TEACHERS' MESSAGES 2009
TEACHERS' MESSAGES 2009MARCH 12, 2009 - Teachers' Biweekly Messages
In April, President Barack Obama will introduce the nation to the new National Teacher of the Year and there's a chance that North Carolina's Teacher of the Year Cindi Rigsbee will be the name he announces. Rigsbee is one of the four finalists for the national honor, sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers. North Carolina has had three previous national winners: Donna Oliver from Burlington in 1987, Ruby Murchison from Fayetteville in 1976, and James Rogers from Durham in 1972. I wish Cindi good luck in the final selection round, and hope we'll hear her name announced in April!
Regards,
June Atkinson
In this Biweekly Teachers' Message:
State Board Meeting Highlights
At last week's Board meeting, members welcomed new Board member and Chairman Dr. Bill Harrison, who also will serve as CEO, and approved locating the 4th Regional Alternative Licensure Center in Catawba County and a proposal to allow the North Carolina Virtual Public School to request lateral entry licenses for teachers of critical languages. Members discussed the 2009 invitation to submit textbooks for evaluation and adoption in North Carolina, revised eligibility requirements for provisional licensing in school counseling and school social work, and allowing retest results in the calculation of performance composites of the ABCs and AYP. Staff members were asked to explore the possibility of retesting only Level II students. Board members also received a consolidated data report containing information on school crime and violence, suspensions and expulsions and dropout rates and crimes. Board highlights are posted online at www.ncpublicschools.org/sbehighlights.
Final Message from 2008-09 AT&T NC Teacher of the Year
I began my day in Washington, D.C., with a brisk walk to the Council of Chief State School Officers building. I was headed to an interview and press conference as part of the National Teacher of the Year selection process, and just as I approached the building, I looked back over my shoulder and caught a glimpse of the Capitol. I thought about the honor of walking in this place and representing North Carolina teachers. Later in the afternoon, a Senate press representative would ask me how it feels to be North Carolina's Teacher of the Year. I answered by saying, "The words you always hear...humbled and honored...aren't even close to the way I feel every time I'm introduced and hear 'North Carolina Teacher of the Year.'" There are no words! With that in mind, I think of you, my colleagues in the classrooms of our state, as we enter the "sap is rising" season of our school year. With warmer weather comes fidgety kids and restless adults who see the promise of summer after those looming end of year tests. And although the light at the end of the tunnel may seem far off, soon another year of watching children grow - physically and academically - will be behind us. Thank you for continuing to teach with a sense of urgency and purpose while making thousands of meaningful decisions every day that impact the lives of children. Again, I am honored beyond words to represent you. Cindi Rigsbee, At&T North Carolina Teacher of the Year 2008- 09
LEARN NC Offers Professional Development Opportunities
LEARN NC is offering an online professional development course entitled "Facilitating Online Collaboration - Carolina Online Teacher Program." The course helps teachers develop strategies and practice the skills required to facilitate good online communication, moderate onli ne discussion, and promote better accomplishment of instructional goals within the virtual classroom. The course begins April 1, costs $150, and teachers can earn 2 CEUs. To enroll or for more information, please visit www.learnnc.org/courses/current/FOC_04_09_Bennett.
LEARN NC also is offering "Getting Ready for Algebra by Using Virtual Manipulatives." In this online course, teachers will explore the 17 algebra readiness indicators developed by the Southern Regional Education Board and the Educational Testing Service, including the five process indicators and the 12 content and skills indicators. By the end of the course, teachers will complete a technology- enhanced classroom project for students that is aligned to NCTM and state standards. The course begins April 27, costs $150, and provides two CEUs. To enroll or for more information, please visit www.learnnc.org/courses/current/eLEReadyAlgebra_Hunter_04_09.
"Love the Bus" 2009
Schools across North Carolina participated in "Love the Bus" last month and celebrated the important work of school bus drivers safely transporting over 700,000 students to and from school each day. Pictures of this event are available online at www.ncbussafety.org.
America's Greenest School
The IC Corporation is sponsoring an essay contest for K-12 students that could lead to a new hybrid school bus for their school. Students are to write a 500-word essay describing how his or her school is showing its commitment to going green, how it teaches its students the value of green living, how it shows it dedication to green transportation, or how it embodies the spirit of a greener planet. Details are available online at www.americasgreenestschool.com. The entry deadline is April 30 after which ten finalist essays will be posted for public voting. A related story on this contest can be found on USA Today's Web site at http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-02-22-bus-contest_N.htm. If you have any questions, please contact NCDPI Transportation Services Section Chief Derek Graham at dgraham@dpi.state.nc.us or 919.807.3570.
If you'd like to review past Teachers' Biweekly Messages sent to the listserv group, just go online to http://www.ncpublicschools.org/teachersarchive/.