October nb 2017 final

NCAE

NEWS BULLETIN October

2017

NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS

Volume 48, No. 3

Investing in Resources for Our Students Remains a Critical Topic

“To me, the choice is an easy one.

Should we be investing in our corporate boardrooms, or should we be investing in our public school classrooms? We should stand strong to give our students the schools they deserve.”

$5 for pencils. $10 for paper. $25 for notebooks. These may seem like small amounts of money, but for educators who continually dip into their own pockets to ensure their students have the supplies they need, the total can soon add up to hundreds of dollars over the course of the school year. Despite not receiving adequate compensation, educators willingly spend their own money to offset the lack of supplies that should be provided by the state. Why? Because they want all of their students to be successful.

Digging deep into their pocketbooks and wallets is nothing new for educators in North Carolina. This has been happening far too often because the General Assembly has continued to shortchange our students. At the beginning of school, in an effort to help address the unmet needs of the state’s classrooms, Governor Cooper kicked off a school supply drive. The State Employees Credit Union, state government offices, and businesses across the state collected school supplies in an effort to stock classrooms for the year.

During a recent press conference in Raleigh, which focused on the topic of school supplies, NCAE President Mark Jewell said the conversations he has with educators during his travels across the state consistently lead back to the lack of resources for our students.

“Every classroom I visit, the teachers, other staff at the school, and parents are doing what they can to give our students the supplies they need. Several surveys and reports say that educators are spending $500 to $1,000 of their own money on supplies. Per-student funding for supplies and materials is less than half the amount provided in the 2009-2010 school year.”

Earlier this year, national rankings confirmed that North Carolina continues to be one of the worst states in the nation in per-pupil expenditures. In fact, North Carolina is projected to fall another spot this year to 43rd, more than $3,000 per student behind the national average. This is unacceptable, especially since the General Assembly has hoarded half-billion dollar surpluses and record savings in the Rainy Day Fund for the past few years.

Investing in the future of our students needs to be the top priority, not tax cuts for the wealthy and big businesses, which over the last four years has resulted in an estimated $3.5 billion less annual revenue compared to the tax system prior to 2013 (according to the Budget and Tax Center). Educators should not have to rely on GoFundMe campaigns, parents, panhandling at busy intersections, or their own money to have the needs of their students met.

As long as there are dedicated, caring educators in our schools and classrooms, students will never go without. That’s what educators do.

However, during a time when they are not respected as professionals, when they are not receiving the financial compensation they deserve, and policies and practices are being implemented that do not contain their input, the push for change continues.

The state must be held accountable for not providing students with the tools required for a proper education.

Educators, who are tasked with delivering quality instruction, should not have to feel the burden caused by a lack of instructional materials. They have enough on which to focus.

Worrying about supplies should not be one of them. The students of North Carolina deserve better. The educators of North Carolina deserve better. This means those on Jones Street must do better.

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NCAE

News Bulletin

October 2017

The Transformation Our Association Needs Now! “Why should I remain a member of NCAE?” “What is NCAE doing to help educators?” These are questions I recently received from two members who were in need of a pep talk about the Association.

Clearly feeling doubtful with all that has been going on with public education, I reassured Mark Jewell President them that we value their membership and their voices.

That in order for NCAE to continue to stave off bad legislation, we have to have a strong organization that includes members like them.

As our conversations progressed, I shared all that NCAE has accomplished in the past few years. How there would not have been raises for educators had NCAE not raised the issue of North Carolina ranking 46th in the country in teacher salaries; how resources for students are lacking and the push for more textbook funding; how we stood against the increase in health insurance premiums; and how we fought to keep specials teachers and TA positions from being eliminated.

I also engaged them in our idea to transform the Association through the Renaissance Locals program. I let them know that this transformation is about relationships, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to have conversations that give us a good road map, because we can’t know where we’re going if we don’t were we’ve been. This will be a rebirth for us. We’re going to look a little different. We can’t remain complacent and keep doing the same things we’ve done in the past. We’re going to have to think more strategically, plan for the future of the organization and for our incoming educators, as well as honoring and valuing

those who have been with us for many years.

