Teacher Scholarships

FYI!

 

"Scholarships are offered to teachers who train in high-need subjects
President Barack Obama's administration recently proposed a scholarship program for teachers who agree to teach in-demand subjects, such as math, science or special education. Under the Presidential Teaching Fellows plan, grants of up to $10,000 would be awarded. To qualify, teachers agree to work for at least three years in a struggling school and attend a teacher-preparation program that meets certain standards. U.S. News & World Report (3/21) "

Reflections from 2011-12 North Carolina Teacher of the Year

I can still hear my son whispering in my ear, “Mom, I am so proud of you” just before the North Carolina Teacher of the Year banquet began. I was sitting at the table clutching my index card with a few lines carefully crafted, hoping to be “The One.” My school system representatives and my family were sitting anxiously awaiting the announcement and then Dr. Atkinson called my name. I never cried because I knew this award was won by my students and not because of anything great I had done. I also knew all the regional winners could have stood on the stage where I was standing and represented the profession as well, if not better, than I could. I was honored and humbled.

   As I began my term as the North Carolina Teacher of the Year, I was quickly confronted with the perception that public education was broken.  But as Dr. Atkinson has stated on more than one occasion, while there is a need for remodeling, reform, and changes there also are pockets of excellence that exist across this great state. I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the hard work of teachers and their relentless dedication to this profession and to their students. I have felt the despair and desperation as the budget to support education continues to decrease and the demands on teachers seem to increase. Even with these pressures, teachers still manage to create engaging lessons and educational opportunities for their students. Several districts have used creative forward thinking to provide students with opportunity and secure resources that ensure every child receives a quality education. I say thank you to the warriors that are on the front line and have been forced to stretch themselves far too thin to educate the children in North Carolina.

   Most of the speaking requests I have received have been quite simple: motivate my staff, inspire my teachers and remind them of their purpose. Each time I took the stage, I attempted to evoke the passion and emotion needed to stay the course. It was always refreshing to hear educators respond with their personal stories about their students and the various reasons why they teach. Many of them thanked me for the words of encouragement, but I gained more passion and purpose from their strength.  For so many students, teachers are all they have, and they count on us to be there.  They need us because we have their opportunity for success.  This year has made me proud to be a part of this profession, and I am assured that teachers make a difference.  I am often reminded of the question Dr. Bill Harrison asks at the end of every State Board of Education meeting, ”What have you done for children today?”

   I would like to say thank you to the staff and students at Graham Middle School, where the school motto is “Educating Everyone Takes Everyone.”  I would also like to express my gratitude to the Alamance-Burlington Schools System, Mr. Brandon Patterson and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as well as the North Carolina State Board of Education.  As Sue Enquist eloquently stated, “Anything that is worthy of your passion is worthy of your preparation.” Educators make a difference, so use your passion and preparation to keep inspiring greatness in our students. –Tyronna Hooker, 2011-12 North Carolina Teacher of the Year

Special Thanks

A SPECIAL THANKS:
Appalachian State University Teaching Fellows
I am excited about the future of this profession because of each of you.
-- March 7th

Rotary Club High Point
Thank you for your investment in education to ensure a literacy rich community.
--March 15th

North Carolina Teacher Cadet Program
... Often success can be determined by how you choose to view the situation "ISH".
--March 16th

Bennett College Teacher Induction
I was inspired by spending an evening with the Ladies of Bennett College where excellence is required. Bennett Belles are a class act.
--March 17th

Collaborative Conference of Student Achievement
Teachers continue to show resiliency inspite of the challenges. You make "the" difference.
-- March 19th

UNC Pembroke Teaching Fellows
Future educators choose to focus on the outcome rather than soley on the income.
--March 21st

Livingstone College Teacher Induction
Educators must take educating students personal. Our core business is providing every child everyday with a quality education.
Suzette Davis
-- March 22nd

North Carolina Association of Educators State Conference
United, are voices are louder, our purpose is collective, and our journey is for change.
-- March 24th

Greensboro College Teacher Banquet
Pam Bennett
It was a wonderful evening celebrating the accomplishments of the dedicated staff and teachers of this great state.
--March 28th

SNCAE Conference
Education is not broken, however there is the need for remodeling and forward thinking. After meeting the students I am certain the profession will benefit from each of them. Best of Luck.
--March 31st

Kappa Delta Phi Meredith College Induction Ceremony Committee
I was inspired by the relentless dedication of this group of educators.
-- April 1st

North Hill Elementary Administration and Staff. You are true Star Polishers. -- April 9th

