North Carolina Teachers Protest

Photo: Gerry Broome/AP/REX/Shutterstock

Thousands of North Carolina teachers marched in Raleigh today, joining other red state teacher groups to demand better pay and public school funding. Like teachers in other states, North Carolina sees themselves faced with falling or stagnant investment in public education while private businesses see tax cuts.

Teachers in Raleigh, North Carolina are now following their fellow educators from all over the country in protest for better educational funding, better wages and respect. 👊 #RedForEd pic.twitter.com/pEI9fl8odL

— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) May 16, 2018

In announcing the march and day of advocacy, The North Carolina Association of Educators noted that North Carolina "is one of the worst in the country in the amount our elected leaders spend per student, about $2,400 behind the national average," in addition to ranking 37th in teacher pay. Many teachers, today in NC and in other states, have highlighted the fact that they are not marching solely for improvements in personal salaries, but for changes to the way public education is funded. It's an important reminder that the conditions of labor for teachers are a direct reflection of the state's support of public education.

The goals of the march were to demand from leaders in the state general assembly:

• Significant investment in per-pupil spending so our students have the resources to be successful.
• A multi-year professional pay plan for educators, education support professionals, administrators and all other school personnel. This plan must include restoration of compensation for advanced degree and longevity. The plan must also stop the flat-lining of experienced educator’s pay.
• Investing in the health and well-being of our students and making schools safer through increased school nurses, counselors, social workers and other support personnel and expansion of Medicaid to improve the health of our communities.
• Fix our crumbling schools and large class sizes with a Statewide School Construction Bond.
• Prioritize Classrooms and Not Corporate Board Rooms. (NCAE)

What an amazing sight to see! Educators united! #REDForED pic.twitter.com/ZIUQSzUZo4

— Gwendolyn Smith (@Counselor_GwenS) May 16, 2018

We support these and all other educators fighting for better pay and support, and we encourage all union members to attend the Houston Celebration of Public Education on May 19 to express your support for public education.