When public education has to defend itself against the state’s General Assembly in order to function effectively, those in government should reassess their priorities as elected officials. Take for instance the political cartoon published in the Winston-Salem Journal on July 9, 2015 which parodies the iconic advertisement for the movie Jaws. It brilliantly depicts the NC Legislature as … Continue reading Over 7,400 NC Teacher Assistants Lost Since 2008 – Why We Should Vote Pro-Public Education in November

One of the better political cartoons of 2019 came from Dennis Draughon at Capitol Broadcasting. It represented a Thanksgiving dinner where teachers and schools are sitting at a smaller table waiting to see what they will be given after everything was carved out for corporations and political interests. Sen. Phil Berger threw a wishbone to … Continue reading Before Someone Claims That “We Will Have To Raise Taxes On People To Fully Fund NC Schools,” Tell Him To Consider These Measures First

On October 8th in a meeting with others on the State Board of Education, Lt. Gov. Dan Forest called for the full reopening of all school sin North Carolina. From today's News & Observer: Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Forest tried Thursday to persuade the State Board of Education to give all North Carolina public schools … Continue reading “Of Course We Should Reopen All Schools!” – Dan Forest’s Six-Point Lesson Plan

Let us praise great middle school and high school coaches. If you teach long enough in the public schools, you will be fortunate enough to come across some great individuals who coach sports teams all the while teaching these very players lessons of life and success even in the wake of defeat. And I want … Continue reading Let Us Praise Great High School Coaches

When the GOP won control of both houses in the North Carolina General Assembly in the elections of 2010, it was the first time that the Republicans had that sort of power since 1896. Add to that the election of Pat McCrory as governor in 2012, and the GOP has been able to run through … Continue reading As We Get Ready To Vote, Just Remember This Is What Phil Berger and His Cronies Have Done to NC’s Public School System Since 2011

If you believe that an ALEC-aligned (American Legislative Executive Council) lawmaker in North Carolina will ever want to work with a union or organization that is trying to advocate for the vitality of public schools, then you are mistaken. And there are many of them. Take a look at this timeline. That timeline is filled with … Continue reading This Election Cycle Is About Social & Racial Issues – That Makes Supporting Public Schools Critical

“I don’t believe in systemic racism."-Mark Robinson, candidate for Lt. Governor To be exact, those words are within this larger context from a virtual debate between Robinson and his opponent, Democrat Yvonne Holly aired by Spectrum News on Sept. 19th. “I don’t believe in systemic racism. I don’t believe that systemic racism would allow two … Continue reading Someone Who Denies Systemic Racism Should Not Be On The State Board Of Education

Last December many teachers across the state have received a campaign letter from Lt. Dan Forest concerning his “record” on public education. It was a “response” to Gov. Cooper’s earlier letter about education spending and teacher pay. So why did Forest send this letter? He’s hoping that teachers will forget what the NCGA that he … Continue reading Remembering The Glaring Falsehoods In Lt. Gov. Dan Forest’s December, 2019 Letter To Teachers

"While imperfect, our school letter grade system has proven an invaluable tool. It’s brought to light schools that have been mired in generational failure, giving us the ability to address the problems and better serve students. Schools need an evaluation system. The best method is to let parents and families hold schools accountable themselves by … Continue reading What Dan Forest Said About The NC School Performance Grading System

So, what is the market rate for a good chemistry teacher, Mrs. Truitt? One would have to ask that question of the candidate for state superintendent after some comments she made in a recent candidates' discussion with the Public Schools Forum of NC. “A principal would say oh, I cannot find a chemistry teacher. But … Continue reading Imagine A First Year Chemistry Teacher Making Much More Than A Veteran English Teacher. This State Superintendent Candidate Can.