North Carolina State 29thAnnual ACAAGS Awards Program. Thank you alllowing me to be apart of this year's "A Celebration of Our Success" Program. --April 12th

Elizabeth City Chapter of The Links Inc. White Rose Luncheon Event.
Congratulations to the honorees for their Community Contributions and Academic Excellence. "You don't become what you want; you become what you believe" -Oprah Winfrey.
-- April 14th

Asheville City-Bucombe County Schools
Bucombe County Early College Student Assembly Program
-I applaud the students for seizing the opportunities offered by the Early College. Education creates opportunites.
Beginning Teacher Support Meeting
- What a wonderful evening spent inspiring, motivating, and acknowledging the educators from the Western Region of North Carolina. Great Job. "It always seems impossible until it's done" - Nelson Mandela.
Charles D. Owen High School Parent/Community Partnership
- We can't spell success without "U". Parents are the experts of their children when it comes to knowing what they need. Teachers are the experts in the classroom. Together we create a positive outcome. "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit". - Aristoltle
-- April 16th

Delta Kappa Gamma Guilford County Induction Ceremony
Brenda MacDonald
Key women educators changing the plight of education by setting the example others need to follow.
-- April 17th

Person County New Teacher Suppport Training
Lori Stacey
New Teachers need support, affirmation, and guidance in order to be successful. Person County has the formula for success. " Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in notion: The potenial for greatness lives within us". - Wilma Rudolph
--Aril18th

Orange County Public Schools PreK/TA
Eula Gordan
The earlier a child is exposed to a quality school setting, the sooner the thirst for knowledge is established.
-- April 19th

Delta Kappa Gamma State Convention
Linda Little
"Lead, Serve, Impact. We as educators must first consider our actions and our dreams as we lead our students to success. " It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself ". - Ralph Waldo Emerson
--April 28th

"School Cuts" story from WRAL television

How long can we continue to take less and make more? WRAL-TV has thisstory its website.  Here are two links: one to the overall story and one to the very detailed table that shows for each LEA what the cuts will cost them regarding the flexibility cuts and the loss of the federal EduJobs funding that is looming.

School Cuts Loom Unless Legislator Act - https://mail.abss.k12.nc.us/owa/redir.aspx?C=7c9a2640d9724883a4e56c2a07009fad&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wral.com%2fnews%2fstate%2fnccapitol%2fstory%2f10865020%2f

Pending Cuts – Specifics for Each School System - https://mail.abss.k12.nc.us/owa/redir.aspx?C=7c9a2640d9724883a4e56c2a07009fad&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wral.com%2fnews%2feducation%2fpage%2f10862192%2f

READY Regional Meeting

I want to thank the Department of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education for allowing me to travel to the eight regions as the teacher representative. A special thank you also to the teacher representatives who have attended or will attend one of the READY regional outreach meetings underway across North Carolina this month. We began in Greensboro on Feb. 28 where nearly 800 teacher representatives, principals and other central office staff met with NCDPI and State Board of Education leadership. This week, we are in Elizabeth City, Wilmington and Fayetteville then on to Raleigh, Hickory, Charlotte and Asheville. My message in each region is that the teacher evaluation tool is our blue print as we are  growing to greatness. Education is not broken the challenge before us is to remodel and update our system of public schools to meet student needs today and in the future. Thanks to Race to the Top funding, we do have some resources to help us move our remodeling project more quickly than we could have done otherwise.NC DPI has posted the materials and PowerPoint slides online for you to see at www.ncpublicschools.org/ready. In the next few weeks, video segments of the Raleigh regional meeting will be available too, and we'll advertise the link at that time. Let's do what is best for children always!

North Carolina VPS Teacher wins a National Honor!

NCVPS Teacher Named National Online Teacher of the Year

  

     Congratulations to the new National Online Teacher of the Year Job well done. North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) biology teacher Leslie Fetzer of Holly Springs has been named America's 2012 "National Online Teacher of the Year" for K-12 education by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL). The 2012 SREB/iNACOL "National Online Teacher of the Year" award recognizes an outstanding online teacher for exceptional contributions to online K-12 education. The review committee selected Fetzer from online educators in public schools and state virtual schools in 26 states. 
     "Much has changed about how, when and where students learn so online education plays a critical role in our public schools today," said State Board of Education Chairman Bill Harrison. "North Carolina is fortunate to have Leslie and other teachers like her working to make a difference for students in the state's virtual classrooms."

