NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN October
2016
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
Volume 47, No. 3
Official Election Issue
The Most Important Reason to Vote!
KEY DATES... Oct. 9: Presidential Debate Oct. 11: Governor’s Debate Oct. 14: Voter Registration Ends Oct. 19: Presidential Debate Oct. 20: One Stop Early Voting Begins Nov. 5: One Stop Early Voting Ends Nov. 8: ELECTION DAY
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News Bulletin
October 2016
20 Years...A Tribute to My Friend Rodney Ellis I have had the privilege to speak on Rodney’s behalf many times. That’s what vice president’s do for their presidents. But this will certainly be my most important, and my most difficult, remarks, Twenty years. That’s about the time it takes to go from Mark Jewell kindergarten to getting a Ph.D. President That’s how long I worked side by side with Rodney -- as a fellow teacher, as a local leader -- Rodney in Forsyth and me in Greensboro – and as the president and vice president of the NCAE. It’s almost like we were joined at the hip – and yes we even shared a jail cell as we stood up for what was right. You see, once an educator always an educator and I learned so much from Rodney. His teaching never stopped at the door of his eighth-grade Language Arts classroom. The most valuable lesson we had the honor of witnessing every day is the true meaning of family first. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t share stories about coaching Rodney B. in basketball or sending his daughters off to college, or going to Friday night football at Knightdale High, or how proud he was of the man Rodney Jr. had become, or spending the weekends with the love of his life and best friend, Lisa -- always before the business at hand. He was so proud of them. You know -- coaches are teachers too -- and Rodney brought that mentality to NCAE. He taught us to pour passion into all we do, to lay it on the line, to jump in with both feet. He had a
tenacious passion for our school children and for giving every one of them the same opportunity to succeed. He saw the inequities in education as one of the great civil rights issues of our time and was a fierce fighter for our children. But he was also a fierce fighter for educators. And what he would want to say to you is to never, ever underestimate the power you have to make a difference in the life of a child. On behalf of the 1.5 million public school students of this state and the tens of thousands of educators that Rodney touched, we are better off because of his persistence and passion and his infectious desire to foster a love of learning. Rodney was such a great teacher…but there was always one lesson I remember him having trouble with. You see, Rodney loved to dance. He was a great dancer. At our state conventions it’s customary for a few line dances to commence. Rodney was so smooth, and let’s just say, he always gave me an “A” for effort. But my favorite lesson he taught me was the value of true friendship. We’ve been through highs and we’ve been through lows -- but he was always there for me, whether it was to offer advice, or to listen, or to share a laugh, or lend a helping hand. He was there for so many of us. Those are bonds that do not break! Family first, faithful friendships, and a passion for what you believe in. My 20 years with Rodney was a dissertation on life and he was a Master Teacher. Rodney, thank you for the gifts you have given us and the lessons you have bestowed upon us, as they will always live on. You were our friend, our colleague, and our champion. You ran the race and you ran it well.
Speaking Out on Behalf of Public Education Recently, state leaders and members have raised their voices on issues affecting public education at several events. LEFT: “Ask an Educator” press conference: President Jewell set the record straight about election year ploys and gimmicks. TOP: “National Bullying Prevention Month” press conference: Member Anthony Bennett talks about the effects Donald Trump’s rhetoric is having on students. BELOW: President Jewell stressed the importance of strengthening public education during the “Moral Day of Action” event.
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Election Year Edition
Highlights of the 4th Annual NCAE Legal Conference 1: Members met four of the five NCAE-endorsed Judicial candidates, from left: Judge Robert Hunter, Judge Vince Rozier, Judge Linda Stephens, and Judge Mike Morgan. 2: The conference prompted lively audience participation and discussion. 3: President Mark Jewell welcomes the group. 4: In her call to action, Vice President Moore encourages members to share the information they learned at the conference with their colleagues. 5: Josh Stein, the Association’s endorsed candidate for Attorney General, poses with the group. During his visit, he talked about the importance of educators’ political engagement during this political season.
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6: NCAE Lead Counsel Carrie Bumgardner shares legal and political updates. 7: Josh Stein prepares to talk a selfie with Odessa Pugh.
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8: NCAE Attorney Mark Kerkhoff and Lead Counsel Carrie Bumgardner were graceful contestants in the game “Double Jeopardy -- Stump the Legal Experts.” 9: NCAE Staff Attorney Michael Chaudhuri served as the emcee and kept the group on their toes.
