Volume 45, No. 1NCAEN 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 SAugust 2014

Welcome to a New School Year!

Meet 3rd-year teacher Hannah Burress, who is excited about the school year despite the continued disrespect of educators by the General Assembly.

PAGE 4

See PAGE 2 for info on the State Budget

NCAE News Bulletin August 20142

Court Rules Local Board Violated Procedural Rights of School Administrator The North Carolina Court of Appeals recently issued a decision2 in Tobe-Williams v. New Hanover County Board of Education stressing the importance of personnel files in the renewal process for administrators’ contracts. NCAE filed an amicus curie brief3 in the case arguing that the board failed to follow fair and lawful procedure. The court agreed that the board violated the administrator’s procedural rights. The court held that if a superintendent recommends an administrator’s contract be renewed, the board is limited to reviewing the administrator’s personnel file as it exists at the time of the superintendent’s recommendation. If the board has concerns that cannot be resolved by review of the personnel file, the board may only look at other documents or question witnesses if it provides the administrator (1) notice of the concerns and of the information being considered and (2) an opportunity to respond to that information. This decision affirms the right of administrators to have notice and an opportunity to respond to information used in

the renewal process. The decision can be extended to apply to teachers as well. All educators should regularly review the contents of their personnel files, especially toward the end of a contract term. Educators should respond in a timely manner to information going in their personnel file with which they disagree or where clarification is needed. Toward the end of each school year, educators should submit their own materials to their personnel file, such as letters of commendation or copies of awards. The 2014 NCAE Law Conference, slated for September 13, will include a discussion on improving local board policies to incorporate these standards and ensure educators receive notice of information that may be used in the renewal process and that they have had a fair opportunity to respond to the information. If you are unable to attend the Law Conference, please see NCAE’s Web site this fall for additional information on personnel files.

After weeks of playing political Tug-of-War, the General Assembly has released the 2014-15 State Budget, which unfortunately still does little to make public education in North Carolina whole. Basically, it’s a small down payment on the IOU that the state owes public education, students, and public school employees. Based on what has been shared, the budget is the result of ill-conceived tax cuts for the wealthy and for-profit corporations and is not sustainable. It continues to disrespect educators and our communities. It’s clear that the political games that were played during the Short Session were more important than investing in our schools and the welfare of our state. So, what are the results of lawmakers’ decisions, that during negotiations, included threats of walking out of key budget discussions and ending the session without coming to a consensus? A budget that contains unfulfilled promises. X 7 Percent Pay Raise for Teachers – The raise will not actually amount to 7 percent due to the fact that longevity will be folded into the salary schedule to help fund it. Teachers will lose this earned benefit and new teachers will not be able to earn longevity. However, all other public school and state employees will continue to receive longevity as a separate earned benefit. X Pay Raise Inequity Between Public School and Non-Public School Employees – Education Support Professionals (ESP) and Central Office staff will only receive a $500 salary increase while state employees who perform the same job duties will receive $1,000. In the past, all state employees received the same raise. X Move Toward National Average Salaries – There is NO comprehensive plan or commitment to move North Carolina’s

teachers to the national average. X Teacher Assistants – Funding for teacher assistants has been cut by $85 million, which will result in 3,330 positions being cut. X Unsustainable Funding – This budget is built on an ill-conceived tax cut plan for the wealthy and for-profit corporations. This type of funding is unsustainable. X Voucher Funding Increased – The budget adds $800,000 in new money for the Opportunity Scholarships, a program that does not hold private schools accountable. No taxpayer money should be used to fund private schools. X Burden on Local School Districts – Local school districts will have to make hard decisions on what to fund and what to cut (possibly positions). X Elimination of Master’s Degree Pay – Compensation will only be awarded to teachers and instructional support personnel who have completed at least one course prior to August 1, 2013, and those whose jobs require a master’s degree. Moving forward, there will be no compensation for earning a master’s degree. It’s clear that public education is not a priority in this state, and it’s going to be up to educators to make change happen. As November 4 approaches, the focus must remain on electing pro-public education candidates who understand the needs of educators and students. Cuts to the profession have set the state back almost 50 years. It’s time for North Carolina to regain its place as one of the top states in the nation in public education. To review the k-12 portion of the budget (pages 29-55), visit the General Assembly’s Web site, www.ncleg.net, and look under the heading “News and Information.” Click on text next to “New” highlighted in red.

