NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN September
2017
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
A Successful Year is on Tap as Members Stand Strong for
Volume 48, No. 2
Public
From Murphy to Manteo, NCAE local affiliates are gearing up for the 2017-18 school year. Schools Local leaders have been conducting planning meetings with their executive teams, and the Association has had a presence at many of the new teacher orientations and convocations across the state signing up new members. “The new school year is an exciting time, not only for students, but for you as educators as well,” said NCAE President Mark Jewell. “I have a feeling that 2017-18 is going to be an incredible year for us and for public education. Kristy and I have been traveling across the state to participate in these events and we see how hard you have been working. Every region we’ve visited, there is a true sense of commitment to ensure that NCAE continues to be the voice for public school educators in North Carolina and that we Stand Strong for Public Schools. We applaud your efforts and encourage you to keep up the great work!” Chapel Hill/Carrboro Planning Meeting
Northampton County NTO
Wake County AR Training
Yadkin County AR Training
Johnston County NTO
ESP Leadership Planning Meeting
Rockingham County NTO
Mooresville City AR Training
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NCAE
News Bulletin
September 2017
Keeping Our Sights On Those Who Have the Most to Lose The summer break is over and you have returned to school with the anticipation of another successful year. Excitement runs through your veins as you welcome back students. If a teacher, you are eager to share the lessons you have been working so hard on. If an ESP, Kristy Moore you are making sure that the Vice President children have what they need for a productive year – safe buses, a clean and inviting environment, nutritious meals to help keep them focused on learning. If an administrator, you are ensuring that the school is functioning as it should and that everyone is prepared for the task at hand – providing a quality education for every child. Over the next few weeks as you and the students begin to settle into a routine, take a look at your school and assess if it has what it needs to ensure student success. Is adequate technology available? Is each classroom staffed with a highly qualified teacher? Can students take advantage of arts and music programs? Are there enough resources being provided? Our children have a right to, and deserve, each of these, but they are in jeopardy. The children who enter our public schools every day are our most precious resource. We must do all we can to ensure they have a bright future. We owe them that! So, I ask you, what will you do to help? I have a few suggestions. • Make a “wish list” of the resources you would like to have at your disposal. Familiar with those who represent you over on Jones Street here in Raleigh? Craft a letter or e-mail
and share that list; focus on how those resources could enhance the success of your students. • Community engagement -- attend forums centered on educational issues, participate in school board and city council meetings; when the agenda includes topics dealing with education, ask to speak. Share your story and why it’s important to Stand Strong for Public Schools. You have a voice and it matters! • Talk to parents about how they can assist in their children’s success. Share with them some of the great things their children are learning and how important it is to work together. Let them know that they too have a voice when it comes to speaking up for their children’s school. • Your colleagues -- talk to non-members about your passion for education and connect the dots that NCAE is working to fight for the same thing they love…children. Talk with them about becoming a part of the Association and why it’s important as an educator to belong. Your first ask may not be successful, but don’t give up! And, don’t just ask certain individuals. Make the ask of anyone who is not a member! • Colleagues who are members -- touch bases with them as often as possible. Share any information you have from the Association to keep them in the loop. Encourage them to become active in some small way if they are not. This may be a new school year, but the movement to save and strengthen public education is not. Our work continues, now more than ever. NCAE has always been the leader in this movement and we can’t stop now. We all have a role to play. Let’s keep our sights on those who have the most to lose – our children! Have a great year. Let us know how we can assist.
year’s pay raises for non-certified and central office staff, see the Q&A provided by the Department of Public Instruction and how the raise is being calculated at http:// www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/fbs/home/17-raise-faq.pdf.
Educators Receiving 3 Bonus Leave Days Educators have been given three special bonus leave days, which they can request be placed in the calendar as an option. These days were included in the 2017 budget passed by the General Assembly. Click here for information provided by NCAE GR on making the request. For more information about the three bonus days from the Department of Public Instruction, click here. Bachelor’s Teacher Salary Schedule To see the 2017-18 salary schedule for teachers with a bachelor’s degree, click here. For information about this
Master’s Teacher Salary Schedule Information about the 2017-18 salary schedule for teachers with a master’s degree can be obtained here. Principal Salary Schedules The following link provides specific details on the criteria used for determining how principals will be placed on their new salary schedules. The Fact Sheet also answers questions on longevity being rolled into the new schedule, thereby eliminating it from being paid in a separate bonus check: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/fbs/budget/ principalschedulefaq17-18.pdf Questions? Contact Marge Foreman at 800-662-7924, ext. 257.
