May 2019 NCAE News Bulletin

NCAE North Carolina Association of Educators

News Bulletin May 2019

Vol. 49, No. 9

www.ncae.org

Thousands Converge on Raleigh on May 1

The Power of Educators and Their Supporters!

See Day of Action Highlights on pages 4 and 5

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May 1...the Continuation of Making Public Ed in NC Great!

Last year, our Rally for Respect was a beginning. We pledged to hold our elected leaders accountable for prioritizing corporate tax cuts, instead of our classrooms. For putting politics ahead of students. For selling out communities, instead of investing in them. And guess what? WE DID! Mark Jewell President We broke the supermajority in the House. We dismantled the supermajority in the Senate. We elected pro-education candidates from up and down the ticket, from Murphy to Manteo, and we made it clear that the voices of educators, and all of those who care about public education, were heard not only here on the streets, but at the ballot box.

We came to Raleigh to meet our goals, and we did. And we should be proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish. But, as we all know, it wasn’t enough.

We know what enough could look like. Gov. Cooper has already released a budget that makes critical investments in our students, educators, and families. There are investments in textbooks, supplies, school infrastructure, and significant educator raises that get North Carolina back on track to reach the national average. Why did he do this? Because when we spoke, he listened. He understands that in embracing what is important to educators, he is embracing what is important to all of North Carolina. In his budget proposal, Gov. Roy Cooper’s proposed increase for teachers is 9.1 percent over two years. The governor’s proposal will also restore additional pay for educators who hold a master’s degree in their instructional field. Ensuring that our educators are professionally compensated. The blueprint is there – we just have to make it a reality.

Just as we asked our legislators to address five key issues during last year’s march and rally, this year we asked them again to concentrate on five key issues: • Provide enough school librarians, psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurses, and other health professionals to meet national professional-to-student standards.

• Provide a $15 minimum wage for all school personnel, a 5

NC House Releases 2019-2021 Budget

percent raise for all ESPs (non-certified staff), teachers, administrators, and a 5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for retirees.

• Expand Medicaid.

• Reinstate state retiree health benefits eliminated by the General Assembly in 2017.

• Restore advanced degree compensation stripped by the General Assembly in 2013.

These five things will put North Carolina back on track to be a beacon in the South for public education once again, and give our students the best opportunity at success.

We must continue to tell our legislators that North Carolina deserves to get back on that track of investing in strong schools, strong students, and strong communities. And we intend to make it happen. While some of them might not want to talk with us, we know there is a true friend and champion of public education who lives just down the street.

It was so exciting to see thousands of educators and supporters in Raleigh on May 1 advocating for our kids -- they deserve so much more. That day was a continuation of what we started last year on May 16, and what we will continue to do through the end of this legislative session, and well into 2020.

It’s the continuation of bringing our state’s education system back to students. It’s the continuation of our unapologetic insistence to re-invest in our schools. And it’s the continuation of our call for greatness over greed.

So, my ask of you is to not let it stop here. Let’s harness our power. Let’s commit right now to doing what we need to to make this year another great year for public education. For those educators who are not members of NCAE, we need them to join. We need to continue to make calls and send e-mails to our legislators when important votes are approaching, and be available to come back here to Raleigh later in the summer if we have to push our priorities over the finish line. We can do this.

I want to say that I am proud to lead this uprising we have started. Our communities have suffered enough. North Carolina has suffered enough. It’s not about the D or the R… it’s all about the E -- for public education.

We have tremendous power. We have to take this passion that we all have to show our communities we mean business -that we have to be vocal at every opportunity to demand better for our students.

Remember why May 1 and May 16 were so important… because IT’S PERSONAL!

The North Carolina House has released its 2019-2021 education budget. Key highlights were shared in the Friday May 3, issue of Education Insight. To see the budget and the money report in its entirety, click here.

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NCAE News Bulletin

Celebrating National Teacher Appreciation Week

Changing the World One Student at a Time Monique McKithen knows all about retro-fitted computers, special wheelchairs, and working with physical therapists and speech pathologists. As a homebound teacher, she has a wealth of resources at her fingertips to help students be successful, even when they aren’t in the classroom.

“The beauty of public education is that there are so many resources available that most people don’t realize exist,” said McKithen, who serves students through the Duke Hospital School, which is a component of Durham Public Schools.