Budget Clearly Shows NC Educators Are Not Valued!

NCAE 3News Bulletin August 2014

The Fight for Public Education Continued Even Over the Summer Break

Why? “Because of my students,” was the response Karen Green shared when asked the reason she traveled to Raleigh for the June 25 “School’s Out” Rally. As temperatures soared, so did the spirits of hundreds of educators from across the state who were determined to take an active role in having their voices heard by lawmakers who were deadlocked on a budget that will greatly affect changes to public education. A K-5 math specialist and president of the New Hanover Association of Educators, Green added, “I want to raise awareness of what’s going on in the General Assembly and its attack on public education. Our classrooms don’t have TAs and our students don’t have the resources they need to compete in a global society. It’s not right!” Although retired, Teresa Brewing said she made the trek from Montgomery County to show her support for those who are still in the classroom. “I was a teacher for 35 years and I wanted to participate in the rally because I feel that teachers are not being supported. It’s not fair that educators have not received a raise in several years and that they are being asked to do more with less.” Green said it’s time to roll up her sleeves and get her members engaged. “I want us to be more vocal in the community by visiting neighborhoods and talking to parents about what is taking place in Raleigh. Some of them are not aware or they are focused on career status and teacher pay raises. But it’s more than that. It’s about our schools and our students and what they need to be successful.”

Prior to the rally, members brainstormed on ways to reach out to the community.

Vice President Mark Jewell leads marchers through downtown Raleigh.

President Rodney Ellis: “It is because of your actions that lawmakers are finally beginning to have conversations.”

Members chant “Public ed made this state great, remember that when you legislate.”

NAACP President Rev. William Barber prepares to enter the Legislative Building with members.

Members from Chatham County engage Rep. Robert Reives II in a discussion on why educators are leaving NC.

NCAE PresidentRodney Ellis

Executive DirectorRachelle Johnson

What I Believe...

NCAE Executive Director Rachelle Johnson has hit the ground running since starting her post more than 12 weeks ago. During that time, she has had many conversations with members, local leaders and staff about her vision for the Association. Click here to read more about what she wants NCAE to accomplish moving forward.

Our Victory Begins on November 4!

Devastating cuts to public funding. Funding for TAs being slashed. All part of a bad state budget that has been passed in North Carolina. NCAE knows that educators are angry, frustrated, and are tired of being disrespected. But, Election Day 2014 is coming and we must be ready to elect pro-public education candidates who care about you and our children. Click here to read more.

4 News Bulletin August 2014NCAE3rd Year Teacher Looks Forward to School Year Despite Education Challenges

In just a few short weeks, school doors across the state will open signaling the start of a new year. Educators like Hannah Burress, who teaches first grade at Falkland Elementary in Pitt County, will welcome students and begin the journey of ensuring they receive a quality education, despite ravages to the profession that have occurred over the past few years. As she prepares to begin her third year in the classroom, Burress said what she is most looking forward to when school opens is seeing those little faces. “I love my students! I am so excited about the opportunity to build relationships with them and work closer with their parents to help them understand what goes on in the classroom.” Burress, a young, bright and talented individual was drawn into the teaching profession because of her love for children. As a teenager, she worked with children at her church. “I began working one-on-one with a little boy who had autism and it sparked something in me,” she said. “I developed a desire to work with all children, but especially those with special needs.” Currently she teaches an EC inclusion

class and describes it as a passion. It’s not an easy job, and Burress admits that she has considered looking for opportunities outside of teaching. But, after she begins the search she tells herself, ‘I can’t do this! I can’t leave the place where I know that I will be able to touch these children and help them, even though it’s hard.’ “Financially, it’s difficult being a teacher but I don’t want to do anything else. I’ll do whatever I must to stay, even if it means babysitting on weekends. My goal is to help them see the importance of their K-12 education and get them to where they need to be so they can be functioning members of society.” In addition to her work in the classroom, Burress is also looking forward to becoming more of an activist for NCAE this year. “If I don’t speak up and try to get people to understand all of the damage being done to public education – the lack of respect, the elimination of funding, etc. -- who’s going to? No one else is going to help me, a teacher at Falkland Elementary School out in the middle of nowhere; my philosophy is the only person who is going to fight for me is me!

