Clarification from the governor

Our former NC TOY, Darcy Grimes, requested clarification from Governor McCrory regarding the pay plan announcement today.  Here is his response to her:

"Thanks for your questions, and my apologies for any confusion. To clarify - in the first phase, all  teachers currently on step 0-6 will receive a pay increase to a salary of $33000. In the second phase, all teachers on steps 0-9 will be bumped up to $35000. No teacher will take a pay cut. On average, about 42,000 teachers will receive the raise, not just teachers in their first year." 

He also announced that any teacher who has started a master's program (regardless of if they are still taking classes and how many classes they have started) once they graduate they WILL now receive masters pay.

As mentioned in my earlier post, this is just baby steps, keep talking! 

Keep talking!

Today Governor McCrory announced a plan to raise salaries for beginning teachers.  While this is a vital first step, we need to take care of ALL teachers.  We need to keep talking!

What is your response to the governor's announcement?  Share your thoughts with our legislators

Buck.Newton@ncleg.net

Susan.Martin@ncleg.net

                          Raises!
                        Resources!
                                  Respect! 

Speaking for us

A recent article in the News and Observer is the first that I've read which summarized our concerns for public education in one neat column.  Within the article is also a link to a NC Emerging Issues forum.  The forum topic of how to recruit and reward great teachers is going live on Mon. 2/10 through Tues 2/11.  As part of this forum, Governor McCrory and former Governor Jim Hunt will have a public discussion regarding concerns for public education.  Should be interesting!

Check out the article and the link.  I've included both below.
Teachers' jobs are getting harder

Teachers and the Great Economic Debate

Wear Red Wednesday!

Action is heating up in Raleigh!  Many teachers are signing petitions in support of better treatment and in protest of tenure-ending contracts.  People are starting to listen!  The latest public polls show that 77% of NC adults now support better pay for teachers.  With the General Assembly reconvening later this spring, we have to keep up the noise!  At our recent state teacher advisory council, I was reminded that less than 20% of NC adults ages 25 and up have children in the public schools (approximately 9.5 million adults, 1.5 million students...easy math).  Everyone needs to know the reality and importance of what we do! Share your story with neighbors, church members, and friends.

Start by wearing Red for Public Ed!

I've inserted the links if you would like to go further and add your voice to the protest efforts.
Aim Higher NC
Decline to Sign campaign

                     Raises!
                           Resources!
                                    Respect!