Hero Teachers

The Oklahoma tornadoes struck a tragic blow to a small town.  In the headlines are hero teachers.  Teachers who risked their lives to keep children safe and calm.  One teacher alone saved 25 children.  Teachers dedicate themselves every day to not only educating our future but safeguarding it.  Yesterday, one of my students with autism who has a fear of storms, looked at me as he heard thunder and said, "Mrs. Pennington, will you save me from the storm?"  Of course! "You're safe with me" I said as he returned to taking his EOG.

But I had to wonder what my future holds...this is a child who was so scared of reading at the beginning of the year that he and I had to take turns, you read a word, I read a word, on material much below grade level.  I was so proud to watch as he confidently read every word aloud of his grade level EOG. The chances that he selected the correct answers to the questions are not high.  Will I be penalized for "poor student performance"?  Proposals in our state legislature would say yes.  What would happen to his confidence and progress if he were held back because he didn't pass one test?  I'm scared of the legislative storm ahead.

Last summer, I attended an NCCAT Leadership Seminar.  Inspired by that seminar, I approached my superintendent about ambitious changes we could make to better serve our students with autism in the district.  He responded to my enthusiasm by committing time and resources to finding support for our program.  Last week, we received a grant to start the Wilson ASD Academy, a training and laboratory school to prepare future teachers and current professionals to better meet the needs of students with autism in the general curriculum.  YAY!

On the other hand, our State Legislature wants to eliminate NCCAT (the NC Center for the Advancement of Teaching).  Teachers will lose a valuable resource for professional development and empowerment.  Other states are trying to CREATE similar organizations, to provide low-cost resources (only $1800 per teacher served!) to improve their education system.... and our state is trying to get rid of it.

Who will save us from the storm?  Will you? 

Please contact your legislators...save your teachers, save NCCAT!

Online Petition to the Governor-Sign here!

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!

This year I have had the pleasure to meet many amazing teachers throughout Wilson, the region, and the state.  Each of you is creative, resourceful, and strong.  I am so proud to represent you.  Thank you for everything you do to educate and empower our students every day!