NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN April
2013
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
Volume 43, No. 8
43rd Annual Convention Highlights
Addressing Our Challenges, Celebrating Our Successes!
More than 600 delegates from across the state came to Raleigh to take care of the business of the Association. More Convention photos are available on the NCAE Flickr site.
NCAE President Rodney Ellis gives the State of the Association address. Click here to listen.
State Superintendent June Atkinson welcomes delegates.
The family of Dr. A.C. Dawson accept the Educational Hall of Fame Award in his memory. Dawson served as the Association’s first executive director.
Tasha Lewis, a delegate from Asheville City, speaks in favor of a Resolution.
President Ellis presents the 2013 Friend of Education Award to Dr. Rev. William Barber, who brought delegates to their feet with a rousing speech. Listen here.
Vice President Mark Jewell gives remarks. Click here to listen to what he shared with delegates.
Dr. Willie Stevens of Winston-Salem/ Forsyth, shows his excitement at hearing Rev. Dr. William Barber speak.
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NCAE
News Bulletin
April 2013
NCAE Responds to Governor’s Budget, Threat of Ending Tenure Governor McCroy’s Proposed Budget NCAE President Rodney Ellis is pleased to see K-12 enrollment growth funded as part of Governor McCrory’s spending plan, but is concerned about the cut to teacher assistants and the state’s continued fall in teacher salaries. In mid-March, the governor released his $20.6 billion budget proposal to the North Carolina General Assembly. Some of the highlights of the proposal, shared with lawmakers as they begin to draft their budget priorities, include hiring 1,800 new teachers over the next two years to meet the needs of incoming students, a 1 percent salary increase for teachers and state employees and a 1 percent cost of living for increase for retirees, and $28 million over two years to improve third-grade reading scores. But, the budget also proposes to cut $117 million in teacher assistants each year over two years. “NCAE looks forward to building on Governor McCroy’s budget proposal in the General Assembly,” Ellis said. “I have met with legislative budget writers and we share a common agenda to improve student achievement and compensate our educators with more competitive salaries.” Members should be reminded, Ellis said, that the governor’s proposal is just that – a proposal. The budget will
Click here for a link to Governor McCrory's $20.6 billion budget proposal. Click here for a link to the public education section of the budget proposal.
share their concerns over lagging salaries and student resources. They consider this budget a first draft and will continue to work with their legislators in their districts to improve on it.” The Push to Eliminate Career Status
In addition to the governor’s proposed budget, NCAE has been keeping a close go to the Senate and will be folded into the watch on a bill that proposes contracts for chamber’s spending plan, which will likely teachers in place of career status. This is a be released around May 1. The Senate will renewed effort by Senate President Pro then forward its budget to the House, which Tem Phil Berger as part of his reform plan will combine the governor’s plan along with for public education. the Senate’s into its proposal that should be NCAE was not surprised by the released around June 1. proposed legislation, which was first As legislators review Governor McCroy’s introduced last year but stalled in the spending priorities, Ellis said educators are House. The Association’s lobbyists have optimistic that lawmakers will stop North met with Senator Berger’s education staff Carolina’s slide in teacher pay rankings. to discuss the proposal. A meeting “Since 2009, educators across this state between Berger and NCAE President Ellis were told that North Carolina would resume has been scheduled. its pursuit of paying teachers at a national “This bill takes away fairness, average once the recession passed. North eliminates due process for teachers, and Carolina is now one of the worst places to will make it harder to recruit quality earn a living as an educator, both nationally professionals who enter the profession,” and in the South. We stand ready to work said Ellis. “Educators deserve better than with the governor and the General punitive labeling, or a bill that is designed Assembly to get this state moving forward to erode public confidence. I look forward again.” to the opportunity to discuss this issue and Ellis is confident that district meetings other with Senator Berger in the near that members are having with their future.” legislators is paying off for public Click here to read the section of the bill education. These meetings have taken place (Senate Bill 361: Excellent Public Schools in key districts allowing educators to share Act of 2013) that addresses career status. their personal stories with budget writers. “Members are reporting that legislators
Message From the President The Association is charting a new course to look at needed changes that will ensure our continued success as the state’s top education advocacy organization. Click here to read the president’s thoughts and see what’s in store for the future.
