NCAE North Carolina Association of Educators
News Bulletin May 2020
Vol. 50, No. 9
www.ncae.org
Remote Learning Continues
Gov. Cooper Closes Schools for the Remainder of the Year
Click Here: NCAE COVID-19 Resource Page
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The Beauty That Lies Within Spring is a time of renewal. It’s the time of year when the weather turns warm, when flowers and trees bloom, and thoughts turn to new beginnings. It’s a time when the world wakes up to the Kristy Moore beauty within. Many spring Vice President seasons have come and gone -- some more memorable than others. However, Spring 2020 is going to be one for the history books. Years from now when we reflect on how we spent this time, we are going to remember how we were separated from friends and loved ones, how we had to wear masks when going out to run errands, how we had to work from home, and how we had to educate our students virtually. These are different times we are experiencing. Some of the changes that we are quickly becoming accustomed to could possibly continue and completely change life as we remember it. But although things look and feel differently, the beauty within us as humans, and as educators, remains steadfast. Like never before, we have come together as a community to help each other, to provide comfort and encouragement, and to lend a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. We have stepped up to ensure our students have the resources they need to continue learning at home. Many of you have risked, and are continuing to risk, your own health and safety to make sure our children don’t go hungry. But isn’t that the beauty of what we do as educators each and every day? And isn’t it one of the reasons we chose public education as a career? The beauty of what we do is not confined to the buildings in which we work. The beauty is within each of us as individuals. Have you ever heard the saying “April Showers Bring May Flowers?” Unfortunately, we have had
to experience some April showers in order to show some people the beauty that resides within us. The COVID-19 pandemic has put educators on full display in a new way. I think moving forward, there will truly be a new appreciation for what we do, and I think there will be a newfound respect for the profession as a whole. We are a vital asset to society, one that is not to be taken lightly. We have a tremendous impact on so many lives. We have the ability to transform and to nurture. And, we have the uncanny ability to adapt to whatever circumstances come our way. That’s the true beauty of an educator. Our beauty is nothing new, but sometimes we forget that it’s a part of the fabric that makes us so essential. Others may discount who we are and the roles we play, but we never should. The job we do is often a thankless one. Oftentimes we don’t receive the accolades we deserve, but that should not stop us from giving thanks and praise to each other for jobs well done. We are all in this together, and it’s going to take all of us working together and supporting each other to overcome this period of uncertainty. As I prepare to say farewell after almost four wonderful years as a member of the NCAE leadership team, let me say that I know and see the beauty in each and every one of you. Over the years I have had the opportunity to meet many of you, personally work with you, and even serve as a mentor to some of you. I have been there to fight side-byside with you, to be your voice when you felt you didn’t have one, and to cheer you on when you felt you could no longer put one foot in front of the other. For sure, this is not good-bye. I will continue to be a huge advocate in this journey we call public education, and I will only be a phone call or e-mail away if you need me. It has been a pleasure serving as your vice president and I look forward to the next chapter in which NCAE is about to embark. Together we can and will make a difference as we press on for Strong Students, Strong Schools, and Strong Communities! Thank you, members and NCAE, for the cherished memories!
Join NCAE members Jennifer Kubacki and Jasmine Lauer as they facilitate a virtual National Board Support Session titled “ePortfolio and Guiding Reading” on Saturday, May 9, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Click here to register. Direct all questions to misshart.english@gmail.com.
