We Pay North Carolina Teachers

by Jamal Thompson

North Carolina teachers starting pay first year ($39,000) in rural counties its based only on the state pay grid. Some counties/school districts have a local supplement that increases the amount to support a higher cost of living or to make the job more attractive for prospective teachers. North Carolina has historically put a premium on quality public education. As one of the basic quality of life standards that help attract big business to our state, North Carolina consistently ranks near the top of Forbes list of top states to do business in The United States.

New college graduates and professionals from other fields transitioning to the Teacher profession in North Carolina have options due to a teacher shortage. All the metro counties across the state have a percentage added to the base pay. That supplement amount is derived from that county's leadership and budget. The base pay is dictated by the years of experience as determined by the state licensing board. Rural counties that do not have a supplement are at a distinct disadvantage when recruiting new teachers.

Bertie County recently took a significant step by creating an affordable housing community exclusively for school system employees. This measure, aimed at incentivizing educators to come and work there, is a clear indication of the challenges counties face in recruiting and retaining teachers. It underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for more such measures to even the recruiting contest for new teachers and retaining current staff.

In the spirit of improving the quality of rural North Carolina education, please give me some ideas for attracting and keeping the best teachers in small towns and rural counties.