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He Walked and Lived His Calling “There is a goal for this organization [NCAE], an objective, and that is to make sure that education for educators is the best experience it can possibly be; and in doing so, we benefit those children that we teach … It became my objective to restore the joy of this profession for both educators and students.” -- Rodney N. Ellis Sr.
Rodney N. Ellis Sr. NCAE President: 2012-2016
“Rodney had a tenacious passion for our Rodney N.giving Ellis Sr. school children and for every one of them the NCAE same opportunity to succeed. President 2012 - 2016 He saw the inequities in education as one of the great civil rights issues of our time and was a fierce fighter for our children. But he was also a fierce fighter for educators. And what he would want to say is never, ever underestimate the power you have to make a difference in the life of a child.” – Mark Jewell, NCAE President “Our colleague and friend, Rodney, was a treasure to our Association. He was a positive power and could always see possibilities and a way forward in any situation. He enriched us. He inspired us. His influence will stay with us.” – Lily Eskelsen Garcia, NEA President
“Rodney Ellis’ name, his character, his integrity, and his commitment will go down in history as one of the tallest pines to ever stand in North Carolina, to ever stand in the South. We will have to say his name, alongside other great ones who fought for public education. We thank you Rodney. The best way to remember Rodney is to keep fighting for justice for children. Keep fighting until every child – red, yellow, black, and white – are seen not just in God’s sight as precious, but in our sight as precious. Rodney taught us the ABCs of life. He taught us to accept every challenge, he taught us to be all we were meant to be, and he taught us to count it a privilege to be able
An outpouring of love and support has been expressed for this dedicated leader who began his public education career as SNCAE president at Winston-Salem State University. The journey took him from the classroom, to local president of the Forsyth County Association of Educators, to vice president of NCAE, and ultimately to the state presidency. As we pay tribute to his life and legacy, let’s remember this trailblazer for his unwavering commitment to the lives of young people and educators, and for the impact he made on the profession, not only in North Carolina, but across the country. to stand and fight for the cause and the uplift of all children.” – Rev. William Barber, President of the North Carolina NAACP
“Mr. Ellis was a righteous advocate for the children of North Carolina. We'll miss his voice and his passion.” – African American Caucus, Wilson County Democratic Party
“Rodney Ellis was a stalwart for educational investment and equity during a very difficult financial time for NC. He always fought for the children in our system who had no one else fighting for them. He knew first hand every kid deserved a great teacher -- and that even in very poor schools, great teachers could always change lives We are blessed by his love and commitment for children and teachers.” – Governor Bev Perdue
“Rodney’s strong leadership set the course for NCAE to stand up for public school students and educators under some of the most difficult political circumstances educators have faced. He was not afraid to jump in with both feet when the need arose and work handin-hand to get the job done. He had the same passion in the fight for public education in the political arena as he did in the classroom to make sure students have every opportunity to be the best they can be. We will honor his legacy by continuing to go all in for public education. -- Rachelle Johnson, NCAE Executive Director
“Rodney was always consistent in his expression of care for North Carolina’s children. He was a tireless advocate for public schools and North Carolina’s education family. North Carolina’s public school advocates are grateful for his leadership and we know that, without him, we will need to work even harder to make sure North Carolina puts public school children at the top of its agenda.” – June Atkinson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
“Rodney Ellis was a man with a plan. He not only stood for what was right, but he chose to fight for North Carolina’s public school educators and students. He believed in what he did and he believed in the members of NCAE. He would often say ‘It’s not about me. My fight is for the students and educators of this state.’” -- Naomi Chisolm, NCSO President
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NCAE President Rodney Ellis. He was a champion for public schools and will be missed.” – Rep. Larry Hall
More statements and videos are available by clicking here.
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October 2016
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Educators Statewide Honor Former President Ellis By Wearing Red RE
Click here to see more Red4Rodney photos.
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October 2016
Endorsed Candidates ... The Future of Public Education is In Your Hands! Each candidate was evaluated on his/her voting record and level of support for public schools, public school employees and children. NEA/NCAE recommends these candidates as a step toward preserving public education as the cornerstone of democracy. The slate of judicial candidates and those for the N.C. General Assembly appear on pages 7 through 9.
Hillary Clinton
Tim Kaine
Roy Cooper
Linda Coleman
President
Vice President
N.C. Governor
N.C. Lt. Governor
Josh Stein
June Atkinson Superintendent of Public Instruction
Dan Blue III
Elaine Marshall
State Treasurer
Secretary of State
Attorney General
Wayne Goodwin
Beth Wood
Charles Meeker
Insurance Commissioner
State Auditor
Commissioner of Labor
News Bulletin
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October 2016
7 United States Senate
North Carolina Supreme Court Judge Mike Morgan
Judge Linda Stephens
Judge Vince Rozier
North Carolina Court of Appeals
Deborah Ross U.S. Senate
United States House of Representatives
Judge Margaret Eagles
Judge Robert Hunter Jr.