News Bulletin
September 2017
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HOPE...An Important and Essential Four-Letter Word So many things have happened recently in North Carolina, our country, and the world -- natural disasters, political disasters, and other trials of the mind and heart. In some cases, fear-mongering and extreme views are the norm. It seems as though more and more energy and time are spent pushing us apart rather than pulling us together. Given this landscape, it can be hard to hold onto hope some days. However, this is when humanity can be at its best. This is when hope and decency and love and life prevail. This is when educators step up and lead for our students. Against this backdrop, school begins anew, and students return to fill the halls once again with laughter and mayhem. Teachers everywhere return to newly prepped classrooms. Educators return to bus garages, offices, cafeterias, etc. ready to embrace the whole child’s needs as only public schools can. Public schools and educators must lift up every child and deliver an education that meets his or her needs, regardless of what those may be. We cannot pick and choose who we want to educate nor should we. Our mission has been and will always be to provide a quality public education to ALL students, regardless of geography, race/ ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic situation, gender, sexual orientation or identity, etc. It is who we are as educators. We are leaders. Given our mission, our role as educators during this tumultuous time is crucial. We must meet the challenge of guiding our students through this incredibly difficult time. We must educate them to embrace differences and to
understand them, not fear them. We must provide a safe place to have conversations about what is going on in the larger world and allow them to work through their feelings about current events. We must shape a generation that believes in community and humanity and will lead our nation back into Rachelle Johnson the space of light and hope. We Executive Director must lead by example. As classes start again, you are the shining example students see and some aspire to be. You shape their understanding of the world and how they should function in it. As trying as times are in the world, you are beacons of hope for our students and public education. Despite all that may be going on outside of your classrooms, work locations and offices, one thing remains true -- your desire to do what is right by your students and to give them the tools they need to navigate these historic tumultuous waters. Please keep the faith, and keep moving forward. In this journey, NCAE stands with you and is ready to support you in all that you do. We value you as a NCAE member and as part of our community. Please support one another as you do this meaningful but often tiring work. Thank you for being part of our NCAE family.
NCAE Hispanic Caucus Beginning with this issue, the NCAE News Bulletin will include a feature in each publication on one of the Association’s state caucuses. To coincide with National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), we will kick off by highlighting the NCAE Hispanic Caucus. Formed in 2011, the focus of the NCAE Hispanic Caucus is to advance NCAE by working to impact the social and racial inequities affecting Hispanic students and by advocating for their excellence in education. Under the leadership of its officers – Saletta Urena, president; Julio Morales, vice president; Edris Glover, secretary; and Amanda Camacho, treasurer – the Caucus last school year: • created a compilation of scholarships for university-bound students with DACA/TPS status; • encouraged educators to embrace cultures, histories, and languages of their Hispanic students through the awareness and inclusion of resources/activities during Hispanic Heritage Month and hosted an education forum that identified best practices, policies, and programs to boost the academic achievement of Latino students; and
The Caucus recently hosted an educational forum.
• endorsed Julio Morales for a three-year term as NEA director and consulted with NCAE on the needs of Hispanic children and the adverse nature of the ASW process on educators. For the 2017-18 year, the Caucus hopes to advocate for the daily inclusion of identified best practices, policies, and programs that boost the academic achievement of Latino students, and encourage the Association to engage more in highlighting awareness of racial bias and the eradication of its effects on students by providing bias training and cultural sensitivity training for educators. For more information, click here. If you are interested in becoming a member of the NCAE Hispanic Caucus, contact Saletta Urena at sadu7801@hotmail.com.
