10 October 2005

John Locke - Teacher Certification Myth

Press Releases
The Certification Myth
Teacher certification does not improve student performance
Contact: Summer Hood
919-828-3876
shood@johnlocke.org

October 10, 2005


RALEIGH – As Gov. Mike Easley and the North Carolina General Assembly attempted to resolve a serious dispute about teacher certification, the John Locke Foundation published a report Friday concluding that the state’s current certification process does little to ensure the state has high-quality teachers.

Easley vetoed a bill designed to make it easier for out-of-state teachers to enter North Carolina classrooms, arguing that it would weaken the state’s standards by eliminating teacher-testing requirements. But Terry Stoops, a former schoolteacher and the education policy analyst for the Raleigh-based think tank, wrote in his new Spotlight briefing paper that North Carolina’s testing requirements have been miscast as rigorous and shown to be largely irrelevant in promoting teacher quality.

“Unfortunately, state license policy often assures that mediocre but credentialed teachers remain in public schools,” Stoops said, “while prohibiting talented but non-credentialed applicants from entering the teaching profession.”

Stoops used North Carolina’s performance on national tests as well as data on teacher testing and certification to test whether there was a connection. There wasn’t one.

One of North Carolina's teacher certification requirements is qualifying passage of the Praxis II test, which assesses content and specialty area knowledge. Stoops said that this test varies greatly among states, with almost half of the states not even requiring it. Students in the states that required the Praxis II did not out perform students in states that did not require the test, he stated.

Stoops also looked at North Carolina’s ranking as first in the country in the percentage of teachers obtaining National Board Certification. There was no apparent correlation to student performance, and none of the top 11 states in student test scores had a significant number of teachers with National Board Certification.

“Such credentials make little difference because they do not improve the skills of teachers or student achievement,” Stoops said.

Stoops’ findings were consistent with those of other research, such as a recent report from the National Council on Teacher Quality. It found that master’s degrees, years of experience, testing, certification, and education coursework were not associated with higher student performance. The report showed, instead, that the best teachers are those who attended selective colleges and are outstanding readers and writers.

“Our goal should be to recruit the highest-quality teachers for our children, rather than finding teachers who have jumped through all the hoops,” Stoops concluded.

Terry Stoops’ Spotlight, "The Certification Myth: Teacher Certification Does Not Improve Student Performance," is available on the John Locke Foundation website. For more information, contact Stoops (tstoops@johnlocke.org) or Summer Hood (shood@johnlocke.org) at (919) 828-3876.

20 September 2005

Re: response to AP listserv announcement

Date: 09-13-05 and 09-20-05
To: Jwhitehurst
From: Reba
Re: response to AP listserv announcement

I hope you succeed. It's ridiculous that the same course can require two different certifications. It also says a lot that your principal did not support you and you tried to resolve the situation in the past! I hope you have success in raising the issue statewide and terminating the dual standards!
CS is under Math in Virginia! There is CS certification! You can find out what you need at this URL: http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Compliance/TeacherED/nulicvr.pdf If you're interested, let me know, and I'll send you the application forms. Have a good week, REBA

15 September 2005

Re: License Extension for the 05-06 school year

Date: 09-15-05 4:55PM
To: Jwhitehurst
From: Jessica Bragg
Re: License Extension for the 05-06 school year

yes Jane S. Whitehurst

Re: License Extension for the 05-06 school year

Date: 09-15-05 4:55PM
To: Jwhitehurst
From: Jessica Bragg
Re: License Extension for the 05-06 school year

So we need to delete the Business from the license? Jessica Bragg, Licensure Administrator

Re: License Extension for the 05-06 school year

Date: 09-15-05 4:26PM
To: Jessica Bragg
From: Jwhitehurst
Re: License Extension for the 05-06 school year

I have been arguing my position with the state. They hired me only to teach math this year (no business ed) and I am still discussing the matter of picking the computer back up with June Atkinson.

Jane S. Whitehurst

License Extension for the 05-06 school year

Date: 09-15-05 2:10PM
To: Jwhitehurst
From: Jessica Bragg
Re: License Extension for the 05-06 school year

I hope the school year is going well for you. In researching your license I find that I have not received your 6 semester hours to extend your North Carolina teaching license for the 2005-2006 school year. In order for us to make sure you remain on the teacher pay scale I will need an official transcript reflecting your credits as soon as possible.

If you hold a provisional area on your North Carolina teaching license and currently not teaching in that area, please send a letter or e-mail requesting that the area be deleted from the license.

Please contact me if you have questions. I am here to help you resolve this matter and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Note: Please send official transcripts , no computer printouts.

Thanks.
Jessica Bragg, Licensure Administrator

08 September 2005

Re: response to AP listserv announcement

Date: 09-08-05
To: Jwhitehurst
From: AW
Re: response to AP listserv announcement

And we wonder why NC can't keep teachers?!?!?! They keep making so hard TO teach that noone CAN teach. Geesh!! This is one of the most asinine things I've heard of to date.
AW

07 September 2005

Re: response to AP listserv announcement

Date: 09-07-05
To: Jwhitehurst
From: Kathy
Re: response to AP listserv announcement

The bureaucracy of the public school system is sometimes absolutely unbelievable. I guess Sarah Fix's job has been filled? I've had the pleasure of attending some workshops with you and wish you the best of luck in finding another CS position.
Kathy

06 September 2005

Re: response to AP listserv announcement

Date: 09-06-05
To: Jwhitehurst
From: Chris Stephenson, CSTA
Re: response to AP listserv announcement
Hi Jane,I saw your email from the AP listserv and received another copy from Rich Lamb from CSTA's Standards and Certification Committee and I must tell you that unfortunately, I am not surprised at your situation. Teacher certification for computer science across the country is a complete and total mess and your story is typical of what we are hearing from many teachers in different states.Right now CSTA is in the process of trying to find out what the certification requirements are for each state. We have been in contact with every state and have tracked down the person who is supposed to be responsible for certification. Our plan is to create a database with all of the requirements and contact information for every state and make this available to all CSTA members. We are well aware that this is just a first step, but until people can figure out what is actually required, we cannot begin to try to push for a saner system.I am so sorry to hear that you have been caught in the middle of this mess. Usually they at least give you a clear indication of what will be required to receive a permanent license in a given area at the time the provisional license is granted. Did they not even do this?I wish I could tell you that CSTA has some kind of solution right now, but CSTA is still less than 1 year old and we are frantically trying to collect all the pieces of data. I can promise you, however, that we will continue to work on this, because it is the right thing to do and because stories like yours (about good teachers being frustrated by the politics of licensing) just make me crazy!Chris

