ALT “Eliminating the Department of Education would hurt millions of North Carolina children who rely on public schools and federal funding. It’s not just about budgets—it’s about real students, especially in rural and underfunded districts, who would lose critical resources like AP classes, college prep, and disability services. At a time of teacher shortages and rising classroom demands, this move would increase class sizes, cut job training, and make higher education less accessible, hitting low-income and rural communities the hardest." - Nicole Price, NCAE Associate Executive Director

ALT Quote from NCAE President, Tamika Walker Kelly: “North Carolina teachers desperately need a raise – a big one. For too many years, we have been underpaid and underappreciated. And you can see the results in our schools. Record numbers of teachers are being forced out of the profession, and teacher shortages are making it harder to provide every student with an excellent education. But it’s going to take more than a bill. It’s going to take legislative leadership with the strength and commitment to get it through the budget process. That’s something we haven’t seen in a long time. The North Carolina Association of Educators is ready to talk with any lawmakers who are serious about raising teacher pay to the level it will take to attract and retain good people in the teaching profession. We are heartened by the bipartisan support, and we want to work with you.”