NCAE News Bulletin

NCAE North Carolina Association of Educators

News Bulletin Nov. 2018

Vol. 49, No. 4

www.ncae.org

Celebrate Fall’s Bounty

NCAE News Bulletin

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Change Begins With Each of Us! removed from when it all began.

Are you being the change Just like King, Mandela, Jobs, and Mother Teresa, you too you want to see in the world? can start a movement. With the passion you exhibit every day Do you feel as if because you in your work with children, it shouldn’t be difficult. Look are one individual you can’t around. What needs do you see? More than likely, someone make a difference? How else has observed those same needs but has not had the mistaken you are! courage to step forward.

We’ve seen throughout Think about the difference a change would make and the history how one person can impact it would have. It could be something as complex as drive significant change. working to acquire laptop computers for all students in the Kristy Moore Martin Luther King Jr. was Vice President school to ensuring that there are only one enough pens and notebooks available man. for those boys and girls who need Nelson “A movement only exists when people Mandela was only one man. Mother are inspired to move, to do something, to them. Change doesn’t always have to be done on a large scale; some of the Theresa was only one woman. But smallest gestures can have the each of these individuals in their own make the cause their own.” greatest effect! way helped transform our world with There is so much talent in our an impact that will be felt for midst; it’s time that we come out of the shadows and show generations to come. what we can do. All of us have something that we can There is a saying, “A movement only exists when people contribute to enhance our profession. All of us have the are inspired to move, to do something, to make the cause ability to jumpstart a movement, share the idea(s) we have, their own.” When one person becomes inspired, a and get like-minded people to join us. If you take the time to movement which has the potential to appeal to others can think about it, that’s how our NCAE family was born, by take place. However, it still all begins with an individual. individuals like you and me who saw a need and acted upon That person who thinks outside of the box, that person who it. They knew that in order to have a stronger voice for all has a vision. public school educators, a merge between organizations was People like Steve Jobs, whose vision to build and market imperative. home computers yielded one of the largest tech companies Change, it has been said, is the only thing that is constant. the world has ever seen – Apple. Millions of us own Let’s all do our part to guide that change in the direction that iPhones, iPads, and iMac computers that we use every day will be best for our students. So, the next time someone asks to work, communicate, and listen to music. The invention you, “Are you the change you want to see in the world?” let that started in the garage of Jobs’ home turned into a your answer be “Yes!” movement that shows no signs of stopping. Those of us who own Apple products are part of that movement years

Ways You Can Help Members, Students Affected by Hurricanes Florence and Michael Although hurricanes Florence and Michael are now a memory, the destruction the storms left behind will affect our educators and students for many months to come. The cleanup and rebuilding processes, whether homes or schools, is going to take a long time. Resources are needed, and donating to the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children is one way you can help support the recovery efforts.

Natural disasters like hurricanes destroy schools and leave many students without the tools they need to continue receiving a quality education. By contributing to the NCFPSC Disaster Relief Fund, you will be part of rebuilding what they have lost. The Foundation will respond promptly to the needs of students, our members, and schools so they can recover more quickly.

Other Resources • The NCAE Web site also has a list of resources for those in need or those who have questions relating to the continued relief efforts. Click here for more information.

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NCAE News Bulletin

Time is Ticking But Much Can Be Done!

When this edition of the News Bulletin hits your inbox, we will be just days away from the most important election for pro-public education candidates and public schools in North Carolina. Many of you have heard this before - every election is THE most important election‌ and every single time, it is true. Given the high stakes and opportunity to change the political dynamic in the state, we all must do all we can to help push friendly candidates, incumbents and challengers alike, across the finish line.

In order to do just that, there are five things you can do to help make our campaign and our NCAE endorsedcandidates victorious in the best interest of students and educators.

1) VOTE. If you did not join us at a local march to the polls or did not have an opportunity to vote early, please make a plan to vote on November 6. Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. NCAE members vote in higher numbers than the general voting public. This made a difference in the election of pro-public education Governor Roy Cooper, who has vetoed two state budgets because they did not go far enough for public education, students, and educators.

Unfortunately, the General Assembly, because of supermajorities, overrode his vetoes in days. Just imagine if Governor Cooper could sustain a veto. Getting to the polls and casting your vote matters. A lot.