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Everything is Different, But Some Things Will Never Change your questions and When the clock rolled over to 12:00 a.m. on January 1, concerns and have 2020, none of us could have imagined that our lives worked hard to would change so dramatically, become so fundamentally provide you the different. None of us thought that in a few short months resources and we would be unable to celebrate holidays or birthdays information you need. with family and friends. None of us thought that we Please visit the would not be able to shake a colleague’s or business COVID-19 section of partner’s hand, hug a friend in distress, or stand closer our NCAE webpage than 6 feet to another human being. None of us thought Rachelle Johnson by clicking on the that we would be sewing masks to wear to protect others Executive Director banner at the top of from us, not the reverse. And we certainly did not the page. A variety of anticipate that educators of all kinds would be conducting links and FAQs are classes virtually; bus drivers would be using their buses available to help you navigate our current reality. to deliver meals to families in need; and cafeteria workers Despite the NCAE Headquarters being closed to protect would be preparing and distributing those meals at school our staff and members, the NCAE distribution locations. What staff also are continuing the work to we have always known lift up the amazing things you all, though is that ALL educators our members, are doing every day accept whatever challenges “What we have always known is that ALL and to support that work are presented to them for their educators accept whatever challenges are appropriately in the field. The presented to them for their students and their students and their communities with grace, dignity, and ingenuity. support may be done remotely or communities with grace, Now is no different.” slightly differently but still with the dignity, and ingenuity. Now is same dedication and expertise. My no different. heartfelt thanks go out to our staff During this time, NCAE is who have risen to the challenges we honored to advocate for and have asked of them while navigating this new reality stand with all of you, especially our members, for what themselves. you need to be successful and safe during this pandemic. While we could not have imagined this reality mere We have advocated for appropriate guidelines and months ago, it is now the new normal. A new normal in protections for our folks on the front lines whether which it is easy to become isolated and detached as we stay distributing meals, cleaning buildings or preparing meals. at home to save lives. We must find ways for work-life We have lobbied for the professional tools educators need balance and make space and time for things that bring joy to conduct online instruction. We have shined a light on and hope. We will get through this together. Please take care the inequities in the system and the impact on equal of yourselves and each other. We are Team NCAE, and we access to public education during these unusual times. We are in this together. have lifted up your voices to the policy-makers to make Stay well, stay safe. sure they listened and responded. We have listened to
Poll Reveals Educators Doing Great Job During COVID-19 Crisis
Results of a recent NEA poll shows parents and guardians express extremely positive views of educators during the COVID-19 crisis. More than 80 percent of parents/guardians view public school teachers very favorably. Eighty-eight percent of parents approve of how their children’s teachers are handling the coronavirus pandemic. This is significantly higher than their approval of how many others’ have responded, including their governor (71 percent), and their mayor or local government (73 percent). The national survey was conducted by GBAO Strategies and included a survey of 800 parents and guardians of school-aged children who attend a public school. Click here to view more.
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NCAE Announces Newly Elected Officers for 2020
Tamika Walker Kelly NCAE President
Bryan Proffitt NCAE Vice President
Turquoise Parker NEA Director
Zach Parker Region 1-B Director
Justin Parmenter Region 3-B Director
Brian Link Region 4 Director
Kristin Beller Region 5 Director
Dee Grissett Region 6 Director
Jassmin Smith Region 7-A Director
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One Educator Pays It Forward for Another
It Takes a Village and It Takes NCAE! Brandi Boyette knows what it means to be on Harris Creek Elementary in Wake County. As soon as Boyette’s membership was the receiving end of a “pay it forward” action. A active, Boyd put her in touch with NCAE’s recent accident left her with limited options for research specialist Marge Foreman, who Boyd assistance until a friend suggested she join called a godsend. Foreman discovered that the NCAE. But that isn’t all the friend did…she doctor’s office had filed Boyette’s claim with went a step further and paid Boyette’s dues! the insurance company as a level 1 instead of a Amy Boyd, a retired educator from Pitt level 2. This was the reason claims were being County, is that friend. She and Boyette have denied. Once the doctor made the change and known each other for several years and have Boyette requested a conference call with the grown close. “I think the world of Amy,” said insurance company, the claim was approved Boyette, whose right arm was partially severed Brandi Boyette and processed. Boyette will receive her new in an ATV accident last summer. “When Amy prosthetic arm by the middle of May. heard, she was right there by my side to help “I told Marge that what occurred took a with whatever I needed. When I began having village and NCAE to get this done,” said Boyd issues with the insurance company over the with a laugh. “If it had not been for