GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. – If you thought the teacher movement for more money ended at the Raleigh rally, think again.
Their presence at the state capital was historic as tens of thousands swarmed the streets, demanding change. Now, a week later, Guilford County educators are planning their next move.
For teachers like Kenya Donaldson, it was never a question. It's what she was born to do.
“My favorite grade is absolutely third grade,” she said.
She's taught for 22 years, and right now, is at Summerfield Elementary.
“We are, as a workforce, generally very compliant. We love what we do. None of us went into this career to be wealthy millionaires by far,” said Donaldson.
She's one of dozens of Guilford County educators who came together to lesson plan Thursday. But this chapter isn't meant for their students, rather the people elected to represent them.
Last week, Donaldson joined thousands of fellow educators in a sea of red in Raleigh.
“I believe they heard our voice. Now did they receive the message? I think it was clear that some did not,” she said.
They rallied for more funding all around: more for teachers, more for students and more for the buildings themselves.
“It's not just about teacher pay,” she said, “It’s the reduction in staff, and increasing class-size.”
But the teacher rally was just a launch point.
“Our voice matters. If we are organized and we are of one voice, we can get the schools that our students deserve,” said Guilford County Association of Educators president Todd Warren.
Now, they're preparing to go to the county commissioners to demand more funding.
“We’re going to keep pushing and keep fighting. It's obvious that our folks are ready to push through the long haul from here to the summer on to November,” said Warren.
Over the summer, GCAE hopes to hold regional conferences to strengthen the unity between teachers, and their goals.
Next month, county commissioners will decide how much money to give the school district. State money accounts for more than half of the GCS budget, and commissioners contribute almost 30 percent.
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