A large part of the Renaissance Locals program will focus on membership, because in order to have a strong NCAE on the local and state levels, we must have a strong membership base. Locals should have a membership/organizing plan focused on the “why.” When it comes to joining the Association, we have learned that there are many “whys” out there. Educators join for many reasons, whether it’s their love of politics and policy, the awesome professional development we offer, our lead in the fight for social justice, our member benefits, etc. We also know that the things that help attract members aren’t the things that always keep them in our fold. What keeps them from leaving is keeping them engaged. And that’s what we’re trying to do a better job of.

There are a myriad of options in which locals can participate in order to become Renaissance Locals. We don’t expect locals to complete each of them, but we hope that local leaders will look at the criteria and say “we need to be a part of this!” It’s about our locals doing something to let members, as well as non-members, see that NCAE is an organization that wants to keep them engaged, that we are an organization that is member-driven, member owned, and member led!

As I concluded my conversation with those two members, I let them know that now is not the time to grow weary. It is a time for us to be more vigilant and committed to ensuring that public education in North Carolina thrives. That we’ll Stand Strong for Public Schools by encouraging each other, by growing a strong NCAE, and by doing all we can to change the scope of the election in 2018! We have to be the unified voice, the transformers, and the change agents. Our success lies in doing things differently, strategically, and efficiently, while keeping our students, as well as our profession, at the core of every conversation!

Helping Educators, Students Affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma Hurricane Harvey did substantial damage throughout Texas, and Irma imposed the same fate on Florida and the northeastern Caribbean. It is going to take months, maybe years, before these areas are fully restored.

Members of the NEA family in Texas and Florida need help!

NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia is encouraging members to open their hearts to these brothers and sisters and make a contribution to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and the Hurricane Irma Relief Fund (click here). Because NEA supports public education throughout the world, it has contributed to Education International for the Caribbean Union of Teachers to help educators there recover.

Please visit www.nea.org/hurricanerelief for more information and resources related to relief efforts. Share this information with your colleagues and broadly on your social networks.

Having such devastating storms in quick succession will test our nation’s ability to respond, rebuild, and help citizens who have lost so much. NEA is proud as an organization to do all it can to assist in relief efforts as well.

To read “Lily’s Blackboard” post about the hurricane relief efforts, click http://lilysblackboard.org/2017/09/hurricanerelief-help-teachers-school-staff/.

News Bulletin

October 2017

NCAE

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Corporate Interests Launch Another Attack on Workers Twice in the last three years, the U.S. Supreme Court has been asked – and declined – to answer the fundamental question of whether the fair share fees that support strong public sector collective bargaining are constitutional. In the 2014 Harris v. Quinn case, the Court sidestepped the question and in last year’s Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association (CTA) case, the then eight Justice court deadlocked on the question leaving it unanswered.

Last week, the Supreme Court took the Janus v.

AFSCME case to answer the question once and for all.

Specifically, the Court will decide this time if Abood v.

Detroit Board of Education, the 1977 case that established the foundational precedent for fair share fees, should be overruled.

The petitioner in Janus, like his predecessors in Harris and Friedrichs, argues that the First Amendment prohibits fair share fees. In fact, the supporters of these challenges are not concerned with the finer points of First

Amendment law, but with taking out the strong voice for working people and economic opportunity for all that public sector unions provide.

“Stripping public employees of their voices in the workplace is not what our country needs,” said NEA President Lily Eskelsen García – especially at a time when big corporations and the wealthiest individuals in the nation are rigging the economic rules in their favor, knocking American families and the entire U.S. economy off-balance.

The Janus case challenges a public sector union’s ability to collect “fair share” or “agency” fees from employees – reduced amounts charged to workers who opt out of union membership, yet continue to receive the union representation and bargaining services that benefit all employees and which unions are required to provide.