05 September 2005

Re: response to AP listserv announcement

Date: 09-06-05
To: Jwhitehurst
From: Kel
Re: response to AP listserv announcement

Jane,That sucks. What a bunch of morons. Wish I had a solution for you.Hope you are doing well otherwise.Keep fighting!Kel

Re: response to AP listserv announcement

Date: 09-05-05
To: Jwhitehurst
From: Jessica
Re: response to AP listserv announcement

Hi Jane,I'm not sure from you message whether you're interested in pursuing a non-provisional license with NC or not. I'm sure there is a process for that if you do. However, you may want to check in to the independent schools (http://www.ncais.org) and community colleges in NC. In these schools, qualification is usually determined by the degrees and experience rather than licensure status. Jessica

04 September 2005

Re: response to AP listserv announcement

Date: 09-04-05
To: Jwhitehurst
From: Rich
Re: response to AP listserv announcement

Hi Jane,Confidentially, if NC is not an option, I'd suggest looking at other states and then seek reciprocity.A story: Many years ago I received a permanent certificate from Massachusetts; the punch card (!) on which it is printed reads, "for the life of the holder".When I moved to Michigan, the state gave me a provisional certificate based upon my Massachusetts certification. Three years later, they sent a letter informing me the provisional certificate has expired, and gave a long list of what I needed to do to renew it.I sent a copy of the Massachusetts certificate to Lansing, having circled the words, "for the life of the holder", and indicating I wasstill alive. I received a permanent certificate from Lansing. While permanent certificates are rare these days, the basic idea of using state A to get state B and then on to state C still works.One last thought: In Michigan, CS is an "emergency" area, and one does not need the specific endorsement as long as the school district indicates it needs the person.Good luck!Rich

response to AP listserv announcement

Date: 09-04-05
To: Jwhitehurst
From: Becky
Re: response to AP listserv announcement

I totally agree with you! I also was frustrated with WCPSS. I had applied to teach (part time) a computer science course as a lateral entry candidate. I was not nearly as qualified as you are for teaching. I am a laid-off software engineer -contemplating potential new careers--- teaching being one. I interviewed but the job kept being posted, so I inquired and was told they were holding out for a certified business person, if at all possible. Needless to say, I didn't get that job. Raleigh Charter High School did hire me to teach two computer science jobs. I thoroughly enjoyed my classes. My AP students did very well on the test. Not being a "professional" teacher, I'm sure that I could do better -but getting a business certification license is totally uninteresting to me. I would prefer teaching math over business classes. Raleigh Charter High School doesn't seem to care that I'm not certified; however, teaching 1 or 2 classes is not enough. So, along with teaching 1 class this year (not enough students to justify an AP class this year), I am going to nursing school. I wish you luck in getting things changed in North Carolina! If there is anything I can do, let me know.

Becky

02 September 2005

AP listserv

Date: 9-02-05
To: AP listserv
From: Jane Whitehurst

I was certified computer science in Wisconsin.
I moved to North Carolina in 2001.
The school I taught at in NC had computers in the math department.
The administration fanegelled (sp!) a NC math license for me.
I moved schools (within the same district) because I didn't want the IB route.
The new school has computers in the business department.
I was granted a one year provisional for business license.
During the year I fought all the way to the Senate but to no avail.
My business license provisional expired and now I can only teach math.

My fannegelled license is now more powerful than
1. undergrad in computer science, teaching minor
2. grad in computer science education
3. WI license to teach computer science
4. 3 years experience high school computer science in WI
5. 2 years college experience teaching computers
6. 3 years computer science teaching in NC
7. pacing guide/curriculum designer for NC

So, here I teach math (prealgebra, algebra 1 part 1, and tech math 1) and watch a business-licensed teacher (no java/c++ experience) teach the computer science courses.

Where do I go next?

Please help. I've going CSTA and wondering what they are doing for certification of computer science in states that just put it wherever they want. Jane S. Whitehurst

get involved with CSTA

Date: 9-02-05
To: ACM
From: Jane Whitehurst

My main focus for joining was to get involved with CSTA. I have been a computer science teacher for 7 years, and now because of NCLB (No Child Left Behind) I've had to either take business courses to recertify (not going to happen) or teach math (I guess it's a job). Anyway, because I'm teaching only math now, I don't need to receive continual email. I'll get it all on the web. How can I get off of the listservs?

Jane
p.s. any news on NC certification for computer science?

23 May 2005

message

Date: Monday, 23 May 2005 1:58pm ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: BSALPIETRO
Subject: message

David Howell from Human Resources called. Please call back at 854-1770. Thank you.

Barbara L. Salpietro
Apex High School

18 May 2005

Jane Whitehurst - Apex High

Date: Wednesday, 18 May 2005 3:23pm ET
To: DHOWELL, ksullivan@dpi.state.nc.us
From: JWHITEHURST@WCPSS
Subject: Jane Whitehurst - Apex High

I had a phone conversation with David Howell on Friday, May 13th. He indicated that he would be in contact with Kathy Sullivan, one of whom would get in touch with me as soon as they had met and discussed my situation. I have not heard from David nor Kathy and was wondering if I should be expecting a call. I will be in the office until 5:00 today, Wednesday, May 18th. If either of you could return a call before Friday, that would be great.

Thank you,Jane Whitehurst

13 May 2005

RE:Jane Whitehurst Employment

Date: Friday, 13 May 2005 10:08am ET
To: JWHITEHURST
Cc: JSANFORD1, TDIXON
From: MCHAPPELL
Subject: RE:Jane Whitehurst Employment

Ms. Whitehurst: I have read your letter. I will be happy to include this e-mailed letter in your personnel file if you desire. Please advise.

Based upon this e-mail you have not actually resigned from your position; therefore, there is no action for Human Resources to take at this time. Your employment as a teacher in the Wake County Public School System is still active. As I understand it your assignment from the administration at Apex High School is to teach mathematics (your clear area of North Carolina teacher licensure) for the school year 2005/06. This assignment is in accordance with Wake County Board of Education policies 3210 and 4201. The policies state that "the Principal or other appropriate administrator will make specific assignments in keeping with the qualifications of each employee and the needs of the program."

If you choose not to accept this assignment you will need to officially resign from your position.
Mike Chappell

Jane Whitehurst Employment

Date: Friday, 13 May 2005 8:39am ET
To: MCHAPPELL
From: JWHITEHURST
Subject: Jane Whitehurst Employment

Mike Chappell:

Please print and read the "resign letter".
I felt that this was a faster tool of communication than inneroffice mailing.

