NCAE
NEWS BULLETIN October
2013
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
Volume 44, No. 3
Consequences of a Bad Budget Cause Domino Effect for Public Education Frustrations of being disrespected. Ballooning class sizes. The loss of tenure. No salary increase in six years. The list of negatives seems neverending for teachers who are still expected to educate the state’s 1.5 million students. This year’s budget – passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor – wasn’t very kind to public education, and as a result, an unfortunate ripple effect is occurring, from a lack of resources needed for classroom instruction to teachers leaving the state in search of better career options. Because of budget cuts, Christine Szafranski, an art teacher at Statesville High School, says she has had to turn away students interested in fine arts classes. An additional art teacher is needed but due to lack of funding, several of the graphics classes and beginning arts classes have been eliminated. “Having to turn away students is both sad for them and for me,” Szanfranski said. “I am for a sound fiscal budget and always have been, but it seems as if lawmakers only see numbers; I see faces and souls. They keep saying that public education is broken, but it’s not. The only parts that are broken are the parts where they have come in and told me how to do my job when they wouldn’t last a day in the classroom or know the first step on how to run an effective and efficient classroom. It’s getting hard for me to come to work every morning knowing that I am not valued for what I do.” The loss of one of the school’s best science teachers has had a devastating blow on Lake Norman High School, said Helen Williams, who serves as
with a set of books, but no books are being provided for the Math 2 curriculum. “We found 40 copies of an old book that has several units aligned to the curriculum and there are four of us who teach Math 2,” said Cynthia Gray. “This means each teacher has 10 books to use in a collaborative group setting. Our students the association rep. “She resigned the day are frustrated. We are having to make the budget was passed and took a teaching copies of worksheets more now than in the job in New York. She left her husband here past. Parents are asking to borrow a copy in North Carolina, where he maintains a of the book; EC teachers need a copy of successful business, and returned to her the book; and ISS needs a copy of the home state where she feels respected and book. No additional copies are available. I valued.” Williams said other problematic have taught 35 years under a variety of issues are increased class sizes and the conditions, but at least I had a textbook to shortage of bus drivers due to teacher give to my assistant positions being cut. “I see my students! I’m classroom filled to the brim with students, beyond and while I’m used to that, it’s sad because frustrated!” I can’t give some of them the attention they “Can I afford to need for as long as they need it.” financially and Being named a school’s Teacher of the emotionally Year is a huge honor and professional remain a teacher?” is a question that 25accomplishment that brings recognition for year teaching veteran Karen Canfield outstanding leadership and excellence in frequently asks herself. Unfortunately the teaching. But unfortunately, these accolades response that usually comes next is pale in comparison to having the means to “probably not.” “I often go home crying take care of your family. According to because I cannot afford the cost of Sherrill Jolly, South Brunswick High supporting my family on my salary and I School’s Teacher of the Year left the am not really able to change careers or profession this year for a private work two jobs.” Canfield teaches at Black sector job. “He and his wife were Mountain Primary School in Buncombe both great fifth-grade teachers who County and said she, nor her colleagues, were being paid on a first-year have ever experienced such low morale. “I teacher’s salary.” They wanted to hate that after so many years of faithful have another child and had to do service I am struggling with my desire to something. He took a job with a walk back into the classroom each day. major company in the area and now But it is because of the students that I we are scrambling to find a continue to do what I do. I am mad that I chemistry teacher to replace him.” am being treated like a second-class At Reagan High School in Forsyth citizen, that my work is not appreciated, County, the consequences of a bad budget and that I am being used as a scapegoat mean no money for math textbooks that for what is wrong with our society. As align with the new Common Core 9-12 educators, we deserve more respect, and curriculum. Last year, the school system the students we teach, and their parents, provided each teacher who taught Math 1 deserve more as well!”
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News Bulletin
October 2013
Let’s Continue to “Spread the Red” for Public Education
Hillsborough Elementary Orange County
is Rodney Ell President
Brassfield Elementary Wake County
A movement is taking place across the state. Members are wearing the color red as a symbol of action against cuts to public education. The “Spread the Red” campaign kicked off on the first day of school and has continued each Wednesday since. We encourage you to continue to “Spread the Red” and ask parents, students and any public education supporters you know to join us in this effort! Check out more photos on the NCAE Flickr page and please continue to post your pictures on Facebook.
Dabney Elementary
Alexander Central High School Alexander County
Vance County Marvin Ridge High School Union County
Message From the Vice President The impact of budget cuts and policy changes to public education are being felt by everyone. Across the state, people are mobilizing like never before in order to ensure that children receive the education they so rightfully deserve. In his message, Vice President Mark Jewell explains why we must raise awareness among parents and community supporters who value the public education system. Click to read more.