Burress encourages her colleagues to do the same. “A lot of great teachers are leaving our state and this is having a huge impacton our schools and our students. Last year, one of the teachers on our EC team left to take another teaching position with a higher supplement. The vacancy she left is really going to hurt our team because she was one of our strongest teachers. She has mentioned that she may seek another career path, but I told her that she’s needed. I’m just glad for now that she has decided to remain in the profession. “Our children are the most important asset we have; they are our future. We must stand and fight together not only for them, but for ourselves. It’s the only way we will be able to make positive and effective change.”

Speaking Up, Stepping Out

Leads to Change in Guilford Co.

Carol Cash doesn’t think of herself as a hero, even though her colleagues may describe her as one. She just believes in equality and fairness. So when she saw an injustice within the Guilford County School’s Child Nutrition Department, she challenged the system to make a policy change. Cash, who is a child nutrition manager and member of GCAE, discovered that child nutrition employees were unable to use annual leave on days students were in school. This had to be wrong, she thought, because throughout her 20 years on the job, the use of annual leave days had never been an issue. “Without warning, the policy changed and I wanted to get to the bottom of the problem,” Cash said. “It was impacting our employees, many of whom are education

support professionals. I was aware of other employees, such as bus drivers and maintenance workers, who were able to use their annual leave days at their discretion.” Inquiries to the Child Nutrition Department yielded no concrete answers for Cash, so she took it upon herself to get the ball rolling by contacting GCAE President Liz Foster. “I told Liz that something had to be done; that the policy had to be changed. It was unfair and I wanted them to have the same benefit as employees in other departments.” Foster conducted some research and discovered that the state policies differed drastically from what was implemented in the Child Nutrition Department. This was particularly important because nutrition employees’ pay was being docked versus

being able to use earned leave on days such as those used for inclement weather. She and attorney Carrie Bumgardner of the NCAE Advocacy Center worked together to put pressure on the district to get the policy amended. Now, child nutrition employees can use their annual leave days on student days. The policy has been officially changed in the Guilford County School’s 2014-15 personnel handbook. “Carol Cash is a tremendous advocate for the nutrition department and it’s because of her advocacy and tenacity that this huge victory was accomplished,” Foster said. “What is wrong for our ESPs is wrong for all; that’s why it takes everyone in our education community fighting for what’s right.” Ensuring that her employees were happy is all Cash said she wanted. “I stepped up and spoke out because this injustice could easily happen to other public school employees,” Cash said. “I hope my actions will inspire others in their locals to take action when wrongs occur in their schools or districts.”

Listen as Burress explains why she loves teaching.

NCAENews Bulletin August 2014 5

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” -- Nelson Mandela

Strengthening Chapters, Engaging Membersis at Forefront of President’s Agenda

       Runda Alamour stepped into the role of SNCAE president full of hope and promise, despite her studies, having two part-time jobs and the responsibilities that come with being a leader. At first, she was worried that the pressures of it all would stand in the way of her doing a good job, but then something amazing happened. A senior at UNC-Asheville, Alamour recently received two scholarships – a $1,000 NCAE Mary Morrow-Edna Richards Scholarship and a $2,000 Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship through NEA Retired (she was one of two students

in the nation to win this one). This funding has allowed her to quit one of her part-time jobs and fully focus on the needs of the organization. “This is an exciting opportunity,” said Alamour, who is majoring in Literature with a concentration in education. “I can now devote 100 percent of myself without worry and focus on the issues that are important to our student members.” She looks forward to helping turn dormant chapters across the state into fully functioning ones, building membership, organizing voting campaigns, and supporting her leadership team. She also is looking forward to showing her colleagues the value of SNCAE and NCAE and how they can get involved and become passionate education leaders. Alamour said she became an active member of SNCAE/NCAE because she knew its value in helping her prepare for the classroom. “Being a member has given me the confidence to become a leader. It’s not only a place I can turn to in time of struggle, but it’s all of the experience and knowledge that I glean from experienced teachers as well. Being an educator is the most important career in the world; there’s nothing more honorable than being a teacher.” (Click here to read more)

for Your Classroom

Have a classroom project in mind this school year that you’d like to see funded? Times are tight and finding money can sometimes be difficult. Educators with a plan to improve their students’ learning environment often turn to grants. Below are a few that are available for educators:

NEA Foundation Grants The NEA Foundation awards grants to public school educators to enhance teaching and learning:• Student Achievement Grants support

initiatives that improve academic achievement.• Learning & Leadership Grants support high-quality

professional development. Practicing K-12 public school teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff at public colleges and universities may apply online. For information about how to apply, the application, and an instructional video, visit The NEA Foundation's web site. The next application deadline is October 15.