“When you are a part of this arena and can see everything that is offered, it’s a wonderful thing.”

Homebound services are available for any student that cannot participate in a regular classroom setting due to a physical or mental health condition. Once well enough, the student will return to a regular school setting. McKithen’s job is to help them continue their studies so they don’t fall behind. Her caseload consists of about 14 students and she offers up to three hours of educational instruction to each student per week. She also meets with teachers and other service providers as needed.

McKithen was a social worker for 16 years prior to becoming an educator. She was an intensive case manager at a psychiatric hospital in New Jersey and served as program director for Wake Family Entry at Pan Lutheran Ministries in Raleigh, an organization that provided

emergency housing for families. At the time, it was the only program to house families with male children over the age of 12. It was while working here, she said, that she wanted to transition into public education.

“I felt if I became a public school teacher, I could impress upon kids that they could change their way of life. At PLM, I worked with so many children that were following the same traits that led their families into homelessness. I wanted to show them that they were not doomed because of their family history; that by taking advantage of their educational journey, they could do and become whatever they desired.”

McKithen considers herself a “kid whisperer” because she is always her students’ biggest cheerleader. “I am always telling them that they can do it! I know when someone tells you that you can do something, takes your hand and

Pay Homage to the Teachers in Your Life!

May 7: National Teacher Appreciation Day May 6-12: National Teacher Appreciation Week

shows you, it gives you confidence. I want to build that in my students because some of them don’t have anyone to impress upon them a belief in education, or to push them.”

As one of only a few homebound educators in the state, McKithen said more needs to be done to provide wraparound services for students. There are so many students, especially EC students, who could benefit from homebound services but there are not enough positions being funded, including psychologists, social workers, and school nurses. “Public school systems can’t be boxed in; the needs are so varied and so great. Our student population is so fluid and the state has to be fluid when it comes to providing funding. Lawmakers must realize that if a certain number of students have a particular need, they must be able to expand funding in order to ensure those students have access to those resources.

“This job of educating our children is important, no matter what end of the spectrum you find yourself. Everyone can say they have been touched in some way by an educator. Every member of NCAE, and every educator out there, should be super proud of what they do.

We often don’t get the recognition we deserve, but we are diligent and passionate about our roles. It’s not so much that we do this for anything beyond the hope of a better tomorrow for our students. Each of us is here because we’re in it to win it!”

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Strong Students, Strong Schools, Strong Communities The call was made and the people answered. On May 1, thousands of educators, students, parents, community leaders, and public education supporters donned some form of red attire and once again filled the streets of downtown Raleigh. The message to lawmakers was clear in the form of five very important priorities.

The energy of the rally-goers was electrifying and could be felt from the time they begin to gather at the NCAE Center until they left for the journey home. With signs in hands, the crowd marched and chanted down Fayetteville Street, around the Capital to the General Assembly, and landed at Halifax Mall, where they heard from a host of speakers, including Governor Roy Cooper, Rev. William Barber, and their colleagues, who shared their personal stories. Several

lawmakers also came out to show their support and to talk with participants.

“Once again, the educators of this state and those who support us have lifted their voices to say the needs of our students and citizens must be met,” said NCAE President Mark Jewell. “It’s time for those on Jones Street who we voted to represent us to listen to what we have to say. What started on May 16, 2018, and continued through last fall’s election clearly indicates that the people want change. They deserve change.

That’s why it was so important for us to once again lead the charge, this time on May 1. And we will continue to march, and to call, to send e-mails, and to schedule visits until public education issues and others plaguing our communities are a priority!”

#NCAESTRONG

#INTHISTOGETHER Continued on page 5

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NCAE News Bulletin

Strong Students, Strong Schools, Strong Communities Continued from page 4

#ITSPERSONAL More photos from the May 1 Day of Action are available on the NCAE Flickr page.

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Congrats to the Recipients of 2019 NCAE Awards NCAE State Winner for the NEA Teaching Excellence Award

Human & Civil Rights Arts Contest (9-12 poetry)

YANCI MALDONADO

Human & Civil Rights Arts Contest (9-12 short story)

Sabrina Peacock Guilford County Human & Civil Rights Arts Contest (educator)

SHANTALL BENITES

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

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NCAE Welcomes...

Kevin Rogers is the new manager of the Communications and Government Relations departments.