Did You Know! It is important that you keep copies of all your observations and evaluations. Make a folder for hard copies or keep pdf files on your personal memory stick. You may also want to save hard copies of e-mails and other documents. Be sure to follow all policies regarding the handling of money for fundraisers or field trips. YOU are responsible for these funds and all cash and checks must be handled according to your school or system policies. Dress code violations are coming up across the state. Educators should always dress professionally. Even casual Fridays are no excuse for sweats, torn jeans, or sloppy shirts.
News Bulletin
April 2013
NCAE
Kim Hargett and her mother enjoy a day of lobbying at the General Assembly. She is excited about the new options being offered by the State Health Plan.
Doing Her Best to Make Members Proud ey Ellis Kim Hargett’s Place on SHP dent Rodn Presi Board Ensures State Employees Have Quality Coverage
As a member of the State Health Plan Board of Trustees, Kim Hargett has been charged with assisting in the design of employee health benefits. It’s an opportunity she would have never experienced, she said, if not for her membership in NCAE. A physical education teacher at Marshville Elementary School in Union County, Hargett was appointed by former Governor Bev Perdue to serve on the Board. Her two-year term began January 1, 2012, and expires June 30, 2014. “I am very humbled at being able to serve the state employees of North Carolina,” said Hargett, who is the representative for educators. “I appreciate the Association trusting me in this role and I am doing my best to make the members proud.” The Board consists of 10 members, made up of experts in medicine, health administration and education. Hargett said being a member has given her a chance to work with some top experts. “I’ve had a chance to interact with one of the top health attorneys in the state and a nationally renowned physician. We all come from different backgrounds and our lives are very different but we have developed a great deal of trust and respect for one another. It’s been interesting and fascinating.” Hargett said the State Health Plan is one of the best benefits that educators receive and she is working to ensure that it remains an affordable, quality product. Next year, more health care options will be unveiled that will allow members to reduce out-of-pocket costs and will improve the
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long-term financial stability of the Plan. “The new plan, which will roll out January 1, 2014, will be a paradigm shift toward wellness. The focus of the plan will be on prevention and quality of life. It’s a win-win, not only for educators’ pocketbooks, but for all stakeholders.” The leadership of State Treasurer Janet Cowell helps make the work of the Board run like a well-oiled machine, Hargett said. “I must give her kudos because she encourages us to express ourselves and work to reach a consensus. She is a true friend to NCAE and has been very helpful in collaborative efforts between the State Health Plan and the Association. It’s important to recognize when people are trying to help you and the Treasurer’s Office has done just that. She and her staff are a dedicated group of individuals who make the interest of our members and the state employees of North Carolina a top priority. They understand that an investment in our health and well-being pays dividends into every community in North Carolina.” Hargett added that she is also proud of NCAE for the positive relationship it has created and fostered with the State Health Plan, and other organizations, in an effort to ensure members’ rights and benefits are upheld. Click here to listen. An educator for 24 years, Hargett said her role in developing this new health plan is one of her greatest accomplishments. When the final vote was cast on February 4, she called her mother on the way home from Raleigh. “I said, ‘Mom, if I never do anything else good in my life, I know that on this day I did something good.” She has said it before but feels it’s worth repeating, “I’m excited about what we’re going to be able to roll out for our 668,000 State Health Plan members. And none of it would have been possible without Marge Foreman, who I appreciate so much for her guidance and helping me navigate through this process, and NCAE. I just can’t imagine any educator not being a part of this great organization because of the many opportunities it offers. I liken it to going through your career in regular TV mode; but when you’re a member, it’s like having high definition. It adds so much depth to your educational experience.” Visit http://statehealthplan.state.nc.us/Member-Focus/ february-2013/plan-changes.aspx to read about the new changes to the Plan.
