NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN May
2013
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
Volume 43, No. 9
Pay cuts, pay freezes hurt...mentally, physically, emotionally, financially...they hurt! Six years ago as a first-year teacher in Georgia, I made $31,000 a year. I took a pay cut when I moved to North Carolina and took a job teaching at South Caldwell High School. I not only made several thousand dollars less per year, I also had to deal with higher insurance costs. I thought the next year might yield a higher salary, but that same year the pay freeze was announced. I was stuck making nearly $3,000 less each year than I had when I first began. The low pay continued to affect my family as we struggled to afford food and pay medical bills. Even though I was working 50 hours a week and had medical insurance, I could not afford the copays for my doctor's visits during my pregnancy. Medicaid had to cover my prenatal medical costs. Our dependence on the system extended to my children's medical insurance and our eligibility for WIC. My husband applied at every Wal-Mart, Lowes, and fast food place within a 30-minute radius, but every place was on a hiring freeze. We longed for independence, but we could not support ourselves, even with my full-time job. The most painful part of this time in my life was the lack of nutrition, especially while pregnant. I drank one glass of milk per day, even though my doctor said I needed more. We hoarded pennies and quarters to buy an extra gallon here and there, but otherwise couldn't afford more than what WIC supplied. I no longer saw money in terms of dollars. I saw it in terms of milk. A cashier once gave me 75cents in unexpected change and I nearly
Rachel Koser teaches at South cried, calculating that I was one-fourth of the way closer to another gallon. Because we couldn't afford to heat our home, I will never forget balancing firewood on top of my five-months large belly so that my son's room could be warm. A professional organization membership was out of the question. The PTA made the teachers a breakfast one day. There were bananas, grapes, apples, oranges, and muffins. I filled my plate with fruit and brought it home. I felt relief and shame because my then-toddler son hadn't eaten fruit in days and plowed through the banana with both fists. I couldn't even remember the last time we'd been able to afford grapes. The pay freeze dragged from one year to the next. Even though I became a better, more effective teacher each year, even though I took on additional responsibilities and duties, even though I advanced my career, my pay stayed flat. The year the pay freeze "ended" brought no joy because the increased cost of benefits outweighed the small increase I received. Last year, my husband worked nights and I worked days because we could not afford day care for our two children. We were together as a family two nights a week. We qualified for an EBT food card, which
Caldwell High School in Caldwell County. A dedicated teacher who loves what she does, Koser is sharing the story of her family’s hardships, created she says due to education cuts and the lack of a decent salary increase in the past several years. Stories of educators living in poverty and dealing with dire circumstances are increasingly becoming the norm across the state. NCAE is diligently working to put a stop to this devastation because ALL educators deserve to be adequately compensated, treated as professionals, and have the tools and funding needed to educate their students.
supplied our family of four with $157 a month to buy food. We ate from our garden and used the food stamps to buy beans, rice, fruit, and dairy. I chopped firewood. My kids learned how to gather kindling. My husband hunted for meat. A position for a special education teacher became available at my school and my husband jumped on the opportunity. Although he has five years of military experience and four years of college, he was not hired. He applied for other positions in the school system, (See “Member” on page 5)
NCAE
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News Bulletin
May 2013
Results of the 2013 NCAE Election Announced
District 1-B Director
Cluster 2 Director
Larry Ball
Carla Fassenbender
is Rodney Ell President
District 4-B Director
District 5-B Director
Amy Harrison
Monica Graham
Schools Receive Supplies, Books from NCAE Pactolus Elementary School art teacher Peggy Swearingen, left, receives assistance with her box of books and school supplies from Mary Robinson, president of the Pitt County NCAE. Pactolus was one of three schools that received the gifts as part of NCAE’s “Outreach to Teach” service project, coordinated by SNCAE and the NC Retired School Personnel. Click here to see more pictures on the NCAE Flickr site.
Cluster 6 Director
Cluster 6 Director
Rich Nixon
Rhonda Riggins
District 7-B Director
District 8-B Director
Julio Morales
Lashaundon Perkins
Prin/Admin Division
Student Services
Michael Putney, EdD President
Ronda Gordon, President
Message From the Vice President Summer is right around the corner and with it comes the end of the school year. But for many educators, summer is just the beginning...a time to hone in on professional development, lobby legislators, or participate in summer educational programs. But in the midst of all of this activity, Vice President Jewell encourages members to also take time for themselves so they can return to school in the fall reenergized and ready to go!
