In NC Strong Update, Governor Stein Highlights Investments in Student and Teacher Success
NORTH CAROLINA, August 20 - Today as students and teachers prepare to return to classrooms across North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein held his latest NC Strong Update to highlight how the state is investing in student learning and teacher recruitment and retention. Governor Stein welcomed a student, teacher, and principal to underscore the importance of these investments to keep North Carolina’s public schools strong.
North Carolina currently ranks second to last nationally in per pupil K-12 funding, spending $5,660 less per student than the national average. The new budget takes important steps to close that gap by investing in the students, educators, and school leaders who are essential to giving every child the opportunity to succeed. That said, there is still a long way to go.
At NC Strong, Governor Stein also provided updates on the DMV and announced this year’s NC Awards recipients and charitable beneficiaries.
Raising Teacher Pay
Last month, Governor Stein signed into law North Carolina’s first full state budget in more than two years. The budget raises average teacher pay by 8% – the largest average teacher pay raise in 20 years – and increases starting teacher pay by 17%, the largest starting teacher pay raise in nearly 50 years.
“Teachers are the single most important in-school factor in a student’s success, and they deserve to be valued accordingly,” said Governor Josh Stein. “For too long, North Carolina has struggled to be competitive in teacher pay and support, but this budget puts us back on track. While we still have more work to do, these raises begin to show teachers just how much we value them.”
“Teachers’ pay doesn’t reflect their sacrifices, the long hours they spend designing lesson plans for their kids, or the money they put toward school supplies from their own pockets,” said Jeremiah Tucker, student body president at Broughton High School. “That’s where the new budget bill comes in. It raises the bar and represents a very good first step into paying teachers what they’re worth. There’s still work to be done, but this budget puts North Carolina on track to do that work.”
Improving Student Outcomes
The budget also invests in proven programs that support student learning and teacher development.
The budget expands the Advanced Teaching Roles program to more schools across the state, creating opportunities for excellent teachers to stay in the classroom while developing leadership experience. It strengthens early literacy by expanding diagnostic reading assessments and literacy intervention plans in elementary grades and providing Science of Reading training for middle school teachers.
To improve math achievement, the budget funds screening assessments and Mathematics Success Plans for students in the state’s low-performing schools from kindergarten through eighth grade to ensure every child is performing at a high level. It also supports AI literacy in classroom instruction, helping enhance and support the learning experience. Further, the budget enhances statewide school safety initiatives by funding targeted security upgrades — such as cameras, door locks, fencing, and detection equipment.
“We need to do what works when it comes to educating our kids,” said Governor Josh Stein. “The training all North Carolina elementary school teachers have now received on the Science of Reading is helping kids build a strong foundation in reading. We need to extend that knowledge to middle school educators. And multi-classroom Advanced Teaching Roles enable teachers to extend their reach, impact more students, and progress in their careers without having to leave the classroom.”
“As a teacher who implements the science of reading in my classroom daily, I have seen the direct impact it has on students,” said Gina Holste, a literacy specialist and the 2026 Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year. “I have watched students close gaps and no longer need intervention services as well as teachers grow in the knowledge of the content they are asked to teach. The students in North Carolina deserve the best we have to offer and that begins with evidence-based practices.”
Prioritizing Principal Recruitment
To support turnaround at low-performing schools, the budget expands the Principal Recruitment Supplement Program, in which high-performing principals are recruited to high-need, low-performing schools. Through this program, highly effective principals with a proven record of strong leadership help support the lasting growth and improvement of the students who need it most. This program has shown proven results, with 86% of participating schools meeting or exceeding growth and 50% of participating schools exceeding growth and exiting their low-performing status.
“Principals with a demonstrated record of improving student achievement can produce both immediate academic gains and lasting improvement,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Through investments like the Principal Recruitment Supplement Program, we recognize and reward our excellent principals, and we put even more students on the path to academic success.”
“North Carolina made a bold investment in the belief that leadership matters” said Principal LaTresha Wilson, the 2026 Southwest Region Principal of the Year. “Through the Principal Recruitment Supplement Program, the state provides up to $30,000 annually for three years to recruit and retain highly effective principals in some of its lowest-performing schools. When we place strong leaders in high-need schools, we create the conditions for students, teachers, and entire communities to thrive.”
DMV Updates
Governor Stein also provided updates on DMV service after the summer rush. Recent data shows that in-office waits are down almost 90%, with the average customer waiting only 22 minutes in July.
“I am really proud of our team at DMV for providing excellent customer service throughout the summer rush,” said Governor Josh Stein. “To ensure you have the best experience possible, remember to check live wait times at visitDMV.nc.gov before you go to the DMV. You can make an appointment, but walk ins are easy and welcome, and there is no need to wait in line before opening. And if you might be interested in serving North Carolinians as a Driver License Examiner, Google ‘NCDMV Careers.’ We’d be excited to have you join the team.”
Thanks to updates from Senate Bill 245, which Governor Stein signed into law last September, more than 337,000 customers have newly been able to complete a transaction online and skip the trip to the DMV. In addition, because of the NCDMV’s new document upload tool, more than 70,000 customers have been able to upload documents like proof of insurance from their phone rather than needing a physical copy. The DMV remains committed to improving services by opening new and renovated offices, hiring more examiners, and modernizing its IT systems.
NC Awards
During the NC Strong Update, Governor Stein also announced the six winners of the 2026 North Carolina Awards, recognized for their significant contributions to the state and nation in the fields of fine arts, literature, public service, and science. All net proceeds from ticket sales for the November 17 ceremony will go to two charities that benefit veterans and military families: Blue Star Families and Camp Corral.
“Over the past six decades, the North Carolina Award has been presented to many remarkable North Carolinians. Our 2026 recipients represent the best of our state, and it is a privilege to honor these outstanding people,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am also honored to focus this year’s awards ceremony on supporting active and former servicemembers. North Carolina’s military and veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting our safety and freedoms, and we will continue doing all we can to support them and their families.”
This year’s North Carolina awards recipients are:
- Literature: Jason Mott
- Public Service: Richard Petty
- Public Service: Lt. Gen. Kevin Vereen (Ret.)
- Public Service: Dr. Randy Woodson
- Science: Dr. Lindsay Zanno
- Fine Arts: Beverly McIver
Learn more about this year’s North Carolina Awards and secure your tickets here.
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