Governor Roy Cooper addressed educators at the North Carolina Association of Educators Rally for Respect on Halifax Mall in downtown Raleigh.
See below for Gov. Cooper's remarks as prepared:
I’m here today to strongly support our public school educators and to work toward making sure our children have the opportunities for the best public education in the country.
But I also come today with a heavy heart and an additional message.
The tragic shooting at UNC Charlotte last night leaves us deeply saddened, frustrated and angry. I was in Charlotte on the campus last night and I’m heading back right after this.
This violence is all too common in our country. It can happen anywhere, and unfortunately it often does. We are devastated that it has happened here.
As educators, I know you often think about school safety when you walk into your schools, classrooms and gymnasiums. We must work for a day when no student, no teacher, no parent is fearful for their safety at a school – or anywhere else, for that matter.
I’m proud of the work we did when I was Attorney General and now as governor that helped our schools and law enforcement plan and train to respond to these violent events. Last night, we saw the results in action with a swift, coordinated and brave response that saved lives.
Now we need to put that same type of coordination into preventing these shootings in the first place—and telling legislators that school safety is vital. And that doesn’t mean putting guns with teachers in the classroom.
As educators, you do so much more than just teach math and reading and science. You boost children’s self-esteem. You comfort them in times of trouble. You instill in them a sense of purpose and direction. And you are often the first line of defense for crises big and small.
Educators are key to strong, safe communities. And you deserve support in the many roles you play.
That means significantly better pay for all teachers and principals, including our veteran teachers and support staff. It means more school support staff like nurses and counselors. It means modern, safe classrooms. And it means respecting your work and treating you like the professionals you are.
We know teachers care more about outcomes than incomes. That’s why we say that so much.
And that’s why you’re here today to push for Medicaid expansion. To make sure families have health care coverage, including badly needed access to mental health treatment. More mental health coverage will keep us healthier and safer.
Every day, I will fight for teachers and for public education in our state. And when I go back to the campus of UNC Charlotte this afternoon and stand in vigil with their students and faculty tonight, I will tell them that our teachers are with them, that you support them and that they are in your prayers.
Thank you for all you do. God bless our educators and God bless the great state of North Carolina.