NEA Rankings Should Be Viewed in Context

   The NEA (National Education Association) recently released its annual per pupil expenditure rankings. A quick review shows that North Carolina moved from the 47^th ranking in 2010-2011 to the 42^nd ranking in 2011-2012. At first glance, this would seem to be reason for celebration. However, a more detailed review tells a different story. North Carolina’s actual per pupil expenditure fell from $8,763 per pupil in 2010-11 to a projected $8,565 this year. While $198 less per pupil may not seem like much to get concerned about, when you do the math, you see that it could mean over $293 million more for K-12 education than is invested today.
     One could ask “How can North Carolina move ahead in rank and spend $198 less in per pupil expenditures than the previous year?” This requires a look at the other states which have moved up and down and fallen in and out of the bottom ten lowest ranking states in the nation over the past five years. The answer to the question is other states have fallen lower and faster than North Carolina has this year.
       It should not be lost on anyone that North Carolina’s higher ranking came because numerous other states made more arduous cuts to education than we have. The continued placement of North Carolina in the bottom ten ranking states in the nation for per pupil expenditures for education shows that our State continues to be a lower-investment state when it comes to K-12 education. 

Wake County CTE Teacher Receives National Recognition

Congratulations to Tracie Dunlap (Cary High, Wake County Schools) who was recently recognized as the 2012 North Carolina ProStart Educator of the Year. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ProStart Educator Excellence Awards recognize an exceptional educator from every state who utilizes the ProStart program in his/her classroom. ProStart is two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime and culminate with the student earning the National ProStart Certificate of Achievement credential. North Carolina has amazing educators.

NC CAP Leadership Institute

Do you ever wonder how to advocate for your program in your community, reaching out to businesses, elected officials, and community leaders?  Do you ever wish you had a network of peers with whom you could brainstorm challenges and work collectively to advance afterschool programming in your community?  Do you need CEUs (Continuing Education Units) for your career?  If so, the Leadership Institute is for you! 
     NC CAP is partnering with NC State University to conduct a year-long fellowship for afterschool providers, including directors, site coordinators, front-line staff, and administrators.  Sign up to be part of a network of your peers, develop leadership skills, and learn how to advocate for your afterschool program.  The requirement includes participation at SYNERGY, as well as participation in webinars throughout the year, and an at-home project over the course of the year. 
     The 2012 NC CAP Leadership Institute cohort will begin their classes during the SYNERGY Conference (April 15th – 18th, 2012, in Charlotte, NC). During the conference, participants will take part in 16 hours of dedicated program development seminars and workshops with one additional take-home assignment – a professional portfolio (approximately 30 hours of work is expected to be completed re: the portfolio by December 2012).  4.6 CEUs will be given to participants who complete the entire program. CEUs will be issued through the McKimmon Center, NC State University. 
     Complete the application packet and submit a writing sample and at least one (1) letter of recommendation from a current supervisor.  Click here for more information and the application for the Leadership Institute.

State Board Grants Calendar Waiver Requests

The State Board of Education wants to do what is best for LEAs as they continue the core business of educating our students.  At the March meeting, State Board members approved a motion granting authority to the State Superintendent to grant local districts waivers of up to five instructional days for the 2012-13 school year if the days are used for the following purposes:

-  provide additional professional development on Essential Standards and Common Core as described in your LEA or Charter School's approved Detailed Scope of Work under the Race to the Top initiative (Section B3), 

-  train teachers and staff on how to use digital devices to improve instruction, or

-  other targeted staff development with documented results that such training has enhanced student performance (ex.: Responsiveness to Instruction). 

Districts must submit waiver requests by April 30. Waiver requests for any other reason will be considered by the State Board of Education as long as they are submitted by April 30.

ACT Exams

 
For the first time, high school juniors in public and charter schools on Tuesday took the ACT college entrance exam under a state mandate. The state is using the test as a measuring stick in the state's new accountability system to be implemented this year. The scores will be one way of evaluating how well the state's high schools perform, and how North Carolina stacks up against other states. Students also can submit their ACT scores when they apply to college. The test contains four curriculum-based multiple-choice sections in English, math, reading and science. There also is a writing component.

Late last year, the State Board of Education approved the ACT as a requirement for high school juniors. State leaders have said the ACT was chosen in part because it includes a section on science. At least a half-dozen other states require the ACT, including Michigan, Illinois and Kentucky. The test is free for students, but it will cost the state $4.6 million this year. The state will pay for it through savings from eliminating a 10th grade writing test. The federal government allowed North Carolina to eliminate the 10th grade test, which had been required under the No Child Left Behind law. (Jane Stancill, THE NEWS & OBSERVER, 3/06/12).