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Mother, Daughter Team Up for Lessons on Leadership
Like any mother, Louise DeanesSimmons is proud of her daughter Desire Freeman. She is proud that Desire grew up to be a well-rounded, productive citizen. But she is most proud that she followed in her footsteps and became an educator. Teachers in Guilford County – Louise an English/Language Arts teacher at Smith High School and Desire an eighth-grade ELA teacher at Jackson Middle -- they recently had the opportunity to share a professional development experience together: participate in the NCAE Instructional Leadership Institute (ILI). One of Deanes-Simmons’ colleagues recommended the training and both signed up. “I was so nervous walking into this experience not knowing what to expect, so it was comforting to have someone I
Make the
knew with me,” said Freeman. “During the activities and group sessions, I found that we branched off in different directions, which was beneficial to our growth. I happen to work at the middle school that feeds into my mother’s high school, so the work that I plan to do with my teachers will hopefully have a trickle-down effect on the students entering her building. We will, however, work as a united front and keep each other informed on local opportunities that present themselves as forums for us to address or enhance the work that needs to be done here in Guilford.” Deanes-Simmons said she was proud to see Desire participate fully in the training. “She already gives 150 percent to her students and I know this will enhance her skills and enrich her teaching and teacher leadership even more.”
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News Bulletin
September 2017
Both leaders in their own right, this training, Deanes-Simmons added, will help them encourage teacher leadership at their respective schools by increasing teacher support, helping shape the curriculum focus, and modeling and implementing best practices. At her school, Deanes-Simmons facilitates grade level meetings, represents the English Department on the School Improvement Team, and mentors new teachers. Freeman serves as the eighthgrade PBIS representative for the district and co-facilitates classes for lateral-entry teachers. Freeman, who is beginning her fourth year of teaching, said participating in the ILI is helping her be a better teacher by expanding her knowledge of the math standard progression and it is assisting her in formulating and articulating her vision and goals as a leader. For Deanes-Simmons, a teacher for 21 years, “the training enlightened me about ways to better tailor my teaching of individual students and how to work collaboratively with my fellow teachers to ensure a positive learning and teaching environment.” The Instructional Leadership Institute is sponsored by NCAE, NEA Education Policy & Practice, and Student Achievement Partners. For four days during the summer, educators learn how to serve as resources for College & Career Ready Standards, build relationships with educational leaders, and increase their knowledge of the shifts in the standards and classroom application. For information about the Institute, contact Angela.Farthing@ncae.org.
“Until justice is blind to color, until education is unaware of race, until opportunity is unconcerned with the color of men’s skins, emancipation will be a proclamation but not a fact.” -- Lyndon B. Johnson
News Bulletin
September 2017
NCAE
5
I Just Had to Say This...
Members to Serve on Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee
Following the aftermath of the tragedy in Charlottesville, VA, last month, NEA President Lily Eskelsen-Garcia, penned a heartfelt article as part of her monthly “Lily’s Blackboard” series. In it, she talks about the effects hate and violence are having on our young people and why it’s important for educators to provide a mechanism by which open and honest discussions can be shared. Here is an excerpt from that article. It can be read in its entirety by clicking here.
President Mark Jewell, along with 13 NCAE members, has been appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to serve on the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee. Their role will be to advise the governor on a variety of educational issues. Members of the committee will advise the governor on policies and the state budget, and will also serve as education ambassadors, representing the governor at designated events, maintaining communication with local boards of education and stakeholders, and sharing opportunities for the governor to support teachers. “Teachers and support staff will bring critical knowledge, skills, and experience to our ongoing conversations about improving North Carolina’s education system,” said Governor Cooper. “The Teacher Advisory Committee will give insight into how we can show educators the respect they deserve and be instrumental in helping North Carolina become a Top 10 Most Educated State by 2025.” President Jewell said having such a large number of NCAE members appointed to the Committee shows how well respected the Association is when it comes to education policy. “We are excited about this wonderful opportunity to work with Governor Cooper and have a voice in the decisions that will be made on behalf of our students and educators. It’s important for educators to have a seat at the table.” The members who will serve on the Committee with President Jewell are:
The People We Are Supposed to Be “I am struck by the pictures I’ve seen on the news. I am struck by the faces I see lit by the torches of hate the night before a young woman’s life was taken in an act of terror. They are young faces. They are not our country’s past. They are our present. They are a new generation that has learned to hate. This is not who we are supposed to be. Once again our hearts are broken for families of the victims of hate. This time our thoughts and prayers are sent to Charlottesville. This time, it was not young Dylan Roof executing nine black worshippers at a Bible class in Charleston. This time, it is a young James Fields ramming his car into a crowd of people standing up for racial justice. This time it is the death of Heather Heyer and the wounding of dozens more. The voices of hate are disturbingly loud and incredibly close. They have literally wrapped themselves in their chosen symbols: the Confederate flag; neo-Nazi tattoos and uniforms; a reverence for the generals of the Confederacy who fought against the United States for the rights of states to enslave black people. The protection of the monuments to these generals has nothing to do with protecting history. These are not rallies of historians. Do not shy away from talking about this terrible topic with the young. I beg you! There is, perhaps, nothing harder than a conversation on race. But do it, because how we feel about race; how we react to racism informs how we feel about and react to all other forms of bias and prejudice. Children of all races, religions, all gender attractions, and gender identities, of all cultures, and social classes must have a safe space to speak and ask questions and wonder and think and be angry and be comforted.” Resources for educators and students are available at NEA.org/Charlottesville.
