November 2017 news bulletin final

NCAE

NEWS BULLETIN November

2017

NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS

Volume 48, No. 4

Celebrate the Turn of the Season!

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NCAE

News Bulletin

November 2017

Take Some Time to Reflect During this time of year, as the leaves fall and the weather grows cooler, I reflect on all that I have to be thankful for. In a few weeks we will celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday that we associate with giving back and being grateful for all of the wonderful people and things we Kristy Moore have in our lives. For me, that’s Vice President my two beautiful daughters, Jasmine and Mikayla, and my extended family. It’s also being a part of this wonderful organization called NCAE. It is my hope that you, too, will take time to reflect on what you are most thankful for. What is it about the work you do each day that keeps you thankful for being part of a child’s life; think about how NCAE fits into that. How does the Association help you remain the strong, powerful educator that you are? Also consider how those things you are thankful for would be different if NCAE did not exist.

How would our state be different for educators and students? What role can you play in making NCAE stronger and more powerful? What can you do to enable your peers to see why it’s imperative to be a part of what you have come to know is a necessity for the growth and vibrancy of public education in North Carolina? We should want ALL educators to see why they should join us in this movement, and be thankful there is an organization like ours to lead the

End the Class Size Debacle!

charge in fighting for the rights of students, education employees, and public schools!

Strongly consider these questions and think about where we are as an organization and where we need to be. Think about the influence we must have in order to ensure our students receive the education they deserve, and that you, as educators also deserve to do the jobs that you love so much.

Whether you choose to believe it or not, we are a family.

We may not be related to each other, but the passion we share, and the way we feel about our students and the profession, binds us together. The way we look out for our family members and have their backs in times of trouble is the same way we need to look out for each other. We must talk to each other, support each other, and provide a helping hand when one of us reaches out. We must always be mindful of the strength we possess when we’re united and how lifting our voices and flexing our collective muscle can and does make a difference – just like it does within our individual families!

I want to thank each of you for believing in your professional organization and for being a member. I want to thank you for all of your hard work each and every day to educate our children and for keeping our public schools places where learning is fun and exciting. And, most of all, I want to thank you for not standing by and allowing people who have no idea what you do, destroy public education.

Thank you for being the amazing educators that you are and have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Make the

Keep the future of NCAE in your hands by switching to e-Dues! The process is easy and simple. Click to hear from a colleague on why signing up is so important.

NCAE President Mark Jewell and VP Kristy Moore joined Sen. Jay Chaudhuri and public school parents in calling on the General Assembly to end the class size chaos. The short-term solution is giving districts flexibility, and the long-term strategy should include increasing per-pupil spending to at least the national average. N.C. is 43rd in the nation.

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Turkeys and Gratitude As November rolls around and the chill begins to hit the air, I am reminded of family Thanksgivings and loved ones now departed. While I cherish these memories, I have also been fortunate to meet many wonderful people here in North Carolina, many of whom I consider family and close friends.

It is also the time of year that I am reminded of the gifts in my life and of the things for which I am grateful – both personally and professionally.

In the spirit of the season, I thought I would share a few of the things on my list…

Good Cooks -- While there are some things I can cook well, I am no chef. At the beginning of our marriage, I agreed to cook Thanksgiving dinner for the entire Johnson family. After reading multiple turkey prep blogs, I wound up throwing away a probably perfectly good turkey because I unthawed it overnight in the kitchen sink without water or other oversight. To avoid making my husband’s grandmother ill, I went to the grocery store the day before Thanksgiving and purchased a fresh turkey for an astronomical price that I did not have to thaw. For the record, no one got ill, but I no longer cook Thanksgiving dinner. I leave that to the experts.

The Beach/Ocean -- It is truly my happy place. It rejuvenates me and soothes my soul. It is important to remember our place in the universe, and hearing the waves roll in and feeling the sand between my toes does that for me. My husband and I spent a Thanksgiving at the beach in 70 degree weather. It was profoundly glorious.

True Friends – The kind who drop everything to be there when something traumatic happens in your life. Last year, I had a very traumatic event occur. I learned very quickly who I could rely on and who I could not. I will always be grateful for those who listened and are still listening.

Checks and Balances -- There is a reason we have three branches of government. We are seeing the importance of

Governor Cooper Welcomes Members to the Teacher Advisory Committee Last month, 13 NCAE members, along with President Mark Jewell, were sworn in as members of the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee at the Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh. The Committee helps advise the governor on policies and the state budget, and also serves as education ambassadors, representing the governor at designated events, maintaining communication with local boards of education and stakeholders, and sharing opportunities for the governor to support teachers. Members will serve a two-year term.

checks and balances in our democracy right now. On the state level, the current supermajorities in the Legislature are attempting to limit fairness, inclusion, and open dialogue. Gerrymandered legislative districts are stacking the deck against fair elections, and the fight to fix Rachelle Johnson unconstitutional districts Executive Director continues. Judges who rule against the decisions of the supermajorities are also under attack. The Legislature eliminated judicial primaries and want to give themselves the power to appoint all judges. Hardly a level playing field.