2) TIME. Volunteer to pass out NCAE apple cards at a polling location near you. The apple cards contain NCAE endorsed candidates. Endorsement of district candidates are done by members and are locally driven. We still need help to cover all polling locations and get the word out on candidates that educators endorse. Please check with your local president if you are interested in volunteering.

3) SHARE. Spread the word on our endorsed candidates to your friends, family, and personal and professional

communities. You are the most respected voice on public education issues. Lift that voice up and let it be heard. To get an online list, please send your networks to NCAEVotes.org for a complete listing in your area.

Also, please encourage folks to get to the polls to vote on election day for our pro-public Rachelle Johnson Executive Director education candidates.

4) CALL. Talking to our members and other public education supporters about pro-public education candidates is very important. Please participate in a local phone bank for our endorsed candidates, either through a local NCAE phone bank or with a campaign directly.

5) ALL. Last, vote the entire ballot. There are a lot of important races on this ballot, including the Supreme Court, Appellate Court, and six constitutional amendments. NCAE has endorsed in these judicial races and has taken a position against all six constitutional amendments. For more information on the amendments, visit www.stopdeceptiveamendments.com.

Thank you for all you are doing to help elect pro-public education candidates.

If we all stick together, we will be able to move education policy ahead and work productively for our students and all educators. #InThisTogether #NCAEStrong

Click here to apply!

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6 Months Since May 16...Members Share What Has Changed for Them Almost six months have passed since the May 16 March for Students and Rally for Respect, where thousands of educators and supporters gathered in Raleigh to stand up for public education and public schools. Many of you attended this monumental event, and can still feel the excitement that the day afforded. To get a sense of what effect that day had on members, the question was asked: How did the march and rally impact your life as an educator and what are you now doing differently that you weren’t before to ensure the profession thrives? Here are a few of the answers that were received.

Sherry Willis, Costner Elementary School, Gaston County NCAE – “I have become an active school representative for NCAE, and have been interviewing school board candidates, recruiting new members, and spreading the message of what we are fighting for in education!”

LeAnna Delph, Eblen Intermediate School, Buncombe County NCAE – “May 16 was a catalyst for me to join with a variety of education advocacy groups to make our voices heard from all corners of the state. I don’t relish opportunities to speak in front of groups about education issues, but I have taken the spirit of May 16 to motivate myself to seize every opportunity I have to make sure the discussion continues and we win on education in this state. Every day we have a chance to win small victories, and I won’t stop until we win the schools our students deserve.”

Carrianne McClellan, Cumberland County NCAE – “Each month since May 16, on the 16th day of the month, CCAE members have participated in a special activity to remind us of how great and proud we felt that day. Doing a special activity together has helped to grow our pride in our Association. We have talked with candidates running for office and coordinated an Early Voting March to the Polls event.”

Melinda Mouzzon, Heritage High School, Wake NCAE – “Since May 16, I have become an active participant of the Wake NCAE Board of Directors. I have phone banked, canvassed neighborhoods to get voters registered, and co-led Hurricane Relief efforts to provide new and gently used clothes to heavily affected areas. I am more committed to getting others to see that our votes do matter and that we can change support for public schools. I am also striving to keep the excitement and energy going not just through Nov. 6 but all the way to the national election in 2020!”

Jaclyn Holland, Estes Hills Elementary School, Chapel Hill-Carrboro NCAE – “As one of the thousands of advocates, I marched, chanted, connected with educators, discussed problems, brainstormed possible solutions, and made plans not to give up.

I left Raleigh that day feeling incredibly energized, hopeful, and – most of all – powerful. Before May 16, I allowed myself to become isolated by focusing exclusively on my own classroom and my own life. As one person, I felt I had little power to change the unfair realities of teaching in North Carolina. Now, not only do I feel unified with teachers from across the state, but I know that if enough of us stay involved, we have the power to change policy to improve our working conditions and transform our students’ educational experience.” Holland joined NCAE as a result of her participation in the march and rally and is now an association rep.

#NCAEStrong

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NCAE News Bulletin

Committees/Commissions Day

Members Roll Up Their Sleeves to Do the Work of the Association A

B C

D E A) President Jewell checks in with the Resolutions Committee; B) Membership/Organizing Committee; C) Government Relations Commission; D) Human and Civil Rights Commission; E) VP Moore joined members in a phone-banking activity.