NCAE claims for my [specialized] prosthetic arm, she sorting everything out, Brandi’s doctor would asked if I had contacted NCAE. I told her that I have never known to file a second-level claim. was not a member at the time because I couldn’t I’ve seen NCAE at work before but what afford it. She immediately responded that I transpired was truly amazing!” needed to join and that she would pay my dues. I Boyette has become a spokesperson of sorts was so touched. It’s hard accepting that amount for the reason educators should join the of money from someone, but I finally Association. “I see and know the value of consented.” NCAE,” she said. “For those who are reserved For Boyd, it was the least she could do for about being a member, my story speaks Boyette, who she describes as a special, gifted, Amy Boyd volumes on what NCAE can do. It’s one of and dedicated educator. “Brandi has a passion those things that you don’t need it until you for teaching and all of her energy goes into her need it. But when you need NCAE, like I students,” said Boyd. “It’s just amazing to watch needed NCAE, they had my back. They took the reins and ran her in action. With what she was facing, I knew that she with them on my behalf. NCAE is the organization that all needed an advocate, and I knew that NCAE was that educators need to be a part of for their benefit and safety. I advocate. If need be, I am prepared to pay her dues for the was utterly impressed at what the Association did for me!” remainder of her career!” Boyette is a first-grade teacher at
“One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” — Malala Yousafzai
NCAE News Bulletin Disclaimer: Some sections of this FAQ may be impacted by pending NCGA legislation, which as of publication is not yet finalized. Please visit the NCAE COVID-19 Resource page for updated info.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ for Educators Licensure and Policy
1.
What happens to teachers who need to renew their license by June 30, 2020? Educators who need to renew their Continuing Professional License can still renew as long as they have completed the continuing education credits needed for their licensure area. Educators that have performance issues are required to be proficient in three of the five standards for renewal, with standard IV being one of them as evidenced on their summative evaluation. There is a suggestion from the COVID-19 workgroup for educators who were unable to complete their continuing education credits to be given a one-year extension. As of April 9, 2020, the North Carolina State Board of Education approved to ask for a legislative action by the General Assembly to extend licenses for one year for educators with an Initial Provisional License. They will have until June 30, 2021, to pass any necessary testing and not convert to a Continuing Professional License at this time.
2.
I can’t take the Praxis Core. How can I enroll in an Educator Prep Program? As of April 9, 2020, the North Carolina State Board of Education approved to ask for a legislative action by the General Assembly to waive the passing of the Praxis Core for the 2020-2021 academic year.
3.
Can I enter the field of education even though I cannot take my licensure exam due to COVID-19? Yes, new teaching graduates will be able to begin teaching without having passed the required exams, although education preparation programs have the option to recommend against licensure for candidates.
4.
What happens since schools are closed and I haven’t finished my 16 weeks of student teaching? The current viable options being explored are that the educator preparation program can recommend for licensure as long as they were student teaching prior to March 16, 2020. The other option is the same as the first but adds on the educator preparation program and the mentor will continue to work with the student until the 16 weeks criteria is met. This would require legislative action by the General Assembly. The suggestion remains for candidates to continue to work with districts on remote learning options.
5.
How will teacher observations/evaluations be completed for the 2019-2020 school year? The North Carolina State Board of Education approved on April 23, 2020, to the following: • Teachers who had all observations completed prior to March 13, 2020, can have their summative completed. The post-conference, summative meeting, and artifact sharing can happen virtually. • Teachers who did not have all their required observations will have the evaluation process abandoned for the 2019-2020 school year. Administrators will be able to download and save the current observations to help guide PDPs for the following school year. • In regards to licensure renewals or conversions, the most recent valid summative rating for any teacher who did not receive a summative evaluation in the 2019-2020 school year will be used. • It is encouraged for local school boards and staff to develop local policies around contract renewal or non-renewal that can utilize other measures when determining personnel decisions without the summative if not available.
6.
Will students be tested at the end of 2019 – 2020 school year? On March 23, 2020, the North Carolina State Board of Education convened an emergency meeting to approve submittal of a request for waivers of assessments, accountability and school identification, and reporting requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The waiver has been approved by the federal government, which will not require testing for the 2019-2020 school year. There are some state laws that will be impacted by the cancellation of the testing requirements. The State Board of Education will have to address these issues in the future. Schools that currently carry the Targeted School and Improvement or Comprehensive Support and Improvement identification label will carry that label into the 2020-2021 school year.