Jane Whitehurst

Blank Resignation


12 May 2005

Re: FW:great teacher gets axed

Date: Thursday, 12 May 2005 5:06pm ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: billlumaye@wptfmail.com
Subject: Re: FW:great teacher gets axed

Unbelievable! I'm sorry to hear that the system is that broken. What are your plans Jane?Bill

FW:great teacher gets axed

From: "JANE WHITEHURST"
Date: Thu, 12 May 2005 16:27:00 -0400
To: billlumaye@wptfmail.com “680 WPTF Radio”
Subject: FW:great teacher gets axed

Bill,
This is Jane Whitehurst. I've tried several times within the last week to get
back on your show. Today I was forced to sign a resignation letter. I thought you might like to read the response from my father, a caring voter and public office candidate for North Carolina. I am also sending along a resume and my letter to June Atkinson that explains what I was fighting for and unfortunately lost.

ThanksJane

great teacher gets axed

Date: Thu, 12 May 2005 15:59:45 -0400
To: missseipp@aol.com “Reason Magazine Online”
Cc: JWHITEHURST
From: charlies@triad.rr.com
Subject: great teacher gets axed

Howdy,

I don't want to be terribly biased (this is her dad talking), but I don't think this was right - especially for her students who volunteered to march on the the NC Capitol for her.

I would like to relay what just happened in North Carolina to my daughter, Jane (Jenny) Whitehurst, who has a masters - with honors – in computer science education from Cardinal Stritch, Milwaukee.

The reason she got her degree from Stritch was that NC, her home state, did not, and still does not, certify that degree nor can they certify teachers from other states who have an out-of-state certification to teach the subject.

Jenny wanted to return to NC to be near her family and teach computer science. She taught three years in the Oak Creek, WI public system and designed the computer science curriculum for her school.

She did finally land a job in Raleigh where her husband is getting his PhD in biochemistry. She had to be certified in something to be employed in NC, so the NC System granted her a mathematics license after she passed a math exam, and she was allowed to teach her love, computer science. By the way, Jenny is a certified grader for the national AP computer science exams.

After teaching for three years, Jenny got another offer at a more technology centered high school in the same county and began to teach there, but computer science in the new school (within the same school district) was not in the math department but the business ed department. She taught in the new school for another year under a provisional license. To continue to teach the exact same course, she was now required to be certified in business (two more courses and another exam). She agreed to do this, but her schedule and two kids made it quite impossible to comply.

Jenny hoped, in the mean time, that reason would prevail and she would get a waiver to continue teaching.

Such was not the case, the school had to hire someone certified in business to teach her courses and let her go - even though the school acknowledged that Jenny was highly qualified and even had her holding seminars for the other teachers in the business department in the best methods of teaching computer science.

She was offered a job teaching math, but was told that another teacher would lose her job if she took it.

She resigned.

We are hoping for a position somewhere in the Raleigh area so she can help support her kids and hubby while he finishes up.
Resume's available

Teaching of Computer Programming


06 May 2005

Statement Ready for the Press

Statement Ready for the Press
May 6 2005, 2:09 PM

Soon the United States of America will create and implement national certification for all areas of education, elementary through high school as has already happened in the higher education institutions. The main area I would like to focus on is computer science. We are evolving into a Technology Society where children as young as three years old are helping their parents program their DVR’s (Digital Video Recorders). It is imperative that the computer science curriculum, which has for decades been accepted as a major field of study in universities across the globe, becomes an educational field in the primary and secondary grades. This curriculum should be backed by an accredited certification in the field of computer science. We as a nation can no longer afford to have such a vital instrument in our education be taught by those teachers unequipped with the knowledge and background of the science. It is not enough to employ a math or business major to instruct the youth well enough to have them consider computer science as a future career. I do think that the Boards of Education across the nation will soon see that the children of the future are in need of more highly qualified teachers in such an important field as computer science.

States that offer Computer Science Certification:
California, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin

States that DO NOT offer Computer Science Certification: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming

RE:Jane Whitehurst

Date: Friday, 6 May 2005 12:50pm ET
To: JWHITEHURST
Cc: bprivett@wcpss.net, DHOWELL, TDIXON
From: MCHAPPELL@WCPSS
Subject: RE:Jane Whitehurst

Jane: Everything that was discussed in the March 1st meeting that was held between you, me, and David Howell was the best information we could provide you at that time. Your eligibility for a license extension for 05/06 at that time---and our discussions of the "what if" scenarios---was still strictly dependent upon the successful completion of the courses during the summer session and the Praxis II test in Business Education (since there is no Computer Science license in NC the Praxis waiver is also not possible because the waiver would have to be based upon a Business Ed. license from Wisconsin). Since you have now recently communicated that your search for courses has been unsuccessful, unfortunately assigning you to teach Computer courses for the fall is now an impossibility. While I am quite certain that you are indeed disappointed not to be assigned Computer courses to teach in the fall, the best advice that I could provide Dr. Dixon and Mrs. Privette yesterday (given all the present circumstances) was that the following would need to occur:

1. Assign you to teach in your already certified area for the Fall Semester 2005(math). In order for the state to pay your salary this is the only option without a license extension.
2. The school administration should schedule any computer courses that would have been taught by you in the fall of 2005 with another certified teacher.
3. You will need to complete coursework and Praxis requirements prescribed by the NC Dept. of Public Instruction during the Fall semester 2005 for the Business Ed. license.
4. If the Business Ed. license requirements are completed by the end of Fall semester, Dr. Dixon could then schedule you---at his prerogative---for the Computer Science courses in the Spring 2006 semester. Please remember that Principals have the sole authority within their schools to schedule teachers at any time to teach any courses that they are licensed to teach.

It is my understanding that David Howell will work with you in attempting to secure reimbursement assistance for course work that is necessary. Praxis reimbursement is handled by our Recruitment Division---contact Chris in that Dept. at CPSANNIPOLI@wcpss.net for more information about Praxis reimbursement.

Mike Chappell

"Our mission is to establish quality systems to recruit, retain, and develop committed employees who promote student success."

Jane Whitehurst

Date: Friday, 6 May 2005 9:24am ET
To: DHOWELL, MCHAPPELL
From: JWHITEHURST
Subject: Jane Whitehurst

Here is the schedule of courses.
I would like to know how to apply for reimbursement and what money I can receive to pay for the Praxis. I was very upset yesterday to hear that I will not be teaching computer science in the Fall. I thought it was settled in our meeting on March 1st that the Praxis could be extended. I had discussed also that there were no summer courses to enroll in, so I would not be able to complete the requirement before the first of the year. I would have liked to have known that I had no chance to teach CS back in march at our meeting.