January 7 is the Deadline for NCAE Election Forms If you are interested in running for an NCAE office in 2019, now is the time to begin thinking about the process and getting your information in order.

The following state and regional positions are open: Regional Directors, NEA delegate positions – Categories 1 and 2, positions within the Principals/Administrators Division, positions within the Education Support Professionals Division, and positions within the Student Services NCAE Division. Forms for all positions are available by clicking here.

Forms for candidates running for Regional Director positions, 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 email 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 7, 2019. Information submitted after the January 7 deadline, or without all of the proper documentation, will not be published in the NCAE News Bulletin.

NOTE: March 23-28, 2019 are the days the NCAE Board of Directors has allocated for voting on the above 2019 election of officers. Local elections must be held at the same time as this election. The deadline for submitting local nominations is Friday, February 15, 2019.

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Q& A School Calendar, Compensation Exceptions as a Result of Hurricane Florence Calendar Questions Q: While my LEA missed days due to Florence, our scheduled instructional hours still satisfy the 1,025 minimum. Are we required to make up any time?

A: No. If a LEA’s school calendar meets the statutory requirement of 1,025 hours or 185 days even after accounting for lost instructional time due to Florence, then no make-up time is required, regardless of whether the LEA is located in a declared disaster area.

Q: Can an impacted LEA extend its traditional school calendar year beyond the Friday closest to June 11 (i.e, the lastday-of-school date contemplated by the calendar law)?

A: Yes. While the calendar law contemplates that an LEA’s planned traditional school calendar may not extend past the closest Friday to June 11, the statute allows LEAs to schedule instructional days/time after that date if additional hours/days are needed for a district to meet the minimum instructional requirements. Please note, however, that the school year shall not go past June 30, the end of the fiscal year.

Compensation Questions Q: Are employees to be paid differently based on whether or not they work in a declared disaster area?

A: No. There is no requirement to be in a declared disaster area to require compensation to employees.

Q: If a LEA missed instructional days but still meets the statutory minimum for instructional time (1,025 hours or 185

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days) without making up any days, is that LEA required to pay the employees for the missed instructional days?

A: Yes. Employees are required to be paid for all missed instructional days that were scheduled.

supported employees, other than school nutrition employees, as they are not employed during the instructional day e.g., before and after school. LEAs have the option to pay these employees from receipt funds available.

Q: If a LEA missed instructional days and then later decides to make up some or all of the days, are the employees paid for both the missed days and the make-up days?

A: No. Employees are not eligible to be paid twice. The following may be common scenarios:

Q: Which employees are LEAs required to compensate for missed days?

A: ALL employees employed during the instructional day. This includes salaried and hourly employees, full time and part time, regardless of number of days employed in a year.

• If the LEA elects not to schedule make-up days for lost days, then employees are to be paid for the days that the LEA deemed “completed”; or • If the LEA elects to schedule a makeup day, then employees are to be paid for the days the LEA “deemed completed” and the make-up days.

Illustration: An affected LEA missed five instructional days because of Hurricane Florence and chose to waive two days and schedule three make-up days. Under this circumstance: (a) the LEA pays the employees for the two waived days now and (b) the LEA pays the employees for the three make-up days as actual work days. The three make-up days are treated as regular work days; therefore, if an employee takes leave on a make-up day, the employee should code the time to annual leave of LWOP. Q: Are charter schools required to pay their employees for missed days?

A: No. Charter schools have the option to pay the employees.

Q: From what funds do the LEAs pay the employees?

A: Employees must be paid for the instructional days missed from the source of funds they would have been paid had the day not been missed due to Florence.

Q: Are employees funded from an enterprise fund, other than school nutrition, eligible for compensation for missed instructional days?

A: The legislation does not specifically address the payments to receipt

Q: Are independent contractors required to be compensated for missed days?

A: The intent of the General Assembly is to include contracted employees paid directly by the LEA. If a LEA has a contractual agreement with a vendor, the LEA should consult with its attorney related to the terms of the contract.

Q: Are substitutes eligible for compensation for a missed day?

