Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed May 7-11, 2018 as National Teacher Appreciation Week in North Carolina. In addition, Gov. Cooper also proclaimed May 8, 2018 as National Teacher Appreciation Day in North Carolina.
Gov. Cooper also released a video thanking teachers for the work they do. Click HERE to see that video. On Tuesday, First Lady Kristin Cooper will visit Smart Start of Forsyth County at 10:00 am, and Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders will visit Neal Middle School in Durham at 8:00 am.
“Our teachers play a critical role in our communities, and we cannot continue to take them for granted,” Gov. Cooper said in the video. “We need to do more to show our thanks and our respect for those who have chosen teaching as their profession and for those who are working to become teachers.”
Recently, the National Education Association ranked North Carolina 37th in the nation for average teacher pay. Gov. Cooper last year introduced a budget plan to get North Carolina to at least the national average in teacher pay in five years.
“We need to make sure our teachers are well-prepared, well-compensated, and well-supported throughout their careers,” Gov. Cooper said.
Ahead of the release of his short session budget, last month Governor Cooper announced a school safety package to help create safe learning and working environments for students and educators. Gov. Cooper’s proposal included a $130 million investment to invest in public safety upgrades, improvements student support services, increased funding for school resource officers, help to prepare a risk and response program, and support for youth mental health.
To help advise the Governor on a variety of educational issues, Governor Cooper has also established the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee. Composed of up to 25 teachers and support personnel, members give the Governor insight on how we can better show teachers respect and help North Carolina become a Top 10 Educated State by 2025.
Click here to read the proclamation.
Click here to watch the video.