Please let me know what it is I can do now.
Jane Whitehurst

05 May 2005

Evaluation


Discussion for hB706 and sb181

Discussion for hB706 and sb181
to: senator tony rand
from: Jane s. whitehurst
subject: out-of-state teachers licensed to practice in north carolina
date: 5/5/2005
cc: rules and operations of the senate Committee
Dalton, Horton, Albertson, Apodaca, P.Berger, Brock, Clodfelter, Dorsett, Forrester, Hoyle, Kinnaird, Nesbitt, Pittenger, Soles, Swindell, Thomas
education/higher education committee
Lucas, Swindell, Garwood, Allran, D.Berger, Bingham, Dannelly, Garrou, Goodall, Graham, Hagan, Hartsell, Holloman, Jenkins, Malone, Purcell, Smith, Snow, Stevens, Tillman

1. HB706 (Facilitate Hiring of Teachers) in companion with SB181 (Reciprocity for Teachers from Other States) should be heard and passed this session.
a. North Carolina is in need of teachers.
b. Classes are being cut (if not taught by substitutes or provisionally licensed teachers)
c. A one-year trial period to monitor highly qualified out-of-state teachers is a great compromise.
2. Out-of-state teachers currently under provisional licensing requirements should be grandfathered.
a. These bills were written to end the strain for highly qualified professionals.
b. Superiorly trained teachers will be lost or must completely retrain.
3. No Child Left Behind is not being supported by North Carolina
a. The law mandates support for higher institutions to evaluate and improve teacher-training programs.
b. North Carolina does not have a Computer Science certification that other states provide.
4. North Carolina requires two certifications for the same curriculum depending on where you teach.
a. Some schools have Computer Science in the Math department
b. Some schools have Computer Science in the Business department.There is no reciprocal agreement with other states’ computer science teaching license, so teachers are asked to retrain in other fields to continue to teach Computer Science.

26 April 2005

Any word on my condition?

Date: Tuesday, 26 April 2005 3:55pm ET
To: DHOWELL, MCHAPPELL
From: JWHITEHURST
Subject: Any word on my condition?

I am sending an updated schedule of courses offered that satisfy my requirements I must meet. What school should I consider registering for? (NC State would be the best possibility considering its proximity to my house and I could find students working on the same courses) The only thing is that NC State only offers one course per semester. Is that ok? And what again about the Praxis. It was said in our meeting that an extension would be possible. Does that mean that I sign up for next May's PRAXIS.

Jane Whitehurst
Apex High School

p.s. what about house bill 706? Will this rectify my situation?

17 April 2005

RE: Jane's letter to NC Senate

Date: Sunday, 17 April 2005 8:25pm ET
To: MWRISLEY
From: Nealh@ncleg.net
Subject: RE: Jane's letter to NC Senate

Thank you. I read the letter and will support the legislation when it gets to the Senate.

Neal Hunt

14 April 2005

RE:Information

Date: Thursday, 14 April 2005 8:02am ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: SHARRISON
Subject: RE:Information

Everyone is talking about your e-mail. I was requested to send it to the State Board Chariman so maybe you will get your stuff fixed before too long.

Susan Harrison

13 April 2005

RE:Information

Date: Wednesday, 13 April 2005 8:17am ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: SHARRISON
Subject: RE:Information

Transmitting for Susan Harrison:

Susan is out of the office for the remainder of the day. She did have an opportunity to review your information and said it was very well presented and that you had done an excellent job of this document. It is perfect. The best one she has seen so far and she is planning to share it with others. She also indicated that you might add that members of the Senate should also be included as recipients.

Thanks. Anne
Susan Harrison

12 April 2005

Update on Course Search

Date: Tuesday, 12 April 2005 4:06pm ET
To: DHOWELL
From: JWHITEHURST
Subject: Update on Course Search

Please see if Jessica Bragg or someone else could fill in the missing information.
I have worked for a week to no avail to complete the chart.

I don't see one course offered this summer, so I am hoping that you can allow an extension to finish the courses next year as well as the praxis (seeing that Bill 706 may or may not get passed)
Jane Whitehurst

Resignation

Date: April 12, 2005
To: Jeannette Sanford, Assistant Principal, Apex High School
CC: Dr. Thomas Dixon: Principal, Apex High School
Mike Chappell: Director of High School Staffing, Wake County Public Schools
RE: Resignation

Dear Ms. Sanford:
Attached you will find a blank resignation letter.
You proposed a full-time math position to me on Thursday, May 12, 2005. You made me aware of the necessity to let go of a teacher in the math department were I to accept such a position. I cannot and will not accept responsibility for someone having lost a job.
I have also been made aware by the human resources department of North Carolina Public Schools that the Wake County school system could have rectified this situation. Because the county chooses not to allocate funds differently to allow me to continue teaching computer science at Apex High School, the county will lose an excellent teacher.
Therefore, I cannot in good conscience sign a letter to resign my position here at Apex High School. I do not want to leave. I love my students. I enjoy my colleagues. I feel I am extremely qualified for the position. I would love for you to resolve this matter, so that I may continue teaching computer science.
Sincerely, Jane S. Whitehurst

10 April 2005

USPS Letter to Kathy Sullivan

April 10, 2005

Dear Mrs. Sullivan:

My name is Jane Whitehurst, and I am currently teaching computer programming (Visual Basic, C++, and Java) at Apex High School in Apex, North Carolina. I am writing this letter to try to resolve a certification issue and to help ensure my job status for next year as a CTE teacher for the school year 2005-2006.

In January 2004, I requested a transfer within Wake County from Broughton High School to Apex High School. At Broughton I was teaching prealgebra, algebra, computer science I (scheme), II (scheme), III (c++), IV(c++), AP (java), and IB (java) all within the math department. At Apex, I teach computer programming courses, visual basic, c++, and java, all of which are in the CTE Business Department.

I asked for my transcripts to be evaluated to obtain licensing in CTE Business to teach these courses. I received a letter dated April 23 from Algina Mitchell, Site Coordinator of the Nash Regional Alternative Licensing Center stating that I had to complete credit for two courses, "Instructional Methods" and "Work Based Learning/Organization", as well as pass the PRAXIS II Subject test in order to maintain my employment status.

The PRAXIS exam tests only skills in economics, money management, business, processing information, communication, accounting, and marketing. My computer programming knowledge could not be evaluated with such an exam, and I was hired only to teach computer-programming courses. I am teaching the same courses this year as I did last year (only difference is the department in which I am teaching now--CTE), and I am using the pacing guide that I created; therefore, I do not understand the rationale for my having to take additional courses, as well as the Praxis.