7.
What waivers for legislative action has the North Carolina State Board of Education approved? At the North Carolina State Board of Education meeting on April 9, 2020, the following waivers were approved but will need to be approved by the General Assembly for legislative action before becoming final. These are temporary suspensions for the 2019-2020 school year only. ➢ CPR graduation requirement – This information is taught in eighth grade Healthful Living standards as well as the Healthful Living credit they receive in high school. The following are all due to the lack of testing data available for this school year. ➢ Bonuses for teachers who teach third through eighth grade in reading and math ➢ Advanced math courses ➢ Qualifying schools for the Innovative School District ➢ Use of third grade summative testing for promotion/retention ➢ Notification of teacher EVAAS data
8.
What is remote learning? The North Carolina State Board of Education has provided a definition for remote learning. Remote learning is defined as learning that takes place outside of the traditional school setting using various media and formats, such as but not limited to: video conference, telephone conference, print material, online material, or learning management systems. Five critical factors for effective remote learning include: ➢ is accessible by all students for which the learning is intended and is responsible to diverse learning groups; ➢ maintains consistent communication between instructional staff and students; ➢ addresses the curricular and instructional needs associated with appropriate standards;
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Disclaimer: Some sections of this FAQ may be impacted by pending NCGA legislation, which as of publication is not yet finalized. Please visit the NCAE COVID-19 Resource page for updated info.
➢ ➢ 9.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ for Educators Licensure and Policy
includes evidence of student learning; and considers the whole child as well as the home learning environment.
How will my students be graded? K – 5th grade: There will be no final grades. Instead, students will be given year-end feedback using a locally determined format. Educators will document student strengths and needs around academic and social-emotional to prepare for the following school year. 6th – 8th grade: Students will receive a pass or withdrawal for final courses and will be held harmless after March 13, 2020. Withdrawals are for students not passing as of March 13 and unable to improve to passing via remote learning. Withdrawal does not equal a failing course or retention but a lack mastery for the content. Educators will document student strengths and needs around academic and social-emotional to prepare for the following school year. High school courses taken at this level will follow high school grading of students. 9th – 11th grade: Students will have the choice for their current spring 2020 courses for how the final course grade will appear on their transcript. They can take the pass or withdraw or the numeric grade, which would be the highest grade as of March 13, 2020. Numeric grades will be calculated in the cumulative GPA. In year-long courses the fall grade will count in the GPA but not the spring. Seniors Guidance ➢ Suspends LEAs to exceed minimum 22 credits needed for graduation for the Class of 2020 seniors ➢ CPR requirement waived for this current cohort of seniors ➢ Prioritize focus on meeting graduation requirements with emphasis on students who were not meeting expectations as of March 13. ➢ Students will be held harmless for transcript purposes for impact of COVID-19. Powerschool will develop a new grade scale and code. ➢ Fall courses will maintain their grade. Spring courses can receive a pass or withdrawal. ➢ Priority placed on students who were failing prior to March 13 and should be given other options to pass. ➢ To meet graduation requirements, credit recovery, NC Virtual Public School courses, and locally-developed assessments. Occupational Course of Study (OCS) students only need 157 hours of the 225 hours of “paid work hours.” Promotion & Retention: Retention is the decision of the principal and staff. The recommendation for retention can only occur if the student was being considered for retention prior to March 13, 2020, and is still being considered.