Judge Rickye McKoy-Mitchell
The Importance of Judicial Races NCAE always endorses judicial candidates because the Association knows the vital role the courts play in our government. This year, NCAE recommends one candidate for the N.C. Supreme Court and five candidates for the N.C. Court of Appeals based on their experience, their candidate questionnaires, their judicial records, and their in-person interviews. A thorough review of each candidate was conducted by a panel of NCAE attorneys and recommendations were made to the NCAE GRC for approval. The N.C. Supreme Court is the state’s highest court, and there is no further appeal in the state from its decisions. This court has a chief justice and six associate justices who sit together as a panel in Raleigh. The Supreme Court has no jury, and it also only considers error in legal procedures or in judicial interpretation of the law. The Court of Appeals is North Carolina’s intermediate appellate court. Fifteen judges hear cases in panels of three. The Court of Appeals reviews the proceedings that occurred in the trial courts for errors of law or legal procedure; it decides only questions of law – not questions of fact.
G.K. Butterfield
John McNeill
David Price
House 1
House 2
House 4
Andy Millard
Alma Adams
Bruce Davis
House 10
House 12
House 13
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October 2016
Recommendations for the North Carolina General Assembly SENATE
Senate 49
Terry Van Duyn
House 39
Darren Jackson
Senate 1
Brownie Futrell
Senate 50
Jane Hipps
House 40
Joe John
Senate 3
Erica Smith-Ingram
House 41
Gale Adcock
House 42
Marvin Lucas
House 43
Elmer Floyd
House 44
Billy Richardson
House 47
Charles Graham
House 48
Garland Pierce
House 49
Cynthia Ball
House 50
Craig Meyer
House 51
Brad Salmon
House 53
Jon Blum
House 54
Robert Reives II
House 55
Kim Hargett
House 56
Verla Insko
House 57
Pricey Harrison
House 58
Amos Quick
House 66
Ken Goodman
House 67
Billy Mills
House 68
Craig Horn
House 71
Evelyn Terry
House 74
Marilynn Baker
House 81
Andy Hedrick
House 83
Linda Johnson
House 85
Josh Dobson
House 86
Tim Barnsback
House 88
Mary Belk
Senate 4 Senate 5 Senate 9 Senate 12 Senate 13 Senate 14 Senate 16 Senate 17 Senate 18 Senate 19 Senate 20 Senate 22 Senate 23 Senate 25 Senate 27 Senate 28 Senate 32 Senate 37 Senate 38 Senate 39 Senate 40 Senate 41 Senate 45 Senate 48
HOUSE
Angela Bryant Don Davis Andrew Barnhill Susan Byerly Jane Smith Dan Blue Jay Chaudhuri Susan Evans Gil Johnson Toni Morris Floyd McKissick Mike Woodard Valerie Foushee Dannie Montgomery Michael Garrett Gladys Robinson Paul Lowe Jeff Jackson Joel Ford Lloyd Scher Joyce Waddell Jeff Tarte Art Sherwood Norm Bossert
House 2
Joe Parrish
House 5
Howard Hunter III
House 6
Warren Judge
House 7
Bobbie Richardson
House 8
Charlie Pat Farris
House 9
Brian Farkas
House 11
Duane Hall
House 15
Dan Whitten
House 16
Steve Unger
House 17
Charles Warren
House 18
Susi Hamilton
House 21
Larry Bell
House 23
Shelly Willingham
House 24
Jean Farmer-Butterfield
House 26
Rich Nixon
House 29
Larry Hall
House 30
Paul Luebke
House 31
Mickey Michaux
House 33
Rosa Gill
House 34
Grier Martin
House 35
Terence Everitt
House 36
Jennifer Ferrell
House 37
Randy Barrow
House 38
Yvonne Holley
(See Recommendations on page 9)
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October 2016
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Recommendations for the North Carolina General Assembly (Continued from page 8)
House 89
Mitchell Setzer
House 92
Chaz Beasley
House 93
Sue Counts
House 98
Jane Campbell
House 99
Rodney Moore
House 100
John Autry
House 101
Beverly Earle
House 102
Becky Carney
House 103
Rochelle Rivas
House 104
Peter Noris
House 105
Connie Green-Johnson
House 106
Carla Cunningham
House 107
Kelly Alexander
House 109
Susan Maxon
House 112
Ben Edwards
House 113
Maureen Copelof
House 114
Susan Fisher
House 115
John Ager
House 116
Brian Turner
House 118
Rhonda Schandevel
House 119
Joe Sam Queen
House 120
Randy Hogsed
Click here to see a larger version of the N.C. House Districts map.
