RALEIGH, N.C. -- In one week, thousands of educators are expected to take to the streets of Raleigh and march towards the legislative building.
- Wednesday afternoon, members of the North Carolina Association of Educators gathered in downtown Raleigh speaking about what this year's rally is all about.
- Educators are asking for five specific things of lawmakers this year.
- State Superintendent Mark Johnson has encouraged teachers to rally at the end of the school year, not to disrupt classes because of already missing so much school time for weather.
Wednesday afternoon, members of the North Carolina Association of Educators gathered in downtown Raleigh speaking about what this year's rally is all about.
Teachers say they're anticipating a very similar size rally compared to last year's and are hoping for even more support from the school community and parents.
They mentioned that two weeks before last year's rally, only one school district had canceled.
This year, more than 20 have closed schools on May 1, the latest being Vance County.
Educators are asking for five specific things of lawmakers this year:
- More nurses, counselors, and social workers in school
- Providing a $15/hr minimum wage for all school personnel
- Expanding Medicaid to make sure all students are healthy
- Reinstating state retiree health benefits
- Restoring advanced degree compensation
NCAE says though last year had successes, lawmakers still aren't listening to educators' needs.
"It's time for us to return to Raleigh," said NCAE Vice President Kristy Moore. "May 1 in action is not a partisan event. Support for May 1 march and rally among the general public is widespread and bipartisan with 71% of North Carolinians supporting teachers taking one day to show up for these children."
The educators say they know the legislature is still working on the budget and hope this day of action makes an impact.
This, all while State Superintendent Mark Johnson has encouraged teachers to rally at the end of the school year, not to disrupt classes because of already missing so much school time for weather.