North Carolina Plans 13% Teacher Pay Raise, Tops Southeast

North Carolina teachers could soon earn more than their peers across the entire Southeast region, thanks to a bold new investment in education.

Governor Josh Stein announced his plan Monday at the BEST NC Education Innovation Lab, where educators and policy experts gathered to tackle the state's teaching challenges. His proposed $397 million investment would boost starting teacher salaries by 13 percent, making them the highest in the Southeast.

The initiative goes beyond just recruiting new teachers. Average teacher pay would increase by nearly 6 percent, and the state would restore extra compensation for teachers who earned master's degrees. Experienced educators and school support staff who help students succeed would also see higher paychecks.

The funding comes from Stein's $1.4 billion Critical Needs Budget, introduced earlier this month as lawmakers work on the full state budget. The proposal addresses urgent priorities across North Carolina, with teacher compensation taking center stage.

Stein's visit to Bluford STEM Academy in Greensboro last month showed him successful teaching strategies already working in classrooms. He observed Advanced Teaching Roles and Science of Reading programs that improve student outcomes while supporting educators in their daily work.

The governor also announced a new Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education, created in partnership with state leaders Destin Hall and Phil Berger. This group will examine how North Carolina prepares teachers, advances students, operates schools, develops leaders, and measures success.

The Ripple Effect

Better teacher pay means more than just bigger paychecks. When talented educators choose to stay in North Carolina classrooms instead of leaving for higher salaries elsewhere, students benefit from experienced, dedicated teachers year after year. School communities grow stronger when they can attract top talent and keep their best educators invested in local students.

The investment also signals to college students considering education careers that North Carolina values its teachers. Higher starting salaries could draw more people into the profession at a time when many states struggle with teacher shortages.

State leaders believe these combined efforts will strengthen North Carolina's education workforce while creating better opportunities for students statewide. If lawmakers approve the budget, thousands of teachers could see the raises as early as next school year.