Volume 43, No. 8NCAEN E W S B U L L E T I NN O R T H C A R O L I N A A S S O C I A T I O N O F E D U C A T O R SApril 2013

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.

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.

Tasha Lewis, a delegate from Asheville City, speaks in favor of a Resolution.

Dr. Willie Stevens of Winston-Salem/Forsyth, shows his excitement at hearing Rev. Dr. William Barber speak.

2 News Bulletin April 2013

NCAE Responds to Governor’s Budget, Threat of Ending TenureGovernor 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

go to the Senate and will be folded into the chamber’s spending plan, which will likely be released around May 1. The Senate will then forward its budget to the House, which will combine the governor’s plan along with the Senate’s into its proposal that should be released around June 1. As legislators review Governor McCroy’s spending priorities, Ellis said educators are optimistic that lawmakers will stop North Carolina’s slide in teacher pay rankings. “Since 2009, educators across this state were told that North Carolina would resume its pursuit of paying teachers at a national average once the recession passed. North Carolina is now one of the worst places to earn a living as an educator, both nationally and in the South. We stand ready to work with the governor and the General Assembly to get this state moving forward again.” Ellis is confident that district meetings that members are having with their legislators is paying off for public education. These meetings have taken place in key districts allowing educators to share their personal stories with budget writers. “Members are reporting that legislators

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 watch on a bill that proposes contracts for teachers in place of career status. This is a renewed effort by Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger as part of his reform plan for public education. NCAE was not surprised by the proposed legislation, which was first introduced last year but stalled in the House. The Association’s lobbyists have met with Senator Berger’s education staff to discuss the proposal. A meeting between Berger and NCAE President Ellis has been scheduled. “This bill takes away fairness, eliminates due process for teachers, and will make it harder to recruit quality professionals who enter the profession,” said Ellis. “Educators deserve better than punitive labeling, or a bill that is designed to erode public confidence. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this issue and other with Senator Berger in the near future.” Click here to read the section of the bill (Senate Bill 361: Excellent Public Schools Act of 2013) that addresses career status.

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.

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.

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.

NCAE

NCAE

President Rodney Ellis

News Bulletin April 2013 3

Doing Her Best to Make Members Proud

Kim Hargett’s Place on SHP 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

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.

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.

NEA Click & Save “Buy-lights” for April 2013

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NCAE4TOY Members Get Opportunity to Share Concerns with Speaker Tillis

Receiving a personal invitation from House Speaker Thom Tillis to visit the General Assembly was not only a humbling experience for a special group of educators, but it shows that lawmakers are interested in their input on what is and what’s not working in public education. Recently, former Teachers of the Year from every county in the state came to Raleigh to have their voices heard. They were invited to the House Chamber to discuss everything from resources to support Common Core Standards, to whether merit pay will work in North Carolina, to early childhood education programs. Conversations held during the meeting will help Speaker Tillis with the creation of a task force consisting of teachers, principals, superintendents and legislators that will share ideas and work together on solutions to strengthen public education in North Carolina. A secure Web site is also in the works where educators can give feedback about issues they may be facing in their schools, legislation that may cause problems, and share ideas for efficiencies or areas where flexibility or regulations need to be modified or eliminated. “Being from the small county of Hoke, I was humbled to have been considered for the discussion, said Glendia Black-Flippin, the 1994-95 and 2012-13 Hoke County Teacher of the Year, who teaches at West Hoke Elementary School. “It was my first visit to the General Assembly and I was very excited and somewhat nervous. But my fears were quickly eased when Representative Garland Pierce personally came to greet me.” Black-Flippin, a 26 year teacher veteran, feels there needs to be more collaboration between educators and lawmakers. “Some educators may frown at opportunities to meet and dialogue with politicians due to a fear

of challenges that might be encountered on the job. But we are the ones on the front lines every day, and we know what we need in order for us and our students to be successful. In North Carolina, public education and politics go hand-in-hand, so it’s important that we have a voice in the decisions that are being made.” Jody Stouffer, the 2012-13 Teacher of the Year in Lee County, was also a guest and said it was his second visit to Jones Street. The highlight of the day? Having the privilege to sit on the assembly floor and have direct correspondence with Speaker Tillis. “The General Assembly creates many of the policies that govern the teaching profession,” said Stouffer, who teaches art and pottery at Lee County High School. “It is extremely important for educators to make their voices heard so that legislators

will be able to make wise decisions that directly affect us and the future of our state.” A teacher for 19 years, Stouffer doesn’t consider

himself a political activist, but says he likes to stay abreast of what’s going on in the political arena. Linda West feels lawmakers were impacted by what educators had to say and hopes that it is the beginning of a communications process that will continue. “The fact that lawmakers consulted with the education professionals who are in the trenches on a daily basis is a huge step,” said West, the Health Sciences Education Program manager at Plymouth High School

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.”

“In North Carolina, public education and politics go hand-in-hand, so it’s important that we have a voice in the decisions that are being made.”

--Glendia Black-Flippin, 1994-95, 2012-13 Hoke County Teacher of the Year

(Top) Linda White, front, and Jody

Stouffer, right, with colleague Kim

Abrams. (Right) Glendia Black-

Flippin with NCAE lobbyist Marge

Foreman. Photos: Brian Lewis

REMINDER!Voting for candidates for NCAE Offices ends Thursday, April 11 at 11:59 p.m.

News Bulletin April 2013

5News Bulletin April 2013 NCAEFTA/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.”

A group of students test their skills at the game “Blurt.”

“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

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

N C A E N E W S B U L L E T I N Follow NCAE eventsand activities on:

www.ncae.org

More photos from the Teacher Cadet/FTA Conference are available on the NCAE Flickr page.

Spring paves the way for many things, especially thoughts of travel. Thinking of planning a road trip? As an NEA member, you can save up to 25 percent off of a rental car through Hertz

when you reserve with special discount CDP# 50655. Click here for more information or visit www.hertz.com/neamb.