NBI Reports
2025 NBIs
NBI # A
The Board requests that NCAE members across the state join NEA members, other unions, and allied community organizations across the country for varied actions on May 1 that center our vision for a healthy, multiracial working-class-led democracy in contrast to the racist, pro-billionaire agenda of the Trump administration AND the political leadership of our state’s General Assembly. We will mobilize our members and public school supporters to hold “show-not-tell” demonstrations and mass phone calls to decision-makers that highlight the stories of our students, parents, and coworkers in as many NC Congressional districts as we can.
In addition to applying pressure to federal-level officials, we will also pressure state and local elected leaders to stand with us and provide necessary funding to protect and restore democracy in our communities and a great public education system across our state. Each event across the state will connect the effects of recent federal action with the last two decades of harmful state legislation and make demands for investment in our schools and communities from each level of government.
Here we aim to impact the following:
- The mainstream media narrative about how federal cuts to education and decades of state cuts to education have paved the way for more suffering;
- Our state’s Congressional delegation, by putting pressure on them in their home communities to halt these attacks on public education;
- Each local’s General Assembly delegation, by putting pressure on them in their home communities to make massive investments that reverse our state’s abandonment of public schools and mitigate the harm of federal cuts;
- Elected leaders on school boards and county commissions, by inviting them to join us in advocating for our needs together, and increasing local funding to fill gaps;
- The sense of hope and fighting spirit of our coworkers and communities.
Submitted by: Bryan Proffitt on behalf of the NCAE Board of Directors
Seconded by: Tamika Walker Kelly
Q1 Report
On May 1, 2025, NCAE members joined with students, parents, colleagues, and community allies in creative actions across the state. May Day events were held in Asheville, Brevard, Bryson City, Burnsville, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Davidson, Durham, Franklin, Greensboro, Greenville, Hendersonville, High Point, Hillsborough, Lexington, Morrisville, Oak Island, Raleigh, Shelby, Sylva, and Winston-Salem.
Working with pro-labor partners, these efforts were organized under the “Stop the Billionaire Agenda” theme. The event in Greensboro directly targeted US Senator Thom Tillis and the Greenville event targeted US Rep. Greg Murphy.
A follow-up meeting with May Day participants was held on May 7 and generated phone calls to North Carolina’s Congressional delegation.
NBI # 1
The 2025 representative assembly requests that the NCAE Board of Directors and NCAE Staff prioritize and advocate for a legislative initiative urging the North Carolina General Assembly to establish dedicated funding for a paid student teaching program.
Submitted by: Anna Buckley
Seconded by: Rita Jackson-Gilbert
Q1 Report
NCAE Board of Directors assigned responsibility for this NBI to the Government Relations department. Plans have been made to include this initiative in NCAE’s 2026 legislative priorities.
NBI # 2
The 2025 NCAE Representative Assembly requests that the NCAE Division of Principals and Administrators be represented in the NCAE Legislative Agenda when advocacy goals for the year are decided. Given their critical role in leading schools, implementing policies, and advocating for students and staff, it is essential that their perspectives and needs be represented in NCAE’s policy agenda.
Submitted by: Anthony Whitaker and Julio Morales
Seconded by: Dr. Michael Putney
Q1 Report
NCAE Board of Directors assigned responsibility for this NBI to the Government Relations department. NCAE will include job classifications in member surveys and will engage the divisions in sending surveys to its members.
NBI # 3
The NCAE 2025 Representative Assembly requests that NCAE utilize the WELL Center to develop additional sessions for the Professional Development catalog. These items should focus on topics of interest for school administrators and principals, as identified by the results of the division member survey.
Submitted by: Anthony Whitaker and Julio Morales
Seconded by: Dr. Michael Putney
Q1 Report
NCAE Board of Directors assigned responsibility for this NBI to the Government Relations department. The division member survey is underway.