I approached my county licensure administrator, Jessica Bragg, to determine a solution for this situation, and she stated that I would need to go to the state department and speak with someone in person about my situation. I contacted a colleague in Guilford County, who suggested John Baars as a contact in the State Department of Public Instruction. Mr. Baars gave me your name as someone who could help. To help you understand my background, here is a list of my credentials:

§ Current employment - Wake County (where I helped create programming pacing guides)
§ 3 years employment - Oak Creek High School, Wisconsin (where I wrote the programming curriculum)
§ A Wisconsin license to teach computer programming in high school
§ A post-baccalaureate certification in computer science 9-12
§ A master of science in computer science education
§ An undergraduate bachelor of arts in computer science with an education minor

I am requesting that you help me with this certification issue, as I believe I should be allowed to have certification in CTE to teach these courses without additional conditions. If I can answer any questions, or if I need to meet with you or someone in person, please let me know. I will certainly appreciate any help you can give me in getting this certification issue resolved, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. You may contact me at 919-971-5133 (cell) or email me at jwhitehurst@wcpss.net. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Jane Sutherland Whitehurst
Teacher, CTE Computer Science

c: Mrs. Shelia White, Education Program Specialist Rebecca Privett, CTE Chairperson, Apex High Mrs. Judith Israel, Education Program Specialist Dixie Newsome, CTE Senior Director, WCPSS

08 April 2005

URGENT *NC House Bill 706*

Date: Friday, 8 April 2005 10:25am ET
To: ncsenatemembers@ms.ncga.state.nc.us, cbwhiteh@unity.ncsu.edu, jwhitehurst@unity.ncsu.edu
From: JWHITEHURST@WCPSS
Subject: URGENT *NC House Bill 706*

Please forward the following mandate to your NC Senators in the general assembly:
list of senators: http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/members/memberList.pl?sChamber=Senate

PLEASE PASS House Bill 706
Facilitate Hiring Teachers
http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2005&BillID=H706

*** It is URGENT to move this Bill to Legislation and PASS it QUICKLY ***

The School System is currently recruiting teachers for the school year 2005-2006.
Highly Qualified teachers are needed in ALL classrooms.
Teacher Shortage in North Carolina needs to be controlled.
Let the School System hire Qualified teachers from anywhere in the United States.
Don't let what happened to me happen to anyone else.

My name is Jane Whitehurst. I currently teach Computer Science at Apex High School, in North Carolina. I am teaching under a provisional business license and am about to lose my job even though I am highly qualified. To help you understand why, here are my credentials:

· An undergraduate bachelor of arts in computer science with an education minor from Clemson University, SC
· A master of science in computer science education from Cardinal Stritch University, Wisconsin
· A post-baccalaureate certification in computer science 9-12 from Cardinal Stritch University, Wisconsin
· A Wisconsin license in Computer Science (405) to teach computer programming in high school (9-12)
· 3 years employment - Oak Creek High School, Wisconsin (where I wrote the programming curriculum)
· A North Carolina license in Mathematics (200) with Computer Endorsement (18079)
· Teacher at Broughton High School (Wake County, NC) - algebra and computer science in the Math dpt.
· Created computer science pacing guides for Wake County
· Teacher at Apex High School, (Wake County, NC) - computer science in the Business dpt.

Unfortunately, the law stands now to not allow me to teach Computer Programming courses because they are taught in the Business Department and I don't meet NC guidelines for a business license even though I only teach computer programming; I do however meet the requirements to teach these courses in the Math department. This situation needs to be rectified because there is no reason to lose good teachers.

07 April 2005

Re: CTE Teacher: Possible Loss of Employment

Date: Thursday, 7 April 2005 3:44pm ET
To: jwhitehurst
From: jatkinson9@nc.rr.com
Subject: Re: CTE Teacher: Possible Loss of Employment

Jane, I do wish that there was something I could do to help you with your situation. With my not being an employee of the Dept. of Public Instruction yet, I do not have any means of helping to resolve your dilemma. At one time, a school district could issue a restricted license to teach a limited number of courses in a field, but I do not know if that option is now available. I would ask Kathy Sullivan or your local personnel person if that is an option now. Kathy Sullivan, one the people with whom you talked, is responsible for making the final decision, based on State Board of Education policy.

I do know that NCSU has some on-line courses that are geared to teachers who work full time and have to take courses. The contact person for NCSU is Dr. Terry O'Brien, 515.1743

06 April 2005

FW:CTE Certification for Jane Whitehurst, Wake County

Date: Wednesday, 6 April 2005 8:29am ET
To: RMATHESON
From: JWHITEHURST
Subject: FW:CTE Certification for Jane Whitehurst, Wake County

Please read the attached letter. Please note that you will be receiving a copy in the mail.
Jane Whitehurst

30 March 2005

RE:Copy of PO

Date: Wednesday, 30 March 2005 7:57am ET
To: DLNEWSOME
From: JWHITEHURST
Subject: RE:Copy of PO

I'm working with the county to see what courses I can take, for CEU credit as well as licensing credit, and whether or not they will pay for them.
I've also contacted June Atkinson to see if she can help me.

Jane Whitehurst

Re: CTE Teacher: Possible Loss of Employment

Date: Wednesday, 30 March 2005 7:53am ET
To: jatkinson9@nc.rr.com
From: JWHITEHURST@WCPSS
Subject: Re: CTE Teacher: Possible Loss of Employment

Any word yet as to how I can teach my courses through the AOIT program without being certified as a CTE instructor?

Jane Whitehurst
p.s. They have now given me the two courses that I should sign up for this summer (that's a load and a half with a 2 year old and a 1 year old both out of daycare for the summer)

24 March 2005

RE:Additional information

Date: Thursday, 24 March 2005 10:06am ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: DHOWELL
Subject: RE:Additional information

Unfortunately, I am unable to forward the voice mail outside of the wake county voice mail network. Let me know when you return to town if you want to hear the message in total. In my opinion, it will be quicker to call NC State and say that Jessica Bragg suggested you call Mr. O'Brian.
David Howe

RE:Additional information

Date: Thursday, 24 March 2005 9:24am ET
To: DHOWELL
From: JWHITEHURST
Subject: RE:Additional information

My pager number is 888-717-3484 where you can send the information.
I do not have voicemail from WCPSS.

I appreciate the help and will see about those classes before I return to school.