News Bulletin
October 2013
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Future of State’s Children Leads Businessman to Join NCAE Stuart Clark and educators who inspired him and is grateful his wife Kelly have for the efforts they invested in him. “While no children in clearly our public education system has public schools. He not been, is not now, nor will it ever be has no family perfect, we have a responsibility to the members who are future to strive to reach that perfection. If or ever have been we as a community, as a state, as a nation, public school as a world are to meet the problems we educators. It has face, we must start with education.” Clark been nearly 40 years added that he hopes to become an active since he sat in a public school member in an effort to return some part of classroom as a student. Yet, he recently that investment. became an associate member of NCAE Clark said by being a member of NCAE, because he says the Association is the he is taking a stand in support of public only organization in the state that serves education and the children across this as the voice for public education and state; children, he says, businesses will public school employees. someday look to Owner of an employ and for the H&R Block communities they Clark believes in public education although franchise in one day will serve. he has no children in school. Over the Caldwell County, The work of summer, he stood side by side with educators Clark has known NCAE was so at the Moral Monday event in Asheville -about NCAE his important to Clark about 100 miles from his home -- to speak out entire adult life and that he decided to against the cuts that have been made by the has been supportive Legislature. take his membership of its mission, “To a step further and be the voice of donate to PAC, the educators in North Carolina that unites, Political Action Committee, which helps organizes and empowers members to be elect friends of public education at the advocates for education professionals, local, state and federal levels. “I public education and children.” When contributed to PAC for one simple reason: the General Assembly tried to weaken without funding it is almost impossible to NCAE by trying to eliminate payroll get the message out. If you don’t get out deduction and began slashing the the message, pro-public education education budget, he knew the time was candidates will not be elected. It takes right to join. money to make changes and we must “Education is the most effective way change the direction in which we’re of improving the lives of our population headed.” overall,” said Clark, who remembers
SHP Sponsors Active/Non-Medicare Outreach Events During the month of October, the State Health Plan is conducting an Enrollment Tour to offer members the opportunity to learn more about the new 2014 benefits and receive assistance with the enrollment process. Members are encouraged to attend an event closest to them. Click here to see a list of locations, dates and times. Visit the State Health Plan Web site, www.shpnc.org, for more information about open enrollment (October 1-31, 2013).
Voters Should Remember Those Who Gutted Public Education! The severe cuts to public education are leading many educators to voice their frustrations through letters penned to their local newspapers. Below is one recently written by NCAE member Jamie Burney, an English/ Language Arts teacher at Fairmont Middle School in Robeson County, and published by The Robesonian. Letters to the Editor are a great way to ensure your voice is heard in addition to contacting your legislator. I am a teacher of 12 years. I am proud of my profession and prouder of the students. I have been through the ABCs of public education and No Child Left Behind. I have taught sixth, seventh and eighth graders, volunteered for extra duties, advised student organizations, kept score at athletic events and counseled students. For about six years, teacher pay in North Carolina has stagnated. Now, many teachers can barely afford to keep their bills paid. Teachers are the backbone of this society. We are responsible for the future of our communities, states and nation. It feels like the government has turned its back on our future to save a few dollars. I will not turn my back on this profession or my students; I suppose it is because of many others like me that we are being taken advantage of. Many of those who make the laws rely on our compassion and conviction, knowing that those of us who care will stay around regardless of our poor salaries. Now, things have gone too far. The General Assembly has cut funding for salary increases for attaining a master’s degree, stripped teachers of their rights to due process, and completely gutted the NC Teaching Fellows Program. Additionally, they are now taking public money from public education to send to private and charter schools. I want to commend Senator Michael Walters and Representatives Ken Waddell, Charles Graham and Garland Pierce for voting NO on the General Assembly’s newest budget. Our legislative delegation is pro-public education and fought valiantly for teachers and students. I do hope that our citizens will remember those who turned their backs on the state’s children in November on Election Day.
NCAE
4 NCAE Organizes “Educate Each Child” Community Town Hall Meetings In collaboration with Public Schools First and Progress NC, NCAE is organizing a state tour focused on educating communities about the impact of budget cuts and policy changes in public education. Below is a list of cities and dates for the first wave of town hall tours. Also, visit the “Educate Each Child” Facebook page frequently for updates, https://www.facebook.com/ EducateEachChild. October 3
Rocky Mount
October 7
Sanford
October 10
Burlington
October 15
Lexington
October 17
New Bern
October 21
Boone
October 24
Goldsboro
October 29
Elizabeth City
November 7
Statesville
November 12
Gastonia
November 14
Salisbury
Car Rental Savings Fall is here. The perfect time to rent a car for a long weekend away. As a member of NEA, you can save up to 25 percent on car rentals through Enterprise, Alamo and National. Take advantage of your membership today. Click here for more information.
News Bulletin
October 2013
Educator Evaluation: The Online Portal Has Changed! Home Base now houses all of the teaching and learning portals you need for success, including those for the online NC Educator Evaluation System (formerly MxWeb housed by McREL). The username/unique ID provided to you for Home Base will work for each portal, including truenorthlogic, the online teacher evaluation system. The evaluation process has NOT changed; however, there is a new platform with a different look and step-by-step directions to ease the process and document the conversations between you and your administrator. New components include icons or words you have used before. • The tabs refer to digital pages where one accesses information, such as the Help Guide • Channels are sections of a page • Containers are key information within a channel • Save buttons allow you to go back and complete actions before you finalize or click “mark completed” • Once you click “mark completed,” NO changes can be made • The sign out link is in a clear spot on the right side of the top menu bar A built-in timeframe is found within this new platform for protection/steps, such as: • The teacher can’t have a pre-conference until teacher and principal have signed off on orientation of the process, • Built-in calendars for observation and post-conference dates • A save button as well as an optional share button for the self-assessment, if the teacher wants the principal to review prior to a pre-conference The professional development plan may be pre-populated with data if a teacher was rated Developing or Not Demonstrated on a summative standard. There are dialogue boxes open once an observation has been conducted, and the data shared with the teacher within the 10-day timeframe. Workflow of the process will not move until either party hits the “send” button on each step of the process. Things to remember this school year: 1. There will be no format or process changes for new or career status teachers in regard to the process and protocols for full observation or abbreviated cycles. Changes in the process/protocols connected to contracts and career status will be made in 2014-15. One change that will occur if NC is granted an ESEA waiver connected to Standard VI will be the initial teacher effectiveness status that will be determined using the best two out of three years of data. After the system is fully implemented in 2014-2015, an additional year of data will be rolled into the threeyear average, thereby returning to the original plan of three years of rolling data for student growth calculations (check out the September 2013 NCAE SBE Review for more details). 2. Written responses, dialogue and uploading of files and artifacts can be accomplished; once “marked completed” within that specific step, no changes can be made. 3. Self-assessments don’t have to be shared. 4. When one is being observed, the observer DOES have to select one of three components under each element within a standard: a. Not Demonstrated (was being looked for and not observed) b. Not Looked For (was a first observation or have seen already) c. A rating of Developing to Distinguished Please direct questions regarding the NCEES to Elic Senter (elic.senter@ncae.org) or Angela Farthing (angela.farthing@ncae.org), or call 1-800-662-7924.
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New AR Academy Helps Reps Do Better Job of Organizing, Recruiting Changing from a climate of service to an organizing culture can prove difficult for any organization, but NCAE is working to make the transition a smooth one, beginning with modifying how association reps are trained. According to Bettye Brown, manager of Membership and Organizing, the way association reps (ARs) are trained has received a complete overhaul. Now referred to as the AR Academy, building reps are being transformed into activists. Skill development includes understanding “Why” for public schools, mapping the buildings, the purpose of organizing, ways to identify and use appropriate communications styles, strategies to engage and recruit new members, and most notably, how to gain the power necessary to take action on the issues that are important to educators. Overall, the AR Academy is designed to build capacity, and strengthen the role and sharpen the skills of ARs in the school buildings. “Association Reps are in the schools
every day with their colleagues and need to be prepared to build relationships by generating oneon-one conversations that may ultimately lead to a potential member joining,” Brown said. “The AR Academy is an effective tool which will be an essential component in the ongoing preparation of the AR’s role. This training gives them the tools they need to ARs in Cabarrus County participating in the new training. confidently engage and invite Photo: Lina Drinkard others to invest and become involved in what we are doing as an organization to preserve public education.” conversations are going in the locals with Currently more than 70 trainings potential members. have taken place across the state. As a The AR Academy training is the result of result, Brown has received developmental work and field testing membership/mobilization plans from conducted at Summer Leaders with local presidents statewide who are members who are ARs, presidents, excited about engaging and recruiting treasurers, and those under 35. The members around issues. Brown added imminent goal is to have members taking that she is pleased with the reports she the lead in training ARs. A training of is receiving on how one-on-one trainers is scheduled for this fall.
