After last week's well-publicized open microphone comments by Republicans in their caucus gathering, the N.C. Association of Educators today shot back with an invitation to House Speaker Thom Tillis to meet with teachers on Wednesday to talk about the Republican-authored budget's impact on children.
NCAE President Sheri Strickland said she was disheartened to hear of Tillis' threat in the caucus to ban payroll deductions by teachers for association dues, she wrote, "as political retribution for not supporting your budget."
She said she was shocked to read about Tillis' comment at the GOP convention over the weekend, when he stated that NCAE members don't care about kids or classrooms.
"Respectfully, nothing could be further from the truth and such comments and actions are not in line with the values of our educators or the dignity of your position," Strickland wrote.
Strickland pointed out that North Carolina has dropped to 46th in the nation in per pupil spending. She wrote that the Republican budget makes drastic cuts to early childhood education, professional development programs, at-risk student programs and resources to improve teacher effectiveness.
"It is apparent to the public that this legislature is determined to privatize our public school system at a time when resources are so desperately needed in the classroom," she wrote.
She asked Tillis to come to the NCAE center on Wednesday for a discussion about the impact of the cuts.
She said the teachers group would provide "a chalk board and ample chalk to share our concerns."
Document(s):
NCAE letter to Tillis.pdf
Comments
Strong Words
June 6, 2011 - 6:10pm — BurlHarleyIt may be true that Thom Tillis should not have said what he said, but it is entirely true. He was not referring to the teachers across the state that do care about the students and productivity in the classroom. He was talking about the NCAE, the organization, not the members. This organization exemplifies everything that is wrong with a union because that's what it is. It is a horrible organization that should not exists in its current form.
The alarmist tactics they use are right in line with union organizations throughout. They tout great catastrophe and fire up the members with lies. Yet, what will actually happen? Nothing. The sky is not falling and the kids are only limited by themselves and their parents. Teachers will still be there, all of them under this budget, the doors will still be open, and things will continue to operate.
It is not wise to throw more money into our schools when there are only small portions of the population that are not performing. Instead of mongering fear in the public and inciting riotous feelings in the teachers, look for ways to better develop your members professionally and involve the parents. After all, education starts at home and students with bad parents will overwhelmingly be no better.