ThanksJane Whitehurst

23 March 2005

Additional information

Date: Wednesday, 23 March 2005 3:54pm ET
To: JWHITEHURST
Cc: JBRAGG
From: DHOWELL
Subject: Additional information

Ms. Whitehurst:

I have a voice mail from Terry O'Brian at NC State which in brief asks you to call him at 515-1743 so that he can see if there is anything NC State can do for your situation. If you have a voice mail account for me to transfer the whole message, please let me know. Thanks.
David Howell

Options for classes

Date: Wednesday, 23 March 2005 2:54pm ET
To: JWHITEHURST
Cc: JBRAGG
From: DHOWELL
Subject: Options for classes

Ms. Whitehurst:

Appalachian State offers Methods and Materials for Business and Marketing Teachers in a 'Web Assisted' class in the second summer term. Th course number is BE 4755-350 and the call number is 10716. The information for this can be found at:

http://www.registrar.appstate.edu/extension/summerschedule/summer05_individual_courses.html#ATTP

I hope this helps.
David Howell

17 March 2005

Options for Meeting Your Licensure Requirements

Date: Thursday, 17 March 2005 4:15pm ET
To: JWHITEHURST
Cc: DROCKEFELLER, JBRAGG, MCHAPPELL, TDIXON
From: DHOWELL
Subject: Options for Meeting Your Licensure Requirements

Ms. Whitehurst:

Jessica Bragg has researched possible options for taking the two courses required for your business license. The attached spreadsheet summarizes our current knowledge. Unfortunately, much of the spreadsheet is incomplete, because either the universities have not released their summer schedules or WCPSS is waiting for the university contact person to let us know the summer status.

The only summer certainty is that Fayetteville State University will offer a course to fulfill the work based learning requirement. I am hoping that either St. Augustine's College, Appalachian State (through its community college program) or one of the community college on-line programs provides a practical method to meet your requirements. I'll communicate via e-mail any additional information I find.

Please use this information only as a starting point, and confirm with the university that the course you are signing up for meets the requirement on your form from the Regional Alternative Licensure Center. Also, feel free to conduct your own research -- you might find something HR has missed.

Once the possibilities are fully established, we can discuss WCPSS paying for the courses. Please keep me in the loop regarding your thoughts on continuing in the business ed program.

Thank you,
David Howell

16 March 2005

Re: CTE Teacher: Possible Loss of Employment

Date: Wednesday, 16 March 2005 2:42pm ET
To: jatkinson9@nc.rr.com
From: JWHITEHURST@WCPSS
Subject: Re: CTE Teacher: Possible Loss of Employment

Yes, we do offer AP computer science, but I also teach the two primary feeder classes, Programming Essentials I (VB) in CTE, and Computer Programming I (C++) in NAF. I would be asked to teach all three courses, which I am doing now.

Jane Whitehurst

p.s. thank you so much for replying to my situation. I am definitely in need of help because I love to teach and want to keep my job.

Re: CTE Teacher: Possible Loss of Employment

Date: Wednesday, 16 March 2005 10:06am ET
To: jwhitehurst
From: jatkinson9@nc.rr.com
Subject: Re: CTE Teacher: Possible Loss of Employment

Jane, I am trying to think of ways to help you with your dilemma. Does Apex High School teach AP Computer Science? If so, is it possible for you to teach those courses as a part of the Information Technology Academy? Please let me know and I will go from there. Since I am not in office yet, (this political soap opera continues), I do not have access to licensing manuals, etc.., but I will be glad to do what I can to help you. No Child Left Behind legislation has limited the flexibility of licensing. I know thatyou are eager to get this situation behind you.

02 March 2005

CTE Teacher: Possible Loss of Employment

From: "JANE WHITEHURST"
To: ;
Sent: Wednesday, March 02, 2005 3:36 PM
Subject: CTE Teacher: Possible Loss of Employment

Dear Mrs. Attkinson:
My name is Jane Whitehurst.

I now teach computer science at Apex High School in the CTE department with a
provisional CTE license. I taught computer science at Broughton in the math department with a Math/Computer Endorsement license.

DPI has mandated that I take two courses and the PRAXIS to earn the full CTE license by June 30, 2005.

I would be teaching the exact same courses for which I designed the pacing guides; therefore, I do not understand the rationale for these requirements.

I have a BA in computer science, a MS in computer science education, a Wisconsin license in computer science and a NC license in Mathematics.

I have contacted everyone from my school to the governor's office, who have each sent me in a different direction to get the same answer: "Can't teach CTE courses without CTE license". My solution is then to grant me the licensure based on my previous employment in the same county teaching the same curriculum or allow the CTE courses to be taught by someone with my certification. My concern also is why does the Wake County curriculum allow for the same course to be taught in two different departments? It makes it nearly impossible to transfer between schools within the county.

I believe my case is extenuating and DPI needs to treat this as a special case.

I am requesting your help with this certification issue. If I can answer any questions, or if I need to meet with you in person, please let me know.

You may contact me at 919-363-1359 (office), 919-858-9806 (home), 919-971-5133 (cell) or email me at jwhitehurst@wcpss.net.

Sincerely,Jane Sutherland Whitehurst

CTE Teacher: Possible Loss of Employment

Date: Wednesday, 2 March 2005 3:08pm ET
To: jatkinson9.nc.rr.com;
From: TAO - Local
Subject: CTE Teacher: Possible Loss of Employment


Mrs. June Atkinson, Superitendent-in-Waiting
Raleigh, NC

Dear Mrs. Attkinson:

My name is Jane Whitehurst, and I am currently teaching computer programming (Visual Basic, C++, and Java) in the AOIT (Academy of Information Technology) at Apex High School in Apex, North Carolina. I am writing this letter to try to resolve a certification issue and to help ensure my job status for next year as a CTE teacher for the school year 2005-2006. Becky Privette, Apex CTE Department Chair, saw you speak yesterday in Greensboro at the AOIT conference and mentioned that you might be my last ray of hope.

In January 2004, I requested a transfer within Wake County from Broughton High School to Apex High School. At Broughton I was teaching math and computer science within the math department with a math/computer science license. At Apex, I teach computer programming courses in the CTE Business Department with a provisional license in CTE Business.

I asked for my transcripts to be evaluated to obtain continual licensing in CTE Business to teach these courses. I received a letter dated April 23 from Algina Mitchell, Site Coordinator of the Nash Regional Alternative Licensing Center stating that I had to complete credit for two courses, "Instructional Methods" and "Work Based Learning/Organization", as well as pass the PRAXIS II Subject test in order to maintain my employment status.

