By Amy Cockerham Public Ed Works RALEIGH (October 2, 2025) – Over the past several weeks we’ve looked at a range of issues in North Carolina’s public schools, but one theme stands true throughout – most problems stem from a lack of funding. Low teacher pay Low pay is a major concern for North Carolina… READ MORE
Lessons Learned: Troubling tax cuts harm public schools
By Amy Cockerham Public Ed Works (RALEIGH) – While North Carolina school systems are grappling with underfunding, corporations and millionaires are paying less and less taxes. Corporate tax rates were reduced from a 6.9% rate in 2012 to 2.3% and are planned to drop to 0% by 2030. In the year 2000, the rate was… READ MORE
Lessons Learned: NC struggles to recruit and retain teachers
By Amy Cockerham Public Ed Works RALEIGH (September 17, 2025) – Thousands of teachers leave North Carolina classrooms every year – and legislators ignoring the needs of educators could be to blame. Low pay and lack of respect, among other problems, are cited as reasons why school districts have trouble filling teaching positions. The latest… READ MORE
Lessons Learned: NC leaves young learners behind
By Amy Cockerham Public Ed Works RALEIGH (September 10, 2025) – Legislators’ refusal to properly fund education even affects our youngest learners in North Carolina. Research shows pre-kindergarten can be a crucial stage to a child’s development. North Carolina has a high-quality Pre-K program, but the state isn’t serving all the kids it can. Last… READ MORE
Lessons Learned: Spending per student among lowest in nation
By Amy Cockerham Public Ed Works RALEIGH (September 4, 2025) – Lack of funding is the root of many issues facing North Carolina public schools today, as legislators have failed to allocate enough funds to keep up with surrounding states, setting our state behind. GDP, or Gross Domestic Product, is the value of goods and… READ MORE
Lessons Learned: Why don’t we invest in our children?
By Amy Cockerham Public Ed Works RALEIGH (August 14, 2025) – As students head back to the classroom, we’re diving deeper into the struggles educators are dealing with in our state. Over the next several weeks, we will publish a series of articles to address how legislative actions – and inaction – in North Carolina… READ MORE