NCAE North Carolina Association of Educators
News Bulletin May 2022
Vol. 52, No. 9
www.ncae.org
The House Educators Built was abuzz on April 9 as members, staff, former presidents, retirees and legislators came to say goodbye to the iconic building that has stood on the corner of South and Salisbury streets in downtown Raleigh for more than four decades. President Tamika Walker Kelly and Vice President Bryan Proffitt, along with guests, gathered in front of the Center for a touching farewell ceremony. In honor of those whose vision made NCAE possible, President Walker Kelly placed soil from the grounds in a keepsake jar that will be displayed with other mementos from the 700 South Salisbury St. location. “This building, and what has happened in this building, is not just our NCAE history. It’s North Carolina history. And leaving is bittersweet!”
NCAE News Bulletin
2
Your Work as Teachers, Educators Deserves a Place in the Spotlight
Tamika Walker Kelly President
Most of us are familiar with the expression, “April showers bring May flowers.” Just as flowers pop forth more bountiful during the month of May, so does the appreciation shown for teachers as we celebrate National Teacher Day and Teacher
Appreciation Week. The work you do daily – seen and unseen -- as teachers, and educators in other roles, is greatly appreciated and valued and should not just be confined to one month. You deserve to be celebrated every day. What you accomplish each time you walk through the doors of your school unfortunately goes unnoticed by many, but know it deserves a place in the spotlight! This week, many of you will receive a thank-you in the form of gifts and notes. These are all nice gestures, but the forms of appreciation we know would be most effective are for parents, community leaders and legislators to connect with you, to advocate with and for you, and to
create and pass policies that will retain educators and attract new ones to join the teaching profession. These long-term solutions would go a long way in acknowledging the importance of your role in our schools and the lives of our children. May is also notable as being part of the fourth quarter of the school year, the time thoughts turn to the state testing process and a rollercoaster of other things that must get done before the year winds down. This period can cause stress not only for students, but for you as well. Please be mindful although test scores are important, they are not the “end all, be all.” The most important thing to remember is the relationship you have with students in your classroom and how they have grown throughout the year. The relationships which have been forged are the true measure of educator success and is not quantified by a singular test score. As others are celebrating you, don’t forget to honor and recognize each other’s success. Whether that be an early career educator who has made it through a year filled with unprecedented changes or a veteran educator who has adapted to change while remaining a pillar of support for so many in the school. Each of you has gifts that combine to make your workplace a space where students are learning and thriving. Take time to thank your colleagues and let them know how special they are. And remember … in the words of NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt, “take care of yourself and each other!”
An educator for 30 years, NCAE member David Newkirk is principal of Zebulon GT Magnet Elementary School in Wake County. This Lovable Local Leader has been active in the Association his entire career. “I chose teaching as a profession to make a positive difference in the lives of our youth and to continue to build a bridge to connect young learners to become productive 21st century leaders.” When asked what he thinks are the qualities of a Lovable Local Leader, Newkirk responded, “I believe in servant leadership and my actions demonstrate my commitment to serving students, staff, families and the community.”
NCAE News Bulletin
3
Results of the 2022 NCAE Elections REGIONAL DIRECTORS
Shanna Peele Region 1A director
Ruth Robinson Region 2 director
Amy Harrison Region 4 director
Symone Kiddoo Region 5 director
STUDENT SERVICES DIVISION
LaShana Richards president
Keisha Horton secretary
Liana Stapleton Region 1A director
Ashley Sherman Region 4 director
EDUCATION SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS COUNCIL Chris Meek Region 6 director
Jacqueline Perry-Higgs Region 7A director
Rita Jackson-Gilbert Region 7B director
Tijuana Green president
Jocelyn Morrison vice president
NCAE News Bulletin
4
NCAE Announces Endorsements for U.S. Congressional Seats
Senator Don Davis District 1
These candidates appear on the ballot for the Primary Election, which is May 17. Early voting began April 28 and ends May 14.
Deborah Ross District 2
Kathy Manning District 6
Senator Jeff Jackson District 14
Alma Adams District 12
Senator Wiley Nickel District 13
NCAE News Bulletin
5
Slate of Endorsed Pro-Public Education Candidates for the North Carolina General Assembly These candidates were endorsed by members in their respective local affiliates and approved by the NCAE Government Relations Commission. They appear on the ballot for the Primary Election, which is May 17. Early voting began April 28 and ends May 14.