News Bulletin
NCAE
May 2013
Congratulations
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to the 2013 NCAE award winners!
Principal of the Year
Assistant Principal of the Year
Central Office Administrator of the Year
President Rodney Ellis presents Cornelia Cox with her award. Formerly the AP at Creekside Elementary in Pitt County, she was recently promoted to principal at Ayden Elementary School.
Anna Maria Romero-Lehrer of South Topsail Elementary in Pender County, center, is congratulated by Vice President Mark Jewell and Mary Parker-Ashley, president of Pender County NCAE.
Linda Rader Professional Opportunity Award Debra Troxell, chair of the Social Studies Department at West Forsyth High School.
NEA Award for Teaching Excellence Dawn Moretz, an art teacher at Benton Heights Elementary School in Union County, is the North Carolina finalist.
Congratulations were in order for Candie Sellers, center. To help her celebrate were, from left, Rena Sutton, Shelley Marshall, Anna Austin and Vice President Mark Jewell.
Student Services of the Year Award
Kay Trull Outstanding Professional Educator Award Paula Trantham, principal of Millbrook Elementary School in Wake County.
ESP of the Year Barbara Davis, Pinkston Elementary School in Vance County.
ESP Service Award
Denise McCoy, Konnoak Elementary School in Forsyth County.
Lena Murrill-Chapman, Hairston Middle School in Guilford County.
Click here for the winners of Mary-Morrow/Edna Richards and MLK Scholarships.
Human and Civil Rights Award Joshua Barrett, a senior at East Forsyth High School in Forsyth County, with his parents.
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NCAE NCAE in Final
Stretch
News Bulletin
May 2013
of the Legislative Session
HB 719: using model legislation from NCAE is in the middle Colorado, all tenured teachers start out as of the General Assembly Legislators want to end career status for teachers like Sam non-probationary. If a tenured teacher legislative session and Berryhill of Chapel Hill/Carrboro. receives negative evaluations for two finds itself in the middle years in a row, then that teacher is moved of many tug-of-wars into probationary status and will remain between the NC House probationary for two additional years with and the NC Senate on the opportunity to improve performance education issues, and move back into career status. If no including career status, improvement is made, the teacher is alternative pay for Stephanie Humphries of Durham recommended for non-renewal. teachers, school grading, will be one of many TAs who visit the General Assembly on May 13 vouchers, teacher to lobby for their jobs. assistants, school safety School grading system and class size. While both SB 361: schools receive a grade of A-F chambers are controlled that is calculated by student performance by Republicans, it’s worth reminding readers that the House is led by on test scores and, for high schools, graduation rates. A separate Speaker Thom Tillis and Senator Phil Berger leads the Senate. Both measure indicating student growth over time would be displayed next men are mentioned as possible candidates to challenge Democratic to a school's grade, but not factored into the grade. US Senator Kay Hagan in 2014, and would need to challenge each HB 719: schools would also receive letter grades, but student growth other in a Republican primary to determine the eventual nominee. over time would be factored into the school's grade. Political observers, including this writer, note that Speaker Tillis is generally more conservative-to-moderate in his views while Senator School improvement teams and plans Berger is viewed as more conservative-conservative. SB 361: does not address this issue. For example, NCAE prefers the House’s version of school safety, HB 719: amendment of current law is intended to strengthen school which emphasizes new technology, working together, and added improvement teams and plans so that they are more accountable for school safety officers. The Senate is advancing a measure that allows bringing the school and its students up to agreed upon end goals. teachers to carry guns to school. While the Senate has indicated it is likely to cut 3,000 teacher assistants in its budget, the House Teacher salaries and merit pay continues to keep TAs in its budget drafts. SB 361: does not address these issues. HB 719: would create a task force to consider alternative Career Status compensation systems and other ways to improve teacher Although NCAE maintains that current law is more than sufficient compensation and teacher recruitment. The task force would also to dismiss poor performing teachers -- a contention Senator Jerry consider the effectiveness of correlating student outcomes with Tillman conceded in a committee hearing to NCAE President Rodney effective teaching. Ellis -- educators do recognize and appreciate that Rep. Bryan Holloway's bipartisan legislation preserves due process rights for Teacher Assistants teachers, a reflection of his reaching out to teachers when he crafted NCAE has taken the lead on a public relations campaign to show the House Bill 719. importance of teacher assistants in grades K-3. Teacher assistants The House passed its tenure reform bill last month by an continue to visit with legislators to share how they take seriously their overwhelming vote of 113-1. The bill now sits in the Senate Ways & responsibility of educating young North Carolinians in grades K-3. Means Committee, a committee that has not met in recent history and These professionals deliver curriculum support