NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN September
2015
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
Volume 46, No. 2
General Assembly Inches Closer to A Budget Who would have thought that as we celebrate a Labor Day weekend, a General Assembly with a supermajority of one party would not have a final state budget in place? The beginning of the fiscal year was July 1, but state lawmakers have given themselves three extensions to pass a spending plan. The latest extension will expire on September 18. The state is operating on a temporary budget until then. House and Senate budget negotiators are inching closer to a budget deal. Lawmakers previously agreed to an overall spending target of $21.7 billion, meaning the House would need to cut more than $400 million out of its proposed budget. All indications are that the Senate is moving closer to the House position on “Our students deserve a quality, respected teacher in the classroom, and they deserve a legislature that will stop continually shortchanging them on the resources that will help make them successful.” -- NCAE President Rodney Ellis
funding teacher assistants, but now the sticking point may be over whether to give local school districts flexibility with the money. The House budget would fund teacher assistants at the current level, and the Senate budget would eliminate 8,500 TAs. One of the other sticking points in the education section of the budget is over funding of driver’s education. An agreement still has not been announced on additional textbook and digital resource funding. The House budget included an NCAE-initiated proposal to increase the allotment by
more than $48 million. The Senate included a much smaller increase of $29 million. Lawmakers have already announced an agreement on pay. Under the agreement, most educators and state employees would receive a $750 bonus around the end of the year. Those teachers moving up a salary step tier would receive those increases, and those who have reached the end of the step range would receive a hold-harmless payment. An agreement had already been reached earlier this session to raise the minimum salary for early career teachers from $33,000 to $35,000. Previously, the House budget proposed a 2 percent across-the-board raise for all educators. The Senate voted for a sliding pay raise scale based on experience, with the most veteran teachers receiving the lowest raise, or in some cases no raise at all. The Senate did
not offer raises to Education Support Professionals. The decisions our local, state, and federal elected officials make have an impact every day in our classrooms, in our professions, and in our personal lives. That’s why it’s important to have propublic education candidates at every level. It’s critical that educators stay engaged when choices are being made and that we speak with a unified voice to have the most influence on these decisions.
You can view a complete sideby-side comparison of the House and Senate education budgets on the members-only section of our Web site.
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News Bulletin
September 2015
Educators Are Heroes ... Today and Every Day! common thread that ties you together…the love of making a This time of year I do a lot of difference in the lives of children. traveling throughout our great It’s also remarkable to see your energy, despite some of the state to bring greetings at new frustrations you are dealing with. You are taking new teachers teacher events and district-wide under your wings to ensure they are successful without convocations. And everywhere I thinking twice about it. You are reaching deep into your go, you welcome me with the pockets to provide food, school supplies, and whatever your excitement and enthusiasm that a students need to guarantee their new school year NCAE Vice President success as well. You are stepping up brings. Mark Jewell I am in my “You are HEROES. Today and Every to ensure they are safe from bullying and making sure their 29th year in Day. Continue to Go Forth and needs are met at home. And why are public education Change the World!” you doing this? Because you are and when I attend these activities I reflect, good people; you believe in what on what seems like yesterday, how I could you do! And although you may not sleep the night before the first day of never be officially recognized as a Teacher of the Year or school. I was so excited about seeing my students and getting ESP of the Year, remember that in your classrooms and back to work. There is nothing like having that anticipation, schools, you are HEROES. that clean slate with which to write a new script. Teaching is So as you move through the school year, continue to stay one of the few careers where you can re-brand yourself year focused on the very important job that you have before you – after year. to change one child at a time, one class at a time, one school Even with all of the uncertainty the profession now faces, at a time, one district at a time until we turn this great state that excitement spills over as you greet and hug each other back to the North Carolina that was once known for its public after the two-month break and ask about each other’s families education system. We have one of the greatest responsibilities and children. It’s wonderful to see how everyone -- from that anyone could have, and that’s the power to influence and football coaches to pre-k teachers to support staff -- comes change lives. Remember, you are doing great things for your together for the benefit of our students. And as different as students; don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise! you are in your backgrounds and specialty areas, you have a
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NCAE
September 2015
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From Potential Member to Local President ... Dunn is a Leader on a Mission 2015 has been a whirlwind year for Marsha Dunn. In January, she joined the ranks of NCAE. In March, she attended the NCAE Convention as a first-time delegate. In July, she participated in the Summer Leadership Conference. Now, she has hit the ground running as president of the Stokes County Association of Educators (SCAE). An earth science/geology teacher at South Stokes High School, Dunn has been an educator for four years. She had always thought about joining the Association but frankly kept putting it off until a conversation she had with two of her good friends, one an AR at her school and the other the local’s former president. “As educators, we have to advocate for ourselves and we need to belong to an organization that helps us do that,” said Dunn. “We all have the same goal and the same mission … we want to do our jobs and do the best we can for our students.”
