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.