NBI # 4
The 2025 NCAE Representative Assembly requests that NCAE develop a webinar series and/or additional resources or best practice guidelines for all members focused on school safety, crisis management, and discipline, including an overview of current laws and policies.
Submitted by: Anthony Whitaker and Julio Morales
Seconded by: Dr. Michael Putney
Q1 Report
NCAE Board of Directors assigned responsibility for this NBI to the Advocacy department.
NBI # 6
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests that childcare services be available to all delegates NCAE Convention. Delegates must request childcare in a timely manner during the delegate registration period.
Submitted by: Charlesa Peoples
Seconded by: Christina Cole
Q1 Report
The NCAE Board of Directors assigned the responsibility for this NBI to Governance. NCAE is in touch with the convention site and hotel, as well as our regular child care provider. A determination will be made about the costs and feasibility of childcare at this year’s convention.
NBI # 7
The NCAE representative assembly requests, that NCAE lobby for legislative and policy changes regarding compensation for inclement weather days when classified employees are not allowed to work due to “Acts of God.”
Submitted by: Wesley Gant
Seconded by: Sandra Hatley
Q1 Report
NCAE Board of Directors assigned responsibility for this NBI to the Government Relations department. Plans have been made to include this initiative in NCAE’s 2026 legislative priorities.
NBI #8
Investment in Organizing and Advocacy for the NCAE ESP Bill of Rights
The ESP Council requests NCAE work with the NCAE ESP Council to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to increase NCAE’s membership and organizing capacity among Education Support Professionals through a robust member engagement process to shape the development of a North Carolina Bill of Rights for Education Support Professionals. This would include institutional support by NCAE for local and statewide organizing efforts, development of educational resources, member engagement, and political advocacy led by classified workers.
Education Support Professionals (ESPs) are the backbone of our schools, yet we continue to face systemic challenges and inequities that undermine our working conditions, job security, and ability to support students. To effectively advocate for meaningful change, we must have a unified voice and a clear framework that articulates our rights and needs. Once developed, a North Carolina ESP Bill of Rights will serve as a guiding document and advocacy tool as our local affiliates and statewide organizations demand fair wages, benefits, and working conditions and to ensure that our voices are heard at every level of decision-making.
This effort will not succeed without significant investment in organizing and resource allocation. We call on the NCAE to commit to supporting the ESP Council's work by providing the necessary resources to organize, engage, and mobilize ESPs statewide to develop and advocate for this crucial Bill of Rights.
Proposal:
Invest Resources into Organizing Efforts:
NCAE intentionally supports the ESP Council in building the infrastructure needed to organize and mobilize ESP members across the state. This includes training staff and local affiliate leadership on ESP priorities and including ESP priorities, including the development of a Bill of Rights, in strategic planning processes.
Develop the ESP Bill of Rights:
The ESP Bill of Rights will outline key issues that are critical to ESPs. The final bill of rights will be written based on input from ESPs across North Carolina, and may include but would not be limited to:
- Living Wage – Fair compensation for the essential work we do in order to afford life.
- Safe and Healthy Working Environment – Protecting the well-being of all ESPs on the job, ensuring secure environments and proper equipment to o our jobs.
- Health Insurance – Affordable, comprehensive coverage that supports our health and our families.
- Career Advancement – Clear pathways for professional growth and opportunities in order to maintain a standard of excellence.
- Retirement – Secure and sustainable retirement benefits.
- Job Security/Fair Evaluations– Protection against layoffs and unjust terminations, clear ways to ensure all educators have a fair evaluation process.
- Paid Leave – Adequate paid time off for sick leave, vacation, and personal matters.
- Staffing Ratios and Workload – Fair staffing levels that allow us to do our jobs effectively without burnout.
- Right to a Union – Defending our right to organize and bargain collectively for better working conditions and protections.
Mobilization and Advocacy: Through a series of listening sessions, town halls, and surveys, we will gather input directly from ESPs to ensure the Bill of Rights reflects the diverse needs of our members. These grassroots efforts will empower ESPs to advocate for policies and legislation that advance our rights.