Click here to see a larger version of the N.C. Senate Districts map.
This year marks a critical time to elect pro-public education candidates in order to stop the dismantling of public schools. There are so many things at stake -- school funding, student resources, reduction in school positions, educator salaries and benefits, and much more. Pledge to go “All In” for public education by visiting www.NCAEVotes.org to stay informed about volunteer opportunities with NCAE and to find out who your NCAE-endorsed candidates are. Let’s make sure every candidate in every race in North Carolina knows that NCAE VOTES!
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Recent Development: No ID Needed to Vote PROUD MOMENTS Cumberland Member Recognized as Outstanding Mathematics Teacher Kayonna Pitchford, a teacher at Elizabeth M. Cashwell Elementary School in Cumberland County, is one of 213 math and science teachers across the country named a recipient of a 2016 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. “It is an honor to represent the many exceptional mathematics teachers in North Carolina by accepting the Presidential Award,” said Pitchford. “Conferred by the President of the United States, this award communicates the importance of effective teaching at the elementary level and validates our efforts to provide children with the best possible educational foundation for achieving in the elementary grades and beyond. Teaching is my passion, and I am grateful to be recognized for what I love to do.” The winners of this presidential honor received a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, to be used at their discretion, and were invited to Washington, D.C. for an awards ceremony, as well as educational and celebratory events and visits with members of the Administration. Special Honor Presented to Member for His Work as a Physical Education Teacher Veteran teacher Gabe Erwin has been selected as the 2016 Norm Leafe Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the North Carolina Physical Education Association. He teaches at Startown Elementary School in Catawba County and is celebrating his 16th year as an educator. “Mr. Ervin is an innovative teacher who integrates academics into physical activity,” said colleague Rhonda Pawlik. “He is an inspiration to our young students as well as in the community through his work with the PE Club and physical education nights in the Startown area.” The award recognizes an educator’s ability and efforts to truly make a difference in the lives of students.
Photo ID, Same-Day Registration, Out-of-Precinct Voting, and Pre-registration On July 29, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit struck down photo ID requirements and other elections procedures enacted under S.L. 2013-381 and amended by S.L. 2015-103. Barring any alternative outcome on appeal, the following are no longer enforceable: •
Photo ID requirement contained in Part 2 of Session Law 2013-381, as amended by Session Law 2015-103;
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Removal of pre-registration contained in Part 12 of Session Law 2013-381;
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Elimination of same-day registration contained in Part 16 of Session Law 2013-381;
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Changes to early voting contained in Part 25 of Session Law 2013-381; and
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Elimination of out-of-precinct voting contained in Part 49 of Session Law 2013-381.
The district court order is available here. Please check back at this Web site for updates as they become available.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
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October 2016
Facebook Etiquette in the Age of Anything Goes: Do’s and Don’ts With our use of social media, it’s not always easy to grasp and adhere to the unspoken rules of social networking. So be aware of Facebook etiquette – what’s appropriate and what’s not. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to social interactions, so take each recommendation with a grain of salt and decide what’s right for you!
DO 1. Reciprocate: If someone took the time to respond to what you posted, it’s polite to reciprocate. You wouldn’t just ignore a person’s comment in face-toface interactions, would you? 2. Show Gratitude and Share: If you learned something because of a friend’s post, thank him or her. Likewise, post interesting content that you come across, not just family and food pictures. 3. Be Careful of Your Tone: Having a venue to advocate for what you believe in is one of the benefits of the Facebook platform. Be aware, however, of alienating people with dogmatic and harsh opinionated posts that leave no room for debate or discussion. Use the platform as a way to engage people.
4. Ignore Away: You are under no obligation to accept a Facebook friend request. This is especially important to remember when it comes to students – you set boundaries with them every day in the real world, so why should it be any different on Facebook? Just politely tell the person that you like to keep your Facebook page restricted and you hope they understand, and leave it at that.
