RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Association of Educators' Board met just last week to consider options, regarding possible statewide action to demand a teacher pay increase.
While no plans are drawn up at this time, the organization will gauge member support through a survey - determining how teachers want to pressure lawmakers to fully fund teacher pay.
NCAE President Mark Jewell says depending on the outcome, the Board will discuss "possible next steps to ensure our members' voices are being heard."
"Educators are frustrated about the state of public education in North Carolina," he said Monday, "We have employees that are leaving mid-year because they are so frustrated with the lack of pay, the lack of support, the lack of resources. And, our kids are suffering because of it."
Jewell says the NCAE will first need to see the results of the member survey before committing to a specific type of "mass mobilization."
"We're not ruling anything out at this point," he said.
As the NCAE takes the pulse of teachers, WFMY News 2 asked lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to respond to another possible teacher walkout.
"I think, unfortunately, NCAE does not represent most teachers," said Senator Phil Berger, "But I think that they again would be allowing their political views to take precedence over the interest of the children."
"If this is what it's going to take to get the attention of the legislature to actually give them the raises that they need, I applaud them for that," said Representative Pricey Harrison.
Jewell says surveys should be sent out to NCAE members within the next couple of weeks.
