CARY, N.C. (NCN News) – Teachers, principals, policy experts and education advocated gathered Monday (March 23) at BEST NC’s annual North Carolina Education Innovation Lab to discuss ways to improve education in the Tar Heel State.
BEST NC is a non-profit business coalition which promotes educational improvements.
Governor Josh Stein was among those on hand.
“If we truly believe that North Carolina’s kids are the future, we must make the job of educating them more attractive,” said Stein. “We’ve seen the impact of ideas that work, like Advanced Teaching Roles and the Science of Reading. We must invest in hiring and keeping the best teachers so kids in every classroom benefit.”
Best NC’s Education Innovation Lab brings teachers, principals, policy experts, and education advocates together to address the most pressing issues facing North Carolina’s education system.
Earlier this month, Governor Stein released his proposed Critical Needs Budget to address North Carolina’s most urgent needs while the General Assembly continues work on a comprehensive state budget. The $1.4 billion Critical Needs Budget proposal includes a $397 million investment in teachers and instructional support aimed at raising starting pay to the highest in the Southeast. The proposed budget would increase starting teacher pay by 13% and average teacher pay by nearly 6%, restore master’s degree pay, and increase compensation for experienced teachers and other critical school personnel.
It is not clear when the Republican majority General Assembly will resume budget talks.
In partnership with Speaker Destin Hall and President Pro Tem Phil Berger, Stein announced the formation of a Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education. The commission will examine teacher training and student advancement, administrative operations, educational leadership, and accountability.
Brenda Berg with BEST NC was a recent guest on Carolina Newsmakers with Don Curtis. See the player above for the full interview.