Governor Addresses Governor's Teacher Network, Offers Vision for North Carolina Classrooms | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

    Durham, N.C. – Today, in front of a packed crowd of educators and education leaders from across North Carolina, Governor Pat McCrory formally launched the Governor's Teacher Network. Under this program, the state has reallocated approximately $6 million of Race to the Top funding to support 450 teachers.

    Educators will earn an additional $10,000 each for the creation of professional development resources, lesson plans and classroom materials that will benefit other teachers and, most importantly, students.

    "As Governor's Teacher Network members, you will help develop your colleagues to ensure that students have access to high-quality education," Governor McCrory said. "Your commitment will increase our educational effectiveness and ultimately improve our ability to provide an excellent education to all North Carolina students. No great teacher works in isolation. Collaboration and teamwork are crucial to ensuring every classroom is led by a highly effective educator."

    Governor McCrory thanked State Superintendent Dr. June Atkinson for her leadership on this issue and praised the collaboration between the Department of Public Instruction and the Governor's Office. The governor also acknowledged the U.S. Department of Education, which understood the critical role this network would play in the success of North Carolina's Race to the Top efforts.

    The Governor's Teacher Network is one part of the governor's overall plan to boost teacher pay and improve education in North Carolina. Governor McCrory discussed this overall vision and his administration's bold new career proposal for educators.

    Over the next three years, the governor's proposed "Career Pathways for Teachers" will allow new opportunities for teachers by making available the chance to earn more for continuous education, serving in high-needs fields and schools and taking on additional leadership duties.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov