May 2018 news bulletin final

NCAE

NEWS BULLETIN May

2018

NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS

A D V O C DA Y C Y

Volume 48, No. 9

05.16.18 March for Students Rally for Respect NCAE HEADQUARTERS 700 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh, N.C.

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News Bulletin

May 2018

May 16...It’s More Than a March and Rally, It’s Personal!

It’s now our turn to peacefully take to the streets -organized and united -- to advocate for public education in North Carolina. On May 16, NCAE will follow the lead of states such as West Virginia, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Colorado by hosting a Mark Jewell March for Students and Rally President for Respect to let lawmakers know that enough is enough!

This is personal! Why? Because you are taking steps to pay $50 of your own money for a sub so that you can take the appropriate leave to come to Raleigh and advocate on behalf of your students and your profession. Since 2013, you have been affected by the devastation caused by the General Assembly defunding public schools while focusing on corporate boardrooms instead of classrooms. On this day of action, you will join with parents, our coalition partners, and those who support public education to demand competitive salaries for ALL educators, a new salary schedule for all work categories, investment in student resources and per-pupil spending, an end to the class size debacle, and schools that are armed with more nurses, counselors, and social workers.

The lack of respect that public education has been shown is

tragic. North Carolina’s school system was once number one in the southeast; now, we’re losing teachers daily to neighboring states or other professions.

During this event, we will lift our voices in a positive manner to let lawmakers know that public education is the cornerstone of our democracy. It’s the one piece of government from which all segments of society can benefit.

We can’t continue to make it a “have v. have not” situation, where if you can get a voucher or get into a particular school, then good for you; if not, you’re on your own. Public education is for ALL, that’s what makes it public, that’s what makes it for everyone.

We have a unique opportunity to change the direction of public education in North Carolina, to break the supermajority as we move toward November 6. Our message is clear…we want those in the House and Senate to know that we will be closely watching what happens during the Short Session and we will be holding them accountable! Or, they are going to hear from us again and again until they do things right!

On May 16, we say “No More!” We are expecting a huge turnout and want you to be a part of this event. Bring a colleague, a friend, or family member with you because it’s going to take all of us to right this ship! Just as songwriter Sam Cooke stated in his lyrics, “A Change is Gonna Come.”

Together, we can make that change happen!

NCAE Advocacy Day March & Rally...We Need YOU There! your local representative and lunch on your own (appointments should be made in advance).

10 a.m.

Meet at NCAE Headquarters, 700 S. Salisbury St. (be here no later than 10) for a quick brief on the day.

10:30 a.m.

March for Students (from NCAE to Legislative Building, about 25 minutes).

3 p.m.

Start assembling at the Bicentennial Plaza across from the Legislative Building for the Rally for Respect.

11 a.m.

Enter Legislative Building and start assembling on the 3rd Floor. This will take a little longer than usual because of new metal detectors upon entry.

3:30 p.m.

Rally for Respect begins.

4:30 p.m.

Rally concludes and participants can start making their way back to NCAE by foot or by using the R-Line, which picks up on Wilmington Street across from the N.C. History Museum.

Noon

General Assembly convenes. We want our members in the galleries.

1 p.m.

Time to make appointments with

To register: http://www.ncae.org/rally-for-respect

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May 2018

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Celebrating Teachers on May 8

Franklin Co. Member Keeps Her “Why” Burning in Her Heart Words of encouragement from a teacher can make a world of difference to a child. Every day, exceptional children’s teacher Tiffany Hunter tells her students at Franklinton Elementary School they are champions. Why is this so important for her to do? Because, she says, a teacher did it for her.

Ms. Kimball was her name, and she was Hunter’s third-grade teacher. During National Teacher Day (May 8), her memory will be celebrated by Hunter, as will the memories of thousands of teachers. “Ms. Kimball just poured into me. I used to read a lot and she would give me books and buy me little extra things. On Monday, she would always take the time to ask me what I read over the weekend and my thoughts about what I read. She saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself and constantly told me that I could do anything I wanted to do.”

As she completes her first official year in the classroom, Hunter reminisces about the role that education played in her life. At an early age she knew it was important. From grade four until graduating high school she lived with her grandparents; neither had a formal education. “I would always tell them that I was going to get a job, help pay the bills, and take care of them. My grandmother rejected that idea, telling me that I was going to school instead.”

Proud to be the first in her family to graduate from college, Hunter honored her grandmother’s wish, completing her studies at The University of Mount Olive in 2017, although it took a while. “I thought I was too old to go to college. A teacher I worked with at HeadStart encouraged me to enroll.