The PRAXIS exam tests only skills in economics, money management, business, processing information, communication, accounting, and marketing. My computer programming knowledge could not be evaluated with such an exam, and I was hired only to teach computer-programming courses. I am teaching the same courses this year as I did last year (only difference is the department in which I am teaching now--CTE), and I am using the pacing guide that I created; therefore, I do not understand the rationale for my having to take additional courses, as well as the Praxis.

To help you understand my background, here is a list of my credentials:

§ An undergraduate bachelor of arts in computer science with an education minor from Clemson University, South Carolina
§ A master of science in computer science education from Cardinal Stritch University, Wisconsin
§ A post-baccalaureate certification in computer science 9-12 from Cardinal Stritch University, Wisconsin
§ A Wisconsin license in Computer Science (405) to teach computer programming in high school (9-12)
§ 3 years employment - Oak Creek High School, Wisconsin (where I wrote the programming curriculum)
§ A North Carolina license in Mathematics (200) with Computer Endorsement (18079)
§ Current employment - Wake County (where I helped create computer science pacing guides)
http://www2.wcpss.net/c-and-i/downloads/pacing_guides/computer_science/index.htm

To resolve this matter I have contacted the following individuals in order who have each sent me in a different direction to get the same answercharl:
§ Wake County licensure administrator, Jessica Bragg
§ Kathy Sullivan, Director of Human Resources
§ Gayenell Gull, Beginning Teacher Inudction for NC DPI-HR
§ Deborah Seehorn, CTE-DPI
§ Dixie Newsome, CTE Senior Director, WCPSS
§ Algina Mitchell at RALC
§ Ann McArthur, Teacher Advisor to the Governor
§ Wake County HR coordinator, Mike Chappel
§ Wake County Senior HR Director, David Howell

Both Mr. Chappel and Mr. Howell met with me on Tuesday, March 1 to discuss a plan of action. The final point was made that even though the county and the school want me as a teacher they can do nothing without the permission of DPI. I believe mine is a rare situation in which there needs to be some adjustment. DPI sees no grey areas and is willing to lose a great teacher.

I have been given a deadline for June 30 to take the PRAXIS and sign up for two summer courses. I am running out of time to fight what I believe to be an unfair fight.

I am requesting that you help me with this certification issue, as I believe I should be allowed to have certification in CTE to teach these courses without additional conditions. If I can answer any questions, or if I need to meet with you or someone in person, please let me know. I will certainly appreciate any help you can give me in getting this certification issue resolved, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. You may contact me at 919-363-1359 (office), 919-858-9806 (home), 919-971-5133 (cell) or email me at jwhitehurst@wcpss.net.

Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,

Jane Sutherland WhitehurstTeacher, CTE Computer Science

23 February 2005

meeting

Date: Wednesday, 23 February 2005 11:01am ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: SONEILL
Subject: meeting

Jane - Mike Chappell contacted me today and asked if he and David Howell could meet with you on Tuesday, March 1 at 9:00 a.m. regarding your licensure.
Mike said to let him know it this is not a convenient time. You may reach him at 850-1898 or at mchappell.

Thanks, Susan

Update conference

Date: Wednesday, 23 February 2005 10:12am ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: JSANFORD1
Subject: Update conference

Mrs. Whitehurst,
Dr. Dixon would like to meet with us (you and I) to get an update of your licensure situation. Would you be available Friday, February 25th at 9:00 a.m.?
Jeannette Sanford

22 February 2005

Tuition Assistance Update Information

Date: Tuesday, 22 February 2005 1:01pm ET
To: Apex Staff
From: SONEILL@WCPSS
Subject: Tuition Assistance Update Information

PURPOSE
The Wake County Public School System recognizes the importance of maintaining, developing, and extending the skills of all its employees. Employees are encouraged to engage in programs that will lead to their professional growth, expansion of skills, and increased job competence. In support of employee professional growth the Recruitment and Retention Office in the WCPSS Human Resources Department administers tuition assistance based on the following eligibility and selection criteria. Tuition assistance covers tuition costs only; fees and textbooks are not covered. Because of the large number of eligible employees, a lottery system will be used to choose among eligible applicants.

ELIGIBILITY & SELECTION CRITERIA

Tuition assistance is available to permanent, full-time and part-time, licensed and non-licensed employees. Priority is given to teachers serving in critical needs areas, such as special education, math, science, ESL, and foreign language. To be eligible, employees must be employed by the Wake County Public School System in a full-time or part-time permanent position, both at the beginning of the course, the end of the course, and at the time checks are issued.
Teachers in Critical Needs Areas of Special Education, Math, Science, ESL, Foreign Language are eligible for one course per fiscal year. If the application is selected, the teacher receives the lesser of 100% actual tuition or $500.
Teacher Assistants are eligible for one course per fiscal year. If the application is selected, the Teacher Assistant receives the lesser of 75% actual tuition or $500.
All other employees are eligible for one course per fiscal year. If the application is selected, the employee receives the lesser of 50% actual tuition or $400.
Substitute employees, hourly paid temporary employees, and employees on long-term leave of absence are NOT eligible for tuition assistance.

COURSE ELIGIBILITY

Eligible coursework includes college level courses that are part of a degree program and are reported through an official transcript. Continuing education, community schools classes, seminars and workshops are not eligible for tuition assistance. Coursework should be relevant to the employee’s current job responsibilities or desired area of licensure.
E-mail for Questions about Tuition Assistance to tuition_assistance@wcpss.net

14 February 2005

RE:Apex High Employment

Date: Monday, 14 February 2005 8:13am ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: SHARRISON@wcpss.net
Subject: RE:Apex High Employment

It's hard to say, but I expect to hear from David so as soon as I know you will know if you haven't heard from them.

Susan Harrison

RE:Apex High Employment

Date: Monday, 14 February 2005 7:25am ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: SHARRISON@wcpss.net
Subject: RE:Apex High Employment

Spoke with David Howell on Friday afternoon and He told me he would work on it that he had been busy in meeting last week.

Keep me posted and if I need to contact Tom Dixon I will do it.

I was just trying to give everyone a chance to figure it out.

Susan Harrison

10 February 2005

RE:Apex High Employment

Date: Thursday, 10 February 2005 3:24pm ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: SHARRISON@wcpss.net
Subject: RE:Apex High Employment

I will call David Howell and find out what the problem is at Apex.

Susan Harrison

Apex High Employment

Date: Thursday, 10 February 2005 3:21pm ET
To: SHARRISON@wcpss.net
From: JWHITEHURST@WCPSS
Subject: Apex High Employment

I was asked today by the Assistant principal, Mrs. Sanford, to supply her with documentation on my accounts. Do you have an estimation as to when something definite will be recorded as to my position here at Apex High School? I was also wondering whether you could be the liaison to my principal, Dr. Dixon or Mrs. Sanford, on my behalf. I believe that your credibility and position put you in a better place to discuss my role here.