Click here to read more.

NCAE NBCT Caucus Network This is the second article in a monthly series about the Association’s state caucuses.

North Carolina boosts the largest number of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) in the country, thanks to the support provided by the NCAE NBCT Caucus Network.

The Caucus was developed in 2005, partly as a result of the first NBCT Summit held in 2004. Over the years, it has represented teacher leaders by providing candidate support, leadership development opportunities, and advocacy around the certification process.

According to chair Marci Harvey, the work of the Caucus enhances the work of NCAE because it represents the profession, the high standards set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and the shared responsibility of life-long learners. “The Caucus Network has, for many years, provided candidate support for both members and nonmembers who are working on certification,” said Harvey. “The workshops are provided at various locations across the state.

More recently, we have started to build a regional support network for candidates. The idea is to have regional leaders coordinating candidate support locally. This engages NBCTs and provides candidate support that is easily accessible to all educators, no matter their location in the state.”

Last year, Harvey said the Caucus Network partnered with the National Board’s Network to Transform Teaching program to host several statewide events centered around accomplished teaching. They included a Beginning Teacher Coordinator Convening, a meeting with institutes of higher education and their deans of education, and a N.C. Teacher Leadership Summit. Her vision for the 2017-18 year is for the NBCT

Caucus Network to connect educators across the state. “As an extension of candidate support around the certification process, the Caucus also wants to support NBCTs in all areas of their career development. We want members to work together, support one another, and advocate for education beyond the years they are completing certification or renewal. This will help strengthen the network, activate members who are looking for opportunities to serve and lead, and promote using N.C. teachers as leaders and role models for our schools.”

In addition to Harvey, the other Caucus Network officers are: Beckie Bishop, vice chair; Debra Troxell, treasurer; Ruthann McComb, secretary; Crystal Folger-Hawks, membership chair; and Beverly Witherspoon, At-Large member.

Keeping members informed is a huge part of the Caucus Network’s mission. It has a Facebook group (http:// facebook.com/ncaenbctcaucus), sends out a monthly eneweletter and has a Web site (www.ncaenbctcaucus.com).

Membership is available for $15 a year for NBCT members and $10 for non-NBCT members. To sign up for the NBCT Caucus Network, visit the Web site. For information about NCAE’s support of National Board candidates, click here.

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NCAE

NCAE Voices

News Bulletin

October 2017

President Jewell, along with two members, recently penned editorials for local newspapers on various topics related to public education. Following are highlights from those editorials. To read the pieces in their entirety, click the included links.

Public Schools See More Erosion of State NCAE President Mark Jewell The sounds of a new school year are still reverberating around the state – the ringing of the school bell to signal the start of class, the slamming of a locker, the creaking of a school bus stop arm, and the yells of the fans at a Friday night football game.

I love this time of year. As a teacher, I was always confronted with excitement and jubilation, but also the uncertainty a new school year brings. This is a time when the doors fly open wide to welcome all students to the opportunity of a public education.

Unfortunately, our students also start the school year with sights and sounds of hate and discrimination at the urging of President Donald Trump, the deafening silence on Jones Street when it comes to giving our students the resources they need to succeed, and the sucking sound of public tax dollars being drained from public education and siphoned into private school vouchers or to millionaires and corporations through excessive and chronic tax cuts.

Published in the Greensboro News & Record, http://www.greensboro.com/opinion/columns/mark-jewell-public-schools-seemore-erosion-of-state/article_390aa9ba-77e6-589e-85ed-abc079aeb8df.html.

Teachers Are Leaders: Let’s Start Calling Them That!

Bryan Proffitt, president of the Durham Association of Educators and Region 5 Director on the NCAE Board There are lots of words that we use to describe public school educators in our society.

Those who malign us in order to justify taking resources from our students and the privatization of our schools call us “lazy,” “greedy,” and “incompetent.” Those who understand what we do and want to offer respect call us “superheroes,” or correctly acknowledge that we assume the roles of parents, mentors, and protectors every day, on top of our assigned duties. Very few, however, call us what we actually are – leaders.

