Volume 43, No. 10NCAEN 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 SJune 2013

For 17 years Cynthia Raines has worked as a teacher assistant at Fayetteville Street Elementary School in Durham. Why so long, you ask? It’s because of students like Sam, we’ll call him. Sam is one of Raines’ students who came to class one day improperly dressed and without a bath. The other children began to tease him and his self-esteem hit rock bottom. So she took it upon herself to ask one of her male colleagues to give Sam a bath and a fresh set of clothes and shoes. “When he returned to the classroom it was as if he had been totally transformed,” said Raines, who considered this child to be one of her more challenging students. “His self-esteem rose and he excelled in class the remainder of the day. He did everything I asked of him without any problems.”

TAs’ Stories Reverberate Why They Are Vital to Student Learning

A career in public education, Raines admits, was not her first passion. She wanted to become a nurse until a principal encouraged her to consider the classroom. “I love her for giving me that opportunity. I love students and these children are like my babies. As teacher assistants, we do a lot of things for students. We’re mother

figures, we’re grandmother figures, we’re counselors when they need someone to listen. If they need a shoulder to lean on, we’re there to give them hugs. This is what I do every day and I do it from my heart.” Raines recently shared this story during a meeting with key lawmakers in the House to discuss

proposed cuts to teacher assistant positions in grades 2-3. A

group of more than 50 TAs and teachers from Durham and Pitt counties were hosted by Democratic House Leader Larry Hall, Appropriations Chair Bryan Holloway, K-12 Subcommittee Appropriations Co-Chair Craig Horn, House Education

Committee member Rep. Susan Martin, and Vice Chair of the House Education Committee Rep. Brian Brown, who received lessons on the vital role TAs play in the classroom. If the cuts are implemented, Durham County could lose 80 TAs and Pitt County could lose 121 positions. Kindergarten teacher Amy McGregor, who works at Wintergreen Primary School in Pitt County, was one of several teachers who joined the TAs as a symbol of support. “Contrary to what some may think,” she said to legislators, “our teacher assistants are not utilized to file, copy or grade papers. They work with children one-on-one or in small groups, whether it be reading, math or tutoring. They are utilized in the same capacity as a teacher.” Theresa Coleman, a TA at Pearsontown Elementary School in Durham, could be seen shaking her head in agreement as she sat next to the teacher she assists. “This is my wonderful teacher assistant sitting beside me and I thank God for her every day,” the teacher proudly shared. “I’ve had both experiences of having and not having a teacher assistant. I can definitely compare the amount of success that I had as a lone teacher with 22 children and the amount of success I have with 24 children

Cynthia Raines

TA Theresa Coleman, right, was praised by her colleague, second-grade teacher Jamie Turnage.

More than 50 teacher assistants and teachers from Durham and Pitt counties met with key House budget writers to discuss proposed funding cuts that could eliminate TA positions.

(See STUDENTS on page 5)

NCAE

President Rodney Ellis

News Bulletin June 20132

Let Our ACTIONS Speak Against Public Education Injustices

Like you, I am outraged by the preliminary actions of the Legislature and the lack of commitment being displayed for public schools and the professionals who work with the state’s students. While the legislative process is very fluid, actions by the Senate on issues such as eliminating due process, freezing salaries, eliminating teacher assistants, and raising class sizes are turning our state into a national embarrassment. While the Senate has been openly hostile to public education, we have made significant in-roads in the House. The House is slated to present its budget in the next two weeks. While that work continues, it is imperative that we encourage our friends in the House to stand up for educators and public education; however, we cannot let the Senate’s position go unchallenged. As an eighth-grade language arts teacher, I must remind all the other non-civics teachers of the process for state budget approval: 1) governor presents budget proposal for consideration by the Senate, 2) the Senate presents its budget proposal for consideration by the House, 3) the House considers both proposals as it develops its budget proposal, 4) the House and Senate convene to debate budget proposals, 5) the governor receives the joint budget proposal for signature or veto. I urge you to keep the process in mind as you contact your legislators. NCAE is working closely with key legislators in the House, and we remain hopeful that the House budget proposal will be more favorable to educators and public education. At this time, we encourage you to present your concerns regarding the Senate budget to members of the Senate and respectfully encourage members of the House to prioritize public education in its budget proposal. At the beginning of the legislative session, we asked for member input in developing our legislative agenda. The results of the Critical Conversations survey indicated the following as priorities for NCAE during the legislative session:

• Salary Increases• Protect Due Process Rights• Protect Class Size • Defeat Voucher Legislation

Since both the governor and the Senate presented budget proposals that include the elimination of 4,000 teacher assistants, we have also made it a priority to protect those positions. I am writing to ask you to join us in our efforts. On May 28, the House Education Committee passed a voucher bill that will be headed to fuller discussion by the House.The recently released Senate budget proposal does not provide a salary increase, it takes away career status for all teachers, it eliminates teaching assistants in the 2nd and 3rd grades, and it lifts the class size caps for K-3. In our Critical Conversation survey, members ranked these four issues as their top concerns. It is time we work collectively to address these issues.Your voice must be heard! While our lobbyists are advocating strongly on your behalf, it is important that we all speak out on the Senate budget. I ask you to commit to participating in at least one of the following activities:

Senate Budget Gets an “F” CampaignIf you have, or if you know someone who has, a phone/camera, you can participate in our Senate Budget Gets an “F” Campaign. We are asking every member to participate in the following:

• Visit the NCAE Web site and download a copy of the “F.”• Take a photo of yourself and/or a group photo holding the “F”

and post to every social media site to which you belong.• Schedule a date for a group photo of your school community

with the “F.”• Send participation requests to all of your friends and family

asking them to do the same.• Be sure to include the following caption with your photos.

o I give the Senate Budget proposal an “F” because……

o Identify those issues in the proposal that resonate most with you.

Click here for a list of the budget items that impact public education. Here are the links for this campaign:Campaign InformationFacebook FlickrHashtag: #ncsenatebudgetgetsanFNCAE Contact: Christi Broadway - Christi.Broadway@ncae.org

Statewide Day of Action On Monday, June 10, NCAE will hold a statewide day of action, with our members speaking out in their own communities. Legislators are far more interested in media events held in their districts than anything that happens in Raleigh, so we encourage local affiliate leaders and members to organize as follows:

• Identify a location to host an event and draw attention to the plight of public education.

• Use social media, e-mail, and other means to provide details. • Invite your local media to attend. Click here for a template of a press

release you can use to invite local media outlets to your event. (Click “File” then “Download” so you can tailor it to your needs.)

• Invite your legislators to attend.• Invite family, friends, and colleagues, both NCAE members and

potential members.• Partner with your local PTA/PTO, Public Schools First organizations,

and other community organizations concerned about public education.

• Take photos/video footage and send to christi.broadway@ncae.org

Local Assemblies Throughout the legislative session, our Government Relations staff has organized local events, inviting legislators to attend and participate in forum discussions. Contact Linda Gunter at linda.gunter@ncae.org for information and assistance with organizing events.

Educator Wednesdays Educator Wednesdays kick-off on June 12. All participants will need to schedule appointments with their legislators directly. Please RSVP to annette.montgomery@ncae.org if you plan to attend and how many educators you plan to bring to this important event. At this crucial time, I ask two things of you: (1) that you participate in one of the activities listed; and (2) that you stay tuned to developments. During the week of June 10, we will be assessing our strategies and will be back in touch with you about next steps. For many of us, the school year is coming to a close; but at the General Assembly, we have entered that time period when we most need you to take a stand for public education. In closing, I have received many inquiries from our members about the Moral Mondays organizing effort led by Reverend William Barber and the NAACP. Their work has focused on the economy, voting rights, education, and social justice issues. It is an agenda that is much broader than the one you have identified as legislative priorities for NCAE. Despite the media’s portrayal of the Senate’s budget cuts to public education, we remain optimistic. In the interest of focusing on the issues you have outlined as priorities, NCAE has not taken an official position on the Moral Mondays campaign and has elected to stay the course with our current strategy. We are monitoring closely and will follow up with you should the need arise to change tactics.