Ongoing Advocacy and Political Action: Once developed, the ESP Bill of Rights will serve as the foundation for future advocacy efforts, both at the local and state levels. The NCAE will actively lobby for the implementation of the Bill of Rights through political action, public campaigns, and coalition-building.
Training and Leadership Development: In order to create a sustainable movement, we will provide training and leadership development for ESPs who are committed to advocating for their rights. This will ensure that the movement remains strong, diverse, and led by those who understand the issues firsthand by developing and supporting a formal Bill of Rights Committee.
The creation of an ESP Bill of Rights is a historic opportunity to strengthen the voices of ESPs and ensure that our rights are respected and upheld. But we cannot do this alone. With the support of NCAE, we can organize a united front that demands change and secures a brighter future for all Education Support Professionals.
To support the NCAE ESP Council in leading an organized, grassroots effort to create and advocate for a comprehensive ESP Bill of Rights, which will outline the fundamental rights and needs of Education Support Professionals (ESPs) in North Carolina. The goal is to build a powerful, united movement of ESPs across the state of NC. 31.9% of NC Public School workers are classified workers. Only 6.9% of those educators are members of our union. The ESP Bill of Rights will serve as a formal document that will highlight the dedication of our union’s commitment to fighting for ALL educators, therefore stimulating growth and progress towards members goals of our strategic plans goal to Lead our Profession and Grow our Union.
The ESP Bill of Rights is not just a document; it’s a powerful tool that will bring about tangible, long-lasting improvements in the lives of ESPs. It is rocket fuel for organizing ESPs. It will help ensure that ESPs are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect in the workplace and union while also providing the tools necessary for effective advocacy and political action.
Submitted by: NCAE ESP Council
Q1 Report
The NCAE Board of Directors assigned the responsibility for this NBI to Governance.
NBI # 13
Request that NCAE ED will direct NCAE staff to create webinars and/or other materials to educate members and the general public about the difference between anti-Zionism and antisemitism.
Submitted by: Tal Matalon
Seconded by: Leah Erlbaum
Q1 Report
The NCAE Board of Directors assigned the responsibility for this NBI to the Professional Practices department.
NBI # 14
The NCAE representative assembly requests NCAE lobby for the state health plan to cover hearing aids for all state employees, covered spouses, and dependents, of all ages.
Submitted by: Candice Smith
Seconded by: Michele Jordan
Q1 Report
NCAE Board of Directors assigned responsibility for this NBI to the Government Relations department. NCAE has assisted the author of this NBI with publishing an op-ed calling for hearing-aid coverage.
NBI # 17
The NCAE representative assembly requests that NCAE use our existing media outlets to defend educators' and students' academic freedom and free speech, including speech in defense of Palestine, at K-12 schools, colleges, and universities.
Submitted by: Allison Swaim
Seconded by: Emily Hooks
Q1 Report
NCAE Board of Directors assigned responsibility for this NBI to Communications.
2024 NBIs
NBI #1
The 2024 NCAE Representative Assembly requests updates about progress on NBIs be sent to delegates after approval of convention minutes at the Board of Directors meeting immediately following convention. Additionally, we request all delegates receive quarterly updates through existing communication structures on the progress (action steps and delays) of NBIs that were passed. The NCAE RA further requests NBI makers, delegates who speak for an NBI, and supporters of an NBI are encouraged to assist in the implementation process of their NBI.
Submitted by: Christina Spears
Seconded by: Jenny Easter
Assigned to: Communications
Year-End Report:
The NCAE Board adopted a policy establishing quarterly communications on NBIs to Representative Assembly delegates. Updates have been made available through the NCAE member portal, with notifications sent to delegates upon publication. A framework is now in place to ensure quarterly and summative reporting on NBIs in future years.
NBI #2
The 2024 NCAE Representative Assembly requests that NCAE take up a campaign in support of equitably funded school libraries across the state.