State Board Meeting Highlights

At last week’s Board meeting, members approved Arts Education courses eligible for Honors Weight, Educator Effectiveness Policies, the Board’s 2012-13 Supplemental Budget request, 21^st Century Community Learning Center Grants, and School-Based Calendar Waiver Requests for Educational Purposes. Board members also approved a resolution reflecting the Board’s position on the importance of pre-K education, a motion stating the application of any “fast track” charter school that cannot open by its set starting date to be null and void, and a motion granting authority to the State Superintendent to grant districts waivers of up to five instructional days if the days are to be used for specific professional development. A summary of Board action items, in addition to the full agenda and executive materials, are available online at www.ncpublicschools.org/stateboard/meetings .

National News

MetLife Survey of the American Teacher: Teachers, Parents, and the Economy



As we continue this journey to greatness how can we stay the course and continue to grow as professionals and create growth in our students? Teachers are feeling overwhelmed and under paid yet, the expextations of this profession is not based on our feelings but on the success of our students. Thank you teachers for the passion that drives you to perform regardless of the hand you are dealt and the resources given. " Don't tell me your values show me your budget and I will show you your values "Joe Biden-

I thought I share a brief overview of the MetLife Survey with the fine teacher of this great state.The MetLife Survey of the American Teacher has been conducted annually since 1984 by Harris Interactive. The survey shares the voices of teachers and others close to the classroom with educators, policy makers, and the public. The survey examines the views of teachers, parents, and students about the teaching profession, parent and community engagement, and effects of the economy on teaching and learning in schools. A link to the full 130 page report of findings is posted below. Key findings of the report (arranged by topic) are as follows:

Teachers are less satisfied with their careers.

• Teacher job satisfaction has dropped 15 points since 2009, from 59% who were very satisfied to 44% who are very satisfied, the lowest level in over 20 years.
• The percentage of teachers who say they are very or fairly likely to leave the profession has increased by 12 points since 2009, from 17% to 29%.
• The percentage of teachers who do not feel their job is secure has grown since 2006 from eight percent to 34%.
• Majorities of parents and teachers say that public school teachers are treated as professionals by the community (71% of parents, 77% of teachers), that public school teachers’ health insurance benefits are fair for the work they do (63% of parents, 67% of teachers), and that public school teachers’ retirement benefits are fair for the work they do (60% of parents, 61% of teachers). 

The effects of the economic downturn are felt widely and deeply in education.

• Three-quarters (76%) of teachers report that their school’s budget decreased during the past year.
• Two-thirds (66%) of teachers report that their school has had layoffs of teachers or other staff, including 44% who report layoffs of classroom teachers. In addition, slightly more than half (53%) of teachers report reassignments of teachers and staff have increased during the past year.
• More than one-third (36%) of teachers report reductions or eliminations of programs in arts or music (23%), foreign language (17%) or physical education (12%) in the last year.
• A majority (63%) of teachers reports that class sizes have increased in the last year.

Parent/community engagement has increased but remains a challenge for many schools.  

• Most teachers (91%) and parents (80%) agree that their/their child’s school helps all parents understand what they can do at home to support a student’s success in school, and 83% of students agree that their teachers and parents work together to help them succeed in school.
  • However, the level of agreement declines for each group from elementary to middle to high school. Secondary school teachers (86% middle school, 88% high school) are less likely than elementary school teachers (93%) to agree that their school helps all parents understand what they can do at home to support a student’s success in school. Parents of high school students (69%) are less likely to agree that their child’s school helps all parents understand what they can do at home to support a student’s success in school than are parents of middle school (84%) or elementary school (86%) students. High school students (71%) and middle school students (89%) are less likely than elementary school students (96%) to agree that their parents and teachers are working together to help them succeed.

     Access the full 2011 survey report as well as previous editions by visiting the MetLife Survey of the American Teacher page on the MetLife Foundation website.