A: A substitute that was scheduled to work on the instructional day is eligible for compensation. Illustration: Mr. Jones is a substitute for Ms. Knight, who is on maternity leave from September 1 to November 30. Mr. Jones is eligible for compensation for a missed instructional day. In contrast, an ad hoc substitute who was not scheduled to work on a missed instructional day is not eligible for compensation.

Q: How do we determine the amount to compensate the hourly employees, such as bus drivers?

A: The legislation requires that the employee is to be compensated in the same manner he/she would have been compensated had the employee worked on the scheduled instructional days that were missed. Therefore, the LEA should pay the hourly employees for the number of hours they would have worked. Such payment may be based upon an estimate based on past work history and/or work schedules.

Q: Is the compensation subject to social security and retirement contribution?

A: Yes. See Questions and Answers on page 8

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Every Teacher Needs a Mentor With a few months of school under your belt, now is the perfect time to connect with a colleague who can pass on their knowledge through informal conversation and everyday modeling. Mentors are amazing practitioners with whom you can share small victories and embarrassing defeats. Every teacher, at some point in his/her career, should have an opportunity to serve as a mentor or be assigned a mentor.

Melissa Belk, a fifth-grade teacher at Central Elementary in Stanly County, said when she made the transition from teaching at a private school to a public school, she was excited yet terrified.

Then she met Janet, her mentor and angel in disguise. “In her wisdom, she was like a mother to me,” Belk said. “She helped me navigate my classroom, standards, strategies, IEPs, and 504s among other things, and the slew of emotions I experienced of facing surgery that first year. Even today, after 20 years of teaching, I hear her voice in my head. I continue to use her level-headed strategy to evaluate nearly every situation, and treat every student with kindness and the respect they deserve.”

“I have been a trained mentor for 15 years and have had the pleasure of working with some talented beginning teachers,” said Karen Maddry, who teaches at Winstead Elementary School in Wilson County. “I love guiding and nurturing new teachers. It is a role that I take very seriously. Maintaining great teachers in the classroom has become a challenge in our state. I feel it is my responsibility to help promote growth and a love for the classroom. Qualified and dedicated mentors are a lifeline in developing successful classroom teachers.”

The role of being a mentor is very rewarding and an important one because every new teacher needs a support system, says James Hardin, assistant principal at Pembroke Elementary School in Robeson County. “Being a mentor made me a stronger teacher knowing that I was a role model for someone else. I observed my mentee as often as I could to assist in making educational decisions about instruction delivery. Helping that teacher make the best decision about instruction made learning fun for students, which was always the focus.”

Mentors, Darlene Cooper feels, are necessary for teacher retention. When she served as a mentor, she helped her mentee feel more comfortable and helped her enhance instruction. As a mentor, Cooper gave her mentee a tour of the school so she could become familiar with the layout, introduced her to staff/faculty and explained their duties, dined out with her to help build a relationship, participated in lesson planning sessions, shared materials and learning resources, and met with her at least twice a week to discuss any questions or concerns the mentee had. Cooper is a kindergarten teacher at Harvey R. Newlin Elementary School in Alamance/Burlington.

LeAnna Delph said her mentor was amazing!

“She met with me every week at a local restaurant where we could unwind and share ideas,” said Delph, a teacher at Eblen Intermediate School in Buncombe County. “She would use her planning time to check in with me and observe and give me feedback. I was one of the lucky ones; she was certified in my subject areas, was a highly-qualified teacher, and really gave me her time. She remains a friend to this day.”

Delph added that she has unofficially served as a mentor to several new teachers. She is thankful for the Beginning Teachers Organizing Program (BTOP) that has been implemented by NCAE, which provides support for teachers just starting out in the profession. She encourages new teachers to take advantage of the program. “BTOP is a great resource.

New educators will definitely receive the support they need in order to perfect their craft.”

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Looking to “Amp” Up Your Fashion Game?

Looking fashionable and professional at school doesn’t mean you have to break the bank! There are many budget-friendly discounts available for educators that will have you sporting a trendy new wardrobe in no time. Whether purchasing a few new items, discarding others, or accessorizing old favorites, the ultimate goal is to feel confident and comfortable.