News Bulletin June 2013 NCAE 3

TOYNC Teacher of the Year, Team Will Serve as Education Ambassadors

Congratulations to NCAE member Karyn Dickerson, who has been named the 2013-14 North Carolina Teacher of the Year. Members Christopher Petree and Julian Wilson, 2013 Regional Teacher of the Year finalists, will serve with her on the Teacher of the Year Team. The Teacher of the Year Program is sponsored by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and the NC Department of Public

Instruction. To read more about each of these amazing educators, click here.

Karyn Dickerson, 2013 NC Teacher of the Year

Dickerson said as a child, she could be found emulating her mother, who was an elementary school reading teacher, as she taught stuffed animals and members of her family. She recalls an old audiocassette tape in which her mother reviews sight words with her. “About two minutes into the recording, my 3-year-old self boldly states, ‘No, Mama, I’m the teacher now,’ as I proceeded to read the words to my mother and ask her questions. Quite simply, teaching and more importantly, teaching English language and literature, have been a fundamental part of my personality from my earliest years.” An IB English III and English II Inclusion teacher at Grimsley High School in Guilford County, Dickerson wanted to forge her own path and initially focused on careers other than teaching. Her plans were to become an environmental lawyer, but they quickly dissolved at the college level when she learned that not only was she good at proofreading friends’ term papers, she secretly enjoyed it. After studying abroad and while waiting to apply to doctoral programs in English literature, she was

hired to teach reading remediation classes for middle school students. At the end of that school year, almost every student in her class passed the North Carolina End-of-Grade reading test. “After working with these students and witnessing their successes and struggles with education, I decided that I wanted to put my doctoral studies on hold and teach at the high school level. I made this life-changing choice six years ago and have discovered my niche as a high school teacher.” As North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Dickerson will spend the next school year traveling the state as an ambassador for the teaching profession. She received an automobile, an engraved vase, a one-time cash award of $7,500, a trip to the National Teacher of the Year Conference, the opportunity to travel abroad, and a technology package valued at more than $11,000. She will also serve as an advisor to the State Board of Education for two years and as a board member for the NC Public School Forum for one year.

“Students new to my English class always arrive with one question on their minds: ‘Did you really work for the Central Intelligence Agency?’ Then I anticipate the next question, which always comes with rhythmic certainty: ‘And you decided to become a teacher?’” Petree, who teaches at Starmount High School in Yadkin County, says he always laughs because it makes him self-conscious, as if he has been running a race in first place and trips near the finish line. The job as a CIA officer was fascinating, but Petree found no satisfaction in processing our nation’s secrets. He resigned, came home to North Carolina, and applied for the NC Teach Cohort at UNC-Greensboro. Switching careers, even with the best intentions he found, is never easy. After spending countless hours of submitting resumes, he found himself with the keys to his own classroom in the summer of 2008. That was five years ago, and since then he has built upon the educational foundation already set in place. “My lack of training did not deter me from becoming an educator because I believed in the ideals of public education when I started, and working in the profession solidified my belief that our education system is fundamentally sound.”

Christopher Petree

Northwest Region Teacher of the Year

The band director at York Chester Middle School in Gaston County, Julian Wilson’s love of music began in seventh grade when he learned to play the trumpet. It’s also where he met Ms. Rhoton and his interest in becoming an educator was sparked. “She had an enthusiasm that was contagious,” said Wilson, who has taught for 14 years. “She was a little lady with big ideas for our band and she worked tirelessly to help us become successful.” Wilson said his senior year in high school was supposed to prepare him for a career in engineering, but it really prepared him for a career in teaching. “That year was the most challenging of my educational career. I had Ms. Hamrick who taught physics, trigonometry and calculus. I had her three times a day and she pushed me in each of those classes, but at the same time she inspired me. She believed in me and made me believe in myself.” He added that he learned a lot about himself that year. “I also learned that it is important to know your students and it takes a special teacher to understand how to inspire their students.” Educators played a huge role in the career path that he decided to take and it’s those lessons that continue to inspire him today.