10. How are schools labeling the days we are out for COVID-19? The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) provided the following guidelines to help schools manage daily enrollment and capture what is happening in the schools during COVID-19. Conversations are continually happening between the State Board of Education, NCDPI, and the General Assembly to address the remaining calendar year. March 16 – March 27 were identified as optional teacher workdays or any other non-instructional day that the districts may have already scheduled such as Spring Break. If the district began providing remote instruction during this timeframe, they may label it as “in-session.” Otherwise, it is labeled “out-of-session.” March 30 – May 15, for days when remote learning is offered, they are to be identified as in-session, regular school day. Holidays, workdays, and Spring Break should be labeled as out-of-session. Student attendance will not be taken during this time. For remote learning days, denote the estimated number of instructional hours intended. 11. What happens to my student loans? Effective March 13, 2020, the CARES Act allows all borrowers with federal-held student loans to automatically have their interest rates set to 0 percent for a period of at least 60 days. In addition, borrowers have the option to suspend their payments for at least 60 days due to the national emergency. Borrowers must contact their loan provider to suspend payments via an administrative forbearance. 12. How should we conduct IEP Team meetings if schools are closed or restrict visitors? IEP meetings are allowed to happen via the phone or virtual conference by federal regulations and state policies. If alternate means of participation are used, planning efforts should include providing advance copies of proposed documents so that the team can have meaningful engagement. 13. Are there any policy changes being considered for National Board Certification? If you have completed components and are ready to submit during the upcoming submission window, your candidacy will continue this year. The submission window will open as planned on April 1. NBCT will receive, process, and score your material. If you are scheduled to complete Component 1: Content Knowledge, monitor your emails from Pearson VUE for updates regarding your scheduled appointment. NBCT is closely monitoring national and regional impacts on testing centers and assessing the potential to extend the testing deadline, currently scheduled for June 15, or to provide other solutions. If you are in the process of completing components, know that NBCT is planning to extend the submission deadline for portfolio material. They are still in the process of establishing the revised deadline beyond the currently scheduled deadline of May 13. This extension would apply to all portfolio materials submitted online: o Component 2: Differentiation in Instruction o Component 3: Teaching Practice and Learning Environment o Component 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioner o Renewal: Profile of Professional Growth If you are a current candidate and can no longer complete your component(s) or candidacy this year, NBCT is in the process of developing solutions for your circumstance. As soon as possible, they will provide further direction on what action you need to take. Additional updates can be found at the following website: https://www.nbpts.org/covid-19/
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Focusing on Student WellBeing in Times of Crisis
As schools across the country remain closed, students with trauma, difficult home situations, and anxiety need support now more than ever. The abrupt change can trigger stress and fear in students that can leave mental scars. A framework of safety is critical for students’ brains and can be the first phase of healing for those experiencing trauma. Help students feel safe through the three Cs: communication, consistency, and control. Click here to read more. • COMMUNICATION: MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-IN
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• CONSISTENCY: SCHEDULES AND ROUTINES • CONTROL: SELF-CARE PLANS Story originally published © Edutopia.org; George Lucas Educational Foundation
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Connecting With Your Feelings During the COVID-19 Pandemic Taking care of yourself is imperative during this time of uncertainty. You cannot pour from an empty well. Therefore, take time for you each day. Practice these simple techniques to keep your physical and mental wellbeing in shape. Are You Stuck? There is a video on YouTube (https://youtu.be/ VrSUe_m19FY) that shows two people riding on an escalator when it stops. They scream for help and wait. They don’t move. Then a worker comes to fix the escalator. He gets on another escalator and it stops. So now there are three people stuck on two different escalators. No one moves. They simply sit and wait. By now you have probably figured out the solution to this problem…walk up or down the escalator steps to get off. Yet, none of these people thought of that solution. Why? Right now, we are having to adapt and live our lives differently. There are new rules and guidelines we must work within. Some of us are feeling trapped having to stay at home, others are feeling unsure of how to navigate this new remote learning, and some are spinning in survival mode. We all get “stuck” at some point in time. The key to getting unstuck is to ACT. Here are three simple ways to help get you unstuck in life’s uncertain times: ➢ Accept that you are stuck. It’s time to come from under the blanket and get off the couch. Accept that you are sitting on that escalator waiting for someone else to come and rescue you when all you need to do is put your feet in motion. ➢ Create opportunities even within the chaos. This is your time to shine. This is the time to learn a new technology skill or do that project with your students you always wanted. Now is the moment that if you are stuck on that escalator you can take the time to re-center, learn from the person you are stuck with, and problem-solve together. ➢ Take the leap of faith. Trust the process. Trust that you can do this and then put your plans in motion. Trust that people are here to help and we are in this together. If the escalator stops, no worries, just move your feet and continue on the journey. Change is the one constant in life. We are all working hard to navigate in today’s time. When you are feeling stuck think about the escalator. Will you simply wait for help or will you ACT?
