Mark Johnson’s “Mad as Hell!” – The State Superintendent’s Feigned Twisted Sister Moment

Mark Johnson is “mad as hell” and “he’s not gonna test it anymore!” At least that is what he says in his latest op-ed posted by EdNC.org entitled “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not gonna test it anymore!" Two years into an enabled term as the least qualified state superintendent in NC’s history and … Continue reading Mark Johnson’s “Mad as Hell!” – The State Superintendent’s Feigned Twisted Sister Moment

About Mark Johnson’s Vision of “Personalized Instruction” in North Carolina and the Need to Invest in PEOPLE

“At DPI, we want to transform our education system to one that uses 21st century best practices so students and educators have access to unique learning experiences personalized for their individual needs and aspirations.” – Mark Johnson from “North Carolina Public Schools Accelerating into 2018” in December of 2017 on EdNC.org. In 2018 we saw a … Continue reading About Mark Johnson’s Vision of “Personalized Instruction” in North Carolina and the Need to Invest in PEOPLE

Fewer Questions? Shorter Tests? No Proctors? And Some Serious Questions.

It was welcome to hear that there is an effort to reduce testing in public schools. Mark Johnson released a statement today regarding testing. As reported in today's News & Observer: State Schools Superintendent Mark Johnson announced this week several changes that the state Department of Public Instruction will make for testing this school year that he … Continue reading Fewer Questions? Shorter Tests? No Proctors? And Some Serious Questions.

When Your State Superintendent Won’t “Rally”‘ For Public Schools

It is the right of every American to come together and peacefully speak out for an issue. What someone rallies for speaks for their interests and values. When a lawmaker or an elected official attends a rally, it can show his priorities and his loyalties. Take North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Schools Mark Johnson … Continue reading When Your State Superintendent Won’t “Rally”‘ For Public Schools

Teachers, Ask Verizon to Keep REMIND 101 Free for Teachers, Students, and Parents

One of the more valuable ways that I can send messages to students and parents is through a service called Remind 101. It allows me to create "classes" and alert all who are in that class about assignments, changes in scheduling, and activities. Most students carry with them their smartphones and respond more quickly to … Continue reading Teachers, Ask Verizon to Keep REMIND 101 Free for Teachers, Students, and Parents

What Los Angeles Teachers Are Fighting For is What NC Teachers Are Fighting For

If you did not know, UTLA (the United Teachers of Los Angeles) will be going on strike starting tomorrow. And like the "strikes" that happened in West Virginia, Arizona, and Oklahoma and the march in North Carolina, the issue isn't really all about teacher pay - it's about funding schools fully. Dr. Diane Ravitch posted … Continue reading What Los Angeles Teachers Are Fighting For is What NC Teachers Are Fighting For

Teachers Advocated for Public Schools in 2018, Just Like in 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014….And We Can Do More in 2019.

NCAE formed in 1970. Almost 50 years strong. NCAE Memberships and drives. Sit-ins and Walk-ins. Decline to Sign. Court Cases Won on Behalf of public teachers. We ❤ Public Schools. Wearing Red on Wednesdays. Students Deserve More March. Moral Mondays. Rallies. 2016 Election for a pro-public education governor. May 16th. Op-eds. Blogs. 2018 Elections to … Continue reading Teachers Advocated for Public Schools in 2018, Just Like in 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014….And We Can Do More in 2019.

Raleigh, Permanently Fix Class Size Chaos and Stop Using Our Students As Political Pawns

Remember last February? That's when a “fix” for the class size mandate was “agreed” upon by both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly that was presented as a welcome outcome. On the surface, it was a victory for parents, advocates, and schools in that the mandate will be pushed back for a while and … Continue reading Raleigh, Permanently Fix Class Size Chaos and Stop Using Our Students As Political Pawns

Sen. Berger, Stop Trying To Copy Jeb Bush’s Failed Education Reforms

The recent report to the State Board of Education this week once again proved to our state that the Read to Achieve initiative championed by Phil Berger has failed to do what it was promoted to do. Kris Nordstrom sums it up best from a report posted yesterday. In October, researchers from NC State’s Friday … Continue reading Sen. Berger, Stop Trying To Copy Jeb Bush’s Failed Education Reforms

About that “Most public employee teachers are in these positions because they lack the talent to compete in the private sector” comment…

The Charlotte Observer and News & Observer ran a piece on teacher voices this week called "How North Carolina's teachers are making their voices heard." It highlights just a few of the thousands of people who have advocated for public schools here in NC this past year. It is by no means even a hint … Continue reading About that “Most public employee teachers are in these positions because they lack the talent to compete in the private sector” comment…