Teachers have it bad everywhere, I know that. We're all struggling to keep our jobs in this crazy era of testing and accountability, growing class sizes, and shrinking budgets. But today is a sad day for NC teachers. The budget was approved today, and it is very, very sad and scary. The highlights (in no particular order, it all upsets me: ) Eliminates 9,306.5 education positions -- 5,184 teachers, 3,850 teacher assistants, and 272 Support Personnel (guidance counselors, psychologist, etc.). Removes the class cap in K-3 Provides no pay raise, edging NC into the 46th state ranking in teacher pay. We haven't seen a raise in 5 or 6 years (I lost track) $50 million has been allocated for private school "Opportunity Scholarships" (AKA vouchers) Beginning in 2014, teachers will no longer receive a salary bump for obtaining their Master's. Cuts Textbook funding by $77.4 million dollars Cuts Classroom supply funding by $45.7 million dollars Lastly, the Legislature stripped away our tenure, so we will be put on one to four-year expiring contract, based on "merit" I love it here. I relocated to NC back in 2008. But if this keeps up, I really can't see myself staying. I'm heartbroken and I feel insulted, degraded, under-appreciated and ANGRY. Thanks for letting me vent....
Omg! My heart aches for the education system of NC. When will society realize that we must put education first!? Yes, it sucks that so many teachers will lose their jobs, or their tenure, and endure pay cuts. It also sucks that So many kids will suffer for it. This disgusts me. I hope a lot of NC teachers are able to leave NC and find employment in neighboring states.
I won't move away from NC. Not just yet. My husband's job is here and he is too close to retirement. I will wait out the year and see what the climate is like. I might wait a few years (if I don't get fired for telling a parent "no" or refusing to coach a sport I don't like) until my daugther gets through college. I am very fortunate in that I don't *have to teach. I have marketable degrees and experience. About half of my department is in the same boat. I imagine that it is the same way throughout the district. It will be mighty sad if we all leave for greener pastures.
This makes me so upset. My hoosband is originally from NC and we have discussed moving back there at some point. I guess if we do I will either not work or work only in private schools.
It sounds like you are doing everything right. As long as you are enjoying your students and pestering your reps, you can hold your head up.
I'm so sorry things are looking so scary out there in the world! I have been wondering, why do you think they keep cutting out salaries and funding? Do you think it's bc we don't really complain and "protest" and just do our job? I'm wondering if they are seeing how low they can push us, seeing if they can even get teachers to work for literally nothing, which many of us do now. I guess I'm just wondering when enough is enough and when we literally can't accept the salaries we are getting. I know that would be a hard day for me and basically everyone on this forum bc it's apparent we all love what we do.
In my area, there is a really strong, vocal union presence and we're not having the issues many other places seem to be. (Yes, the district is still falling apart and cutting jobs left and right, but nothing compared to NC). Could be it makes a difference?
Yeah I saw this the other day. When we move back to the USA, we'll be heading back to NC. I've already decided to only look for jobs in private schools. I only have 3 years experience, but 2 years abroad, so I hope that makes me look good. Here's to hoping. (and did you see the recent voter suppression law? Man, NC just wants everyone to hate them)
We have several open positions at my school and I've sat in on the interviews. Out of 10 interviews, 2 of the applicants have been from NC. My P was concerned with why they would just up and leave until a few of us shared some of what had been going on at the state-level. Best of luck to you!
I don't know if it is true for all private schools but the ones around me pay less than the public schools. Substantially.
I understand that. Based on all the other things going on in NC schools, I think that a drop in pay might be doable if private schools are able to retain some of the things that the public schools have dumped.
It isn't that NC doesn't appreciate its TEACHERS - it doesn't appreciate its public workers. All state employees are getting the shaft and are underpaid compared to other states. It used to be that you traded the bad pay for decent benefits and job security. Now that isn't even true.