Thank you so much for all that you are doing.
I really do want and need this job.
Jane Whitehurst

01 February 2005

RE:FW:RE:DPI Request

Date: Tuesday, 1 February 2005 6:46am ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: SHARRISON@wcpss.net
Subject: RE:FW:RE:DPI Request

Jane

I received your voice mail yesterday in between meetings. I have heard from DAvid Howell and he is attempting to determine if you can be paid with funds other than voc ed which appears to be the source of our problems. In turn I have placed a call to my friend Kathy Sullivan and she was out of town yesterday and will be back today. I feel hopeful that we will get this cleared up as best we can this week.

Things are not always as simple as you would believe. I have been fighting with both Governor Hunt and Easley over Teacher Reciprocity for three years now and they are beating me down.

Talk with you soon.
Susan Harrison

28 January 2005

Teaching Assignment for 2005/2006


RE:FW:RE:DPI Request

Date: Friday, 28 January 2005 9:47am ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: SHARRISON@wcpss.net
Subject: RE:FW:RE:DPI Request

Got your letters and I have spoken to David Howell and after I hear from him I will get up with my DEAR friends at DPI.

Hang in there with me I will give it my best shot.
Susan Harrison

26 January 2005

aclu

Date: Wednesday, 26 January 2005 11:04am ET
To: jwhitehurst, jwhitehurst@earthlink.net
From: charlies@triad.rr.com
Subject: aclu

I wish I had the money to support you on this. But, maybe my not having it is to your advantage.

Lay out your entire case to these guys and see if they agree with your cause. If they do, they will really be a help.

You had to exhaust your options before going to them. And, they will, if they accept your cause, keep an eye on your progress after the case is settled.

Explain your financial and family situation, your struggle, and list your qualifications and accolades, and be sure to mention your association with and your duties in the union in Milwaukee. Explain how you feel your cause can be translated into better situations and less stress for teachers, better schools, and much better education for our children.

The mere fact that the ACLU agrees with your cause, may bring the school to their knees. Let's hope it works.

You should also mention that the administration threatened you with black balling if you decided to sue. Too bad you don't have a recording...

Right is right and sometimes the devil is your best advocate.

Let me know what they say.
Loving Dad

24 January 2005

licensure

Date: Monday, 24 January 2005 2:47pm ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: JSANFORD1
Subject: licensure

Mrs. Whitehurst,
I've got some answers. Could you meet at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday with Mrs. Privett and me?

Thanks.
Jeannette Sanford

21 January 2005

RE:Certification

Date: Friday, 21 January 2005 3:23pm ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: DLNEWSOME
Subject: RE:Certification

The only suggestion I have is for you to contact Mike Chappell in HR to see if he can answer your question regarding an appeal process.
Dixie L. Newsome

RE:Certification

Date: Friday, 21 January 2005 3:17pm ET
To: DLNEWSOME
From: JWHITEHURST
Subject: RE:Certification

I have been asking and cannot get a response as to how I start an OFFICIAL APPEAL. I did write a letter (which you received) but nothing I signed officially asking for an appeal. Do you know where I can get this specific information?

Thanks,
Jane Whitehurst

Certification

Date: Friday, 21 January 2005 12:01pm ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: DLNEWSOME
Subject: Certification

The only response I got from the DPI contact was that you may want to appeal the decision. Or, are you already in the appeal process by the fact that you have gone directly to the DPI Licensure Dept?

Your principal and Mike Chappell in HR may know of another option for you. Keep me posted.
Dixie L. Newsome

14 January 2005

RE:My licensure issue

Date: Friday, 14 January 2005 1:48pm ET
To: JWHITEHURST
From: DLNEWSOME
Subject: RE:My licensure issue

The person I needed to speak with will not be in the office until next week. Will let you know the response I get.

Dixie L. Newsome

My licensure issue

Date: Friday, 14 January 2005 1:39pm ET
To: DLNEWSOME@WCPSS
From: JWHITEHURST
Subject: My licensure issue

I appreciate the phone conversion we had today.
I am willing to talk to whomever and present a portfolio of my work.

Please let me know if your contacts are successful.
Jane Whitehurst

12 January 2005

RE:DPI Request

Date: Wednesday, 12 January 2005 4:04pm ET
To: jwhitehurst
Cc: DSeehorn@dpi.state.nc.us, KSULLIVA@dpi.state.nc.us, apmitchell@nrms.k12.nc.us, JBRAGG
From: ggull@dpi.state.nc.us
Subject: RE:DPI Request

Jane,

After discussion with Algina Mitchell at the RALC and Deborah Seehorn, Business Education consultant here at DPI, it has been determined that the course of action planned for you by the RALC is appropriate.

The two courses you are being asked to take directly relate to Career and Technical Education. NC A & T State University offers both classes on-line. Additionally, the PRAXIS test, although not all related to the courses you teach now, is required for anyone seeking Business certification in North Carolina.

As a former Director for CTE I can tell you that to pay you from funds for CTE you must have certain licensure areas. Wake County is probably paying you from CTE funds and would be in violation of policy if you do not have the certification in Business. There are no waivers that would allow a variance in the Business certification. I also know that we do not know what the future might hold and at some point you might be asked
to teach one or two classes in another area of Business education—thus the need for you to hold the same certification as anyone else in that area.

Deborah Seehorn asked me to let you know she was in the same exact situation when she came to North Carolina. She did her requirements and suggested that if you have any questions, you might contact her at dseehorn@dpi.state.nc.us or 807-3871.

I appreciate your concern and feel free to contact me with any additional questions.
Gayenell

07 January 2005

RE: DPI Request

To: Gaynelle
>>> "JANE WHITEHURST" 01/07/05 07:59AM >>>

I greatly appreciate your work on my behalf.
Please let me know if there is anything I need to do.

Jane Whitehurst

03 January 2005

DPI Request

Date: Monday, 3 January 2005 2:21pm ET
To: jwhitehurst
Cc: jbragg, dnewsome
From: ggull@dpi.state.nc.us
Subject: DPI Request

Jane,

Dr. Kathy Sullivan has asked me to review your licensure materials. I am in the process of doing that and wanted you to know that you should have a response soon!

I am consulting with Debroah Seehorn in Career/Technical Education here at DPI and with Algina Mitchell at the RALC. I will get back to you soon.
Thanks, Gayenell