RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina teachers took to the streets for the second year in a row with hopes that a more politically balanced legislature will be more willing to meet their demands.
[PHOTOS: North Carolina teachers rally in Raleigh]
North Carolina’s largest teacher-lobbying group held a public education "Day of Action" Wednesday in Raleigh, and school districts across the state closed after thousands of teachers called out to attend.
Teachers, auxiliary staff and supporters attended the march. Channel 9's Elsa Gillis said compared to last year's march, this year featured more counselors and support staff -- which was the goal. Educators wanted a variety of people marching with specific demands.
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"We are out here, we're advocating. We want to make it right. We need to come together and get it right and unite together as one. Our legislators need to know this. That's why we are here fighting today, said teacher Ola Earl.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools employees joined tens of thousands of others to march through Raleigh, then meeting publicly and privately with legislators.
"I think that it's important that we show up today for a living wage for everyone that works in a school -- our cafeteria workers, our BMTS, our social workers," one teacher said.
They also demanded the General Assembly restore extra pay for teachers with advanced degrees, reinstate retiree health benefits, and for a 5 percent raise for all non-certified staff, teachers, and administrators.
They're also demanding the General Assembly restore extra pay for teachers with advanced degrees and reinstate retiree health benefits.
"The pay, yes we need better pay, but I just want to be able to make sure my kids have the need they have to be successful in the real world today," a teacher said.
Teachers told Channel 9 this means basic things like textbooks to more counselors in schools.
Rally speakers included Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and the Rev. William Barber, co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign.
When an estimated 20,000 people marched for teachers last year, Republicans held a veto-proof majority in the state House and Senate. The results of November's election changed that, and now Cooper's vetoes can stand if Democrats remain united.
The House budget released Tuesday includes some of the teachers' demands: higher pay for veteran teachers and restoration of a salary bump for teachers with masters' degrees.
This year, the North Carolina Association of Educators is also demanding a $15 minimum wage for all school personnel and expanded Medicaid to improve health of students and families, and more librarians, social workers and other health professionals in schools.
"We're seeing a lot of students who need a lot of emotional support, you know, who need a lot of love and attentention and affection and then we're seeing teachers who are paying the mom, doctor, the lawyer, the every-- the therapist, everything," said school counselor Anthony Wright.
South Carolina teachers also are protesting Wednesday.
[RELATED: Thousands of teachers hold school day South Carolina rally]
Iredell-Statesville school leaders decided to make May 1 a virtual student day, meaning they will complete assigned work from home.
Local districts closing for students May 1:
- Cabarrus County Schools
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
- Hickory Public Schools
- Iredell-Statesville Schools (Campuses closed for students but designated virtual student day)
- Kannapolis City Schools
- Mooresville Graded School District
North Carolina teachers plan new rally to press demands