1. Create a member-led committee of school librarians representing each region of the state for the purpose of organizing and engaging NCAE members around school library issues and to carry out the work in sections 2-4 with support from NCAE governance and staff.
2. Conduct in-depth research to assess the current state of school libraries across North Carolina, identifying funding gaps, disparities, and areas of need. Research methods could include surveying members, phone banking, partnering with NCDPI, and/or partnering with the North Carolina School Library Media Association (NCSLMA).
3. Utilize research findings to advocate for policy changes at the state level, urging lawmakers to prioritize library funding in education budgets and allocate dedicated resources for school libraries by including library funding in NCAE’s legislative agenda.
4. Organize one member-engagement event in each region to mobilize grassroots support for library funding initiatives and empower local stakeholders to become advocates for school library budgets.
Submitted by: Chris Tuttell
Seconded by: Caroline Vaverek
Staff Contact: Government Relations
Year-End Report:
Member feedback on legislative priorities was gathered through surveys, which included school library funding as a potential area of advocacy. Increased funding and resources for school libraries was included in NCAE’s 2025-26 Legislative Priorities.
NBI #3
The 2024 Representative Assembly requests that NCAE leadership:
1. Make a public statement via the NCAE web site, newsletter, and social media that calls on state legislators to repeal voucher expansion and hold public schools harmless for funding loss due to voucher expansion by the opening day of the NCGA spring session, 2024.
2. Recommend that local affiliates do the same.
3. Coordinate with local affiliates and school districts to assess the possible impact of voucher and charter funding on local public schools.
4. Provide a toolkit or focused training to equip local member leaders to educate the public on the impact of voucher expansion within their community.
5. Create a plan to be presented to membership for NCAE’s robust political response to extremists and privatizers in the context of the 2024 election, specifically the race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The plan should engage every possible member and lead the fight for the state superintendent seat in the strongest possible terms.
Submitted by: Joanna Pendleton
Seconded by: Edwena Miles
Staff Contact: Nicole Price
Year-End Report:
NCAE issued multiple public statements and a position statement opposing voucher expansion and produced resources for members, including a toolkit shared through the We ♥ Public Schools campaign. Digital advocacy efforts included a targeted ad campaign that generated member engagement, including letters to legislators and patch-through calls. NCAE highlighted voucher opposition in a Facebook Live event and an all-member call.
NBI #6
The 2024 NCAE Representative Assembly requests that a professional development opportunity be established to help new and preservice educators pass the edTPA and receive their license.
Submitted by: Amy Harrison
Seconded by: Elizabeth Hackney
Staff Contact: Professional Practices
Year-End Report:
Initial efforts focused on surveying existing edTPA support programs at universities and assembling resources for training. Work began to identify a cadre of trainers and facilitators to lead edTPA preparation. Professional practices staff continue to integrate edTPA training alongside Praxis preparation resources.
NBI #8
The 2024 NCAE Representative Assembly requests that NCAE commit to assessing and building capacity for language justice in the 2024-2025 year through the following actions:
1. Designate a language justice team for statewide work for the year (the team could include members of the Durham Association of Educators Language Justice Team who authored this NBI and are piloting the work this year in Durham.) Assign an NCAE staff member to support the team. Send an email to the membership in July to identify rank-and-file member-leaders interested in the work. Direct local leadership to identify elected and rank-and-file member leaders for the team. The team will anchor the training and capacity building work in steps 2-5 outlined below, assess language justice capacity of the statewide organization, and develop a report of current capacity, potential for growth, and recommendations for growing capacity to be presented by the end of the year and turned into work for next year; and
2. Organize and host language Justice Institute training for NCAE leadership, local leadership, staff, rank-and-file members; and
3. Create training materials that will be available to all members as an orientation to language justice (in the local and state level); and
4. Partner with tilde LJC and its partner, the tilde Education Fund, to Organize and host an Interpreting for Social Justice workshop. Recruit rank-and-file members, multilingual staff organizers, and community volunteers to participate; and
5. Create a cohort including the language justice team, NCAE leadership & select leaders from the preceding workshops that will work with language justice consultants to develop a written language justice vision statement & strategy and implement this plan with support from tilde.
