Mar 26 2025
New teachers in North Carolina are expressing concerns over teacher attrition rates, particularly those in their first few years. Christina Butler, a first grade teacher from Wilkes County, nearly left the profession early in her career. Thanks to the support provided by the North Carolina New Teacher Support Program (NC NTSP), she decided to remain in teaching. “If you go into teaching, you know it’s not about the money, it’s about the kids,” Butler said, reflecting on her experience.
In the 2022-23 school year, beginning teachers, defined as those with less than three years of experience, constituted about 11% of North Carolina's teaching workforce but represented nearly 15% of those who chose to leave the field. The NC NTSP currently supports 1,200 new educators and boasts an impressive 94% retention rate, which is benefiting approximately 40,000 students, according to Dr. Elizabeth Hodges, the program director.
In response to the growing need for support for new teachers, Democratic lawmakers are advocating for an appropriation of $4 million to expand the program's reach across the state. Rep. Cynthia Ball emphasized the urgency, stating, “We are in a crisis,” particularly noting that many teachers leave within their first five years.
Dr. Caroline Beam, an instructional coach, highlighted the importance of emotional support, recalling an instance where a simple conversation aided a struggling teacher. “We just needed to rest, and things were going to look a lot different on the other side of spring break,” she remarked.
Despite facing challenges in the Republican-controlled legislature, Rep. Ball remains committed to advocating for the funding, asking lawmakers, “What is it going to take to get this $4 million that’s like a nickel in your pocket to our budget?”
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