The NC House released details of their state budget adjustments this week. Although lacking some critical elements, the House budget includes an average 4.1 percent increase in teacher salaries and a $1,000 bonus for our beginning and most experienced public school teachers.
The budgets of both Governor McCrory and the House also granted a “step increase” to teachers, thereby allowing those who continue in the profession to advance one experienced-based spot on the state’s teacher salary schedule. Starting in year five and every five years afterward, that advancement includes a substantial pay increase.
According to NC Department of Public Instruction figures, under the House plan a teacher entering the upcoming school year with five years of experience would receive a raise of $3,000 or 8.6 percent. Teachers moving into their tenth year would receive a $5,500 salary boost, a 15.1 percent increase from the year before.
The percentage increases go to 12.5 percent in year 15; 10.3 percent in year 20; and 9.7 percent in year 25. Raises at those level range from $4,500 to $5,000 dollars. Teachers with 25 years of experience would also receive a $1,000 bonus.