Submitted by: Allison Swaim
Seconded by: Christina Spears
Staff Contact: Governance
Year-End Report:
A statewide cohort was successfully recruited and met regularly beginning in January. Monthly meetings were held to define language justice, develop a vision statement for NCAE, and review external resources for training opportunities. The cohort worked collaboratively to assess current organizational capacity and identify pathways for growth. The committee will continue its work in the next year.
NBI #9
The 2024 NCAE Representative Assembly requests that the Board Of Directors to support the NC Small Rural Schools Consortium (NCSRSC) Legislative Initiative to request a 21% increase for small school funding to assist with the funding cliff by:
1) allotting lobbying efforts at the General Assembly to address this request,
2) Providing logistical and financial aid to the 30 local NCAE affiliates in these school districts for distributing the proposal to their respective county Board of Commissioners and Senate and House representatives and,
3) using state and local NCAE publications to inform membership about this issue and how they can help with the cause.
Submitted by: Julio Morales
Seconded by: Saletta Urena
Staff Contact: Government Relations
Year-End Report:
Initial research was conducted on school financing across all districts. Member surveys gathered input on legislative priorities, which informed preparations for advocacy in support of the Rural Schools Initiative.
NBI #10
The 2024 NCAE Representative Assembly requests the NCAE staff and the Board of Directors:
- Provide members with the total amount in the PAC fund quarterly with an itemized list of expenditures.
- Give yearly member-centered training -- before requests for donations from members are made -- about what PAC is, how it can be used strategically in the local and state, funding tactics for recruiting sustainers, and training about how to effectively apply for PAC monies.
- Update the PAC guidance document with a list of examples of highly effective strategies PAC money can be used for and what expected outcomes those strategies could produce.
- Will set aside annually one third of all the PAC for only locals to use; With the exception of the monies set aside for the locals and divisions exempt from current PAC guidelines of money distribution. It can go back to the general PAC fund at the end of the fiscal year.
- Will assist the NCAE President in recruiting members to be appointed to the Government Relations Committee (GRC). Since the GRC is the approving body of PAC requests, the greater NCAE membership body will be provided with information on what the role and expectations of the GRC members are and how to make nominations to the body via the NCAE website, email, and through phone/in-person outreach.
Submitted by: Shanna Peele
Seconded by: Christina Spears
Staff Contact: Government Relations
Year-End Report:
PAC guidelines were modified to align with this NBI, including updated recommendations for effective use of PAC funds. Members were invited to express interest in appointment to the Government Relations Committee, with role expectations shared through direct communication. A member training was held at Summer Leaders, and a PAC pilot program was created to generate more regular PAC contributors. Disclosure reports on PAC expenditures were made publicly available through the State Board of Elections.
2023 NBIs
NBI A
Summary of NBI: “...finalize the four year (2023-2027) strategic plan and vote to adopt it by July 1, 2023…”
Progress:
The Board of Directors adopted the strategic plan and moved implementation. The Progress report presented at RA 2024 includes:
- Grow Our Union - All goals are on pace to meet the strategic plan goals
- Lead Our Professions - Foundational work has been conducted to rebuild NCAE professional development opportunities and programs
- Restore the Promise…- Legislative agenda moved at NCGA and foundational electoral testing work conducted on member electorate engagement.