Julian WilsonSouthwest Region Teacher of the Year

4 News Bulletin June 2013NCAELast Day of School MemoriesThe countdown has begun. End-of-Grade testing is over. Students are getting restless and anxiously await the ringing of the last bell that marks the official beginning of summer. It has been an arduous year and you are probably preparing for the break as well. The last day of school can be chaotic or quiet; it’s a day when anything can happen, and usually does -- everything from an unexpected hug from a challenging student to a special gift from a parent. Members were asked to share their “last day of school” memories and here are a few that were received.

That day, each last thing had been hard – last “good morning hugs,” last playground time. I even had small group sessions that morning, trying to make the day as normal as possible with reading and math lessons. I was clinging to every moment. I loved my children so much and was unsure if I should really retire. Every year I hated to tell my children goodbye, but this year would be especially hard. I sat down at the lunch table and looked around at each child. And then it happened…the child across the table from me stood up and threw up on my last school lunch! What an ending!

Susan RoseC.G. Credle Elementary School, Granville Co.

One year, a student brought in a RCA phonograph for a class lesson. It was a very old wind-up model and I was very taken with it. The parents kept it in a shed, so I asked if they’d like to sell it (I expected a price that I probably couldn’t afford). On the last day of school, the phonograph had not been picked up and I had not received a selling price. Suddenly, they walked into the room and handed me a card. It was a thank-you card for teaching their son and at the bottom was a notation to keep the phonograph. I was so excited to receive such a precious gift. It’s definitely one I’ll never forget!”

Cathy TippettSouth Macon Elementary School, Macon Co.

I teach cosmetology and a few years ago, I had one of my most challenging students. This particular student created drama and questioned everything she was asked to do. I prayed that she would decide that ANYTHING other than cosmetology was her career choice and would not take level 2 her senior year. Well, you guessed it, she was the first one to walk in my classroom in August. During the next year her attitude changed very little, however, I glimpsed some underlying talent. It was still a very long year and I will never forget that last day before graduation. She came in with a card (which contained a gift card) and a hug thanking me for my patience.

Ruby HowardPinecrest High School, Moore Co.

Teaching high school is very rewarding, as I prepare students to graduate and enter the working community or continue their education. Over the course of two years, I helped a young lady with her studies. A day or two before graduation, she and her mother came to see me after school. They presented me with a beautiful ring shaped like a leaf. They told me that the ring represented life and growth. The student was the first woman in her family to graduate with a high school diploma and the ring represented new life for the women in her family. Then, they displayed their hands; each wore rings that matched the one they had given me. I still have that ring and it’s a rare day that I don’t wear it.

Michelle EdwardsWest Henderson High School

Henderson Co.

NCAENews Bulletin June 2013 5

with another adult in the room. Like someone said before, she’s not used for making copies – I can do that myself. I need another person in the room who is capable of instructing my children and she does that for me.” The teacher also drove home the fact that TAs are well educated and highly qualified. Since the implementation of No Child Left Behind, teacher assistants must be highly qualified in order to work in public schools. This means that they must have an associate’s degree or higher, or must complete 60 credit hours of study at a regionally or nationally accredited institution of higher education and pass the Para Pro Test. Rep. Craig Horn, who represents Union County, admitted that many legislators who attended elementary school 50 or 60 years when TAs were not a part of the education equation are probably thinking “What are TAs needed for? They’re just babysitters!” But, he added, “the U.S. is a different country

Students Benefit From TAs in the ClassroomContinued from page 1 today than when we were kids.