in the classroom by has no meetings scheduled. Meanwhile, the Senate's tenure reform providing individualized attention to students, monitoring student bill seems to be mired with legal problems (a few Republican behavior, and sometimes even driving the bus to school. It's not just senators continue to warn bill sponsors that the Senate bill is illegal) about giving the teacher a break -- it's about enriching the learning and partisanship. (No Democrat was asked to help craft the experience for young children so that they are successful down the legislation nor has it gained any Democratic support.) road. To help you understand the differences in the two bills, we're borrowing an analysis from NC Policy Watch. Below is an excerpt of NCAE Meeting with Legislative Leaders in the Field the analysis provided. To read the entire article, click here. NCAE continues to organize legislative lobbying meetings across the state with Republicans and Democrats on the importance of educator Teacher tenure/career status pay, time-to-teach issues, teacher assistants, and due process rights. SB 361: would eliminate teacher tenure, aka "career status" by 2018 The meetings are organized by GR Specialist Linda Gunter. If you are and offer teachers one-year contracts for the first three years of employment. After three years, teachers become eligible for contracts interested in lobbying your legislators on important education issues, contact her at linda.gunter@ncae.org to learn more. that could last anywhere from one to four years, at the discretion of the superintendent and local board of education and only if they "demonstrate effectiveness on the teacher evaluation instrument."
Brian Lewis, political director & chief lobbyist
News Bulletin
May 2013
NCAE
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Moving Beyond Test Scores: Provide Evidence for the Impact You Make Everyday In talking with members across the state regarding the NC Educator Evaluation process, I am reminded of Dorothy and her friends as they traversed down the yellow brick road in fear; saying “lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!” Standard six or even standard eight will not be as bad as many have been lead to believe. Teachers, make sure you remember that the NC Teacher Evaluation process includes six standards that are equal in importance. The sixth standard is not 50 percent or more of your overall effectiveness rating, like in many states. This year is year one for standard six which will be populated with data based on EOC/G assessments and common exams or MSLs for about 60 percent of teaching population. Teachers without their own data will still have school-data for standard six – meaning until you have a specific assessment for your subject area, your year one has not yet begun. It will take three years of data to create your overall effectiveness rating. As long as you are at least proficient in standards
one through five, and students meet or exceed growth in standard six, you will be given an overall rating of effective or highly effective. This year’s MSLs are akin to a pilot year; as the test can’t be validated until administered. DPI informs us that if a test does not assess what it is supposed to, the results will not be used. Remind yourself that what you do every day impacts student growth or achievement. Share your own data and formative assessment results with your administrator. Share student learning goals or data over a period of time, student project outcomes, how you connected work to your PLC or group grade level; that all impacted student achievement. Your observations should provide your administrator with a clear picture of what you do and what you know how to do. WHY? Because at each post conference you need to take time to add artifacts or upload items relevant to what was seen or what may not
Member Says the Pain of Cuts Are Very Real (Continued from page 1)
including custodian. Several months later he finally found a job with a cable company. Now he makes four times what the teaching position would have paid. It seems surreal that we can finally buy things that were formerly only luxuries -meat, new shoes, toys for our kids, and extra supplies for my students who were once in the same boat I was. He works fewer hours, has better benefits, and is allowed more flexible hours than me. If my husband had been hired at my school, our combined salaries would barely disqualify us from the EBT food card. Our children would still be on Medicaid and WIC. Because he chose a different profession, his most recent monthly commission was five figures. It's hard to believe that a first-world country, one of the most powerful and influential nations in the world, treats its teachers this way. My profession has
lost its prestige and respect. We are the soldiers of education, but are blamed instead of saluted. Every year the nation demands more from its teachers and offers nothing in return. It is within the power of our nation's leaders to restore the value of teaching. Offering quality pay and benefits that will attract high-quality individuals to the profession and help retain them. Providing funding for schools will ensure that we can offer programs to ensure that students receive quality instruction and teachers receive necessary training and support. The pain of education cuts is very real. Good teachers will cease to exist if the profession brings with it a life of poverty and blame. We encourage you to share your stories. Please send to Linda Gunter, NCAE GR specialist, at Linda.Gunter@ncae.org.