NBI B
Summary: “Provide ongoing support for locals to engage local elected officials that helps win policies, practices, and resources that benefit our students and co-workers by:
1. Creating a mechanism that allows members to evaluate and quantify the balance of power between our
locals and local decision makers including, but not limited to, Superintendents, Boards of Education, and
Boards of County Commissioners;
2. Providing templates, tools, and training for local leaders for communication with decision-makers in their locals based on the evaluation of power relationships; and
3. Create network of communication and support between locals on how to navigate relationships with local electeds.
Progress:
- Locals attending Summer Leaders provided opportunities to conduct assessment of local conditions, including power analysis.
- Locals attending Winter Leaders provided initial communication strategies and tools, including analysis of local conditions, developing campaign objectives based on local conditions and strategies (grounded in internal assessments of local and relationships with local-electeds) and templates for meeting agendas with local elected decision-makers.
- Local Strength cohort, Building Leader training and statewide Skills to Win training/breakout groups provide opportunities for cross-local collaboration, including opportunity to support on navigating relationships with local elected.
NBI C
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests that NCAE leadership provide support for members transitioning into roles within their locals by providing transitional support materials for each elected office that can be used in any local and by providing a layered network of support for new leaders to support their success in leadership roles.
Progress:
Partial implementation includes coaching new local leaders, Local Strength cohorts (See NBI B progress) and materials for local Treasurers. In near future, Summer Leaders 2024 expanded to include a Local President track of development opportunities and development of transitional materials for Summer Leaders.
NBI D
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests that NCAE will, through the work of our GR Department and external partners, create systems of support that assist in identifying members who are eligible to run for office on the local and state level and connect endorsed member candidates to resources for campaign support.
Progress:
- Support for NCAE members to participate in NEA’s See Educators Run
- Was partnering with Lead NC for this work. However, with significant turnover the partnership was not viable and need to identify a new partner.
NBI E
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests that NCAE leadership provide organizing training and support for local leaders and member leaders by pairing identified local leaders with experienced coaches who will receive training and support in their coaching responsibilities.
Progress:
SMO included member coaches for the first time in 2023. Continue to build capacity to scale and maximize the number of experienced coaches and deepen expertise of best coaching practices.
NBI F
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests that NCAE leadership support family and community engagement by:
1. Partnering with community organizations aligned with our goals of promoting positive and responsible involvement of families and the community-at-large in the public schools, advancing a public education system that serves the people, and building community and labor partnerships to promote racial, economic, and social justice;
2. Identifying, publishing, and maintaining an updated directory of aligned organizations;
3. Helping to identify and appoint members as liaisons to identified organizations; and
4. Provide support for locals maintaining partnerships with community and aligned organizations.
Progress:
NCAE joined the Southeast Regional coalition for Community Schools, been in conversation with Public Schools Strong, Honest Education Action and Leadership, Educational Justice Alliance and CREED on aligned values and interests and strategic alignment of campaign and activities, and provided strategic and community engagement support to locals. A directory has not been published.
NBI 1
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests that NCAE will actively support intellectual freedom and educators who promote it by:
1. Actively advocating for all NCAE members and students to have access to a certified school library media coordinator in every school building in every district throughout the state who defends intellectual freedom;
2. Issuing a statement condemning censorship and book banning in our schools and libraries with an acknowledgement that much of current censorship has been targeting books, curriculum, and conversations that are diverse and inclusive;
3. Providing legal support and/or guidance for members who are defending intellectual freedom and highlighting ways to protect educators, including school media coordinators, who speak out around diversity, equity, and inclusivity; and
4. Developing support materials for members’ use in their schools and communities around intellectual freedom, including education on students’ and parents’ rights, legal precedent, talking points, and policy recommendations for handling challenges.
Progress:
NCAE advocated for a school media library coordinator in all schools. NCAE Advocacy Center created background documents regarding legal rights and strategic guidance for members. Materials need to be translated/converted for local member use. All members invited to statewide webinar on intellectual freedom conducted by the Advocacy Center. NCAE issued statements condemning book bans.
NBI 2
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests that the New Business Item (NBI) term "year" be definitely defined as from July 1 to June 30 unless the NBI is in need of immediate action upon approval by the Representative Assembly. It is requested that this defining of "year" for NBIs and their allowance be written in the policies of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE).
