North Carolina has two teacher associations – North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) and Professional Educators of North Carolina (PENC). As an affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), the NCAE has access to more resources than PENC. PENC is a much smaller organization and less established in North Carolina than NCAE.

But competing with PENC must bother NCAE leadership. Public education folk don’t think much of competition. So, in the October issue of the NCAE news bulletin, they take a cheap shot at PENC.

According to the article, “Don?t let a cheap decision alter your career,”

[NCAE member Mary] Carder was only a member of PENC for one year and said it was enough for her. Now a solid member of the Association for the remainder of her career, she said she truly learned her lesson. ?I?m living proof of the saying ?You get what you pay for.? The services and benefits that NCAE offers are unbeatable. I was not surprised though when I found out about PENC?s limited resources; by then it was too late.?

[Snip]

If I could change this experience I would have remained a member of NCAE and fought with all of my might. I was very discouraged by the PENC-appointed lawyer who basically said there was nothing that could be done.?

[Snip]

?The benefits outweigh the price you pay. The Association offers so much ? great professional development, discounts, the opportunity to hold office where your voice matters. I recently enrolled in the Emerging Leaders Academy and serve as an AR at my school. I can honestly say that I don?t ever remember PENC encouraging me to become involved.?

Man, there is nothing subtle about that!