Education 'is a battle for the heart and soul of this state'

Governor Beverly Perdue, a Craven County Democrat, is one of the most successful campaigners in North Carolina history.  She has won every race “except one,” including two terms in the N.C. House, five terms in the N.C. Senate, two statewide bids for Lt. Governor, and her 2008 race against Treasurer Richard Moore for the Democratic Party nominee for governor.  She has declared that she will continue to rally for support for education. "I will not go away. There are going to be people in this state, until the day I die, who will continue this conversation with me about education," she said. "This is a battle for the heart and soul of this state." Don't tell me what you value show me your budget and I will show you your values"-Joe Biden
Perdue, a former teacher, plans to devote her final 11 months in office to press the legislature to pass a three-quarters of a cent sales tax hike for education. She said she has to remove herself from election politics to be an effective advocate for the children of North Carolina.
"This is not going to be something that's going to become a political wedge issue in a campaign," she said. "This is something I'm passionate about."
On Saturday night, at the Democratic Party's Sanford-Hunt-Frye dinner in Greensboro, Perdue made her first public appearance since announcing her decision. She was greeted warmly by a cheering, chanting audience that raised "We Love Bev" placards into the air and praised her tenacity in taking on the Republican leadership in the General Assembly. That relationship - between the Republican-controlled state legislature and the Democratic governor - has often been a contentious one, marked by frustration and anger.
Governor Beverly Perdue, a Craven County Democrat, is one of the most successful campaigners in North Carolina history.  She has won every race “except one,” including two terms in the N.C. House, five terms in the N.C. Senate, two statewide bids for Lt. Governor, and her 2008 race against Treasurer Richard Moore for the Democratic Party nominee for governor. 
http://www.wral.com/news/local/politics/video/10663575/#/vid10663575

National Conference Week-Dallas Texas

I am having a great time in Dallas-Smart Notebook 2011 Rocks!!! There are so many outstanding educators here that always put kids first. The wrap session tonight was entitled “How did I get here?” We had to tell our story and why we were AMAZING- It was so difficult because none of us thought we deserved the recognition or honor. Teacher after teacher highlighted students and other educators rather than us. Teachers have a servant spirit and our job is our passion and purpose. We make a difference!

The Next Step

I will begin this post by admitting I am little disappointed. The National Finalist was announced for the 2012 National Teacher of The Year on January 17, 2012 and North Carolina did not make the final four. I wasn’t sure how to tell this to the community that supported me and believed in me for this past year. After sending the first ten emails it got better. As responses began to fill my email each one reminded me of my purpose and duty whether a finalist or not. One email simply stated “Okay, so now continue your job and make a difference for the teachers of this great state.”  I gathered my thoughts, reflected on the year and began to plan the next phase of my journey.

On Monday Jan23, I spoke at ECU to the Teaching Fellows and in the process of meeting and greeting students one young lady with tears in her eyes thanked me for my words of inspiration and motivation. She needed the encouragement to stay in school. She shared that it has been a struggle to work and maintain all of her coursework. She told me that she now had a voice to listen to when times get hard. My voice, what a sobering thought that something I said could change a life’s course. That is the power of being a teacher, words make or break students daily.  Remember to speak life affirming messages.

Teacher Payment Changes

 The new year brings a number of changes in North Carolina law, some involving public schools. One significant change for teachers is the law change that ended the option of paying teachers an entire month’s pay in the August paycheck. Instead, as you know, local education agencies are required to pay only for time actually worked. This means the August paycheck for most teachers will be a fraction of what they are used to seeing. On the other end of the year, teachers will be receiving a check in June for time worked in that month. Most teachers are not used to receiving a check in June. The exception to this is teachers who work 11 or 12 months. 

   Several groups, including the State Board of Education, NC Department of Public Instruction, NC School Boards Association, NC Association of School Administrators and NC Association of Educators requested some technical corrections in the new law, but these were not made. So, for now, the only compliant option is to provide partial payment at the end of August (for days worked in August only) and full payment at the end of September (for all days worked in September).

   The new legal requirements do not allow the delay of teachers’ first payment until the end of September and will not result in any change in pay rates or annual amount of pay for teachers. Most of us use our first check and portions of all our checks to set up our classrooms, buy supplies and  live! How will this effect our classrooms? How will this effect new teachers? More part time jobs or career changes?

Information and Technology Toolkit

Are you in need of digital resources? Are you still not sure how to infuse information and technology esstenial standards in to your classroom. Good news!!!- A digital toolkit has been created to assist teachers in identifying information and technology resources, strategies, objectives and tools helpful in understanding essential standards, common core and professional standards. The toolkit, provides practical resources and ready-to-use techniques that help teachers build the relationships and teamwork needed to face the challenges of assessment, teaching and learning, and student-centered classrooms with success. This toolkit will be invaluable in providing guidance as teachers infuse information and technology essential standards into their classroom instruction.
http://informationtechnologytoolkit.ncdpi.wikispaces.net/,

STEM Announcements

The NCDPI in collaboration with NC STEM will host a STEM Webinar on Thursday, Jan. 26, from 10-11 a.m. The webinar will focus on a new service for North Carolina schools called the NC STEM Learning Network. This webinar is designed to elaborate on STEM tools, resources and professional development programs for schools, school systems and programs. To register, please visit https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/370399552
 After you register, you will receive an email message with participation instructions. For more information contact Tina Marcus at tina.marcus@dpi.nc.gov or 919/807-3423.