For those fashionistas out there, here is a sampling of some of the name-brand fashion retailers whose offers can save you money: • Bebe • Brooks Brothers • Calvin Klein • Claire’s • Coldwater Creek • Dressbarn • FILA.com • JC Penney • Jos. A. Bank • Kohl’s • Naturalizer • New Balance • Nine West • Nike.com • Men’s Wearhouse • Rockport • Target • Timberland • Tommy Hilfiger • Van Heusen

Photos courtesy of Terrence Jones Photography

Also make sure you take advantage of your status as an educator by asking for discounts at clothing stores in your area.

Among those offering discounts with your educator ID are Ann Taylor Loft, J. Crew, Banana Republic, and Eddie Bauer.

In addition, use your NEA membership to shop at Click & Save, where you can find discounts from brand-name retailers on clothing, shoes, cosmetics, and much more. Visit www.neamb.com.

Questions and Answers About the Impact of Hurricane Florence on School Systems Continued from page 6

Q: Did the General Assembly appropriate funds to pay for the missed days?

A: The General Assembly appropriated $6.5M to pay for school nutrition workers only. These funds are to provide funding in lieu of the lost lunch receipts. Funding for state personnel were appropriated and budgeted in the annual Appropriations Bill.

Q: An LEA had resignations and start dates during the days we were closed due to the hurricane. Should that LEA pay teachers based on the effective start or resignation date in these situations?

A: The LEA is required to pay all employees for the time that they were employed. If the resignation day is during the window that the LEA missed instructional days, the employee is eligible for compensation for those days before the resignation. An employee who has not started employment is not eligible for compensation.

Q: If waiving an instructional day is allowable, how do LEAs handle pay for personnel who reported in for an optional workday?

A: Employees are only compensated for missed scheduled

instructional days. If the day was originally an instructional day and then was changed to an optional workday, the employee is eligible for compensation. If the employee took annual leave on the optional workday, the LEA should credit the annual leave back and compensate the employee.

Q: Can comp days be provided to employees who worked on a waived instructional day since employees who did not report to work are required by law to be paid as if they had worked?

A: This is a local decision.

Q: Are employees on leave of absence eligible for compensation for missed instructional days?

A: An employee who was on scheduled leave (sick, vacation, FMLA) on a missed instructional day would not have been scheduled to work on the missed instructional day and is, therefore, not eligible for compensation under SB2.

Provided by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

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Celebrate Educators During American Education Week!

American Education Week 2018 | November 12-16

Reach. Educate. Inspire.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

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Encourage students, staff and parents to celebrate great public schools.

Invite parents and family members to school for a first-hand look at a typical school day.

Kickoff Day

Parents Day

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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Wear #RedForED to recognize and celebrate ESPs who meet the needs of the whole student.

Encourage elected officials and community leaders to serve as “educators for a day” for a hands-on school experience.

Honor and celebrate educators who are called on to substitute for regular classroom teachers in their absence for their services.

Education Support Professionals Day

Educator for a Day

Substitute Educators Day

#aew2018 | www.nea.org/aew Thanksgiving Ideas for the Classroom

“Although children are only 24 percent of the population, they’re 100 percent of our future and we cannot afford to provide any child with a substandard education.” -- Ed Markey

Are you looking for fun ways to teach your students about Thanksgiving? Click these links to check out lesson plans, ideas, and activities available on the NEA website!

• http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/ thanksgiving-ideas-for-the-classroomgrades-k-5.html • http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/thanksgiving-ideas-for-theclassroom-grades-9-12.html

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DEALS

GE Appliances Black Friday BLOW OUT!

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Dates to Remember

NEA Click and Save “Buy-lights” for November

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• Crane and Company – Handwriting is not dead! View Crane’s elegant paper products ranging from traditional to whimsical, including personalized stationery, notes and cards, invitations, and business cards.

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for NEA Members No sooner does school start than anticipation of the fall and winter holidays begins. 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.

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November 4th 6th 7th 8th 12th 12th17th 13th 16th 22nd23rd

Daylight Savings Time ends Election Day International Stress Awareness Day National Parents As Teachers Day Veterans Day Observed (NCAE Offices Closed) American Education Week National Young Reader’s Day World Kindness Day International Day for Tolerance Thanksgiving Break (NCAE Offices Closed)

MADD’s Tie One On for Safety Holiday Campaign National Inspirational Role Model Month National Family Literacy Month

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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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