Home / Education / NC Teachers March on Raleigh for Better Pay
NC Teachers March on Raleigh for Better Pay
1 May
Summary
- Over 20,000 teachers marched on Raleigh for increased pay.
- Classes were canceled in multiple school districts due to teacher absences.
- Educators urged North Carolina legislators to finalize the state budget.
On Friday, May 1, 2026, over 20,000 teachers traveled to Raleigh to rally for improved compensation and greater investment in public schools. This large-scale event resulted in widespread class cancellations across numerous districts, such as Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Kannapolis City Schools, and Mooresville Graded School District. Approximately 2,600 teachers from CMS alone requested leave to attend the demonstration.
The educators aimed to raise their voices and demand action from North Carolina legislators, emphasizing the need for a finalized state budget. They expressed concerns that without a budget, salary increases are stalled, and they are incurring additional personal expenses for healthcare and other necessities. Participants conveyed a sense of hope and unity in their collective effort to advocate for change.
State Superintendent Mo Green commented on the situation, stating that the primary focus remains on students and that educators are most effective when present in the classroom.
