Teacher’s association plans another rally for May 1 in Raleigh

Posted

After last year’s rally drew around 20,000 teachers and educators to downtown Raleigh, the N.C. Association of Educators has announced a sequel.

NCAE President Mark Jewell announced a “Day of Action for public education” for May 1. Multiple NCAE county-level branches asked teachers to put in for a personal leave day, suggesting a possible repeat of last year’s event.

On a Facebook post, Jewell is quoted as saying it’s time to pay state legislators “another visit.”

“I’m sad to say, we still have enemies on Jones Street,” he said. “We’re fighting even now for a budget that will prioritize student resources, educator pay and school safety. Some people still stand in the way of those basic, fundamental values.”

According to the Twitter account for the Alexander County branch of the NCAE, the group is seeking change on five issues, including a $15 minimum wage for all workers in schools, expanding Medicaid and hiring enough social workers, counselors and nurses to meet national standards.

During last year’s event, which took place on May 16, Chatham County Schools changed the regular school day into a teacher workday due to anticipated educator absences. A representative from CCS said the district had no comment on the announcement.