Progress:
NCAE Policy Committee working on adoption into NCAE Board policy with expection of adoption at June 2024 Board meeting.
NBI 3
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests that the NCAE Convention registration form be amended to provide Retired Division as a selection with the identifying local Retired School Personnel unit.
Progress:
Not conducted. The contracted registration tool does not permit adaptation to the fact the NCAE and NCRSP regions do not perfectly align. Research into a new registration tool for next RA is needed to meet the request of NBI 3.
NBI 4
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests that the NCAE Government Relations Department closely monitor and lobby against Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina's bills (HB346 and SB296) that are moving quickly and quietly through the NC Legislature, whereby these bills would threaten coverage and affordability for 4.3 million North Carolinians.
Progress:
Sent letter to NC GA and included in lobbying talking points. Unfortunately, the bill still passed.
NBI 5
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests the NCAE leadership contact our U.S. Senators and urge them to support the reauthorization and expansion of the farm bill.
Progress:
NCAE sent a letter of support and the NEA GR Team lobbied on this to US Senators.
NBI 6
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests the NCAE Government Relations Department be vigilant, monitor, and develop talking points in preparation to head off any movement to reduce or eliminate funding and/or amount of time schools receive services from nurses, counselors, and social workers, and psychologists. The NCAE Government Relations Department should monitor the NC Legislature and NCDPI Leadership to halt any legislation in regard to the reduction or elimination of nurses, counselors, social workers, and psychologists.
Progress:
Continued the work of this NBI as its been in the legislative agenda and it continues to be part of the NCAE legislative agenda.
NBI 7
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests that NCAE leadership:
1. Call on the state controller to comply with the court order and immediately release the available funds for the benefit and relief of North Carolina’s post-pandemic children, and the caregivers and educators who serve them;
2. Call on all NCAE membership to increase pressure on their state and local representatives to comply with the terms and spirit the funding required of the Leandro Decision;
3. Designate a member of the Government Relations Commission to monitor and communicate progress toward the full funding of a sound and basic education for every public-school student in North Carolina
Progress:
Continues to be in legislative activity, public speaking events, community coalition work (Leandro coalition), and NCAE expanded research on the positive impacts to the state and identified local economies when public schools are fully funded. Members called to action regarding fully funding public schools to state and local representatives but did not message to Leandro Decision as it is a message that does not poll well and polarizes needed republican representative votes to increase funding.
NBI 8
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests that NCAE leadership advocate for more developmentally appropriate testing for students with severe cognitive impairments who follow an adaptive curriculum.
Progress:
Item requires further action including adoption into the legislative agenda.
NBI 9
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests that NCAE Board of Directors will take the following actions: 1. Form a committee to analyze its own contributions to climate change and propose action for our union to reduce and/or offset its own contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and habitat loss; 2. Form a committee (possibly the same as above) to create and/or promote pre K—12 curriculum resources to teach students about the causes, effects, and justice/advocacy issues of climate change, possibly through collaboration with other aligned organizations; and
3. Direct the legislative committee to advocate that elected officials in North Carolina take action to mitigate the causes and effects of climate change.
Progress:
No action. Indicate your interest to join the NCAE Climate Impact Workgroup: https://link.ncae.org/NCAE-Climate-Impact.
NBI 10
The NCAE Representative Assembly requests that the Star-Spangled Banner and the Pledge of Allegiance not be sung or recited at any NCAE function. Additionally, replace the Invocation with a Moment of Silence to allow all delegates to observe in their respective ways.
Progress:
President of NCAE (Chair of RA) discussed with NCAE Board of Directors action steps, including modified adoption of the NBI.