In Need of a Lifeline? While the COVID-19 pandemic happens around us, we need to find ways to cope. Here are a few that might do the trick! Stay connected. Reach out to friends, family, students via phone, e-mail, or a digital platform. We need to be able to see and hear the voices of the people we love and care about in this time. We are practicing social distancing but it doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected to others. Get the right amount of rest. Find the right balance. You may be home but it doesn’t mean for you to sleep the day away or stay up all night. Establish a routine. Get up at the same time each day and get dressed just as if you were going to your actual workplace. Eat healthy. Practice good nutrition. Look up new recipes and try them out. Meal planning for the week helps and keeps your trip to the grocery store focused and quick. Exercise. Go out for a stroll through your neighborhood or practice yoga. Find ways to expend some energy and clear your mind. Have fun. Find ways to decompress at the end of the day or week. Make it a family game night with laughter and fun. Mindfulness breaks. Focus on breathing exercises to re-center and focus you throughout the day. Increase your sense of safety. Follow all safety guidelines that have been promoted from the officials. If you abide by them then know you are doing your best to stay safe. Provided by the NCAE Center for Instructional Advocacy
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MLK Scholarships Awarded to Three High School Seniors Three North Carolina high school seniors are recipients of 2020 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 was 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 their lives have been influenced by the ideals and philosophies of Dr. King. Allen Choyce is a senior at Ronald Reagan High School in Forsyth County. He has been accepted at UNCGreensboro and plans to study Biology. “The philosophies and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have influenced my life by shaping how I deal with confrontation. I personally find his Six Principles of Nonviolence outlined in his first book, “Stride Towards Freedom,” to be much more potent indicators of his philosophy. I feel that Principle Two, Four, and Six have had the biggest impact on my life. Principle Two states that non-violence seeks to win friendship and understanding. Early on in life I learned that bonds can only be made in peace, not in discord. Principle Four states that non-violence holds that suffering can educate and transform. I have learned many things from suffering due to my illness, Sickle Cell Anemia. From this suffering, I have learned the value of time management and how to be grateful for what I have. Principle Six states that non-violence believes that the universe is on the side of justice. I am a strong believer of this principle in particular because it has given me a positive outlook on several confrontations I’ve had in my life. Whenever anyone mistreats me due to my illness, I remember the universe favors justice.” Asad Johnson-Hansley is a senior at Topsail High School in Pender County. He plans to study pre-med at Campbell University, where he has been accepted. Ranked 10th in his class with a GPA of 4.06, JohnsonHansley said Dr. King’s strategy of non-violence has shaped the world he lives in today. “I have been raised to care and treat others with acceptance, kindness, forgiveness, love, and understanding. I’ve learned communication helps bring others closer and gives us each an understanding of each other’s differences. Everyone is unique in their own way. Educating myself on the differences of others has helped me grow into the person I am today. I am aware there are struggles and obstacles of racism that still exist in today’s society. I have been faced with racial comments, but as Dr. King stated, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’” Johnson-Hansley has a passion of caring for others, as demonstrated in his service to the community. He is a volunteer with the Greater Currie Community Action Group, where he has assisted with organizing walk-a-thon fundraisers and cleaning and restoring homes following hurricanes Florence and Dorian. He also serves as a reading tutor at Burgaw Elementary School. The principal of the school said of him, “Asad is an exceptional young man who has intrinsic motivation and a passion for learning. Asad is a leader by his presence alone. His commitment to excellence is an example to the student body.” Lizbeth Vasquez-Cortez is a senior at St. Stephens High School in Catawba County. She has been accepted at Catawba Valley Community College, where she wants to study nursing. “Everyone has a dream. I have many. Dr. Martin Luther King dreamed of a world where everyone would be treated equally and racism would cease to exist. Martin Luther King Jr. fought peacefully and fearlessly to see this dream become a reality. I, as a minority – Hispanic – have also fought through racism and still do. However, I believe I was most fortunate to have been born and raised in a Hispanic heritage. Being Hispanic is an enormous part of my life and what makes me unique. It has impacted me both positively and negatively. Some people look at me differently, attempt to make me feel unwelcome, and make me feel as if I do not belong in this country. I was once told after the 2016 election ‘What are you still doing here? Go back to your country. You don’t belong here.’ This was a pivotal moment for me. I had two choices: listen and agree or use that to build strength. I chose to let it build my strength and I will continue to choose to be strong just as Martin Luther Jr. was. He inspires me every day to take pride in my heritage and to represent it well.” A member of the Key Club, Juniorettes, and Juntos (a program that aims to help Latinx youth set and achieve academic goals, graduate from high school, and continue their education after graduation), Vasquez-Cortez is described as an ambitious and passionate young woman who believes in the importance of serving her community to promote peace and unity among neighbors. She works an average of 10 hours per week, participates in sports, and volunteers in her spare time as she maintains a 3.2 GPA with a rigorous course load.
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EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Applications Open for 2020-21 NC Education Policy Fellowship Program The Public School Forum is now accepting applications for the 2020-21 cohort of the North Carolina Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP). For more than 40 years, the North Carolina Education Policy Fellowship Program has been the only statewide program of its kind that focuses on leadership and professional development in the context of education policy. Fellows come from public schools, higher education, as well as a diverse array of education organizations across North Carolina. Each class includes a cohort of fellows who focus on education policy issues and the wide range of factors that influence education in North Carolina. Fellows will increase their awareness of how public policy is made, learn whom the key players are in the formation of this policy, and become more confident and involved in the policy-making process. Application information for both EPFP Central and EPFP West can be found online at www.ncforum.org/epfp. Priority deadline for applications is May 15, 2020. Contact Lauren Bock, Director of Policy & Programs, at lbock@ncforum.org with any questions. Burroughs Wellcome Fund SSEP Grant Application Deadline Extended The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has opened its application for the 2020 Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP) grant awards. 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 BWF’s home state of North Carolina. These awards provide up to $60,000 per year for three years. The application deadline is now extended to 4 p.m. on June 1, 2020. For more information or to access the application, visit www.bwfund.org/grant-programs/ science-education/student-science-enrichment-program.
NCAE Welcomes… Amanda Garrison is the new UniServ director for Region 3, which includes CharlotteMecklenburg, and Rowan, Lincoln, Gaston, Stanly, Montgomery, Union, Anson, and Cabarrus counties. Prior to joining the NCAE staff family, she was a media coordinator at Drexel Elementary School in Burke County. An educator and member for nine years, Garrison has held several positions in the public education realm. Her career began as a math remediation teacher. She also taught second, third, and fourth grades. During her time as an educator, she has been an active member of NCAE, serving as local president, as a regional director on the Board of Directors, and as a member of the Rules Committee and IPD Commission, to name a few. Joining the Association came at the persistence of her local president; those relationships do matter, she stated. Garrison said she wanted to serve in the capacity as a UniServ director because she enjoys serving others. “I see the position simply as one who serves. That may seem one dimensional, however, my intent is much broader. To me, serving is defined as meeting the needs of our members, local and regional leaders, and our association in whatever capacity is required.” As the UniServ director for Region 3, Garrison wants to see the counties she serves continue on their current path of membership growth, fostering leadership, engaging members, advocating for change, providing professional development, and supporting their local communities. “It is my goal to work with local and regional leaders, and staff, to increase each local’s NCAE visibility, develop effective forms of communication, nurture leadership through training, and organize membership drives that meet individual needs of each local.” Garrison is a product of public schools. The first eight years of her life were spent moving a lot because her father was in the Army. She attended four different public schools for K-2, but in third grade the family settled in a small town called Piney Flats where she completed her education. She has an associates of arts degree from Western Piedmont Community College, a BA in elementary education from Lees McRae, is licensed in academically and intellectually gifted (UNCCharlotte), and she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. When she isn’t working, Garrison enjoys hiking and playing board games with her husband and 11-year-old son. She is also an avid reader, is developing her “green thumb, and pretends to be “Pinterest crafty.”