Leaders accept responsibility, for themselves and others. This is no small feat in a culture that rewards ego, quick fixes, and finger pointing. Educators don’t have the luxury of those choices. We have to solve problems.

Published in the Herald-Sun newspaper, http://www.heraldsun.com/news/local/education/ article169462757.html.

Teachers and Students Shouldn’t Have to Panhandle for School Supplies Del Lancaster, a teacher at Joyner Elementary School in Wake County As a North Carolina educator, it breaks my heart to see young African-American children in South Raleigh having to start a lemonade stand just to pay for basic school supplies their parents cannot afford. Or, a teacher in Oklahoma restoring to panhandling at a freeway off-ramp to help pay for paper, pencils, and scissors for her classroom.

Teacher I work with every day are dipping more and more into their own pockets to pay for the basics, because we cannot stand to see our students go without them. But it was not always this way in North Carolina.

Like the rest of the nation, our state’s economy continues to recover from the Great Recession. But unfortunately, our public schools are experiencing a permanent recession thanks to state lawmakers who simply don’t consider public education a priority. Instead, state lawmakers just keep cutting taxes for millionaires and big corporations.

Published in the News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/op-ed/article174943106.html.

News Bulletin

NCAE

October 2017

Great Working Relationships Set Stage for Lasting Connections Serving as a local leader can sometimes be challenging, but it can also be a rewarding experience, especially when you have a great relationship with the superintendent.

Lynette Shelby, president of the Caldwell County Association of Educators, knows firsthand how important this is. She and Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone are continuing a partnership that was forged by those who served in the role before her tenure.

“CCAE has always maintained a good working relationship with the superintendent because when you have a good relationship you have a good partnership,” said Shelby, who has served as the president for three years. “When you have a good partnership, you can work together to rectify issues when they arise and support each other.”

Because of their good relationship, Shelby was able to clear up a misunderstanding over the three bonus days recently given to educators by the General Assembly. Superintendent Stone thought the days were only being granted to classified employees, when in fact, the days are for both classified and certified staff. “I shared with him information about the days that I received from NCAE. He was very appreciative and thanked me for clarifying.”

Dr. Stone said it’s critical that administrators have good working relationships with leaders of NCAE affiliates. “It’s critical to the success of the school district because we’re both on the same team and we both have the same goals in mind.

It’s important to have that open dialogue when making

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decisions that not only impact students, but educators.

“NCAE shares so much good information with its members. As superintendents, we get information from so many other sources – just like the three bonus days. Sometimes information is communicated more clearly from one organization than it is from another. And when that information impacts everyone who works in the district, there needs to be no doubt about its accuracy.”

A member of NCAE since he was in the classroom, Stone encourages all superintendents and other school leaders to become involved in the Association, and, if they have not already done so, work to build a relationship with the NCAE leadership in their district.

“As educators, especially as superintendents, it’s important that we belong to our professional association because there is strength in numbers. There is value to being a member; when you belong, you have a place at the table, your voice is stronger, and you can get more accomplished. Although we may have different roles, we are all advocating for the same thing. It’s a ‘win-win’ situation. We can’t think of it as ‘us vs. them.’ It’s just ‘us’ – educators. The ‘them’ out there care nothing about public education. Their mission is to attack us on every front, and that tears at me because I live and breathe public schools.”

SNCAE Fall Conference: “Education Under Construction” (LEFT) The hard hat twins!

(RIGHT) Representative Chad Beasley stopped by to visit and talk with the students.

(RIGHT) Vice President Moore told students, “If you know teaching is what you want to do, stay with it.

Never let anyone take your passion away.”

(BELOW) Fourteen schools from across the state were represented at this year’s conference. Students learned a lot about the profession, but they also had time to goof off and have some fun!

More photos from the conference are available on the NCAE Flickr site.

