He's writing a memoir. Not sure what history he thinks he has made in public service. He hasn't completed a single term in office, created polarizing initiatives such as the indoctrination police in public schools, and spent more time on paid speaking engagements than most seasoned politicians. Yet a recent report from WRAL.com about an … Continue reading When NC’s Walking Contradiction Of A Lt. Gov. Actually Proves We Need To Teach As Much Science And Social Studies As Possible (Even In Elementary School)

The above was a graphic proudly shown on the Sen. Phil Berger-enabled propaganda website  www.ncteacherraise.com about three years ago. The link to that site no longer works that well. There were a lot of “spun” numbers and claims on that website which were easily debunked with more context and clarity. But that value amount for the … Continue reading Local Supplements For Teachers Mean More Than You May Think (& Raleigh Knows That)

The GOP-led NC legislature’s 2013 decision to end graduate degree pay bumps for new teachers entering the teaching profession was not only misguided, but another wave in the assault on public education that continues here in the Old North State. And the very person who has influenced more policy on public education since 2013, Sen. … Continue reading Graduate Degrees Do Matter & NC Should Restore Graduate Degree Pay

What else do you need to know? From this week's PEPSC Budget & Compensation subcommittee where a vote was held about recommending the restoration of graduate degree pay for teachers since 2013 and forward. This is what happens when you are married to a horrible pay proposal and also have a hard time not just … Continue reading What Our State Super Thinks Of Graduate Degree Pay

In some school systems such as mine, all seats for the school board are up for grabs in this next election. Possibly nine new members could be leading the school system come next calendar year. The field for the WSFCS school board elections before primaries was 28 strong. If you really looked at the platforms … Continue reading Just A Reminder That Righteous & Reactionary Anger Is Not The Best Qualification To Run For School Board

The Economic Policy Institute releases a report every year that tracks what is called the "teacher pay penalty." What is that? EPI says it occurs when teachers "are paid less (in weekly wages and total compensation) than their nonteacher college-educated counterparts, and the situation has worsened considerably over time. And NC doesn't fare well. The … Continue reading Do You Know What NC’s Teacher Pay Penalty Is?

In late July, over 50 business leaders filed a statement urging the NC Supreme to back a judge’s order to fund the Leandro plan. The list of signers included leaders associated with the state Chamber of Commerce. Here’s a twitter feed from Keung Hui, the education reporter from the News & Observer when that amicus brief … Continue reading The NC Chamber Of Commerce Is No Friend Of Public Education In This State

Here's the formula: 1. Defund Teacher Pay Kept Well Below National AverageLess Money Spent per Pupil When Adjusted For Inflation Frozen Salaries For Years 15-24Ignorance of LEANDRO DecisionBudget Taking Three Years To Pass 2. Attack Removal of Due-Process Rights Graduate Degree Pay Bumps Removed Retiree Health Benefits Removed For New TeachersPush for Merit Pay and Bonus Pay Removal of Longevity Pay Attacks on … Continue reading The Formula To Privatize Public Education In North Carolina

Might want to read this one by Justin Parmenter on his blog Notes From the Chalkboard: What Parmenter's post reminds veteran teachers is that we 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 … Continue reading “At” The Table or “On” the Menu: Once Again DPI Showing It Does Not Want To Listen To Teachers