TEACHERS' MESSAGES 2007

MARCH 22, 2007 - Teachers' Biweekly Message

I want to thank all of you for your patience with the severe weather drill last week. I know that it came in the same week as the state writing tests and many other activities that were very important to you and your students. None of us ever wants to see severe weather affecting our schools, but it is crucial that we prepare and ready our students for responding as safely as possible. I know that our professional interest is in student learning and accomplishment, but safety also has to be a top priority for our schools.

Regards,
June Atkinson

In this Biweekly Teachers' Message:

1. North Carolina Ranks Among Top Two States for Pre-K Programs
2. Elementary Educators' Association Announces Call for Proposals
3. The "Power of K" Day
4. Focus Groups Scheduled on Proposed Standards for North Carolina Teachers
5. NBPTS Assessment Center Tutorial
6. Nominations Being Accepted for "Power of One" Awards
7. Instructions for Claiming Educator Expense Deduction

North Carolina Ranks Among Top Two States for Pre-K Programs

Gov. Mike Easley last week announced that the state's More at Four pre-kindergarten program was one of only two in the nation (Alabama had the other) to meet all 10 quality standards developed by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). NIEER ranked states' preschool programs on early learning standards, teacher degrees, teacher specialized training, assistant teacher degrees, continuing professional development requirements, maximum class size, staff-child ratios, screening, referral and support services, meals and monitoring procedures. The rankings were published in "The State of Preschool 2006: State Preschool Yearbook" released by NIEER, a research institute based at Rutgers University.

Elementary Educators' Association Announces Call for Proposals

The North Carolina Association of Elementary Educators has announced a Call for Proposals for its Fourth Annual Elementary School Conference, "Leading the Way: Preparing Lifelong Learners." The conference will be held Oct. 8-9 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Conference Center, Research Triangle Park. Call for Proposals can be accessed online at www.ncelementary.org. For more information, please contact Michelle Palmer Weaver via email at conferencechair@ncelementary.org.

The "Power of K" Day

As a result of a Zoomerang Survey of North Carolina teachers and administrators in November 2006, the NCDPI's Primary Team is partnering with the NC Association for the Education of Young Children to present "The Power of K" Day during its upcoming annual conference in Greensboro in September. The survey results found that the majority of responding educators were interested in attending a special Saturday Kindergarten track at this conference. The regular conference will begin on Friday, Sept. 14, and end with the "Power of K" Day on Saturday, Sept. 15. Other great kindergarten sessions will be offered during the regular session as well. For more information, please contact Eva Phillips, Primary Education K-2, NCDPI, 919.807.3850, or by email ephillip@dpi.state.nc.us.

Focus Groups Scheduled on Proposed Standards for North Carolina Teachers

The North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards Commission invites educators to attend focus group meetings being held around the state to provide input into "Standards for North Carolina Teachers." The proposed Standards are aligned with the 2006 mission and goals of the NC State Board of Education and focus on 21st century skills and knowledge. What students need to know and be able to do is changing. How does this affect what teachers need to know and be able to do? Join members of the Commission as they discuss this topic. For session locations, please go online to http://www.ncptsc.org. If you cannot attend any of the sessions, the standards are available online at the above Web address and comments can be submitted via email to Carolyn McKinney, Executive Director of the NC Professional Teaching Standards Commission, at cmckinney@dpi.state.nc.us. All comments need to be received by April 24.

NBPTS Assessment Center Tutorial

National Board candidates should be aware of the "new and improved" Assessment Center Tutorial now available on the NBPTS Web site at http://www.nbpts.org/for_candidates/assessment/prepare_for_your_appoint by clicking on the appropriate link. The tutorial helps prepare candidates for the assessment center testing experience by helping them become familiar with the testing software's "look and feel" and key features.

Nominations Being Accepted for Power of One Awards

North Carolina citizens can nominate a volunteer, organization or corporation that has demonstrated contributions of time and/or resources to educational efforts in North Carolina to receive The H. Glenn Williams Power of One Awards. The Awards, which are sponsored by Progress Energy, will be presented at the 5th Annual NC Education Ball scheduled for June 16 at the Progress Energy Center for Performing Arts, Raleigh. In addition to receiving a unique memento for being selected, a $1,000 contribution will be made in the recipient's name to the charity of their choice. Nominations must be received by April 6. For a nomination form or additional information, please go online to www.ncedball.org/power_of_one.pdf or contact Kristin Hicks at 919.846.3589.

Instructions for Claiming Educator Expense Deduction

The Educator Expense Deduction reinstated by Congress is not included in this year's Internal Revenue Service (IRS) printed tax forms. This means that to claim the $250 deduction for out-of-pocket classroom expenses, educators will need to follow special instructions issued by the IRS - or to file their tax returns electronically, which the IRS recommends. The IRS has drawn up special instructions for claiming this credit, which are available online at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=165640,00.html.

 

If you'd like to review past Teachers' Biweekly Messages sent to the listserv group, just go online to http://www.ncpublicschools.org/teachersarchive/.