Prior to joining NCAE, Rogers was director of Policy and Public Affairs for Action NC, an organizing and advocacy organization that works to build power for low-income North Carolinians. He says he was drawn to NCAE because he’s witnessed the many hurdles placed before educators by legislators in Raleigh. “I knew it was time to get in the middle of the fight for education in North Carolina,” he said.

Public education runs deep in Rogers’ family. His mother is an elementary school nurse, and three of his aunts and one of his uncles are retired public school teachers. And, he is a product of New Jersey’s public schools, where he grew up.

Rogers is a graduate of Concordia College in New York, where he earned a BA in English Literature. He earned his law degree from Widener University in Delaware.

When not working, Rogers enjoys spending time with his family – wife Elissa, their son Curtis (who is a rising first-grader), and their dog Rudy. He also enjoys drinking coffee and napping.

Staff Changes DAPHANIE JONES

EMMA HUGHES

Human & Civil Rights Arts Contest (K-2 artwork)

Human & Civil Rights Arts Contest (K-12 alternative)

JOSHUA SILVA-MASSAS

SOUTH LEXINGTON DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER

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Verlyn Chesson Porte has been promoted to the position of Lead Counsel for the Advocacy Center. She joined the NCAE family in 2018 as a staff attorney.

Ray Riffe is the new manager of Membership and Organizing. Hired in 2006, Riffe worked as a UniServ director in Guilford County for 13 years, serving members in Region 4.

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NCAE News Bulletin

Four High School Seniors Awarded MLK Jr. Scholarships Four North Carolina high school seniors are recipients of 2019 NCAE Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarships. Presented by the Human and Civil Rights Commission, each student will receive $1,200, which will provide financial assistance to further their education beyond high school. Money for the scholarships is donated by you, the members, staff, and public education supporters.

Selection criteria for students include scholastic achievement, character, and personality. In these brief descriptions, the candidates share how the ideals and philosophies of Dr. King have influenced their lives.

Charisma Daniel is a senior at Roanoke Valley Early College in Halifax County. She has been accepted at UNC-Chapel Hill to study biology. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ‘Life’s most persistent question is what are you doing for others?’ I ask myself this question often and want to be able to give an answer that Dr. King would be proud of. I went to my community college campus early one morning to read to children at the on-campus daycare. I looked into the eyes of the children as they hung on my every word. I realized at that moment that I was sparking a passion for literature in their lives. Engaging in activities like this has reminded me that service is never just a one-time special event; any time I can think of a way to make a difference, I must do so.” Charisma is an outgoing student who is Phi Theta Kappa president, Quiz Bowl president, and an Halifax Community College student ambassador. She is also a member of the School Book Committee and School Improvement Team.

Xaniah Harper is a senior at South Central High School in Pitt County. She has been accepted at East Carolina University, where she will study nursing.

“When I look at all the violence in the world, it doesn’t give me hope. But, the non-violence philosophies of Dr. King does. I use his philosophies in my everyday life by settling differences with kind words.

Dr. King has influenced me to always make peace and to remain patient. He has influenced me to show my anger through love, and to make life better, no matter how much violence is in the world.” Xaniah believes in giving back.

Three days a week, she volunteers in a second-grade classroom at Creekside Elementary, completing tasks given to her by the teacher. She is always willing to help without reservation and always does it with a smile. An educator said of her, “Xaniah has shown herself to be a person that is compassionate, determined, and hardworking. It is not often you meet a student that exhibits such maturity while possessing humility.”

Autumn Hafley is a senior at East Lincoln High School in Lincoln County.

She will study Journalism at UNC-Chapel Hill. “I am a huge advocate for women’s rights, including equality in the workplace and the reduction of harassment on an everyday basis. Being a woman myself, it’s difficult to imagine not supporting these movements. I’m sure this is the same way Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. felt, knowing that he wasn’t less just because his skin color, just like I’m not less because of my gender.” Described as a leader, Autumn is editor-in-chief of the yearbook, is a member of the Beta Club, and is a member of the National Honors Society. She loves children, and can often be found serving as a tutor or babysitting.

