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Garinger Teacher of Year delivers personal letter on teacher raises in Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina teacher of the year from Garinger High School, James Ford, talked to lawmakers about the state budget in Raleigh Tuesday.

He delivered a personal letter encouraging a compromise on the budget that would give raises for teachers, and was even able to meet with Gov. Pat McCrory.

Ford said both he and the governor want more students to see teaching as a viable career.

They know they'll be rewarded and there are multiple pathways to being a leader, to being compensated, and to having the desired effect on young lives, and that's what we're hoping for from that conversation," Ford said.

The House and Senate budget proposals call for teacher raises, but if they don't reach an agreement then teachers won't see a pay increase.

READ Ford's letter here.