Bright Ideas Education Grants North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are kicking off the 20th year of awarding Bright Ideas Education Grants to North Carolina teachers. Nearly $600,000 will be awarded in the 2014-15 school year to fund creative, hands-on classroom projects that fall outside traditional school budgets.

Bright Ideas grants are available to K-12 teachers for innovative projects in any subject. Maximum grant amounts range from $1,000 to $3,000. Applications are being accepted through September. Learn more at www.ncbrightideas.com.

On the Web Typing “education grants” into Google yields well over a million hits. Below are two helpful sites for education grants or tips on landing them.

Fundsnet Services Online -- A vast collection of links to public and corporate grants for education programs.School Grants -- This site provides grant-writing tips and an index of available grants. Educators can also subscribe to a bimonthly newsletter for free. Biweekly newsletters come with a subscription cost.

Need help on how to write a grant? Tips can be found on the NEA Web site.

Alamour says she is looking forward to working with members from other SNCAE chapters across the state.

6 NCAE News Bulletin August 2014

Start the New School Year on a Healthy Note!

It’s another school year and another round of demands and challenges that can take a toll on your health, if you’re not careful. Here’s how to protect it.

The illnesses that most affect educators are things they pick up from children – colds, upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal disorders. Frequent hand-washing, covering coughs and getting a flu

shot can help eliminate a visit to the doctor’s office. The first two should also be encouraged by children! It’s also a good idea to keep waterless hand sanitizers and germ-killing wipes or sprays on hand.

Educators can be at risk for back injuries because they are always setting up classrooms, taking things down and lifting supplies and equipment. Some basic pointers: Never lift anything while leaning, twisting or reaching. To lift properly, bend your knees, keep your back straight,

tighten the ab muscles and let your thighs do the work.

Always be aware of your environment and any dangers in the area, as educators are susceptible to injuries from slipping, falling and tripping over chords.

Eating in the school cafeteria can be challenging, especially if the menu is heavy on things like pizza and mac and cheese. Take small steps toward healthier eating by having fries one or two days a

week instead of five, or replacing a soft drink with water. Packing and bringing your own lunch can also be a healthy alternative. Click here for tips that can help!

Taking short breaks during pressure-filled days is essential. A short, brisk walk is a great stress reliever. Exercise, especially if you can carve out 30 minutes most days of the week, can be

beneficial both physically and mentally. Ask colleagues to walk with you. People who exercise together are more consistent and have more fun.

Sometimes the only way to reduce the endless demands placed on educators is to learn to say “no” in some situations. Be realistic about what you can do without wearing yourself out. Nothing is more important than your health!

Reprinted from NEA Today

Guard Against Germs:

Watch Your Back:

Prevent Accidents

Eat a Little Smarter

Stretch Your Legs

Set Limits

NCAEWhy Teachers Should Be Blogging...and How to Do It

Blogs aren’t what you think. Unlike days past, they are now easier to create and maintain; you don’t have to know coding language such as HTML. This form of communication can be a useful tool and can enable you to write prompts, review lesson plans, critique Web sites, keep in touch with parents, display student work or comment on current events. As educators, you ask your students to write. But how much should you write? Here are a few helpful tips to help you get started.

• Choose to focus on your blog and one or two social media platforms and do them well. Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter…oh, my! You can easily become overwhelmed trying to use every available social media platform. Find what works for you and focus on creating your best social voice.

• Know your target audience. Are you writing for yourself? Your students? Parents, colleagues or the community? Knowing our audience will give you the most consistent voice.

• Make sure you are really clear about your goal(s). Identifying your goals will help you find your best professional voice.

• Be flexible. Your focus may change over time. Feel free to choose one blog and start a new one as your needs change.

What Should You Write About?