NORTH CAROLINA SENATE
Senator Toby Fitch District 4
Lisa Grafstein District 13
Kirk deViere District 19
Senator Julie Mayfield District 49
NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE
Michael Wray District 27
Frances Jackson District 45
Rep. Rosa Gill District 33
Sarah Crawford District 66
Christine Kelly District 37
Frank Pierce District 66
Joe John District 40
Rep. Marvin Lucas District 42
Kimberly Hardy District 43
Frederick Terry District 71
Sean Lew District 74
Kelly Alexander Jr. District 107
NCAE News Bulletin
Celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week May 2-6
Thanks for ALL that you do for the children of North Carolina. You deserve: Respect, Higher Compensation, and Safe & Healthy Schools. NCAE is here to support you each and every day!
6
NCAE News Bulletin
7
Member to Serve on 2022 Teacher of the Year Team
New NCAE Staff
BRIAN LINK
North Central Regional TOY East Chapel Hill High School Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools • President of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Association of Educators • 10th-grade Civic Literacy teacher • 11 years of teaching experience • Northwestern University (BA) • Stanford Law School (J.D.) • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (MAT) • National Board Certified • Featured on NBC Nightly News,” Reexamining U.S. History Textbooks to Promote Equality” The North Carolina Teacher of the Year Program is sponsored by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and is an independent private foundation dedicated to advancing biomedical sciences by supporting research and other scientific and educational activities. It became a flagship sponsor of the program in 2013.
Anne Amorosa, the new Organizing and Field Services director, comes to NCAE with 20 years of experience in the public labor sector, mainly education and healthcare. Her strong love of public schools and educators drew Amorosa to the Association. “I wanted to take my years of experience working on behalf of educators across the country and bring it to North Carolina. There are unique challenges in states without the benefit of collective bargaining but there are also exciting opportunities to build educators’ voices within the state.” Amorosa said public education is important to her on many levels. As a parent, both of her children greatly benefitted from public education, with teachers, coaches and counselors working together to make sure they thrived. “As we so clearly saw during the pandemic, public education holds our communities together. It can fulfill the promise of every child if fully funded and those in and supporting the classrooms are given the respect earned.” A native of a small, conservative town in Utah, Amorosa is the youngest of six children. She is newly wed, marrying her wife, Jes, during the pandemic. She is the extremely proud mother of two brilliant, funny and compassionate “mini” adults – Chole, 24, who lives and studies in Paris, France, and 21-year-old David, who lives and studies in Washington state. Her motto for life, or at least the one she works by: “Make the plan, work the plan, trust workers – win!” A lover of the great outdoors, Amorosa owns a tiny home on wheels and looks forward to exploring North Carolina from the mountains to the sea.
NCAE News Bulletin
8
Growing Our Own … Teacher Cadets Gather for State Conference in Raleigh
Students had an opportunity to talk with representatives from area colleges and universities during the College Fair. Cadets pose with Freebird McKinney, the 2018 NC Teacher of the Year and director of Partnership Development for Participate Learning.
Breakout sessions allowed participants to network while having fun.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences served as the backdrop for the conference, which drew high school students interested in the teaching profession.
Dressed in their best attire, students marvel at the museum’s beauty while waiting for dinner to begin.
(ABOVE) Guest speaker Tabari Wallace, right, the 2018 NC Principal of the Year and special principal engagement advisor to the state superintendent, poses with Joel Leath, a teacher at East Forsyth High School and a former Teacher Cadet. (RIGHT) This young lady shows off her handiwork during an activity.
Creating new friendships.
NCAE News Bulletin
9
Looking to Be More Creative? Check Out Canva for Education! With Canva for Education, you can create the most engaging lessons and run activities for students in-class or online. Access thousands of templates for any subject, grade, or topic, and enjoy all of Canva’s premium features for free. What’s in Canva for Education? Canva for Education has all the power of Canva Pro and much more! • Choose from thousands of ready-touse educational templates for any subject, grade, or topic. • Create engaging lessons and activities using copyright-free images, fonts, videos, animations, and editing features. • Reach and motivate students wherever they are. Share, review, and give feedback on their work in real-time. • Deliver fun and impactful feedback by adding text or visual sticker comments. • Easily integrate with all your go-to classroom tools – Canvas, Schoology, D2L, Moodle, Blackboard, Google Classroom, and Microsoft Teams. Click to learn more about Canva for Education.
Grants Available to Teachers with Bright Ideas North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives are now accepting applications for Bright Education Grants. Teachers with creative ideas for innovative classroom learning projects can apply for grants from North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives to enrich the educational experience for students. The cooperatives expect to award nearly $700,000 in grants. Teachers can apply online at www.ncbrightideas.com. The deadline to submit applications for the 2022-2023 school year in most areas is Sept. 15, but applicants should check with their local cooperative to confirm. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit their local co-op’s website to find additional information on application requirements and deadlines. To find your co-op, visit www.ncelectriccooperatives.com.
Everything needs a tweak now and then When was the last time you looked at your homeowners insurance? Is it meeting your needs? Does it offer the things a Horace Mann policy does, such as coverage if money or goods for a school-sponsored event are stolen while in your possession?