Once Dunn signed on the dotted line, there was no time to ease into her membership role. She was plunged into the thick of the action. The local was holding its election process and she was nominated for several positions, including president. After being elected, she realized she would have to “go big or go home.” Her first goal as Stokes county’s leader, she said, is to build membership. “The local currently has 162 members; however, the public school system is the largest employer in the county so there is a lot of potential out there. I also want to connect with former members to find out why they dropped their membership.” Dunn sees the local as a form of support and feels having a support group for educators is just as important as providing support for students. Stokes County has a lot of young teachers and she wants to ensure they are engaged and involved. “I want to offer them the passion that I felt from attending my first NCAE Convention. I want them to know
about the many opportunities that are available to them as members. “We need to do a better job of connecting with new teachers, something I don’t think we’ve done a great job of in the past. And, I also want our inactive members to become more involved. They may feel they are doing their part because money is being deducted from their paychecks. I want them to understand this is not active engagement. It’s important that they buy into what the Association is trying to do. They have to want it! I know they have a passion for education, and I want them to have a passion for themselves!”
Educators Sound Off to Lawmakers...Fund Our Teacher Assistants NCAE member Erica Johnson, who works at Grove Park Elementary School in Alamance County, shared the importance of her job as a teacher assistant during a recent press event at the General Assembly. Speaking before a crowd of parents, educators, and legislators, Johnson stressed that she matters, her job matters, and all teacher assistants matter. “I invest my $19,000 salary in the future of my kids. My question to you is … who and what will you invest the $400 million surplus on?” The press event, along with four others across the state, were coordinated by our coalition partner Progress NC.
4 Small School District Makes a Big Impact in Its Quest for Bus Safety Each day thousands of bus drivers around the state transport students to and from school. Beryl Torrence, a transportation assistant in Kannapolis City, knows just how important this job is. She served among their ranks for seven years and now works to ensure safety remains a top priority in her district. In the 18 years that Torrence has worked in Kannapolis City, she said there have been no reported incidents of students being injured or killed due to motorist error; however, this has not been the case in other parts of the state. Last school year, according to media reports, five students were injured by drivers passing stopped school buses in North Carolina. Since 1999, 13 children have been killed. These mishaps have prompted the N.C. Board of Education to revise bus safety policies, which will go into effect January 1, 2016. Drivers will now be required to use hand signals to let students know when it is safe to board the bus. A week prior to school opening, drivers in Kannapolis City were trained on the new procedures as well as other mandatory training they must take before buses are allowed to roll. “These annual trainings provide details on what drivers need to watch for at their stops, and the conversations they should have with students on how to conduct themselves when getting on and off the bus.” Torrence said the district has 33 buses. Transportation is provided for 57 percent of the 5,400 students enrolled in the public schools. Kannapolis City may be a small district, but safety is still a major concern. “Each bus undergoes preventive maintenance every 30 days. Also, drivers are required to inspect their buses before each and every run; sometimes that inspection takes place several times a day. Drivers must perform a pre-check and post-check, which includes inspecting tires to ensure they are properly inflated, all lights to ensure they
NCAE are working properly, and the stop sign and crossing arm to make sure they are functioning correctly.” Torrence As for ensures emergencies, if that and when they Kannapolis occur, Torrence City school said each driver buses are has a two-way safe for students. radio that connects directly to the Kannapolis City Schools Transportation Department. “Our radios remain on until the last student is dropped off and the last bus is safely parked. However, if an emergency occurs, the driver contacts us, reports his/ her location and the nature of the emergency, and we make a determination if we need to respond or call for emergency services (police, EMT, etc.).” Because she has walked in the shoes of bus drivers, Torrence is able to share with them some of her first-hand experiences. “I share with them how to handle and alleviate certain situations on the bus, the importance of building relationships with students, and how positive interactions with students can help curb behavior problems. Being a bus driver is not easy, but it is a very rewarding job. When I was first required to begin driving a bus as a teacher assistant, I was a little
News Bulletin
September 2015
apprehensive. It was a change that I thought was not going to be good for me. But, it turned out to be one of the best things that has ever happened in my education career. I occasionally see former students around town and they still remember me. When I was driving, I tried my best to let them know that they were valued and cared about. I constantly stress to our drivers the need for them to make this a part of their daily routine.” Torrence said the new bus policies and the move to increase communications between drivers and students are a step in the right direction. “It’s going to take some time for everyone to get accustomed to the new procedures and the small inconvenience of stops taking a little longer, but it will be worth it because the ultimate goal is to keep children safe.”