NCAE News Bulletin
Dear Friends: We hope you and your family are safe and well. The work of the NC Foundation for Public School Children has not stopped or slowed through our staff's transition to work from home. Every day we continue to provide for the needs of students when no other resources are available. Eyeglasses, medications, and hearing aids are just a few of the needs that teachers present to us daily – needs that directly impact a child’s day-today learning. As thousands lose jobs, we hope parents and teachers take comfort in knowing this foundation will quickly help with their children's needs while they focus on feeding their families. As our state faces the novel coronavirus, our schools are closed until May 15. We are educating our children in a different way, and that has shifted the work of the NC Foundation for Public School Children. We must be the safety net for food security, and we are. We must assure that all poor students have the technology devices that others have to do the required work. We must make sure that teachers are not having to spend out-of-pocket resources to assure they can provide quality instruction to each of their students. Equity is the greatest challenge we are facing. We have redirected our staff resources to assure all children have an educational lifeline. We are raising funds for this effort through contributions to the relief fund or sponsorships of our annual gala. Either way, the funds go toward this initiative. The funds from our gala provide almost two-thirds of our budget. Our budget year ends July 1 -- so the gala must go on with a new date of September 11. I hope you will sponsor our Champions for Children Gala or give to the NCFPSC Relief Fund. Our children need us more than ever. Gratefully, Marca R. Hamm, Executive Director P: 704-796-2317 marca.hamm@ncfpsc.org Checks payable to NCFPSC Mail to: Marca Hamm 613 S. Fayetteville St. Clayton, NC 27520-2715
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NCAE News Bulletin
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DEALS
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for NEA Members
Dates to Remember NEA Limited Time Offers (LTOs) is the new online discount buying platform for NEA members. Check out these featured LTOs and more at www.neamb.com/ LTOs! • BlueApron.com -- Home-delivered meal kits from Blue Apron make cooking fun and easy, providing all the ingredients you need to whip-up tasty, healthy dishes. Save up to $60 off your first three boxes. • Walgreens -- Save yourself the trouble: get health and beauty products and prescriptions delivered quickly and safely to your home. • Ace Hardware -- Give your spirits a lift by beautifying your outdoor spaces. Shop and save on spring gardening supplies. • Hooked on Phonics -- Keep the younger set busy and engaged learning critical reading skills with videos, games and other kid-proven methods. • KiwiCo -- Inspire the engineer or inventor in your kids with really cool projects from KiwiCo! Find everything they need to create, explore, and learn in a KiwiCo subscription box. Surprise Loved Ones With a Gift from 1800FLOWERS.COM! Don’t forget to celebrate the Moms and grads in your life this May— and why not let other family members and friends know you’re thinking of them, too? Get 20 percent off your order from the 1800flowers family of brands, including Harry & David, Cheryl’s Gourmet Cookies, the Popcorn Factory, and more. Check out all your choices at www.neamb.com/flowers.
N C A E
N E W S
May 4th
Intergalactic Star Wars Day World Give Day 5th National Teacher Day 6th School Nurse Day 7th National Day of Reason 10th Mother's Day 15th International Day of Families National Bike to Work Day 20th National Employee Health & Fitness Day 21st World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue & Development 25th Memorial Day (NCAE Offices closed) 30th National Creativity Day Family Wellness Month Get Caught Reading Month Global Health and Fitness Month Heal the Children Month Mental Health Month National Physical Fitness & Sports Month National Smile Month Young Achievers of Tomorrow Month
“Future public education will require involvement and collaboration among various local, civic, private and non-profit entities, a concept I like to refer to as community entrepreneurship.” — Donald Bren
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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-Jones, Editor/Designer
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