To see if your insurance needs tweaking, contact your Horace Mann representative at horacemann.com/locator.
Horace Mann Insurance Company and its affiliates underwrite Horace Mann homeowners insurance. The benefits listed are only general descriptions of coverage, do not constitute a statement of contract, are subject to terms and conditions and may vary by state. Horace Mann and its affiliates enter into agreements with educational associations pursuant to which Horace Mann or its affiliate pays the educational association to provide various services that are aimed at familiarizing the association’s members with the Horace Mann brand, products or services. For more information or to ask questions about your educational association’s services agreement, please email your inquiry to association.relations@horacemann.com. horacemann.com CM-P41088 (3-2 )
NCAE News Bulletin
10
Save on Everyday Essentials Whether for school supplies or personal purchases, use your NEA Office Depot/ OfficeMax Discount Program to help maximize your productivity, so that you can stay focused on what matters most to you. From paper, ink and toner, copy and printing solutions, upgraded office furniture to classroom cleaning supplies, Office Depot is your one-stop-shop for your everyday essentials.
To access your discounts, visit: neamb.com/officedepot
SAVE UP TO
75%
off officedepot.com regular prices on our Best Value List of preferred products!*
Substantial Discounts and the flexibility to shop in-store and online.
Free Next-Day Delivery with qualifying online orders over $50.**
Text NEAMBSPC to 833-344-0228 and receive exclusive limited time offers. (Message & data rates may apply)
*Items on the Best Value List are subject to change. **Free Delivery: Minimum purchase required after discounts and before taxes. Orders outside our local delivery area and most furniture, oversized, bulk items, cases of bottled water and other beverages and special order items do not qualify. Non-qualifying orders incur a delivery charge (minimum charge of $9.99). Many orders can be delivered next business day (between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM) if placed online or via phone by 5:00 PM or via fax by 3:00 PM, local time (In most locations). Other restrictions apply. See business.officedepot.com, call 888.2.OFFICE or ask your Account Manager for details. OD360522
NCAE News Bulletin
11
DEALS
2022
for NEA Members NEA Discount Marketplace The NEA Discount Marketplace, powered by Rakuten, enables members to earn cash back when they shop and save on brand-name merchandise from more than 3,500 top retailers and online stores. Check out the following member-exclusive deals in May at neamb.com/ marketplace: • Nike -- Get your game on with the latest clothing, footwear, workout gear, gym bags and more. Sign up to be a Nike member (it’s free) and receive free standard shipping! • Macy’s -- Shop the latest fashions and accessories for your wardrobe and trends in home furnishings for all tastes and styles. • Chewy.com -- Find thousands of great products for your furry, feathered and even scaly friends. Chewy has it all: food, treats, beds, habitats, and toys -- even pharmacy prescriptions. Access 24/7 help, and get 1to 3-day shipping for free on orders of $49 or more! • Ulta -- Freshen up your look for spring and summer with beauty, skincare, fragrance and bath products from Ulta. Check out great gifts for Mother’s Day and other occasions, too! • Dick’s Sporting Goods -- Get quality and competitive pricing on all your athletic needs including apparel and footwear, indoor and outdoor fitness equipment, and biking, boating, hiking and camping gear. Take Care of All Your Classroom Needs at Office Depot An organized and clean home office or classroom makes your life easier! Office Depot/OfficeMax offers NEA members discounts on thousands of items. Plus, if your local store or a special officedepot.com offer has a deeper discount, you will receive the best price! Visit neamb.com/officedepot today.
N C A E
Dates to Remember May 3rd 4th 5th 6th 8th 11th 15th 21st 25th 30th
National Teacher Day National Bike to School Day National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day National Day of Reason School Lunch Hero Day: Link Mother's Day School Nurse Day: Link National Chocolate Chip Day Armed Forces Day National and International Missing Children's Day Memorial Day: (Observed – NCAE Offices Closed)
Family Wellness Month Get Caught Reading Month National Mental Health Month Women's Health Care Month Young Achievers of Tomorrow Month
“The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see.” — Alexandra K. Trenfor Follow NCAE events and activities on:
N E W S
kkkkkkkkkkkkk
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, 3700 Glenwood Ave., Suite 510, Raleigh, NC 27612, 1-800-662-7924. Linda Powell, Editor/Designer
fffffffffffffff ffffffffffffffffffffff iiiiiiiiiiiiii kkkkkkkkkkkkk fffffffffffffff
www.ncae.org
LLLLLLLLLLL ffffffffffffffff ffffffffffff LLLLLLLLLLL kkkkkkkkkkkkk fffffffffffff LLLLLLLLLLL kkkkkkkkkkkkk fffffffffffff ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff LLLLLLLLLLL
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
fffffffffffff