When Governor Cooper picked his Plan B for re-opening public schools earlier this week it gave a some insight into his relationship with one his largest supporters; the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE). When Cooper announced school options in early June he got plenty of pushback from parents, teachers and NCAE . That pushback led to a two week delay in school announcement. Cooper said he needed more “buy in”. And he is right. Teachers weren’t onboard. The plan was announced earlier this week and Cooper and the NCAE seem to be back together again. Cooper will seek to protect NCAE and teacher jobs. In return, the governor will get much needed cover in the form of a new NCAE campaign that shines a light on the need the Republican-dominated North Carolina General Assembly to increase funding for our schools, for NCAE members to gain worker rights for the organization to be a bigger part of the ongoing discussions about school re-opening. See excerpts below from Twitter.
NCAE has dutifully pushed the outrage button. Of course you have to wonder: Where was the ourtrage the past several months when the legislature was in session? But that’s another question….
Some NCAE members continue to bark about forcing kids and teachers inside unsafe facilities? If you really believe that, a parent or teacher can choose a remote learning option or put in a request for transfer. Choice does have advantages….
How you can write pages on school re-openings,teachers and funding and not mention Gov. Cooper — even once. That tells you all you need to know.