 The NCDPI is now accepting applications for schools and school systems interested in joining the NC STEM Learning Network. The NC STEM Learning Network’s purpose is to connect schools and school systems with national and state organizations committed to advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Network members will have access to best practices through technology tools, professional development opportunities, on-line convening’s and webinars.

   Application review process is now open. First round of application reviews are being accepted through March 1. Individual schools or school systems can apply at www.ncstem.org/

   The NCDPI is working with the NC STEM and other partners to develop and manage the NC STEM Learning Network. For additional information, contact Rebecca Payne at rebecca.payne@dpi.nc.gov or Tina Marcus at tina.marcus@dpi.nc.gov.

2012 Intel Schools of Distinction Awards

Does your school demonstrate 21^st century teaching and learning environments that promote excellence in math and science? Then you will want to enter the 2012 Intel Schools of Distinction Awards where they could win up to a $25,000 cash grant from the Intel Foundation and more than $100,000 in products and services from program award sponsors. Six winners will be selected – two from each grade range (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12) – in each of the two categories of math and science. Don’t miss this opportunity to apply at www.intel.com/about/corporateresponsibility/education/soda/index.htm 
 The application deadline is Feb. 23.

Today's Highlight: Scaling Success

Excellence in Education:NC New School Project/Duplin County district-wide pilot approach to Career and College Promise; extending early college high school strategies to traditional schools in rural, low-income communities; regional schools and STEM networks linked to economic development. Is powerful teaching and learning, personalization, and support for teachers and administrators the examples of key elements that consistently result in graduating all students ready for college and careers? Can this model offer the greatest promise to transform school districts and communities?

Food For Thought: Race to the Top

The US Department of Education issued its first Race to the Top State Specific reports tracking the progress of each of the 12 recipients of these federal grants. North Carolina’s report notes that we made significant progress toward raising standards with the adoption of the Common Core and Essential Standards, have substantially increased our professional development support for you and your colleagues and are working to better leverage technology tools to support teaching and learning. Without these funds, which continue into 2014, our agenda to reform the state’s public school system and to continue innovating and improving for our students would have been slowed to a crawl or to a complete stop given the state’s budget situation. If you would like to see North Carolina’s report, please visit the Department’s Race to the Top website at www.ncpublicschools.org/rttt.

With North Carolina winning a second round of RttT funding, how does this affect the state of education in North Carolina?  Is this the answer to our educational woes or another passing fad?

You Never Know

You never know when someone
might catch a dream from you.
You never know when a little word
or something that you might do,
May open up a window
or a mind that seeks the light.

The way you teach may not matter at all,
but you never know, it might.

And just in case it could be
that another's life through you
might change for the better
with a broader, brighter view.
It seems it might be worth a try
to do what you know is right.

The way you teach may not matter at all,
but you never know, it might.

Food For Thought: NCAE and the Legislature

The conflict in Raleigh between NCAE and the Legislature has taken a new turn.  With a late night vote, the legislature overrode a Perdue veto of Senate Bill 727.  Many people think this was a conspiracy against the NCAE and others feel that this was a needed action.  Many educators across the state vow to fight this action.  What does this conflict say about the state of education in North Carolina?  

My Thoughts: Believe

Wow I can’t believe that this journey began two years ago. I owe this adventure to my students who have inspired me. Each day I enter my building to achieve the impossible and to be the variable that matters. We as educators are reminded daily of the lack of resources, materials and the public’s perception of education.  Yet I get to spend my days with the most amazing students that need ME not excuses.

So with or without funding, applause, or legislative support, I will rise to the occasion and educate my students. I know that the difference between success and failure for our students is often an effective teacher. I am a testament that teachers that believe in their students make all the difference. Mrs. Martin and Mrs. DeVane were my believers they came early and stayed late excuses were not accepted and the expectations were never compromised.  

 According to Peter Drucker human capital is the most valuable asset of any company.  That being said it is obvious that teachers are the most valuable asset in the school. The shift needed in education to recognize this will have to be made by us while we serve on the front line.