She emphasized that you’re never too old to learn. She, too, kept telling me that I could do it.”

Hunter is very proud of her accomplishments as an educator

and instills in her students to do the same. Not only is she a teacher. She sees herself as a relationship builder and a role model, too. “As educators, it’s important for us to build relationships with students to make them feel safe, needed, and appreciated,” said the mother of three daughters. “Serving as a role model is equally important because some children don’t have that someone to look up to.”

More than anything, she said teachers have to remember their ‘why.’ “As long as you keep your ‘why’ burning in your heart – why am I doing this, why am I here, am I giving my very best every day – you will be successful in everything you do with students. My ‘why’ is to be that someone a child may not have in their life, that person who gives something extra (a hug, a smile, a word of encouragement) like Ms. Kimball was for me. That’s who I want to be!”

NCCAT Professional Development Offerings for Educators The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) is a recognized national leader in professional development programming for teachers. Established in 1985 by the N.C. General Assembly, NCCAT provides a year-round curriculum of intensive cross-disciplinary programs with a focus on digital learning, early grades literacy, and teacher leadership. NCCAT is a place where teachers “advance teaching as an art and a profession” through a wide range of learning opportunities. Each year, nearly 5,000 teachers participate in residential seminars and professional development programs at the center’s campus locations in Cullowhee and on Ocracoke, returning to their schools with recharged interest and a more positive attitude toward teaching. To see a list of professional development offerings, visit www.nccat.org.

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News Bulletin

May 2018

Congratulations 2018 NCAE Award Winners!

Celebrating the Accomplishments of Our Members and Students NCAE State Winner for the NEA Teaching Excellence Award

LISA GODWIN

NASHONDA COOKE

Linda Rader Professional Opportunity Award (certified)

Linda Rader Professional Opportunity Award (ESP)

KRIS GRANDE

BEVERLY MILLER

Human & Civil Rights Art Contest (educator)

ESP of the Year Award

CAROL STUBBS

ASHLEY BERDEAU

Human & Civil Rights Art Contest (K-2 poetry)

ILVIKA RAVAT

Kay Trull Outstanding Professional Educator Award

Human & Civil Rights Art Contest (3-5 poetry)

Continued on page 5

JAMES RUSSELL

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May 2018

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Congratulations 2018 NCAE Award Winners!

Celebrating the Accomplishments of Our Members and Students Human & Civil Rights Art Contest (3-5 short story)

JAYLA WHITE

Human & Civil Rights Art Contest (9-12 artwork)

SHAVANNAH CARTAGENA

Human & Civil Rights Art Contest (5-22 artwork)

SOUTH LEXINGTON DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER

Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship

EMMA GILLEY

Human & Civil Rights Art Contest (3-5 artwork)

JONIYA SAUNDERS

Human & Civil Rights Art Contest (9-12 essay)

SAMANTHA EGERTON

Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship

CYERRA CRUISE

Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship

MYLES NOOKS

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NCAE

Hats Off to the Nine Affiliates Recognized as “Renaissance Locals” Growing membership and building capacity is the foundation by which NCAE has remained “the voice” for public education and educators in North Carolina for almost 50 years. To continue this legacy, the Association has embarked on a “rebirth” through its new Renaissance Locals Awards Program, introduced last year during the Summer Leadership Conference.

Governance, local leaders, and staff were asked to collaboratively craft and implement local organizing and membership plans. The goals consisted of: engaging new educators in one-onone conversations to promote membership; recruiting and reclaiming members by providing engagement opportunities as well as demonstrating the value of NCAE membership; and strengthening the AR infrastructure, building capacity through regional gatherings, leadership sessions, and regular conversations with state leadership. A point value system was used to mark accomplishments.

Nine NCAE local affiliates successfully reached all benchmarks and were recognized during the NCAE Convention in March. They are: Thomasville City Rowan-Salisbury Davie County Forsyth County Chapel Hill/Carrboro Burke County Mount Airy City Chatham County Lexington City “We are so proud of these locals for the hard work they put into achieving this status,” said NCAE President Mark Jewell. “Being the largest education advocacy organization in the state for public school employees comes with a price and that price includes continued membership recruitment and retention.

NCAE gives educators an opportunity to belong, to have their voices count. Our hope is that all locals will strive to gain this achievement.”

“What a tremendous honor this is,” said Rowan-Salisbury Association of Educators’ President Melessia Winborne. “As a result of this challenge, we have inspired and sparked curiosity in the organization and are beginning to actively engage with previously dormant members.” I am encouraged and motivated to push forward in rebuilding and rebranding our local.”

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May 2018

Tonya Kerr, president of the Davie County Association of Educators: “I am thrilled my local achieved this goal and am extremely proud of all of the work that was accomplished.

For me as president, it provided a timeline and a motivation to accomplish goals I had envisioned in the past but had not carried out.”

Bonita Brown said Thomasville NCAE is grateful for the recognition and opportunity to demonstrate an eagerness to follow a new strategic plan and retain members. “As a leader, I was challenged to provide unbiased yet informative services or resources to my colleagues,” said the local’s president. “I discovered that collaboration and varied perspectives about our ‘state of the profession’ was enlightening and encouraged conversations about district expectations, legislative decisions, pay scales, fairness, equality, etc.”

For several years, the Mount Airy local went through a “dull” period, said President Loretta Barneycastle. “Membership and AR meetings had decreased; we just sort of paid dues but didn’t really know what for. When I became president, I decided that I wanted to let our members know they are a part of something great, something bigger than just our small Mount Airy local. I feel good about the changes we have made and look forward to continued growth. Being recognized as a Renaissance Local was truly an honor.”

“No one wants to let down Mark Jewell!” said Lexington City NCAE President Sharon Wilson of why it was important for her local to achieve Renaissance Local status. “Region 2 is very active and it is the expectation that locals do their part to continue the work that has been started.” While working to complete the requirements, Wilson said she discovered as a leader that members want a voice. “People watch your actions, and when you are transparent and visible, they start asking questions about how they can become involved.” This “rebirth,” she added is the first step in the local’s growth.

“The Forsyth County Association of Educators recruited more than 100 new members,” said President Ronda Mays. “Achieving Renaissance Local status was a great accomplishment because we really value the voice and effort of the collective power. We believe in team work and understand that we must work together on the local and state levels to be a strong team. I feel that our local has a new energy. It is enabling us to share with others the work we are doing and encourage them to get involved.”

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May 2018

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Cursive Writing...

Yes or No? In this electronic age of tablets, cell phones, and other devices, handwriting seems to be falling by the wayside. Quick finger action on computer keyboards and small touch-screen keypads has become the norm, especially for many of our students. Keeping up with a digital world is imperative, but some feel so is being able to master cursive writing.

In 2013, the General Assembly passed a bill requiring students to be fluent in cursive writing by the end of fifth grade, but nearly 40 percent of students who should be regularly practicing are not, according to a recent report by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. The report also revealed that only 20.53 percent of 3rd graders, 11.81 percent of 4th graders and 9.89 percent of 5th graders are receiving in-class instruction of cursive writing.

The question was posed to the membership on how important you as educators feel it is for students to master cursive writing.

What was the consensus? Here are a few of the comments shared.

“I give my students a cursive writing sheet every Friday morning beginning week one or two of the school year. After Christmas break, I write the daily schedule in cursive on the board and also require my students to write their names in cursive on all of the classwork. By the end of the year, most of my students are able to write legibly in cursive.” – Kim Clark, Macon County “I highly support the teaching of cursive writing, especially in elementary school. Each year, a few of my high school students reveal they haven’t learned cursive but express a strong desire to do so. As ESL students, many of them are able to teach themselves after I provide them with a handout displaying an example of the cursive alphabet. They take joy in ending letters in their journals with a personalized signature in cursive writing.” – Patty Tiska, Guilford County “As a sixth-grade teacher, I do not find it useful for students to master cursive writing. I myself do not use cursive writing, so I cannot expect my students to do so either. I would like my students to write legibly, but it doesn’t have to be in cursive. With class time at a premium, we should reconsider our priorities on this issue.” – LeAnna Delph, Buncombe County “Many of our nation’s most important documents are written in a form of cursive. Students lose the ability to read these important democratic documents detailing their basic, essential rights if not taught cursive. Teaching cursive is an early step to fostering an informed, empowered citizenry.” – James. B. Carter, Rowan-Salisbury “I am very passionate about teaching cursive writing, and I still do – every year. I’d love to support advocacy around this issue! – Turquoise Parker, Durham County “I feel it is very important for students to be taught cursive writing. Many documents are required to be signed, such as driver’s licenses, papers for loans and mortgages and sale of houses. Our country is becoming so computer oriented. I believe cursive writing should be kept. Even fine motor skills can be improved using it.” – Kathryn Mansfield, Forsyth County “No, I do not. Rather, I would like to see our educational system help students develop a legible handwriting. Legible being the operative standard – can other people read it? Many people have learned cursive writing with a style that is completely illegible to others. What good is it? I reiterate – the standard should be legibility!” – Nancy Payne, Stokes County Retired “I am a principal at an alternative school. Cursive writing should be a requirement for all students. It is needed in the ‘real world’ to which students will eventually become employed. Cursive writing reinforces a students’ vocabulary because it forces them to think and remember how to spell words more so than using a computer or cellphone.” – Clinton Turner, Thomasville City

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News Bulletin

New Business Items Discussed at the 2018 NCAE Convention

During the 48th Annual NCAE Convention and Representative Assembly in March, delegates discussed 17 New Business Items.

