tamika Walker Kelly
Across America President and the time our delegates come together for the annual State Convention and Representative Assembly to make decisions relevant to the work of public-school educators. When I think about Read Across America and our Convention, I see a parallel. Books and reading help us grow and learn; they help us challenge and broaden our world view. We are exposed to new things through books -- we experience places we’ve never been, see others through a different lens, gain information about new and exciting points of view. Some of the same things ring true for Convention.
On March 2, Read Across America Day, Bryan and I had the distinct pleasure of reading two amazing books by African American authors – “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers and “Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” by Amanda Gorman – to students at a local school. The theme of this year’s program, “North Carolina Readers: Letting Our Diversity Shine Through One Book at a Time,” focused on the vital role diverse and inclusive books play in the education and growth of all our students, and us as educators. Like these books, Convention is a place where lessons can be learned and shared. It’s a place where growth can and does occur – whether the focus is on diversity, social justice, changes in education policy, or other areas that affect our students and the profession. When we come together, we know our work will lend itself to action in order to progress and move forward. The work we do on March 26 and 27 will set the tone for the changes we need to see for the remainder of this school year and the beginning of the next one. As we discuss and debate, agree and disagree, let’s do so with a renewed sense of purpose. Despite all the uncertainty currently taking place, let’s pull out every stop at our disposal to ensure our children, our schools, our communities and our profession continue to thrive. We have the power! Together, we can aspire to do more and be more because we are family.
OUR KIDS CAN’T WAIT
Join your colleagues in holding decisionmakers accountable for better working and learning conditions for educators and students by participating in the “Our Kids Can’t Wait” Campaign. Monthly meetings are being held on April 7, May 5 and June 2. Click here for more information, materials and resources.
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Carnival Fun and Reading Go Hand-in-Hand on Read Across America Day
The playground at Laurel Mill Elementary School in Franklin County was transformed into a carnival on Read Across America Day (March 2), where students celebrated the importance of reading, played games, and were entertained by a stilt walker and hula hooper. Each year, NCAE hosts a Read Across America event in an effort to spread the joy of reading. This year’s theme was “North Carolina Readers: Letting Our Diversity Shine Through One Book at a Time.” NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly and Vice President Bryan Proffitt were on hand to read two very special books to students — “I Am Enough” and “Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem.” In addition, the Association was able to give each classroom 100 books, allowing students to pick one for their very own, and gifted two sets of diverse books to the school’s
media center, thanks in part to a grant from NEA. Laurel Mill Elementary is a Title 1 school and the smallest in Franklin County, with close to 300 students. “Reading is essential to student learning and can serve as an outlet for children during difficult times like those we have been experiencing,” said President Walker Kelly. “Many of the families in Franklin County, like many across the country, have been hit hard by the pandemic, and NCAE wanted to sponsor a fun and meaningful event that hopefully brought a lot of joy and happiness.” The smiles on the faces of the children confirmed that the event was a success. “We feel like we won the lottery” said Laurel Mill Principal Genie Faulkner. “We so appreciate everything NCAE did to make Read Across America Day a special one for our students and staff!”
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These Are the Candidates Running for Office Within the Association Click on the candidate’s name to read their statement and biographical information. The NCAE/NEA Election will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, and end on Friday, April 8, at 11:59 p.m.
Region 1-A Director
Shanna Peele
Region 2 Director
Ruth Robinson
Region 4 Director
Amy Harrison
Region 4 Director
Crystal Satterfield
Region 5 Director
Sharita Jones
Region 5 Director
Symone Kiddoo
Region 5 Director
Ernest Williams
Region 6 Director
Nicholas Green
Region 6 Director
Chris Meek
Region 7-A Director
Cleta Harrell
Region 7-A Director
Jacqueline Perry-Higgs
Region 7-B Director
Rita Jackson-Gilbert
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NCAE Candidates Running for Office (Continued from page 4)
Vice President
Brandi Abraham
Vice President
LaShana Richards
Secretary
Keisha Horton
Student Services Division Region 1-A Director
Liana Stapleton
Region 4 Director
Ashley Sherman
Education Support Professionals Council
President
Tijuana Greene
Vice President
Jocelyn Morrison
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Amanda Thompson-Rice
I
was once afraid of being myself, said Thompson-Rice, a secondary math specialist and president of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Association of Educators. I feared being seen through the lens of negative stereotypes, and so for a long time I would try to blend in, diminish myself to make those around me comfortable or stay quiet. As my involvement in NEA leadership development programs and caucuses grew, I learned there’s space for me wherever I go -- just as I am -- is the right blend that’s needed to be an activist for students and my profession. One program that changed my life is NEA Leaders of Color Pathway Project. It’s a program that helps members of color take on leadership roles in the union. I learned how to be a leader and a learner and when to lean in for more understanding or to even understand my own blind spots and privileges. The program truly helped put me on a trajectory to continue to be an activist and a responsive leader. After nearly 18 years in the classroom, I’m now a district employee with a large part of my work focusing on leading professional development on race, bias, power, and equity. We work with educators and other school staff to move our schools toward anti-racist education. The first step in this process is for people to examine their own biases, mindsets, and beliefs, as well as understand how their behaviors can dictate a student’s learning experience. My local has also taken on some of this work. We’ve led some workshops on microaggressions and how to become an antiracist educator. Many of our local members also participated in a book study on white fragility led by NCAE. These sessions have helped empower and equip those who want to do the transformational work required to help build stronger students, which in turn builds stronger schools and communities. Throughout my journey in becoming an anti-racist educator, I learned you cannot come into a school, participate in one professional development workshop, and call it a day. This work is a journey, not a destination. It’s also not done in isolation. We work in tandem with other educators. That’s another reason why I value being a member of NEA: The community NEA has built has allowed me to work with other educators across the country, celebrating our triumphs and problem-solving some of our most pressing challenges -- together.