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News Bulletin

October 2017

N.C. State SNCAE Member Shares Her Views on Becoming a Teacher teacher because I want to make this world a better place, and I truly believe that education can do just that.

WRAL.com: Why did you choose N.C. State?

Russ: I chose N.C. State because of the unique elementary education program offered here. Unlike so many other elementary education programs, we take many math, science, and even engineering and technology courses as part of our program. We graduate with a STEM concentration.

WRAL.com recently ran a story about the increased enrollment in UNC System teacher preparation programs after years of decline. SNCAE member Tiffany Russ, an elementary education major at N.C. State University, was interviewed and shared her thoughts on the teaching profession.

WRAL.com: What made you want to become a teacher?

Russ: I want to become a teacher not only because I love working with children, but also because I believe in the power of education. Education is the only sustainable solution to poverty and the many other issues that come hand-inhand with poverty. The opportunities and hope that education provides can change lives. I chose to become a

WRAL.com: What is your dream teaching job?

Russ: My dream teaching job would be teaching first grade at a low-income school here in North Carolina.

WRAL.com: After graduation, do you plan to teach in North Carolina or another state?

Russ: I plan to teach in North Carolina, though also hope to spend my summers doing educational missions work abroad.

WRAL.com: When deciding where you’d like to teach, what factor is most important to you and why?

Russ: The most important factor to me in deciding where I want to teach is really where I think I can make the

Halloween Costumes for Teachers:

Do’s and Don’ts Halloween can be a scary time. Not only are spooky ghosts and goblins roaming the streets, but you also have to face a chilling reality: Halloween is merely weeks away and you still don’t have a costume.

Unlike in offices and other adult-dominated domains, costumes are often allowed and even expected in schools. Teachers need to balance creativity, professionalism, and the logistics of dressing up for school. Click here for a few Do’s and Don’ts to help you find the perfect costume!

biggest difference in the lives of the students.

WRAL.com: Do you have any concerns about becoming a teacher?

Russ: As unusual as this answer may be: no. I don’t have any concerns about becoming a teacher. I know teachers are not paid well and are often not respected as the professionals that they are, but I entered this field already having that knowledge. Teaching is a calling. You enter into teaching because you love children and you believe in education.

WRAL.com: Enrollment in teacher education programs in the UNC System declined 30 percent from 2010 to 2015. What do you think can be done to encourage more people to become teachers?

Russ: I think there are two major problems here: first, we, as a society, do not respect teachers as professionals, and second, we, as a state, do not pay teachers as professionals. If we want more people to enter into teaching, those are two issues that have got to be addressed. Until they are, teacher education programs will keep shrinking.

Reprinted with permission of WRAL, http://www.wral.com/q-a-nc-stateeducation-major-tiffany-russ/16405392

News Bulletin

October 2017

NCAE

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State Health Plan Open Enrollment is Under Way! Changes are coming in 2018 for State Health Plan members.

Open Enrollment is under way through Oct. 31, 2017. The first thing you will notice is what used to take about 50 “clicks” to complete online enrollment will now only take about 10! This is just one example of several changes you will see. These changes reduce complexity for members, maintain quality health coverage, and contribute to the Plan’s long-term financial stability. Among the other changes: • The 70/30 Plan will increase from $0 to $25 per month for the employee-only premium, after you complete the tobacco attestation. Copays/deductibles will remain the same.

• The 80/20 Plan will increase from $15 to $50 per month for the employee-only premium, after you complete the tobacco attestation. Copays/deductibles will remain the same.

• Family premiums have been frozen for the 2018 benefit year.

• Copays and deductibles will not increase in 2018.

• Only the tobacco attestation credit is available for 2018. No longer will you have to fill out a 34-question survey.

• The Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) is being eliminated (be sure to use your state-provided HRA funds by December 31, 2017).

Plan Options and Premiums – Why the Change?