Caira James is a senior at Challenger Early College High School in Catawba County. She plans to study psychology at Virginia State University. “This question asked by Dr. King, ‘What are you doing for others,’ holds great power in my life. Each day, I look forward to helping someone in some way. I am a firm believer that if you are not living to serve others and impact the individuals you encounter each day, then you are not living up to your full potential. A perfect example of this is my volunteer experience at the Hickory Soup Kitchen. By volunteering and networking with individuals there, I have truly built a foundation on asking myself, ‘what are you doing for others?’ Some base their servanthood on their own selfish needs and corporate quotas, but genuine generosity and kindness will prevail the true motivation of what you do for others.”

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Gaston Elem. Wins “No Kid Hungry” Breakfast Challenge

Congratulations to NC Regional TOY Members Two NCAE members were regional finalists for 2019 Teacher of the Year. Christy Howe (left), Southeast Region Teacher of the Year, teaches at Bradley Creek Elementary in New Hanover County. Shiela Patterson (right), the Piedmont-Triad Regional Teacher of the Year, teaches at South Stokes High School in Stokes County.

The Teacher of the Year Program is sponsored by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund to honor North Carolina teachers. The mission of the NCTOY Program is to promote the profession through advocacy and support while recognizing quality teaching professionals implementing best practices within classrooms across North Carolina. Click here to read more about them.

Ensuring that students begin the school day ready to learn is an important part of their success at Gaston Elementary in Northampton County. Eating a good breakfast, considered the most crucial meal of the day, is strongly encouraged and has won the school the “No Kid Hungry” Breakfast Challenge.

Gaston Elementary was one of nine schools and one of three elementary schools with the largest increase in overall breakfast participation in the state -- 62 percent of students participating.

What makes the program so successful is that students receive their breakfast from stations in the hallway then go directly to their classrooms to eat. Principal and NCAE member Barbara Stephenson (seen here in red) said, “this model provides students with additional instructional time in the classroom and builds a sense of community as they eat, fellowship, and prepare for their lessons.”

The other schools that were winners are: W. McLauchlin Elementary in Hoke County (47 percent increase); Central Elementary in Rockingham County (44 percent increase); West Hoke Middle School in Hoke County (53 percent increase); Table Rock Middle School in Burke County (31 percent increase); Walter R. Johnson Middle School in Burke County (27 percent increase); Blue Ridge Early College in Jackson County (28 percent increase); McDowell Early College in McDowell County (27 percent increase; West Craven High School in Craven county (22 percent increase).

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Your Classroom Assistant

Amazon’s Alexa is Here to Help!

Need a little help in your classroom? Someone to keep track of your classroom schedule, remind you to give a quiz, or read a book to students?

Help is here – and her name is Alexa.

Alexa is Amazon’s virtual assistant that works within their line of Echo voice-activated, Internet-connected smart speakers. It allows you to ask the questions and make requests using just your voice. It’s like having a Star Trek computer inside your classroom. Here are just few examples of what you can ask Alexa to do: • “Alexa, how do you spell _______?”

• “Alexa, what is the definition of ______?”

• “Alexa, set a timer for _____.”

Along with impressive out-of-the-box commands you can ask, there are 70,000 more skills you can add to extend Alexa’s capabilities. Just go to Amazon.com and search Alexa Skills to link your account. Following are a few popular ones for the classroom. Prices for the Echo speakers range from $29 - $90.

Heads Up by Ellen DeGeneres – Fun and hilarious game that the comic actor plays on her show. She’ll provide clues to help you guess the word on the card, from naming celebrities to identifying your favorite movies. Guess the word before the timer runs out!

National Geographic Geo Quiz – Put your kids’ geography knowledge to the test. Only the first try counts, but you can repeat the questions as many times as you’d like each day for practice. Six new questions are released every day.

This Day in History – Check in with Alexa to find out about the historical events that happened on this day and every day of the year.

Amazon Storytime – A collection of more than 100 short stories featuring lively full-cast recordings.

Turn any time into story time with this free Alexa skill for kids ages 5-12.

The Queen’s Mathematician – Kids use early elementary math facts, solve word problems, and stretch their imaginations and vocabularies in a quirky tree house castle full of surprises and kidfriendly humor.

AskMyClass – Set up AskMyClass to give students a morning message, reflective question, writing prompt, math word problem, dance breaks, and music countdowns. AskMyClass allows teachers more time for planning and instruction, while saving effort in looking for new ideas.

Reprinted from California Educator, the publication of the California Teachers’ Association.

