CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Some teachers have been contacting officials at the NC Department of Public Instruction about their pay. Teachers are concerned their salary is not reflecting a 1.2% raise the General Assembly approved.
State education officials explained to teachers they will get the raise, but there is some confusion when teachers compare their salary to last year's salary schedule.
It appears some teachers will be paid less. State Education officials say for teachers who are new to the profession, they will be paid less than teachers who had the same amount of experience a few years ago. That's because of a nearly four year pay freeze. Some think that could chase effective teachers away.
"So for recruiting purposes it is less," NC DPI Director of Business Alexis Schauss said. "But the individual teacher, as they work the system,is taking that salary with them."
Schauss is also telling teachers since the General Assembly didn't fully fund teacher raises next year, teachers will be left behind when it comes to their pay. And that is why it looks like teachers are getting paid less.
"The raise doesn't go far enough," NC State Senator Malcolm Graham said. "To put them where they need to be."
State officials have been fielding calls from concerned teachers. They have been explaining the process but teachers are still confused.
"They're disappointed that the General Assembly has not funded that step increase," Schauss said. "To keep them on the salary schedule that was previously funded."
It is advised that teachers check their paycheck to be sure it is correct.
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