Public Education -- I am a proud graduate of public education and firmly believe it is what keeps democracy and the appropriate checks and balances to power in place. It is so important that it is guaranteed in our state Constitution.

All students deserve an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. However, a full out assault is being waged against public education, and we all must do our part to fight against its systematic dismantling.

The NCAE family, including members and staff -NCAE members are the very lifeblood of our organization and inspire me every day to keep working to protect public education and the things we believe in. NCAE staff work hard every day to support our members and the work you do every day. Together, we are stronger, and in partnership, we will prevail. I am proud to be part of #TeamNCAE. Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not, I wish you a day filled with family and friends and a moment to reflect on the gifts in your world.

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News Bulletin

November 2017

American Education Week 2017

Celebrating Our Members and Great Public Schools Each day, thousands of our members enter school houses across the state to ensure students receive a quality public education.

Whether it’s the teacher who delivers lessons in the classroom, the administrator who makes sure things run smoothly, the bus driver who brings students to and from school safely, or the teacher assistant who provides one-on-one assistance, we celebrate you during American Education Week (November 13-17). Thanks for all that you do... “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility.”

A) Chassity Costin, assistant principal

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B) Kate Parent, art teacher

C) Mac Link, social studies teacher

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D) Ramona Brown, instructional assistant

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F) Genoveva Aguirre, Spanish/dual languages teacher E

E) Luis Rodriguez, band director

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American Education Week 2017

Celebrating Our Members and Great Public Schools Counselor Says of Students... “These Are My Clients; I Am Here For Whatever They Need”

In the 20 years that Kathy Kauffmann has been a counselor for grades six through eight at McDougle Middle School in Chapel Hill, she really feels she has made a difference in the lives of students and in the community.

“As a public school educator I feel I have ownership here,” said Kauffmann. “I love this school and what it represents – community standards, a way of living, and our future.”

Counseling has been in Kauffmann’s blood since childhood.

“My ‘Why’ may sound hokey and weird but I was one of those students in class that always wanted to teach classmates who didn’t get the lessons right away. I would always get in trouble with the nuns [attended Catholic school] for getting out of my seat and helping others. It wasn’t about being the teacher’s favorite; I just wanted to help the child next to me get it. It was who I was. It is still who I am today.”

Kauffmann’s career in education began as a high school social studies teacher. Every day she found herself helping students after school. She thought to herself, “While I’m doing this, I might as well work toward my counseling credentials.”

MONDAY 13 Kickoff Day

TUESDAY 14 Parents Day

The first counseling job she landed was at an elementary school and it was a culture shock! “Can you imagine what it’s like transitioning from teenagers to young children? I remember the challenge I had trying to adjust my way of thinking.”

Middle school was an eye-opener as well, but Kauffmann says she loves working with this age group. “When I tell people I’m a middle school counselor, they repeat ‘middle school?’ she said with a laugh. “Middle schoolers have to have someone advocating for them. It’s a difficult age, but it’s an age where there is still a lot of innocence. They are still very loving and you can do a lot with them.”

When it comes to Kauffmann’s job, students are priority #1.

Her caseload consists of more than 240 students from different walks of life. In addition to providing group and individual counseling sessions with students, teaching monthly classroom guidance sessions, leading social skills groups, and meeting with parents, she also leads after-school mentoring programs for Latina/Latino students and African-American girls and, is very involved in making costumes for the drama club.

“I do a lot here at school to ensure that all students feel included, and that’s why I started the after-school programs.

When I see a need, I try to fulfill that need. I found that I wasn’t reaching certain populations of students. Each student I encounter is important to me. I consider them my clients; they are the people who need me the most. My job is to be their advocate, and if they need something, I want them to know I’m here for them.”

Kauffmann attests that being in education, especially in today’s climate with so much occurring, is not easy. “It’s especially tough for educators like me who are at the higher end of the salary schedule and are not getting paid what we’re worth. It’s sad when you don’t feel valued. But, you have to find your joy in the children. And every day is like that for me.

The minute I see the students, I feel happy because I know that what I’m doing is of value to them and their future.”

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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ESP Day

Educator for a Day

Substitute Educators Day

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organizes educators, students, parents, and communities to change the politics of the state by the year 2020.

During the 2017-18 year, Organize 2020 will continue to host organizing, communications, and political education skill building workshops, and working with the NCAE locals and state leadership to win the Schools Our Students Deserve.

