There has not been a definitive count offered concerning the number of teachers who called out "sick" or used a personal day this past Friday and Monday as part of the recent "NC Teacher Walkout." Driven mostly by social media, it is hard to even gauge overall interest in participating, much less ascertain who actually … Continue reading Teachers Anonymous?

As a teacher in this school system, I have been not only encouraged by the outpouring of support from the community and business leaders, but have been reaffirmed by many people's willingness to help find solutions to the financial obstacles. Here is a case in point: However, what the public sees in this dynamic mix … Continue reading The Debts That WSFCS Can Never Repay

Ironic that the very people who are stopping the passing of a new budget in North Carolina have the time to go to Washington during the longest federal government shutdown in history for a photo opportunity. Or maybe not. See you, Tricia Cotham.

Not long ago (2014) , teachers who served the state for at least ten years would receive what was called “longevity” pay as part of their commitment to public schools. In fact, all full-time state employees receive this – or did. Teachers no longer get it. In the long session of 2014, the NC General … Continue reading As We Wait For A New Budget, Remember That Teachers Used To Receive Longevity Pay

From the North Carolina Health and Human Services Department: Just a quick look at one of those items: How many of those children are in our public schools?

Note: October's numbers were little late this time because of government shutdown delays in reporting for a couple of indexes. The most current numbers for the following: SNAP Recipients Average Gas Price Average Milk Price Average Egg Prices Average Bread Price Average Beef Price Consumer Confidence Presidential Approval Rating Federal Interest Rate Dow Jones Index … Continue reading October 2025- Numbers To Consider

Remember that when the NC General Assembly wants to declare that the average teacher pay in North Carolina is a certain amount, they are not basing it on what the state base pay is. That average is counting on local supplements that have to be raised by local means. And not all localities provide the … Continue reading Notice Anything Different About Your State Health Plan Premiums?

Social media can be a wonderful tool for communicating and sharing information. It can also be the first place to spew vitriol and emotional outbursts without considering context and whole picture. The number of educators and advocates who have gone to Facebook, Twitter, and other popular outlets calling for immediate action and/or blaming existing organizations … Continue reading Are You A Teacher Who Wants To Do Something About How The State Treats Public Education? Then Plan AND ORGANIZE!

It should be on billboards. And just remember the very bills he has introduced and championed. Here's one that seems to contradict what he is quoted to have said about the new gerrymandered maps. "Balanced political discussions?"

Union County has a local supplement for its teachers and administrators that is lower than the state average. The suburban county (next to Charlotte) is having a problem paying a supplement increase that was promised to them. Remember that the state has not passed its new budget. So, this has happened. Union County is a … Continue reading A Cautionary Tale From Union County