Lara Brickhouse
Bobbie Cavnar
NaShonda Cooke
LeAnna Delph
Lisa Godwin
Dee Grissett
Denise McCoy
Elyse McCrae
Julio Morales
Brad Rhew
Kimberly Sanderlin
Keana Triplett
(Not Pictured: Mireya Ruiz)
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PROUD MOMENTS Wake County Member to Receive Music Educator Award “Voices like angels.” “Moved to tears.” These are just a few of the comments that have been shared about the chorus directed by NCAE member Jeremy Tucker, a music teacher at Green Hope High School, who is a recipient of the North Carolina Symphony’s 2017 Music Educator Award. He was one of three educators selected. These annual awards recognize outstanding teachers who make a lasting difference in the lives of students of all abilities and backgrounds, serve the community in an exemplary manner as a role model in music education, inspire students to reach high musical standards, and instill a love for music in children. “I am so grateful that the N.C. Symphony and NCAE recognize the importance and value of arts education,” said Tucker. “I am still overwhelmed that I was one of this year’s honorees. I am humbled by the teachers that fostered my passion for music and theatre as a child. I continue to be inspired daily by arts educators across North Carolina who continue to impact and change the lives of every student in their classroom!” Tucker is artistic director for the Raleigh Boychoir and the music and theater arts education consultant at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. He also serves as the Boychoir Repertoire and Resource chair for the North Carolina American Choral Directors Association. The awards presentation will take place on stage at the Symphony’s October 6 concert at Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh. Former North Carolina Teacher of the Year Receives National Award from The NEA Foundation Bobbie Cavnar, a 12th-grade language arts teacher at South Point High School in Gaston County and the 2016 N.C. Teacher of the Year, is one of 38 public school educators who will receive the prestigious California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence Education Gala next February. The California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence awardees are nominated by their peers for their dedication to the profession, community engagement, professional development, attention to diversity, and advocacy to fellow educators. “By teaching empathy in a world of numbers and data, metal and machines, we can make schools a garden of kindness, humanity, and hope,” Cavnar said. Five finalists will receive $10,000 at the gala. The nation’s top educator will be revealed at the gala on February 9, 2018, and will receive an additional $25,000. The gala will be livestreamed at www.neafoundation.org.
News Bulletin
September 2017
You Deserve to Be Recognized! The Association has available a host of awards geared toward recognizing the outstanding work of members, some of which include a monetary prize. Click on the award for more information and a nomination form. Deadlines vary. Students • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Guidelines and Application • NCAE Multicultural Arts Contest • Mary Morrow/Edna Richards Scholarship • Student Services Division Mini Grant • Student Services Division Outstanding Leadership Award Education Support Professionals • NCAE ESP of the Year Award Nomination Form • NEA ESP of the Year Award Nomination Form • NCAE Linda Rader Outstanding Professional Development Award for ESP Members: Application, Info Sheet, Infographic Teachers • NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence • NCAE Linda Rader Outstanding Professional Development Award for Certified Members: Application, Info Sheet, Infographic • Kay Trull Award: Application, Info Sheet, Infographic • Terry Sanford: Application, Info Sheet, Infographic Administrators • NCAE Division of Principals/ Administrators Award Nominations Other • CAN Staff Award • North Carolina Educational Hall of Fame
News Bulletin
September 2017
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Changes to Reduce Complexity & Add Value
State Health Plan Open Enrollment Begins September 30 Changes are coming in 2018 for State Health Plan members. Open Enrollment will be conducted Sept. 30-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 for the 2018 benefit year will remain the same. • 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; and • 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 only a 4 percent increase. • Each plan will have an employee-only premium as outlined above. Remember: You will automatically be enrolled in the 70/30 Plan unless you TAKE ACTION to enroll in the 80/20 Plan. You must also complete the tobacco attestation during Open Enrollment to ensure you receive the lowest possible monthly premium. Help is Available! To help explain plan benefits and changes, the Plan will be holding several Open Enrollment member outreach events in September and October. In addition, the Plan will be holding webinars offering the same information in a convenient online setting. To find dates and locations and to register, go to the Plan website at www.shpnc.org. You will also be receiving more information in the mail. Please be on the lookout and READ IT, so you can pick the best choice for you and your family. 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.