Dates to Remember October 2013 5th
National Board Certification Cluster Drive-in (Asheville, Winston-Salem and Winterville) 19th SNCAE/NCAE Regional Learning Day, Chowan University/ Murfreesboro, NC 21st-25th National School Bus Safety Week Tickets Go on Sale for the 2014 MLK Gala National Book Month November 2013 2nd
SNCAE/NCAE Regional Learning Day, Catawba College/Salisbury, NC 3rd Daylight Savings Time Ends 11th Veteran’s Day (NCAE Offices Closed) 16th National Board Certification Cluster Drive-in (Asheville, Winston-Salem and Winterville) NCAE Legal Conference, NCAE Center NCAE Principals/Administrators Division Board Meeting, NCAE Center 18th-22nd American Education Week National Family Literacy Month
Changes to Advanced Degree Policy The State Board of Education has made changes to the advanced degree policy to ensure compensation for any teacher or administrator who will complete their advanced degree program next spring. Anyone completing their master’s or doctoral degree in the spring of 2014 has until May 7 to submit all paperwork to the NC Department of Public Instruction. This will ensure some payment of the 10 percent differential this school year, meeting the new legislation for payment. The SBE was informed that some institutions are making changes in their course requirements from eight (8) weeks to six (6) weeks to help candidates complete their work. Governor McCroy met with the SBE and shared his frustration over the issue. He said that a state budget should not include state policy, yet he signed the budget because of the many other important items within the budget. He wants to pursue avenues where anyone who is currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program will receive the salary increase. The current legislation states that if a teacher has not completed and received compensation for the degree in the 2013-14 school year he/she will not receive the 10 percent salary differential. This means in May, legislation will need to be implemented to change the advanced degree policy beyond this school year.
6 Poll Says Educators Support Common Core NEA recently conducted a survey of 1,200 members to gauge awareness and opinions of the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and their support for its goals. The findings revealed that the vast majority of educators support the standards. According to the poll, among those surveyed , 98 percent have heard about the standards. But although they are hearing about CCSS, they are deeply concerned about preparedness; almost half are fairly or totally in the dark about their schools’ plan for implementation. The poll revealed four key points that should be noted: 1. Members wholeheartedly embrace the common core standards’ promise – that all students will have an opportunity to learn the same skills they need to succeed, regardless of where they live. 2. These standards have the potential to be the biggest game changer for public education in a generation. But in order to fulfill the standards’ worthy goals we need an equal commitment to common sense implementation. We owe it to our students to provide educators with the time, tools and resources to get it right! 3. Our members support the Common Core State Standards because they’re the right thing to do for our children. And we all need to work together – parents, educators, administrators, communities and elected officials – to ensure we get this right. That requires a commitment to the time, tools and resources to ensure that the goals of the students are realized. 4. Members have deep reservations that there will continue to be too much emphasis on testing. The polling confirms what our members have said for some time – the current testing focus takes too much time away from student learning. Members also expressed a need to focus on doing things in the right order…we have the standards, now we must focus on aligning curriculum and students’ instruction, and then begin assessments. They are concerned that assessments will begin before schools and educators have had time to align curriculum and that they will be held accountable for those test scores in unfair ways. Based on those beliefs, NEA members also believe states should institute some type of grace period on the accountability provisions of the common core standards in order to give schools flexibility to implement the standards successfully.
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News Bulletin
October 2013
NCAE Legal Conference Slated for November “Empowering Educators in Times of Change” WHEN: Saturday, November 16 WHERE: NCAE Center TIME: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, visit the NCAE Web site, www.ncae.org .
Find Resolutions to Employment Issues Through the NCAE Advocacy Center Whether you’re an ESP, teacher or administrator, the NCAE Advocacy Center is available to assist you with issues that affect your employment. Valerie Leath, an assistant principal in Newton-Conover, experienced first-hand the value of this member benefit when she nearly lost her job to what she feels was age discrimination. A member of NCAE for the past eight years, and a member of NEA for 40, Leath’s contract was up for renewal two years ago. The superintendent at the time said the renewal would be for four years, but the paperwork indicated renewal for only two years. “I knew this was illegal and questioned what was happening, but never received a response from him. Finally he came to me and told me that despite the great job I was doing, he wasn’t going to extend my contract because the new superintendent would probably want to bring in someone younger.” The fact that Leath was eligible to retire was mentioned, but she did not think it was fair for her to be forced out and she didn’t want to go out on a bad note after all of the years she’s given to education. She checked the state law and local school board policy, which stated that if an administrator’s contract is not being renewed, the administrator has certain due process protections, including the reasons for non-renewal and a right to a board hearing. “I requested assistance through the Advocacy Center and received a quick response. Attorney Carrie Bumgardner contacted the school board’s attorney to discuss the law on administrator contracts. She advocated for me to ensure that the contract term was corrected in accordance with the law and to avoid an age discrimination claim. Carrie was wonderful! She followed through and got the process moving in the right direction. She was in touch frequently, to make sure that I stayed in the loop.” A few weeks later, Leath added, the personnel director visited her at school with good news. Her contract was adjusted to reflect a four-year renewal instead of two. Leath is excited to continue serving the students in Newton-Conover. Leath said she felt as if a burden had been lifted. Only because of her membership with NCAE was the result she received possible. “There’s no organization better than NCAE. I may not agree with everything the Association does, but as a minority female administrator, I would never be in this position without it. When times were hard, NCAE was there. You really get your money’s worth being a member.” Have questions or concerns? Contact the Advocacy Center at www.ASKNCAE.org.
