Anderson Clayton’s Teacher Pay Claim: Fact or Fiction?
North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton recently asserted that the state has the “lowest teacher pay in the South.” The claim, made during a press conference on education funding, ignited debate—but data shows it’s mostly inaccurate. While NC’s teacher pay remains a contentious issue, it doesn’t rank last in the region.
Where NC Teacher Salaries Actually Stand
According to the National Education Association (NEA), North Carolina’s average teacher salary for 2022-2023 was $56,559, higher than:
– Mississippi ($47,162)
– Florida ($51,230)
When adjusted for cost of living, NC outperforms several Southern states but still falls below the national average ($66,745). A 2023 Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) report confirmed NC is in the bottom half of Southern states but not the absolute lowest.
Why the Misleading Claim?
Clayton’s statement likely reflects long-standing frustrations over stagnant wages. A decade ago, NC ranked among the nation’s worst for teacher pay. Though Republican-led legislatures have raised salaries—particularly for early-career teachers—critics argue increases haven’t matched inflation or rival states like Georgia and Texas.
Key issues fueling the perception:
– Slow pay progression: Veteran teachers see smaller raises than peers in other states.
– Retention struggles: Low morale persists despite modest improvements.
Political Backlash and Broader Debate
Republicans disputed Clayton’s claim, citing recent budget increases. A GOP spokesperson stated, “North Carolina has made progress—ignoring that is disingenuous.” Democrats countered that incremental raises are insufficient amid rising costs.
The Bottom Line
Clayton’s claim is overstated but highlights a real problem: NC still trails most Southern states in teacher pay. With shortages and morale issues unresolved, education funding will remain a key political battleground.
—NextMinuteNews