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NCAE News Bulletin

U.S. Senate Approves Bill Recognizing ESPs, Classified Employees The U.S. Senate has approved the Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act (H.R. 276), legislation that provides long-overdue recognition for the outstanding contributions of education support professionals and classified school employees to the nation’s public schools and the students they serve. The legislation directs the U.S. Secretary of Education to establish a national award program recognizing the excellence exhibited by public school system employees who provide services in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

“Education Support Professionals are an integral part of the nation’s public education system and the more than 50 million students it serves,” said NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia.

“They often are the first in the building and the last to leave.

They promote student achievement, ensure student safety, and contribute to the establishment and promotion of a positive instructional environment every day.”

There are almost 3 million classified education support employees in our nation’s public schools, colleges, and universities and they make up one-third of the public education workforce.

“Whether driving a bus, working a computer lab, assisting a teacher in the classroom, serving lunch to students, or making sure the building is clean and healthy, they work hard every day knowing the important role they play in creating learning environments that help students reach their fullest potential.

They are the gears that keep school operations moving,” Garcia added.

“After many years by educators of advocating for such a national award, Congress is right to recognize the unsung and often unseen heroes of the education profession – Education Support Professionals and classified school employees. In particular, we thank Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) for supporting the bill as well as the members from both sides of the political aisle of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. This long-overdue bill appropriately respects and rightly acknowledges the hard work, dedication, skills, and expertise of our ESPs,” she concluded.

Of NEA’s 3 million members, almost 500,000 are Education Support Professionals in the following nine career families: • Clerical services • Custodial and maintenance services • Food services • Health and student services • Para-educators • Security services • Skilled trade services • Technical services • Transportation services

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DEALS

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2019

for NEA Members NEA Click & Save “Buy-Lights” for May Spring holidays – don’t forget Mom – are upon us! NEA Click & Save, the online discount buying service for NEA members, highlights select retailers and merchants each month. Check out these featured “BuyLights” for May. • Jewelry.com – Shop a vast inventory of fine and costume jewelry, including many unique pieces. Get up to 80 percent on clearance and 8X WOWPoints on your order.

• Sephora.com – The source for skin and hair care products, cosmetics, and more. Save up to 50 percent off and earn 2X WOWPoints on your purchase. Get free shipping on order of $50 or more.

• Fossil.com – Save on vintage-inspired watches, wallets, handbags, and sunglasses. Earn 2X WOWPoints and get free standard shipping.

• Bed Bath & Beyond – Get up to 50 percent off clearance merchandise plus 3X WOWPoints. Your order of $39 or more ships for free.

• Home Depot -- Thinking room refresh? Save up to 40 percent on home décor and earn 2X WOWPoints.

• TicketsatWork.com – The season’s gearing up. Save on tickets to theme and amusement parks, plus get up to 3X WOWPoints.

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Dates to Remember May 7th 8th 9th 12th 17th 18th 25th 27th

National Teacher Day Bike to School Day School Nurse Day National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day Mother’s Day National Bike to Work Day Armed Forces Day National and International Missing Children’s Day Memorial Day (NCAE Offices Closed)

Family Wellness Month Get Caught Reading Month Heal the Children Month Mental Health Month National Physical Fitness & Sports Month National Youth Traffic Safety Month Young Achievers of Tomorrow Month

HELPING MEMBERS

DO MORE, SPEND LESS, LIVE BETTER.

Tap into a world of resources.

Get tips on stretching your paycheck, member discounts, travel ideas and more for every type of member. Download yours now.

Check out ways to succeed in and out of the classroom — tailored for K–12 Teachers

text K12 to 73915

Explore a variety of budget-friendly solutions made for Education Support Professionals

text ESP to 73915

Take advantage of member-only benefits made to give Retired Educators peace of mind

text Retired to 73915

Choose from practical home and career ideas designed for Higher Education Professionals

text HigherEd to 73915

Make the most of proven strategies to help launch the careers of Future Educators

Resources abound for NEA members -- from those who are in college to those who have retired. Check out the many benefits waiting for you via your smartphone!

text Student to 73915

© 2019 NEA’s Member Benefits Corp. NEA, NEA Member Benefits and the NEA Member Benefits logo are registered service marks of NEA’s Member Benefits Corporation.

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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 D. Powell, Editor/Designer

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