Brandon Lee is passionate about his students and work as an educator. Currently in his third year of teaching English at Rolesville High School in Wake County, he said the best thing about his job is when a student asks a question or makes a comment that widens his perspective on a topic. “I’m a curious person, so encountering new ideas keeps me going. I try to pass this love for knowledge along to my students every day!” Lee has been selected as one of NCAE’s Lovable Local Leaders by his peers for his dedication to the
profession. “I guess you could say I’m a Lovable Local Leader because I feel compelled to take on responsibility for the conditions of public schools. This responsibility and advocacy for better schools and a better world will always be guided by a sense of love and justice.” Teaching was the right career choice, Lee said, because he wanted to change the world “Teaching students to be critical readers of the word and the world will always be my goal.” Each month a Lovable Local Leader will be featured in the News Bulletin.
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Back Together Again: SNCAE Holds Spring Conference in Greensboro After more than two years apart, members of SNCAE gathered in person last month for its spring conference on the campuses of North Carolina A&T State University and UNC-Greensboro. Members from all corners of the state, from 10 college and university campuses, came together to learn more about the profession, network, and participate in fun activities. Here is a fraction of what occurred over the two days:
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1) NCAE President Walker Kelly’s session on Advocating for Students was very popular. 2) NCAE Attorney April Adeeyo shares guidelines that every new educator should follow. 3) Group photoop! 4) Students participated in a team-building activity where they had to unlock a “breakout” box using provided clues. 5) Educator panelists, from left: Heather Barksdale, Forsyth Co. director of
teacher induction; Parker Pelling, Wylie Magnet Middle School; Damian Adam, Page High School; and Lauren Westbrook, Davidson County.
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6) Member Jeff Shu of Kernersville Middle School in Forsyth County told the future teachers to “have fun, stand up for yourselves, and build relationships!”
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7 7) These young ladies listen intently about professional opportunities that are available for educators.
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Educators of Color Academy Graduates Its First Class
Member Receives Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Andi Webb, a K-2 teacher and instructional coach at Forest Hills Global Elementary School in New Hanover County, has been named as a 2020 recipient of a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This is the highest award K-12 teachers can receive for instruction in these two subjects by the federal government. Webb, selected for science instruction, was one of 102 teachers nationwide who received the award, and one of two North Carolina teachers.
New Staff Nina Pande is a lead organizer in Wake County. Prior to joining the NCAE family, she taught math at Neal Middle School and was the district organizer for the Durham Association of Educators. Joining the ranks of NCAE was second nature to Pande, who began organizing because it was clear to her as a teacher the current system was not resourced to meet students’ needs. “Also, unsustainable working conditions were pushing many of my beloved coworkers out of the profession. I decided to join NCAE as an organizer because I know in order to win the future my students and former colleagues deserve, we need a strong union. I believe I can best serve this vision by devoting my time and energy to building our union full time.” Pande says she has a deep faith in young people and their ability to change the world. “Public schools are where children learn to meet themselves and the world with curiosity and joy, and I believe strong public schools are the basis of our collective thriving.” A graduate of Williams College with a degree in mathematics, Pande enjoys learning, running and being surrounded by nature. She is a native of North Carolina.
Recently, the first Educators of Color (EOC) cohort graduated after completing a three-year program. Congratulations to: Charlene Petty, Cleta Harrell, Ayanna Thompson, Sheilalisa Callwood, Masonya Ruff, Rita Jackson-Gilbert, Latasha Mack, Nikole McCoy, Henrietta Corbett and Daria Fedrick. The EOC Academy was established in 2019 by the Instructional Professional Development (IPD) Commission to recruit and maintain educators of color in public schools by providing equitable opportunities related to professional development, instructional leadership, and support networks to enhance their skills and dispositions. These educators persevered throughout the pandemic by attending virtual professional development sessions, book studies, and checking in with mentors. During this time, many of them expanded their instructional practice by earning National Board Certification and additional degrees and moving into instructional and administrative roles. Participants stated that from the first moment they started the program, they felt they belonged to a kijiji (village) of educators who they could relate to and that alone was an encouragement. Now members of the IPD Cadre, they have been trained to deliver professional development in Trauma Informed Practices, Disrupting Poverty, and Creating Culturally Responsive Classrooms with more to come! Please reach out to Amanda Garrison (amanda.garrison@ncae.org) if you are interested in having someone facilitate one of these professional development sessions in your local.