Unfortunately, a lot of us rely on our own human nature and our own experiences. You are being asked to do a lot of things that we didn’t ask teachers to do when I was in the second/third grade.” Horn said he is very much aware of the measurable value that TAs add to the education process and will do his best to ensure that the best interest of students comes first. Each of the legislators voiced their support for the TAs and encouraged them to continue to have a presence, both vocally and visually. “Get your representatives, as well as your county

commissioners involved in this issue,” said Rep. Larry Hall, who represents Durham County. “It’s great for you to come to Raleigh, but you can’t come every day. But Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and when we’re not in session, we’re home in our districts. When you see us out in public, there’s nothing wrong with greeting us and saying ‘Hey, I’m real concerned about education and I’d like to talk to you if you have time.’ That engagement, not just during budget time, is important because politics has become a year-round activity.”

Ron Smith, a TA at Pearsontown Elementary School in Durham spoke candidly about his job. Click here to listen.

Emily Klinedinst, an EC teacher at W.H. Robinson School in Pitt County, delivered letters from second-graders to Rep. Brian Brown on Why My TA is So Important to Me. “My colleague who couldn’t be here thought it would be a good idea for students to say in their own words why TAs are so important.”

NCAE Working to Ensure Maternity/Family Leave Remains Intact

NCAE has learned from members that some school districts are treating pregnant mothers differently than other employees going out on sick leave. This includes requiring only new mothers to work while home on leave, such as completing lesson plans or working on grades. Some of these local policies and practices on maternity or other leave may violate applicable laws and constitute discrimination. NCAE is committed to working on improving local policies and practices to ensure their compliance with the law and that new parents and ALL employees are treated equitably and fairly when taking leave. NCAE is also looking at other ways to make schools more family friendly places to work. For example, new mothers who are hourly employees were provided protections to express breast milk at work under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Teachers and other salaried employees are not covered under the Act, so NCAE is working to close this gap and ensure all new mothers have these protections. Watch the News Bulletin and www.ncae.org for future updates. If you have questions, please contact Staff Attorney Carrie Bumgardner at carrie.bumgardner@ncae.org.

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

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

6 NCAE News Bulletin June 2013

Learn How to Make Your Retirement More Secure

NEA Member Benefits wants to help make your retirement better. That's why we developed the NEA Retirement E-Newsletter. Every month we'll send resources to help you plan, organize, adjust or enhance your retirement plan:

• Articles and advice from financial experts• Financial planning and investment tips• Monthly alerts for your FREE Kiplinger’s Retirement

Report (valued at $60 per year) To ensure you receive the next issue of the NEA Retirement E-Newsletter, log in or register at www.neamb.com , click “My Account” or “Account Details” at the top of the page, and then select the “My Newsletters” tab. It’s easy—and it’s free!

Coming Soon… Stay tuned for details about the all-new online Retirement Planning Center launching this summer. This complimentary retirement resource is designed for NEA members at all stages of their lives and careers. It will feature the NEA Retirement Income Calculator, with pension plan information for all 50 states built right in. You’ll be able to see instantly if you’re saving enough for retirement, and find out what to do about it if you’re not!

NEA Click & Save “Buy-Lights” for June

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 June. Visit www.neamb.com/clickandsave and start shopping!

Lowes: Free 1 to 3-day shipping on qualifying orders of $49 or more or choose free in-store pickup at your local Lowe’s store.Reebok: 20 percent off plus free shipping and free returns (some exclusions apply)Omaha Steaks: 10 percent off & free shipping on orders of $89 or more3balls.com: Free shipping on orders of $49 or moreSportsMemorabilia.com: Save 10 percent on orders of more than $100

Dates to Remember

June 2013 12th Educator Wednesday at the General Assembly (for information or to sign up, contact Annette.Montgomery@ncae.org) 15th New NEA Delegates Meeting, NCAE Center NEA Delegate Caucus, NCAE Center

July 2013 1st-6th NEA Representative Assembly, Atlanta, GA 4th Independence Day 16th-18th NCAE Summer Leaders Conference, Embassy Suites Hotel, Greensboro