have been observed that demonstrates your skill sets within the school community. The items you add within the online tool are important, as the information is saved and becomes part of your record. You have been empowered and you need to make sure you document progress within the classroom with your students over the course of the year. Standard six and the MSL/common exams may not be the perfect scenario, but it is better than many other suggestions that were placed on the table when created. NC DPI has listened to teachers regarding the MSLs. It was teachers who helped to create the MSLs and teachers who reviewed the questions prior to the first administration. From the January 2013 administration; assessments have been shortened, rubrics have been added to assist with the teacher cohort grading, more examples of what to expect have been provided, and the window of assessment has been lengthened. There will be glitches and other issues with a statewide rollout this spring. NCAE will be watching and will pay attention to what we hear. We will continue to observe to make sure policies are transparent, fair and not destructive. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your NCAE President Rodney Ellis, Vice President Mark Jewell, or Angela Farthing, Director of Programs at NCAE. Angela Farthing, director of the Center for Instructional Advocacy
Tuesday, May 7, is National Teacher Day, a time when teachers are recognized and honored for the crucial role they play in making sure every student receives a quality education. Each of us can fondly recall one or more teachers who nurtured us and helped shape our lives. Inspiring students to do great things is what teachers do every day. But who or what inspires teachers to follow their calling? NCAE members were asked this question and many responded. Click here to read a few of the stories. Also, listen as NEA President Dennis Van Roekel remembers teachers who inspired him.
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NCAE
News Bulletin
May 2013
SNCAE Chapters
Helping to Grow and Groom a New Crop of Educators SNCAE serves an important role in the transition from student to professional. With more than 60 chapters on the state’s community college and university campuses, membership has reached more than 2,000 and is growing at a rapid pace. More than ever, students interested in becoming educators are joining and working to make their chapters ones that support them for a career in teaching. Two such chapters can be found on the campuses of Campbell University, located in Harnett County, and NC A&T State University in Greensboro. Both are progressively evolving into very active chapters where members are engaged not only within the school community but have a strong presence in the community as a whole. “The Campbell University name is known throughout Harnett County, which is a plus for our chapter,” said Meghan Guyette, who serves as president. “This gives freshmen and new students who have an interest in majoring in education an opportunity to learn about SNCAE and join the organization.” Some of the community events that the chapter hosts include a canned food drive for the Harnett County Food Bank; a Backpack Buddy Program, which provides backpacks filled with food for underprivileged children; and coloring books for Duke Children’s Hospital. Campbell “Our University students SNCAE have a lot president on their Meghan Guyette and plates with advisor Dr. the rigorous Oney curriculum Graham. and student teaching, but they give a lot to ensure that the chapter is excelling and growing,” said Dr. Oney Graham, Campbell University’s SNCAE advisor. “We want everyone to know that they are serious about becoming educators and making a difference in the lives of children.” NC A&T State University, a Historically Black College/ University (HBCU), is also a staple in the Greensboro community. The chapter has coordinated canned food drives for the Greensboro Urban Ministries, collected books for local schools, and assisted school groups with campus tours and other activities. Connections such as these, said chapter president and newly elected SNCAE President Jaalil Hart, play a role in the reason the chapter is thriving. “And, our exceptional student leadership also is an important part,” he said. “Our student leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and a level of excitement that avails the chapter to engage members in these various activities.” Both chapters have approximately 200 members. Just like
with NCAE, recruiting and retention is vital for these chapters and the organization as a whole because as future educators, students need to have a voice in decisions that will affect them in the classroom in the future. “I have been a member of SNCAE each of the four years I’ve been a student,” Guyette said. “I joined SNCAE because I knew Jaalil Hart, NC A&T that I needed to know as much as I SNCAE president could about the profession.” Being a member, Guyette added is also beneficial because of the professional development opportunities that are offered, the benefits that are available, and the network of peers and educators from which a student can draw. Dr. Graham says she encourages students enrolled in the School of Education to become members. “One of my goals as advisor is for students to see the benefits of membership. I tell them that in