How Would You Like a Chance to Win $5,000? The N.C. Foundation for Public School Children is kicking of its 2015 Holiday Giveaway! Last year’s giveaway was a huge success, netting $30,000, which benefitted the Children’s Fund and other Foundation programs. And it was all because of you! We invite you to help again this year by selling and purchasing tickets. Cash prizes include $5,000 - $2,500 - $1,000 and 10 (ten) $100 prizes. Tickets are $5 each. For more information, visit www.NCFPSC.org, or contact Marca Hamm at marca.hamm@ncfpsc.org or 704-633-6466.
News Bulletin
September 2015
NCAE
Getting to Know Your Students Can Be
5 and Engaging
A new school year means new students! Sometimes getting to know them, and them getting to know you, can be an adjustment. But, just like adults, students work best when they feel they are recognized as individuals. Through activities and assignments that are fun and help build a sense of community, members have discovered some interesting ways to get acquainted. “I play a game called ‘Find Someone Who…’ I make a board filled with about 20 different items; things like Find Someone Who…visited another state, loves to dance, loves math, etc. It’s a great way to get students talking to each other, gets them moving, and they learn each other’s name. And, I get to know a little about their learning styles and background.” -- Krista McGuire, Page Street Elementary, Montgomery County
“During the first week of school, we start every day by playing the ‘Name Game.’ I start by saying, ‘My name is Miss Ebner.’ Then the first student shares who he/she is, and so forth and so on. I recommend that students take notes. Each day I challenge and reward those who can name everyone. By the third day, after the entire class has had an opportunity to participate, I move the students around. Again, I challenge and reward whoever can name everyone. We always help each other when someone gets stuck to provide a positive and supportive environment.” -- Debbie Ebner, A.C. Reynolds High School, Buncombe County
“As a rule, I typically spend the first week or two of school just on community building activities, classroom structure, school/ district rules, and classroom rules. One of the activities that students enjoy is ‘All About Me Bags.’ Each student is asked to bring in a bag containing six different objects that tell something about him or her. Students share their bags ‘show-and-tell’ style. Classmates have the opportunity to ask questions of the sharing student. I also prompt the class for memory by asking questions like, ‘Which student in our class takes violin lessons?’” -- Ilyssa Greene, St. Pauls Middle School, Robeson County
“I use an activity called Hi Five! Students trace their hand on a sheet of paper, and for each finger, they are required to tell something about themselves. I then take their pictures and attach it to the hand drawing.” -- Ashley N. Richardson, Mineral Springs Elementary, Forsyth County
“I like to use ‘student of the week’ activity posters. Students are given a small poster to take home and complete with their families. Once they are returned, I put them on display in the classroom.” -- Catherine O. Ruiz, Plain View Elementary, Sampson County
The first day of your healthy future begins here, http://neahealthyfutures.org. Formerly the NEA Health Information Network (NEA-HIN), NEA Healthy Futures boosts a new Web site that is designed with educators and their busy lives in mind. It’s user-friendly, intuitive to navigate, and engaging. Members will be able to find information on health and wellness solutions, advocacy tools, and funding and resource opportunities.
