NC Teachers Get Largest Pay Raise in 20 Years

North Carolina teachers are getting a long-overdue boost that could transform classrooms across the state.

Governor Josh Stein announced Thursday that the state's new budget includes the largest average teacher pay raise in 20 years and the biggest starting teacher salary increase in nearly 50 years. The raises also extend to other school employees who keep schools running every day.

The timing matters. Without this budget, North Carolina would have ranked 47th in the nation for teacher pay, below every neighboring state. That's a recipe for losing great educators to nearby opportunities.

The state still ranks 40th nationally, so there's more work ahead. But Stein sees this as momentum, not a finish line. "I see this budget as a launching pad, not a landing spot," he said.

The Ripple Effect

Better teacher pay creates better outcomes for students, and North Carolina is backing that up with proven programs. The budget expands Science of Reading training to middle school educators after elementary teachers saw success with the evidence-based approach.

Math intervention programs are getting new funding too. These aren't experimental ideas but strategies shown to improve student achievement when implemented well.

The state is also growing its Principal Recruitment Supplement Program, which places high-performing principals in struggling schools. Strong leadership ripples through entire communities, giving students the supportive environment they need to thrive.

North Carolina families have watched neighboring states pull ahead in education funding for years. This budget signals a shift toward investing in the people who shape the next generation.

When teachers earn competitive salaries, they can focus on teaching instead of side hustles. When schools adopt research-backed methods, students build stronger foundations. When great principals lead struggling schools, entire communities benefit.

As students head back to classrooms this fall, they'll find teachers who feel more valued and schools better equipped to help every child succeed.