Fourteen (14) NBIs were approved, two failed, and one was referred to the NCAE Board of Directors. Click here to view.

ABrightFUTURE For NEA Members SCHOLARSHIP DRAWING

$5,000* Enter your chance to win $5,000 from Sallie Mae, provider of the NEA Smart Option Student Loan Program. This money could go a long way in helping to fund educational pursuits, such as National Board Certification or other professional development courses. Members are eligible to enter each month through July 31, at www.neamb.com.

Good luck!

ENTER NOW AT NEAMB.COM FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

NEA Member Benefits has teamed up with Sallie Mae®, provider of the NEA® Smart Option Student Loan® Program, to offer NEA members a chance to win $5,000 cash! It’s our way of rewarding you for your dedication and helping you further your own educational pursuits.

Now through July 31, 2018, enter each month at www.neamb.com. If you’re the lucky $5,000 winner, you could choose to fund professional development courses for yourself, cover some of your expenses toward National Board Certification, or even help family members with their college tuition!

To enter, visit www.neamb.com

or call the NEA Member Service Center at 1-800-637-4636 The NEA® Smart Option Student Loan® by Sallie Mae® offers competitive rates and the flexibility of three repayment options to help you finance school-certified education costs not covered by scholarships, grants and federal loans.

To learn more, visit us at neamb.com/sl or call 1-866-898-5198.

in partnership with

*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Ends July 31, 2018. See official rules: neamb.com/prize. NEA’s Member Benefits Corporation receives compensation from Sallie Mae for this program. NEA’s Member Benefits Corporation does not receive any dues dollars from NEA to support Member Benefits programs. Smart Option Student Loan information is for borrowers attending degree-granting institutions only. Applications are subject to a requested minimum loan amount of $1,000. Current credit and other eligibility criteria apply. Smart Option Student Loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank or a lender partner. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank, are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America. Sallie Mae, the Sallie Mae logo, and other Sallie Mae names and logos are service marks or registered service marks of Sallie Mae Bank or its subsidiaries. © 2018 Sallie Mae Bank. All rights reserved. SALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. NEA, NEA Member Benefits and the NEA Member Benefits logo are registered service marks of NEA’s Member Benefits Corporation.

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May 2018

News Bulletin

NCAE

May 2018

DEALS

2018

for NEA Members

Dates to Remember

NEA Click & Save “Buy-Lights” for May Whether you’re celebrating Mother’s Day, a graduation, a new baby or an upcoming wedding, make the occasion special! 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 May. • Things Remembered – Earn 5X WOWPoints on your purchase of handcrafted products offering heirloom-quality engraving. Turn good gifts into ones treasured forever.

• Jewelry.com – Find amazing values on thousands of jewelry items, ranging from every day basics to couture. Plus, your order earns 5X WOWPoints.

• Perfume.com – Delight the senses with brand name perfumes, colognes, and skin and hair care products; get 4X WOWPoints, too.

• Kohl’s – Get some pizzazz with the latest spring and summer fashions and home décor. Save up to 70 percent off and earn 1X WOWPoints.

• Modell’s Sporting Goods – Shop the best sporting goods and apparel, menswear and brand name athletic footwear. Save up to 70 percent off on clearance and earn 1X WOWPoints.

• Omaha Steaks – Not Just Steak: choose from a wide selection of seafood, deli-style meats, appetizers, and desserts (plus steaks). Check out “Deals of the Day.” Get up to 40 percent off and earn 5X WOWPoints.

NEA Auto Buying Program In the market for a new or used car? The NEA Auto Buying Program through TrueCar is the first place you should look.

Benefits include: used car discounts, see what others paid, upfront pricing, a hasslefree experience. Visit www.neamb.com/buyacar.

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May 4th 8th 9th 16th 19th 21st 28th

School Lunch Hero Day National Teacher Day Student Nurse Day Bike to School Day NCAE Advocacy Day, Raleigh Armed Forces Day World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue & Development Memorial Day (NCAE Offices Closed)

Family Wellness Month Get Caught Reading Month Military Appreciation Month National Smile Month National Youth Traffic Safety Month Young Achievers of Tomorrow Month

“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.” -- Jiddu Krishnamurti

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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