The other officers of Organize 2020 are: Kristin Beller, vice president; Raquel Robinson, treasurer; Liz Hackney, secretary; Todd Warren, organizing chair; and Tamika Walker Kelly, membership chair. For more information, visit the Caucus’ Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ takebackourschoolsnc/, or Facebook group, https://www.facebook.com/

PROUD MOMENTS Six N.C. Schools Awarded National Blue Ribbons Six of the state’s public schools have been named 2017 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. These schools are among 342 schools nationwide recognized for their overall academic performance or progress in closing the achievement gap.

Congratulations to: • Brunswick Early College High School, Brunswick County • Clear Creek Elementary School, Henderson County • Davis Drive Middle School, Wake County • Highland School of Technology,

November 2017

January 9 is the Deadline for NCAE Election Forms

Organize 2020 Caucus This is the third article in a monthly series about the Association’s state caucuses.

Organize 2020 is the social justice caucus of NCAE. Formed in 2013, the Caucus is dedicated to the defense and transformation of public education and to democracy and social justice in our schools and society.

“The Caucus believes that democracy is our foundation and that public education is essential for democracy,” said Bryan Proffitt, who serves as president. “The right of people to participate in the decisions that affect their lives is the basis for healthy communities, schools, organizations, and societies. Quality education that is free, accessible, and appropriate for all children is critical to a functional democracy. In order for public schools to provide this, they must be funded adequately and equitably.”

Proffitt added that the officers and members of Organize 2020 are dedicated to building capacity to strategically mobilize. They envision an NCAE that

News Bulletin

Gaston County • Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (charter school) • Riverbend Elementary School, Haywood County All schools are honored in one of two performance categories -- Exemplary High Performing Schools or Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools -based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates.

All of the schools were selected as Exemplary High Performing Schools.

The honorees will be celebrated at an awards ceremony in Washington November 6-7.

If you are interested in running for an NCAE office in 2018, now is the time to begin thinking about the process and getting your information in order.

The following statewide positions are open: NCAE President, NCAE Vice President, NEA director, regional directors, NEA delegate positions – Categories 1 and 2, positions within the Principal/Administrators Division, positions within the Education Support Professionals Division, and positions within the Student Services Division. Forms for all positions are available by clicking here.

Forms for candidates running for NCAE President, NCAE Vice President, NEA director, regional directors, and division positions MUST be accompanied by an official NCAE biographical form, personal statement, and a professionalquality photograph.

This form is available by clicking here.

All materials should be sent to ncaeelections@ncae.org. Should you have questions, please send an e-mail to the above e-mail address or contact Derevana Leach at 1-800-662-7924, ext.

203. You may print a copy of your form, which must be submitted via certified mail and postmarked on or before January 9, 2018. Information submitted after the January 9 deadline, or without all of the proper documentation, will not be published in the NCAE News Bulletin.

NOTE: March 24-29, 2018, are the days the NCAE Board of Directors has allocated for voting on the above 2018 officers. Local elections must be held at the same time as this election. The deadline for submitting local nominations is Thursday, February 15, 2018.

News Bulletin

November 2017

NCAE

Licensure Renewal Requirements Session Law 2002-178: G.S. 115C-296 LICN-005 SBE Policy Credits required for licenses expiring on June 30, 2017 & June 30, 2018 Grades K-8 3 Subject Area 3 Literacy 2 General Grades 9-12 3 Subject Area 5 General Administrators 3 Executive’s Role 5 General

Credits required for licenses expiring on or after June 30, 2019 Grades K-8 3 Subject Area 3 Literacy 2 Digital Learning Competencies Grades 9-12 3 Subject Area 3 General 2 Digital Learning Competencies Administrators 3 Executive’s Role 3 General 2 Digital Learning Competencies

National Board Certification Note: Teachers completing the National Board Certification process may earn ALL 8 credits for completion of the certification process. Those who are in the 10-year NBCT renewal cycle may earn 2 credits.

Besides earning CEUs teachers must also be at least proficient on their summative the year of renewing a five-year continuing license:

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8 Local Opportunities for the Whole Child

Opportunities for innovation and student success hopefully are not lost on the State ESSA plan approved by the State Board of Education in a vote that was not unanimous. The plan submitted to the U.S. Department of Education should have gone into effect for the 2017-18 school year. It must still be approved by the U.S. Department of Education, which has up to 120 days to complete a review.

Several SBE members and advisors to the Board shared concerns over the testing mentality of the General Assembly, the status quo of moving forward based on a “theory of action,” and the lack of the educator’s voice and student success indicators cited in ESSA regulations. Statements made that ring true to NCAE core values: “this plan doubles down on testing,” “the plan leaves out the professional voice and leadership for professional development,” “disappointed with the current assessment system that we worked for two years to modify,” “please don’t say that N.C. is still in the Industrial Revolution,” and “without guidance for LEAs, I hope the leaders in locals who want to try innovative ways to assess the whole child will step up and show us how to move forward.”

