As General Assembly Republicans infight and drag their feet on releasing their budget proposal, Governor Roy Cooper has proposed a budget that works for all North Carolinians and propels the economy to a successful recovery. Each day this week, we’ll be highlighting the ways that Governor Cooper’s budget invests in North Carolina families and seizes on the once-in-a-generation opportunity to help the state recover and rebuild from COVID-19 — starting with teacher pay raises.

“Time and again throughout COVID-19, North Carolina teachers had to deal with unprecedented challenges,” said NCDP Chair Bobbie Richardson. “As a former educator, I know firsthand that this pay raise is long overdue and is an important step to attracting and keeping dedicated and highly talented educators in North Carolina schools.”

Governor Cooper’s budget includes K-12 teacher raises of 10 percent on average over the next two years and would ensure that all non-certified school personnel receive a minimum of $15 an hour, on par with other state employees. The pandemic has underscored the vital work of educators to help students learn and thrive despite all obstacles. This pay raise reflects the essential role teachers play in building the workforce of tomorrow.

The erosion of our public education system results from Republican’s prioritization of tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest few. According to a report from the National Education Association, North Carolina ranks 33rd in the nation for average teacher pay.

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