Click here for more info
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Operation Cooperation Service Project 2022
The Methodist Home for Children believes that every child deserves a chance. This year, NCAE is partnering with the organization to provide items for its daycare centers and juvenile facilities. Items most in need are listed below. Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D) CD players with headphone jack Fun disposable masks (adults, kids) Fun sticky notes Ziploc bags (all sizes) Play dough Air dry clay Rock crayons Balls Sand toys Playground toys Art supplies Novel sets Brain games (mind teasers/IQ games) Sensory (calming toys, fidgets) Melissa and Doug water wow sets Melissa and Doug wooden jigsaw puzzles (24 or 48 pieces) 3 WAYS TO DONATE Monetary donations: (CLICK BELOW -- please note the contribution is on behalf of NCAE) Drop off items at the NCAE Center each Tuesday and Wednesday through March 23 Mail items to NCAE, 700 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601
Click here to give a monetary donation. Please note that the contribution is on behalf of NCAE.
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You Are Invited To Our Ninth
CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN
Gala Friday, April 22 Angus Barn Pavilion, Raleigh, NC Reception/Silent Auction 5:30p Dinner 6:30p
$150 per person Business/Cocktail Attire
2022 Honorees
NFL Fullback (Retired) Vonta Leach
NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall
The Honorable Robert Hobgood
RESERVATONS & SPONSORSHIPS - DETAILS NCFPSC.org Checks payable to NCFPSC - P.O. Box 1928, Clayton, NC 29578-1928 Contact: Marca Hamm / marca.hamm@ncfpsc.org / 704.796.2317 NCFPSC is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit - Contributions tax-deductible. $100 per seat is tax-deductible over fair market goods/services received.
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Student STEM Enrichment Program The Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP) supports diverse programs with a common goal: to enable primary and secondary students to participate in creative, hands-on STEM activities for K-12 students and pursue inquiry-based exploration in North Carolina. These awards provide up to $60,000 per year for three years. The application period is open through April 21. Click here to apply.
Ready to get away? Check out all things dealing with travel and vacations at www.neamb.com/ travel.
YOU DESERVE MORE Including a change of scenery
SCAN & GO
You deserve to go places where even the photobombs are breathtaking. Find a world of travel savings, advice and more at NEA Member Benefits. Use your membership to plan an unforgettable, budget-friendly getaway.
Plan your picture-perfect trip at neamb.com/travel
800-637-4636
T R AV E L & VA C AT I O N S CO360 2
Did you know we’re more than an insurance company? We are dedicated to helping educators make informed financial decisions so they can stay in the job they love. Our representatives offer no-cost financial wellness education on a variety of topics important to educators.
Contact your local representative to learn more. Horace Mann and its affiliates enter into agreements with educational associations pursuant to which Horace Mann or its affiliate pays the educational association to provide various services that are aimed at familiarizing the association’s members with the Horace Mann brand, products or services. For more information or to ask questions about your educational association’s services agreement, please email your inquiry to association.relations@horacemann.com. AM-C04554 (1-22)
horacemann.com
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DEALS
2022
for NEA Members
Dates to Remember NEA Discount Marketplace The NEA Discount Marketplace, powered by Rakuten, enables members to earn cash back when they shop and save on brand-name merchandise from more than 2,500 top retailers and online stores. Check out the following memberexclusive deals in March at neamb.com/marketplace: •TurboTax -- Tax filing is fast and easy with TurboTax software. File yourself, get expert assistance with TurboTax Live, or arrange for fullservice tax preparation. •H&R Block -- With H&R Block Free Online, file more credits and deductions (e.g., the Student Loan Interest Deduction). Get the biggest refund possible guaranteed! •Lenovo -- Save on laptops, desktops, gaming PCs, and accessories. Enjoy free shipping on all orders! •Reebok -- Check out end-of-season sales on shoes, apparel and accessories. Join Reebok UNLOCKED for free shipping, exclusive deals and a $10 birthday bonus! •EveryPlate -- Meal kits from EveryPlate are up to 56 percent cheaper than other meal plans, with dinners at an economical $4.99 each. Deep discounts on your first three orders! NEA Auto Buying Program With the NEA Auto Buying Program, browse new and used vehicles from popular brands to find the right car for you, and access educator incentives. We’re here with the tools you need to make a great decision on your next vehicle. Visit www.neamb.com/ autobuying.
N C A E
March 4th 8th 11th-13th 13th 16th 18th 20th 25th-27th 26th-27th
National Grammar Day: Link Day for Women's Rights & International Peace NEA Leadership Summit Daylight Saving Time Begins Freedom of Information Day National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence International Day of Happiness: Link National NEA ESP Conference, New Orleans NCAE Convention (virtual)
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Link Expanding Girls' Horizons in Science & Engineering Month: Link Music In Our Schools Month: Link National March Into Literacy Month National Women's History Month Youth Art Month
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
— Malcolm X Follow NCAE events and activities on:
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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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