The plan establishes long-term, 10-year goals for student performance using current end-of-grade and end-of-course exams. For example, the plan sets as a goal for aggregate reading performance of third through eighth graders that by 2027, 65.8 percent of students will be achieving at the state’s College-and-Career-Ready standard (levels 4 and 5) for a 20 percentage-point gain from the 2016 baseline of 45.8 percent.

The goal for math performance for third through eighth graders, combined, is 74.1 percent at the College-and-CareerReady level, up from a baseline of 47 percent. The plan also includes goals for closing achievement gaps, among specific minority groups, English Learners, and students with disabilities.

The NEA and NCAE want to support and assist locals as LEA plans are created, a requirement of ESSA. Currently NCAE is working with several locals and their local school boards to push My School My Voice and the opportunities provided under the ESSA plan beyond test data. These locals hope to provide strategies and tools that can be replicated in other locals. All members and/or School Improvement Teams should check out the NEA Web page and resources found at MYSchoolMyVoice.nea.org .

If you and your local are interested in the Opportunities Check List or Test Audit, contact Angela.Farthing@ncae.org.

“Education is not just about going to school and getting a degree. It’s about widening your knowledge and absorbing the truth of life.” -- Shakuntala Devi

News Bulletin

November 2017

Educational Opportunities North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences is committed to increasing educators' understanding and appreciation of the natural environment through outstanding professional development workshops onsite and in the field, and through helping teachers turn their school grounds into areas for wildlife and learning. Following are some upcoming events in which educators can participate. For more information, visit http://naturalsciences.org/learn/educators.

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Educator Trek: Find Your Muse on The Millpond (November 11, 12:30-5 p.m.) – Join Museum educators and piedmont Poet Laureate Mimi Herman in an exploration of the connections between nature and writing. Discover an amazing swamp ecosystem as you paddle on beautiful Robertson’s Millpond in eastern Wake County, and use the beauty of nature and the wonder of science as a means to express yourself through poetry.

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Featured Exhibit: Mazes & Brain Games (Begins January 20, 2018) – Maneuver your way through this mind-boggling collection of mind-bending adventures, 3-D puzzles and full-body games – an unforgettable adventure that’s sure to challenge, entertain, and amaze visitors of all ages. Special discount: Groups of 10+ are $3 each or $5 when you add a 3-D movie.

Download the NCMNS app! It provides detailed information on what events and programs are available. It also allows you to bookmark locations of exhibits you want to make sure you see. The free app is available for Apple and Android devices.

Hate those long lines at the mall? Now, you can avoid them by shopping in the comfort of your home using NEA Click & Save! Visit www.neamb.com/ clickandsave to sign up and shop.

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November 2017

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DEALS

2017

for NEA Members

Dates to Remember

NEA Click & Save Buy-Lights for November Enjoy the holidays more by planning now and shopping early! 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 November.

• HomeClick.com – Save on selected kitchen and bath products, including small electrics, tableware, and cookware, plus outdoor items such as grills, fountains, fireplaces, and mailboxes. Earn 1X WOWPoints on all orders.

• BedBath&Beyond – Spruce up your home for the holidays with daily deals and 2X the WOWPoints. Get free shipping on orders of $29 or more.

• OmahaSteaks.com – Not just steaks! Find great prices on seafood, deli-style meats, desserts, and appetizers.

Earn 5X WOWPoints on your order.

• ThePopcornFactory.com – Celebrate any occasion with a festive gift of gourmet popcorn or other special treats.

• MovieTickets.com – Save on tickets to the latest blockbuster movies or Broadway shows such as The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, and Hello Dolly!

• eBags.com – eBags is the world’s largest online retailer of bags and accessories for all lifestyles. Get free shipping on orders of $49 or more.

• C&S Apparel Store -- Check out new fall arrivals and holiday picks from such retailers as Macy’s, Columbia, Nordstrom Rack, and UnderArmour. Earn 6X WOWPoints on your purchase!

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Daylight Savings Time Ends Election Day National STEM/STEAM Day Veteran’s Day Observed (NCAE offices closed) World Kindness Day American Education Week National Young Reader’s Day Thanksgiving Holiday (NCAE offices closed) Random Acts of Kindness Friday

National Inspirational Role Models Month National Family Literacy Month

Booking Last-Minute Holiday Travel Last minute travel deals do exist – you just need to know where to find them! You too can snag the perfect holiday getaway! Click here to see how.

GE Appliances Store Black Friday Sale Visit the GE Appliances Store at www.Shop4GE.com for exclusive Black Friday offer details. Valid Nov. 1-29.

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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. www.ncae.org

Linda Powell-Jones, Editor/Designer

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