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Yet, despite these challenges, ESPs continue to do what it takes to support the public schools they work for in their communities while struggling silently. We continue to care about the contributions we make to the public school environment and continue to give of our time and talents so that the school day runs smoothly each and every day a child walks through the school doors. We continue to give and show up even if we are not recognized for what we I would first like to offer all Education Support contribute. Professionals (ESPs) a warm greeting as we embark Even with no pay raise in years, larger class sizes, upon a new school year. As president of the ESP limited supplies and limited resources, ESPs continue to Division, I want to acknowledge your commitment and work with loyalty and commitment. We drive students the contributions you give to make public schools to school, prepare healthy meals, and make sure our successful. Thank you for what you do every day for the schools and classrooms are clean and welcoming. At children in North Carolina. times we are expected to provide students with lifeWe began the 2013-14 school year after a very saving medication, and provide individual instruction. challenging legislative session. The decisions of our Our list of responsibilities goes on and on, yet we are elected officials eliminated teacher assistant positions often and collectively overlooked when it is time to be and cut funds in our school districts causing our Chris Bridges, president offered a raise. We are also the very first considered employers to cut ESP working hours. Just like our NCAE ESP Division when there are school funds to be cut and positions to teachers, we too are now required to do more with less. be eliminated from the budget. However, the decisions from our elected officials have a As ESP president, I want us to do something different much stronger impact on us…many of us barely make a “living this school year. I challenge each of you to step up! Step up by wage.” I don’t know about you, but I am angry! communicating with me and your ESP Board of Directors. I also Some members of our General Assembly and our governor do not challenge you to step up by finding time to be active in your seem to understand the negative impact their decisions have placed professional organization and get involved with the work of the NCAE on public schools. In many of our communities, the school district is ESP Division. Teachers have interests different than those of ESPs. one of the major employers in the area. There are ESPs who are the Therefore, the only way we can secure our interests is if we begin sole bread winners in their households and are already doing all they working toward our interests TOGETHER. can to make ends meet – especially if their spouse has lost their job,
ESPs...It’s Time for Us to Step Up and Secure Our Interests!
and have been out of work for a long time.
Do Your Part to Make School Enjoyable for All Students
October is National Bullying Prevention Month “You’re stupid!” “Why do you wear such ugly shoes?” “I’m going to get you after school if I see you on the playground!” Imagine a world where you hear these types of comments each day you come to school. Some may consider it as mindless teasing or kids just being kids. But in reality, it’s bullying, and every day thousands of students are subjected to this type of verbal harassment, as well as physical abuse, by their peers. Bullying is a serious issue in schools, but it’s a problem that can be eliminated with the help of educators, parents and students working together. NEA has implemented a “Bully Free: It Starts With Me” Campaign” http://www.nea.org/home/ neabullyfree.html, that offers resources for teachers, administrators and ESPs on ways to identify bullying, how to intervene in a bullying incident, how to advocate for a bullied student, as well as steps that can be taken to stop and prevent bullying.
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NCAE also has professional development resources on bullying. Check out learning opportunities on the Web site, www.ncae.org, to find out how the Association can support your school if this issue is one of concern. An additional tool that is a must see for every educator is the documentary “Bully,” by awardwinning director Lee Hirsch, now available on DVD. Hirsch takes viewers on a journey inside the real lives of young people who day-in and day-out are tormented by bullies. You will never forget these kids. Hirsch gives voice to the voiceless, and his movie dispels forever the myth that "kidswill-be-kids" and bullying is a harmless rite of passage. "Bully" will move you while you’re watching it and long afterwards. Click here to see the official trailer.
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