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News Bulletin
September 2015
Instructional Tips to Help Make for a Smooth School Year Choose materials and resources appropriately. Always work completely through a task or problem before using it with students to make sure it aligns with the learning standard or goal. Draft learning goals. Write a learning goal that clarifies what students should understand by the end of the lesson. Anticipate student responses. Try to predict what students might do correctly and incorrectly. Every time you introduce a lesson, you learn more about what students will do and can add that to your classroom plan for how you address misconceptions or provide extensions for students who quickly acquire new knowledge or skills. Prepare questions. Similar to anticipating student responses, you can also prepare questions for the class. Preparing questions in advance can help prevent you from thinking the lesson was a success just because all students can "do" something correctly. Remember, not
all students learn in the same way or at the same pace. Write and practice the ideal closing. What are the last words about a concept that you want students to hear when the lesson ends? Write it down and say it aloud to make sure it's clear and understandable. The secret here is that your closing or summary statement should include almost the same language as your learning goal. After all, that's what you stated that students should learn as a result of this lesson. If you are being observed, your observer too will know what the intended learning outcome should be. Make a one pager of the plan. Condense a more extensive plan into one page with anticipated responses, questions to ask, reminders for yourself, and the ideal closing. You can easily forget even surprising or exciting questions, comments, and strategies from students before you have a chance to reflect on the lesson later in the day. As you
Hope Street N.C. Teacher Net work
The N.C. Hope Street Teacher Network is partnering with N.C. DPI and NCAE to assist in gathering data and comments on teacher concerns. NCAE members (from left) Bridget Wortman, Joni Allison, Lucas Pasley, Kay Pitchford, Angie Scioli, Guy Hill, John DeVille, Amanda Wallace, and Jim Brooks will be seeking input from educators within their respective regions. Hope Street Group is a national organization that works to ensure every American has access to tools and options leading to economic opportunity and prosperity.
incorporate these tips into your daily planning routine, they will become part of your muscle memory as a teacher, helping you to successfully navigate the challenges of classroom lesson planning. As you create plans, also think about movement! Students, no matter what age, need to move! Short breaks for movement will increase concentration, improve behavior, and enhance the learning environment. Providing opportunities for movement with a purpose or a transition from one activity to another will show you care about their whole being. Are you struggling with ideas on how to incorporate 21st Century skills into your lessons, beyond using technology tools provided by your school? Check out these Web sites http:// www.curriculum21.com/, http:// www.p21.org/ as well as N.C. DPI wikkis regarding your course and subject areas.
Enrich your personal and professional life with NEA Member Benefits! Check out the Programs & Services flyer to see all that is offered in one place. Click here to download and print.
“The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life.� -- Plato
News Bulletin
September 2015
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SAVE THE DATE 11 07 15 NCAE Law Conference (more details to come)
NCAE
8 DEALS
Dates to Remember
Click and Save “Buy-Lights” for September
NEA Wireless Can Save You 15 Percent NEA Member Benefits has partnered with AT&T, the only national unionized carrier, to offer a discount to NEA members. Access NEA Wireless by registering or logging in at www.neamb.com, click on the Discounts tab, and then find NEA Wireless under “Everyday Discounts.” Follow the instructions to sign up for NEA Wireless or to obtain a discount code if you already have an AT&T wireless plan.
N C A E
N E W S
September 7th 8th 11th 18th 21st 22nd
Labor Day (NCAE Offices Closed) International Literacy Day National Day of Service and Remembrance National Respect Day International Day of Peace National Voter Registration Day
Hunger Action Month National Child Awareness Month National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
We’re Here to Help! It’s “Back to School” time! If you have any questions or concerns about employment issues, the NCAE Advocacy Center is here to provide expert assistance. Just visit www.askncae.org for more information.
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., Post Office Box Box 27347, Raleigh, NC 27611, 1-800-662-7924. www.ncae.org
Linda Powell-Jones, Editor/Designer
September 2015
2015
for NEA Members Back-to-school deals abound through NEA Click & Save, the online discount buying service for NEA members. Check out these featured retailers and merchants for the month of September and start saving! • DiscountSchoolSupply.com – Free shipping on orders of $79 or more, plus 2X WOW Points (see Click & Save site on how to use WOW Points) • ChildCraft – Get 5X WOW Points on purchases of children’s educational toys and books • DisneyStore.com – Free shipping on orders of $75 or more, plus 2X WOW Points • Dressbarn – Free shipping to stores or $4.95 flat rate shipping, plus 4X WOW Points • Famous Footware – Free shipping on orders of $75 or more, plus 4X WOW Points • Finish Line – Get 4X WOW Points • Payless ShoeSource – Get 4X WOW Points • Under Armour – Free shipping on orders of $49 or more, plus 4X WOW Points (NOTE: Up-to-date information on merchant discounts, shipping terms, and WOW Points appears on the NEA Click & Save Web page, www.neamb.com/clickandsave and may change at any time.)
News Bulletin