order for them to get a true picture of what’s happening in the field of education, one of the fundamental viewpoints is to become a member of SNCAE and then NCAE as they prepare to graduate and enter the classroom. It is essential for our students to have a strong voice and SNCAE gives them that voice. Hart said the A&T SNCAE executive board often participates in organizational fairs coordinated by the university, conducts presentations at the School of Education, and host fun activities as a way to attract new members. “We encourage our younger members (freshmen and sophomores) to take leadership roles in the organization. On occasion, members also serve as ambassadors at various events. “It’s important for aspiring teachers to join not only for the liability insurance, but because SNCAE allows students from across the state to meet, form relationships and bonds with others who have the same career goal, and communicate and collaborate to preserve the value of public education,” added Hart, who also joined his freshman year. “The relationships I have made are ones that I believe I wouldn’t have been able to make otherwise.” Support from the schools is also instrumental to the success of these chapters. “The university as a whole is very supportive,” Hart said. “The School of Education here at A&T, more specifically, has always been willing to help us with whatever we need. Whether providing a room for a meeting or funds to purchase food for our end-of-semester social, the university stands behind us 100 percent.” “The entire Campbell University family has been great,” Guyette added. “The administration provides funding and meeting space for us as well, and professors are always making announcements about SNCAE projects and programs in their classes. Everyone is to be commended for the assistance and support they give in helping the chapter flourish.”
News Bulletin
NCAE
May 2013
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Hot Deals and Discounts from NEA Member Benefits -- May 2013 SmileMakers SmileMakers, the online store for student rewards, classroom décor and more, is offering 25 percent off classroom supplies, FREE shipping, plus a FREE gift with purchase to show support and gratitude to NEA members dedicated to sharing the joy of education. To find everything you need for your classroom, visit www.smilemakers.com/nea.html.
Member Appreciation Week: May 6-10 NEA Member Benefits is celebrating Member Appreciation Week and we want you to join in the fun! For the entire period of May 6-10, we’ll be featuring special deals, discounts and giveaways – designed exclusively for NEA members. It’s our way of saying “Thank You” for all you do!
New Business Items and Resolutions voted on at the 2013 NCAE Convention are available on the Web site. Click here to view the New Business Items. To review the Resolutions, click here.
Did You Know? Your teaching license belongs to you. You need to maintain all records towards renewal. DPI does not suspend or cancel your license unless you do not comply with the needed CEUs needed. Your license is not automatically suspended if you are on a growth plan in your certification year. Deadlines are not suggestions. If you are directed to turn in lesson plans, reports, or documents by a certain date or time, you may be accused of insubordination if you do not meet that deadline. The School Violence Prevention Act of 2012 provides school employees protection against cyber-bullying by students. Check out the Act at http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2011/Bills/Senate/PDF/S707v6.pdf. For additional information, contact the Advocacy Center at www.askncae.org.
N C A E
N E W S
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NEA Click & Save “Buy-lights” 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 May. To shop, visit www.neamb.com/clickandsave or http:// www.neamb.com/shopping-discounts/nea-click-and-save-retaildiscounts.htm. Kohls – Get 15 percent off orders of $100 or more Shoes.com – Get 10 percent plus free shipping Cooking .com – Save up to 40 percent on Le Creuset cookware PerfumeWorldWide.com – Get 10 percent off any order Sephora – Get free shipping on orders over $50
2013 Education Wednesday Day NCAE is asking ALL members to mark Wednesday, June 12, as Education Wednesday Day for 2013. We want every educator to visit the General Assembly and join your colleagues in a dialogue with legislators on the importance of public education in our communities. For more information, contact Brian Lewis at 1-800-662-7924, ext. 255, or e-mail Brian.Lewis@ncae.org.
Looking for your first home or looking to finance your existing home? Now is the time to take advantage of low mortgage rates. Through the NEA Home Financing Program, provided through Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, you will find competitive rates, choice loan options and a 60-day interest rate lock option. Act now! Click here for more information.
B U L L E T I N
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Positions stated in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official position of NCAE unless so identified. The NCAE News Bulletin, a journal of the Association, is published by the North Carolina Association of Educators, 700 S.Salisbury St., Post Office Box Box 27347, Raleigh, NC 27611, 1-800-662-7924. Linda Powell-Jones, Editor/Designer
www.ncae.org