You can be either “at” the table or “on” the table. For teachers in North Carolina, there are many other prepositions that could identify the relationship between the legislation process and teacher input such as “under” the table, “without” a place at the table, or “behind” the table. As a veteran public school teacher, when … Continue reading “At” The Table or “On” the Menu: Reclaiming a Voice As Teachers in Public School Policy

Dear Rep. Horn, I recently came across this tweet you offered this past Ides of March and wanted to  inquire on its meaning and context as well as offer a veteran teacher's point of view. First, what sunshine are you referring to? And what gold are you referring to? If these are your metaphors for … Continue reading Dear Rep. Horn, You Might Need to Clarify Your Tweet About Public Ed in NC

The "average" salary for a North Carolina teacher has been reported to be over $53,000. Mark Johnson claims that number. The leaders of the NCGA claim it. Many people who argue that teachers already make enough as it is with all of those "historic" raises claim it. Here is the newest salary schedule. So how … Continue reading How the State “Steals and Spends” Local Supplements

The state superintendent now has the power to send messages to all teachers through PowerSchool, the Pearson product used by the state to manage student data on almost all variables: grades, attendance, testing, etc. This message appeared to teachers on March 21st. And while it may have presented some platitudes, reading it and reflecting on … Continue reading About Mark Johnson’s Last Letter to Teachers

(1) General and uniform system: term. The General Assembly shall provide by taxation and otherwise for a general and uniform system of free public schools, which shall be maintained at least nine months in every year, and wherein equal opportunities shall be provided for all students.  – NC State Constitution. There is one thing that the … Continue reading Despite What Berger, Moore, and Johnson Say, They Actually Fear A Well-Educated General Public

North Carolina has over 7400 fewer teacher assistants than it did ten years ago. Let me repeat: North Carolina has over 7400 fewer teacher assistants than it did ten years ago. Senate Bill 329 would tremendously help fix that. When study after study published by leading education scholars preach that reaching students early in their academic … Continue reading NCGA Should Pass SB329 Because Over 7,400 NC Teacher Assistants Lost Since 2008 is Not Reform.

Every year on March 21, the Down Syndrome International sponsors for the world community a WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY. You can read more about it here: https://worlddownsyndromeday.org/. The date is a direct reference to genetic condition known as Trisomy 21 (three #21 chromosomes) which is commonly known as Down Syndrome. But Malcolm does not think much … Continue reading Malcolm’s Wish For World Down Syndrome Day (3/21)

North Carolina has over 45 colleges and universities that offer teacher educator programs. In fact, you can find that information on DPI’s website: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/epp/approved/. Fifteen of them are public institutions. Here’s a map. Many of these colleges and universities offer multiple degrees in areas in education. And here is the contact information for each of … Continue reading Pass HB 408 – The Teaching Fellows Program Should be In ALL NC Public Institutions

If one thing is for certain, North Carolina’s school performance grades are a confirmation that student poverty levels have so much to do with how schools perform. Those performance grades also help to fuel “reform” efforts. EdNC.org released a new version of its Data Dashboard last year that allows users to filter for different variables … Continue reading 50% Growth & 50% Achievement? Keep the 15 Point Scale? What The Current Bills Concerning School Performance Grades Really Say