DOn’T 1.Tag Friends Unless They Are Okay With It: No one likes the sinking feeling you get when you log in to Facebook to find 36 notifications, and the first one reads “[friend from high school] tagged you in her Spring Break photo album.” It’s just not cool! Get permission before tagging, or at the very least only tag pictures that you know won’t embarrass someone. 2. Post Before Proofing: Typos are excused, but an embarrassing overshare is not. Think before you post. No one wants to be involved in someone else’s online martial dispute or aware of your bowel trouble. And before clicking
submit on any post, ask yourself, “So what?” 3. Post Too Often: A little goes a long way on Facebook. If you’ve just posted something you will want to wait at least a few hours before sharing something else. Don’t assume your friends are waiting to hear every little pearl of wisdom you’ve got or see every picture you take. Rule of thumb: Posting once or twice a day is just fine. 4. Over comment: Ask yourself, “Should I really post this comment?” If you hesitate, you probably shouldn’t. Over commenting makes you look like you spend your entire day glued to your computer. Regular and reciprocated comment exchange does not fall into the over commenting category, but if it’s one-sided in your favor, you might be overdoing it. When you constantly comment on a person’s posts and that person never comments on yours, you start to fall into the Facebook stalker category, and your friends may find that creepy!
Reprinted with modifications from the California Educator.
Education Resources Call for Nominations: NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards NEA cordially invites members to submit nominations for the 2017 Human and Civil Rights Awards. Get involved by nominating an individual, group, or affiliate that has advanced the cause of civil rights and social justice. NEA honors civil rights heroes because the cause endures, the struggle goes on, and hope still lives! You are invited to: • Identify and honor exemplary individuals and affiliates for their human and civil rights contributions • Celebrate NEA’s multicultural roots and commitment to social justice
and racial justice • Celebrate our current victories in human and civil rights and the journey forward The NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards Dinner honors individuals and affiliates that stand up and defend human and civil rights. The event is held in July, prior to the NEA Representative Assembly. More information and nomination forms will be available after October 11 at www.nea.org/hcrawards. NEA Foundation: Upcoming Grant Application Deadline for Educators The NEA Foundation supports NEA members with $2,000 and $5,000 grants
for classroom projects or professional development. All NEA members – whether they are public school teachers, education support professionals, or higher education faculty or staff – are eligible to apply. These grants could provide new iPads for a classroom or fund participation in a summer institute abroad. Now is the time to begin brainstorming grant project ideas. The next deadline to apply is October 15, 2016. For more information, visit www.neafoundation.org.
News Bulletin
October 2016
NCAE
*Contact Caleb Weith at 704-687-5196 or cweith@uncc.edu for more informa on regarding group opportuni es*
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DEALS
2016
for NEA Members
Dates to Remember
NEA Click & Save “Buy-Lights” for October Make the most of your fall season by checking out these featured “BuyLights.” NEA Click & Save is the online discount buying service for NEA members and highlights select retailers and merchants each month. Click here to begin shopping and saving today! ✓ NEA MB Food and Wine Store – Make planning for fall parties and holidays easy with wonderful products from top food and wine purveyors – plus save with member discounts. Search “Food and Wine” in the dropdown menu. ü Sur La Table – Outfit your kitchen and dining table with everything you’ll need for holiday entertaining; get special savings now on clearance items. ü Oneida Ltd. – Oneida offers great deals on stainless steel silverware/flatware, serving pieces, food storage solutions, and more. ü World Market – Peruse high-quality home décor; get free shipping on orders of $150 or more. ü Bed, Bath & Beyond – Save on bed linens, bath accessories, kitchen electrics, and more; free shipping on orders of $25 or more. Save at the GE Appliance Store Through Columbus Day, you can save 10 percent on orders of $799 or more at the GE Appliance Store. The GE Appliance Store is an exclusive, full service, and secure online shopping site where NEA members can purchase high-quality appliances directly from GE Appliances at discount prices. Delivery is available to most homes in the continental U.S., including free delivery on orders over $399. For more information, visit www.neamb.com/ge.
N C A E
N E W S
October 7th 10th 12th 16th 17th 22nd
National Diversity Day Columbus Day (NCAE Offices Closed) S.A.V.E. (Stop America’s Violence Everywhere) Dictionary Day International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Make a Difference Day
Bullying Prevention Month Health Literacy Month International Walk to School Month Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Shop smart this season. Purchase all of your holiday gifts in the comfort of your home and save money to boot! As an NEA member, you have access to exclusive discounts and can earn WOWPoints for purchases that you can redeem like cash. Register at www.neamb.com/clickandsave.
“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.” -- Diogenes
B U L L E T I N
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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., Post Office Box Box 27347, Raleigh, NC 27611, 1-800-662-7924. www.ncae.org
Linda Powell-Jones, Editor/Designer
October 2016
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