To reduce the complexity of Open Enrollment, members will have two plan options available for the 2018 benefit year: the 70/30 Plan and 80/20 Plan. Both of these plans will have an employee-only premium. These premiums are necessary because: • Medical costs are projected to increase 7 percent in 2018.

• Pharmaceutical costs are projected to increase 8.5 percent in 2018.

• The General Assembly funded the Plans at a 4 percent increase.

Take Action All members will be automatically enrolled in the 70/30 Plan, but YOU MUST TAKE ACTION to reduce your premium. If you prefer the 80/20 Plan, YOU MUST TAKE ACTION! If you want to reduce your monthly premium on either Plan, YOU MUST TAKE ACTION by completing the tobacco attestation! If you fail to take action during Open Enrollment, your monthly premiums will be considerably higher in 2018!

Help is Available!

The Plan is holding several Open Enrollment member outreach events and webinars. Some dates are still available. To find dates and locations and to register, go to the Plan website at www.shpnc.org.

For questions regarding Open Enrollment, please call the Eligibility and Enrollment Support Center at 855-859-0966.

During Open Enrollment, extended hours will be available to assist you, Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, and Saturday from 8 a.m.–noon ET. Submitted by the State Health Plan

Make Schools Bully Free!

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Each year, thousands of students are traumatized because of these incidents, which can cause problems for years to come. Schools should be a safe place where all students can learn, and it’s the responsibility of educators to ensure that happens.

Dawne Cornelius, a math teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Mecklenburg County, knows what bullying feels like. She was bullied from the time she entered kindergarten through eighth grade. “Students made fun of my weight because I was as skinny as a toothpick.

They made fun of my teeth because they were crooked and I had an overbite.”

The effects of bullying, Cornelius added, have followed her through life. But she has taken action to deal with what happened all those years ago. As an educator, when she sees students bullying or being bullied, she addresses the problem instantly and strongly encourages them to respect one another. “It affects me personally when I witness bullying occurring. No one should have to endure this type of treatment. We have to do more to ensure that every student feels safe and valued.”

NEA offers free resources and tools on bullying for members. Visit http://www.nea.org/home/ neabullyfree.html.

“Develop a passion for learning.

If you do, you will never cease to grow.” -- Anthony J. D’Angelo

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News Bulletin

DEALS

2017

for NEA Members

Dates to Remember

NEA Click & Save Buy-Lights for October Get in the groove for fall and the new school year! 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 October.

• ShoeMall.com – Save on the perfect pair of shoes, from athletic to glamorous, and trendy to classic. Get free shipping and 4X the WOWPoints on all orders.

• The Gap – Outfit yourself/your family for the school year with reasonably priced apparel for men, women, and children from one of the largest specialty retailers.

Earn 1X the WOWPoints, plus get free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

• Lowes.com – Select appliances are on sale now! Orders of $399 or more qualify for free delivery, plus you earn 2X the WOWPoints on your purchase.

• OmahaSteaks.com – Save on gourmet treats, steak combos, seafood, and more. Get free standard shipping on orders of $49 or more.

• WilliamsSonoma.com – Realize great savings on everyday essentials, including small electrics, specialty foods, cook’s tools, bakeware, and tableware. Get free shipping on orders of $49 or more.

• AdvanceAuto.com – Earn 1X the WOWPoints and get free shipping on orders of $75 or more at one of the most well-stocked and popular auto parts stores.

• C&S Entertainment Store – Get exclusive member pricing on world-class entertainment, including Broadway shows, movie tickets, sporting events, and amusement parks; also features college and NFL game tickets!

NEA Auto Buying Program Visit www.neamb.com/buyacar to see how much you can save!

N C A E

N E W S

October 6th 9th 10th 17th 25th 28th

American Libraries Day National Diversity Day Columbus Day (NCAE Offices Closed) World Child Development Day International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Unity Day Make a Difference Day

Bullying Prevention Month Global Diversity Awareness Month National Field Trip Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Let’s work to find a cure!

B U L L E T I N

Follow NCAE events and activities on:

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

October 2017

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