Racial Justice Planning Committee - 2022 NBI
As a reminder, NBI #1 as passed by the 2022 NCAE Representative Assembly states:
“Request leadership to establish a combined staff-and-member working group on racial and social justice that will support building alignment throughout the organization with respect to:
- Shared language and theory of change regarding racial justice that can serve as an accountability standard for organizational decisions
- Internal practices and policies that enable our leaders to create a culture that eliminates division, helps our members connect and heal historic and current harm, and builds sustained, practiced, and committed solidarity
- Increased structure and resources specifically targeted to identify, encourage, and support expanded leadership opportunities for educators of color, women, and LGBTQ members
- Tools and practices that educate all members on the impacts of systemic racism and the forms of power associated with it, and build their skills to play a role in a movement to end injustices
- Working toward policy change that presents solutions to problems stemming from racial and social injustice.
The Racial and Social Justice working group will:
- Report on its progress at each meeting of the NCAE Board of Directors
- Synthesize the above tasks in the form of reports, NBIs, and/or constitutional changes to be presented to the 2023 Representative Assembly."
To build upon the work that was presented last year, the Racial Justice Committee was formed. The purpose of this separate committee of members and staff is to continue a deeper dive into planning and assessment. In May 2024, an email was sent to all members to apply, information was sent to staff, and members were selected under the purview of the Executive Director and the President. We are thrilled to have a diverse range of voices and roles on this committee, which is a testament to the inclusivity and value we place on each of those perspectives. The initial members of the committee are:
- Julio Morales, Hyde (Liason from the NCAE HCR Committee)
- Fred (Tre) Woods, Wake
- Trilce Marquez, CHapel-Hill Carrboro
- Will Hoke, Buncombe
- Corey Hogans, Durham
- Sara Perry, Johnston
- Amy Miller, NCAE Staff
- Abeer Javed, NCAE Staff
- April Adeeyo, NCAE Staff
We are also guided by the expertise of Liz Moore and William Pritchett. Pritchet and Associates is a consulting firm that has worked with many nonprofits, labor unions, and other NEA state affiliates to conduct racial equity assessments and develop racial justice plans.
Timeline:
June 2024: The Racial Justice Planning Committee held its 1st planning meeting. During this meeting, members participated in a training on understanding racial equity concepts, terms, and history. Members also worked to discuss and develop an anonymous racial justice survey with targets for:
- Planning Committee members, NCAE Board of Directors, and NCAE Staff
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Members and Leaders
- White Members and Leaders
November 2024: The Racial Justice Survey was launched. The survey ran from November 11th through December 11th. It was extended through December 16th. The survey was sent to a total of 571 members, with 143 responses for a return rate of 25%. There was an incentive for respondents to complete the survey in the form of a drawing for a gift card.
January 2024: The Racial Justice Planning Committee met to review the results.
- NCAE Board of Directors received training and reviewed survey results
- NCAE Management and Staff reviewed the survey results
- In comparison to similar organizations, our response rate was on par in consideration of external factors to include, not limited to the 2024 Election and digital fatigue, hurricane recovery, and the holiday season.
Survey Results
Respondents were asked questions based on three categories:
- Their individual engagement around race and race equity concepts
- Engagements with race with their locals
- Engagements with race at the state level.
Top 3 Key Findings
- High desire for racial equity education, professional development, and courageous conversations, including at local, district, and school levels
- Pride was expressed for NB1, the Strategic Plan, and NCAE’s expressed commitment to racial equity, along with a desire for consistent racial equity leadership and action within NCAE to lead for greater racial equity impact in the state.
- Desire for alignment on racial equity work throughout the organization— theoy of change, common language, common understanding of racism and how to disrupt it, including at systemic levels.
Next Steps
- Share survey results in communications to Locals and all survey recipients
- Engage members in expanded development and delivery of racial equity education, professional development, and courageous conversations, including at local, district, and school levels
- Develop an NCAE equity rationale (anti-racist organizational statement/RJ organizational statement)
- Develop and implement a comprehensive NCAE racial equity plan/racial equity strategy map.
