Many educators over the years have increased professional skills and knowledge via seminars offered by NCCAT and we know the consistent quality offered. As a school administrator, I truly appreciate that our tax dollars support the Center and that it costs our school system nothing extra to send our educators to such high quality professional learning. I am devastated to learn that NCCAT is yet another WONDERFUL, highly touted NORTH CAROLINA innovation—that so many other states have envied and attempted to emulate—that we are considering putting on the chopping block!
Please remember that education and quality teachers are an investment that ALWAYS pay off. Please consider the long-term and NOT JUST about the current economic crisis. If we continue to undermine all of the educational progress that NC has made over the past decade, the effects of this recession will continue to be felt LONG after our economy heals...because our children will be paying for the shortsighted, poor decisions that we have made for the rest of their lives!
I realize that your jobs are absolutely impossible right now, and I truly appreciate that you are fighting impossible battles. Please make decisions that support education and children and you will be making decisions that can not be wrong—either now or in future.