NORTH CAROLINA — Classes will not be in session for some North Carolina educators across the state, as they plan to not report to classrooms Wednesday as part of a statewide teacher walkout scheduled for Jan. 7. The action is intended to protest working conditions, funding levels and other issues affecting public education.
“We are a community of dedicated teachers united in the fight for fair pay and better working conditions. Our mission is to support one another, share resources, and advocate for the respect and compensation educators deserve,” reads NC Teachers In Action, the organization that kicked off the teacher walkout movement.
In November, a viral social media post from NC Teachers In Action encouraged teachers to call out on Nov. 7 and Nov. 10 to protest issues, including the lack of a state budget and the absence of new pay raises. The group is calling for the restoration of longevity pay and master’s pay, elimination of the 15- to 24-year pay freeze, support for a livable wage, caps on employee premium increases, elimination of pay-based premiums and restoration of retiree health benefits eliminated after 2020.
The average teacher salary in North Carolina is about $58,292, with starting pay ranging from $40,000 to $42,000. Salaries vary by county, experience and education level.
Protests are planned across the state during the walkout. Additional walkout dates are scheduled for Feb. 7, March 7 and April 7.