Back-to-School Opportunities at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Looking for something fun to do with your students or with colleagues? The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh offers monthly educational activities and events. Here are a few that are available in September. For more information, visit www.naturalsciences.org. Click the “Learn” tab and then click “Educators.” Educator Treks (Registration Now Open) – Get in the field and explore remarkable natural places across North Carolina and beyond, or join a workshop on site. Return to your classroom with a sense of renewal and with practical ways to integrate the natural sciences into your teaching. SciREN Triangle and Educator Open House (Sept. 21, 5:30-8:30 p.m.) – The SciREN Triangle Networking Event and Museum Open House is an information exchange night just for educators! The event showcases the wide array of Museum programs and opportunities for both teachers and students available both on- and off-site.
Butterfly Pinning and Backyard Bug Collecting (Sept. 21, 5:30-8:30 p.m.) – Prepare, pin, and mount a variety of spectacular tropical butterflies. Learn the various techniques used to catch, preserve, and mount these and other fascinating anthropods. Take a Child Outside (Sept. 24-30) – Take a Child Outside is a program designed to encourage children and adults to spend time together outdoors. By giving parents, grandparents, and teachers information on outdoor activities and places to go, the Museum’s goal is to help children develop a better understanding and appreciation of the environment and an enthusiasm for exploring the natural world.
NCAE
8 DEALS
Dates to Remember
NEA Click & Save “Buy-Lights” for September
• Anthropologie.com – Exclusively for teachers: 20 percent off full-price items until September 11. • Container Store.com – Get your classroom and office organized with the latest products and free shipping on orders of $75 or more from The Container Store. • YogaOutlet.com – Find apparel and accessories to get fit and set your mind and body at ease – without breaking the bank – plus free shipping on orders of $50 or more from The Yoga Outlet. • BlueApron.com – Incredible ingredients = incredible meals! Prepare gourmet meals at home and save $30 on your first order with Blue Apron – plus get free shipping on orders of $75 or more. • DiscountSchoolSupply.com – Stock up now on classroom essentials, from arts & crafts materials and school supplies to educational toys and classroom furnishings. Get free shipping on orders of $79 or more. • The Walking Company – Check out the line of specialty footwear, including the latest in foot scanning technology and orthotics for all-day comfort at work, at play, or for a night on the town. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more.
September 4th 5th 8th 11th 18th 22nd 27th
Labor Day (NCAE Offices Closed) International Day of Charity International Day of Literacy National Day of Service and Remembrance National Respect Day First Day of Autumn National Voter Registration Day
College Savings Month Hunger Action Month Library Card Sign-up Month National Child Awareness Month National Child Obesity Awareness Month
NEA Member Benefits has what you need. Whether it’s help with finances or tips on planning the perfect vacation. Visit www.neamb.com/ myresources today!
Go Anywhere, Anytime Using NEA Vacations With NEA Vacations, inexpensive travel possibilities are endless any time of the year. With this fabulous benefit, you can book a luxurious hotel or a dream cruise to Alaska or the Caribbean. Check out all the travel deals at www.neamb.com/neavacations.
N C A E
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Positions stated in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official position of NCAE unless so identified. The NCAE News Bulletin, a journal of the Association, is published by the North Carolina Association of Educators, 700 S.Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601, 1-800-662-7924. www.ncae.org
Linda Powell-Jones, Editor/Designer
September 2017
2017
for NEA Members All revved up for 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 September!
News Bulletin
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