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NCAE
News Bulletin
April 2013
TOY Members Get Opportunity to Share Concerns with Speaker Tillis of challenges that Receiving a personal invitation from House Speaker Thom Tillis to visit the might be encountered on the job. But we are General Assembly was not only a the ones on the front humbling experience for a special lines every day, and group of educators, but it shows that we know what we lawmakers are interested in their input need in order for us on what is and what’s not working in and our students to be public education. Recently, former Teachers of the Year successful. In North Carolina, public from every county in the state came to education and politics Raleigh to have their voices heard. go hand-in-hand, so They were invited to the House it’s important that we Chamber to discuss everything from have a voice in the resources to support Common Core decisions that are Standards, to whether merit pay will (Top) Linda White, being made.” work in North Carolina, to early front, and Jody Jody Stouffer, the childhood education programs. Stouffer, right, with colleague Kim Conversations held during the meeting 2012-13 Teacher of Abrams. (Right) the Year in Lee will help Speaker Tillis with the Glendia BlackCounty, was also a creation of a task force consisting of Flippin with NCAE guest and said it was teachers, principals, superintendents lobbyist Marge his second visit to and legislators that will share ideas and Foreman. Photos: Jones Street. The work together on solutions to Brian Lewis highlight of the day? strengthen public education in North Having the privilege Carolina. A secure Web site is also in to sit on the assembly the works where educators can give floor and have direct feedback about issues they may be correspondence with Speaker Tillis. “The facing in their schools, legislation that General Assembly creates many of the may cause problems, and share ideas policies that govern the teaching for efficiencies or areas where profession,” said Stouffer, who teaches art flexibility or regulations need to be and pottery at Lee County High School. “It modified or eliminated. is extremely important for educators to “Being from the small county of make their voices heard so that legislators Hoke, I was humbled to have been will be able to considered for make wise the discussion, “In North Carolina, public education and decisions that said Glendia politics go hand-in-hand, so it’s important directly affect us Black-Flippin, that we have a voice in the decisions that are and the future of the 1994-95 and being made.” our state.” 2012-13 Hoke --Glendia Black-Flippin, 1994-95, 2012-13 A teacher for 19 County Teacher Hoke County Teacher of the Year years, Stouffer of the Year, who doesn’t consider teaches at West himself a political activist, but says he likes Hoke Elementary School. “It was my to stay abreast of what’s going on in the first visit to the General Assembly and I political arena. was very excited and somewhat Linda West feels lawmakers were nervous. But my fears were quickly impacted by what educators had to say and eased when Representative Garland hopes that it is the beginning of a Pierce personally came to greet me.” communications process that will continue. Black-Flippin, a 26 year teacher “The fact that lawmakers consulted with veteran, feels there needs to be more the education professionals who are in the collaboration between educators and trenches on a daily basis is a huge step,” lawmakers. “Some educators may said West, the Health Sciences Education frown at opportunities to meet and Program manager at Plymouth High School dialogue with politicians due to a fear
in Washington County. “What a great opportunity for us!” NCAE lobbyist Marge Foreman said the Association expresses sincere thanks to the Teachers of the Year for clearing their schedules for a day to come to Raleigh. “Their input and feedback will help shape laws and issues during this important legislative session,” Foreman said. “NCAE is also appreciative of Speaker Tillis for listening to these educators on critical issues that not only impact them, but their students and the profession as a whole.”
REMINDER! Voting for candidates for NCAE Offices ends Thursday, April 11 at 11:59 p.m.
News Bulletin
NCAE
April 2013
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FTA/Teacher Cadet: Impacting the World One Student at a Time Joel Leath knows things aren’t easy for today’s educators. But despite cuts to education funding and the disrespect many educators receive, he still wants a classroom of his own. “Even though there are problems in education, I still want to make a difference,” said Leath, a senior at East Forsyth High School and a member of his school’s Teacher Cadet program. “If I can change the life of one student and help that student beyond what he/she thinks he/she can do, that will be more than enough.” Leath was one of hundreds of high students representing 15 schools across the state who participated in the 2013 Teacher Cadet/FTA Conference in Greensboro recently. Each of them is excited about the possibility of becoming a teacher someday. For Kristen Foster, a senior at Enka High School in Buncombe County, a love for children was the determining factor. “I want them to be successful and I want to be a part of that success,” she said. Foster said she attended the conference to learn about strategies and ideas that will help her become the best educator that she can be. And she was not disappointed. Students learned about bullying, leadership, what teaching is really about, and what to expect in college, as well as had opportunities to visit with recruiters from several universities.
(Above) Kristen Foster, center, loves children and is excited about her future career. Here she poses with classmates from Enka High School. (Right) High school senior Joel Leath says of teaching, “If I can change the life of one student, that will be more than enough.”
“I am excited that you have chosen teaching as a profession. There is no better job in the world. When I go to bed at night, I know I’ve made a difference.” Cindi Rigsbee, 2008-09 NC Teacher of the Year
A group of students test their skills at the game “Blurt.”
More photos from the Teacher Cadet/FTA Conference are available on the NCAE Flickr page.
N C A E
N E W S
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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. Linda Powell-Jones, Editor/Designer
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