• Describe something you’re passionate about, but make it broad.

• Content is key! If you provide useful content you have a better chance of being found and read.

• Stay true to your voice. Your tone of voice in your blog will most likely be different from any of your other writing voices. It can be whatever you want it to be.

• When you write about your job, adhere to the motto, “Complain globally, praise locally.” Be especially careful about using illustrations from your classroom. Your experiences might be interesting to others, but be careful not to identify specifics. Always write as though your principal (mother, child, etc.) reads your posts.

How to Write a Good Blog

• Always try to avoid being negative.• It’s important to raise issues, but don’t try to impose

your beliefs on others.• Don’t include links to commercial sites or resources.• Don’t include links to inappropriate materials.• Never give specific names, places, addresses or

contact details.

Examples of Teacher Blogs

If you’d like to see examples of teacher blogs, click here for the top 20 teacher blogs according to Scholastic.

Portions of this article were reprinted from the NJEA Review, the official publication of the New Jersey Education Association.

NCAE Legal Conferenceon Tap for September

“State Trends: Local Action”

WHEN: Saturday, September 13WHERE: NCAE Center, Raleigh

TIME: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.Click here for more information and to register.

Dates to RememberAugust 2014

12th International Youth Day13th NCAE Day of Silent Protest19th World Humanitarian Day22nd Hearing on NCAE Voucher Case, Raleigh26th Women’s Equality Day

News Bulletin August 2014 7

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

NCAE News Bulletin August 20148

Back-to-School Exclusives for NEA MembersBack-to-School Toolkit

NEA Member Benefits wants to help you start the new school year right with all the resources you need for personal and professional success! Our specially designed Back-to-School Toolkit focuses on many aspects of managing your classroom, controlling your finances, enhancing your professional experience, and maintaining work/life balance. Visit www.neamb.com/backtoschool to Learn More about:

• Resources for your classroom: Classroom management “bag of tricks,” having a successful back-to-school night, helping students with medical needs, conquering common back-to-school stressors, and more!

• Ways to stretch your back-to-school budget: Budget-friendly resources for educators, 7 steps to an A+ back-to-school

wardrobe, ways to save on classroom rewards, stretching your supplies budget, and more!

• Resources for your professional development: Reawakening your joy of learning, finding/becoming a mentor, professional development courses for under $100, how to find free money for continuing education, and more!

• Tips for taking care of yourself: Habits of a healthy educator, ideas for fast and nutritious breakfasts, getting fit with your students, achieving work/life balance, and more!

Visit www.neamb.com/backtoschool to take advantage of your exclusive, NEA members-only, Back-to-School Toolkit resources.

Win an iPad Mini and Other Prizes

Start the new year with more money in your pocket by taking advantage of special deals and discounts for all of your back-to-school essentials. Through

August 14, NEA Member Benefits will feature special deals, discounts and

giveaways designed exclusively for NEA members. Enter to win one of three iPad minis or a weekend getaway, select a free magazine subscription, save big on classroom supplies and

personalized stationery, plus get discount coupons, gift cards, and much more! Be on the lookout for these special offers at www.neamb.com/backtoschool.

NEA Academy Back-to-School Sale

All Self-Study courses are on sale for half price in August. Courses start at $17.50 for NEA members. Enroll today at http://nea.k12ceus.com and enter coupon code btsnea2014. (Self-study courses not available in all states. Visit the site to see available courses in your state.)

NEA SmartOption Student Loan

Ready to further your education? Consider an affordable loan through the NEA SmartOption Student Loan program, which offers competitive interest rates and flexible payment options. Click here for more information.

That you have access to information about how state funds were spent in your school district and to your school’s improvement plan? Based on a law passed last year, information should now be available on the school district Web site “to ensure that parents, educators, and the general public are informed on how State funds have been used to address local educational priorities.”

For more, visit the General Assembly’s Web site and search for G.S. 115C-105.25(c). You also have access on your school’s Web site to your school improvement plan, as well as the members of your team, their positions, and when elected. The full law is GS-105.27. NCAE worked last year to get these improvements to school improvement plan laws. Come to the law conference on September 13 to learn more about successful strategies used around the state to work with administrators and provide trainings so that educators can take advantage of this opportunity to be a part of creating the best educational program possible for students.

Did You Know?