Houston's back for more North Carolina teachers
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Robin Bryant is a newly minted teacher looking for work. She lives in Fayetteville for now, but she's not opposed to taking her first full time classroom job out West, in Houston.
When we met outside the Renaissance center before she entered to get started on her job hunt, Bryant said leaving Fayetteville behind would be hard, but "This is a great opportunity," and if offered a job she can accept, she will return to visit family and friends.
Houston's offered a dozen contracts to candidates since last year, after pre-registering 325 and signing up 125 more who walked up for same-day registration.
Raleigh mayor Nancy McFarlane sent a tweet Wednesday morning that said :#ncga Houston Here recruiting our teachers again! If HB 1224 becomes law, expect to see more."
She was referring to the pending bill that would allow a slight increase of the county sales tax to fund education or transportation - but not both.
The Houston school system and Renaissance Hotel at North Hills did not want video cameras inside the building or the recruitment area. But a spokesperson confirmed great interest by North Carolina teachers in possible moves to Texas. She said those who can fill that system's critical openings are encouraged to apply online before attending the next scheduled job fairs in Greensboro and Charlotte.
But with state lawmakers still trying to find common ground on teacher raises, the promise of bigger salaries in Texas could tempt more teachers like Bryant.
Retired Wake county principal Gig Harris has some advice for the General Assembly: "They need to table the other things and put raises for teachers first! Teachers have choices. They can go to other states."
Bryant, who told us she's certified to teach grades 6 through 9 science, math, social studies and English, could get an offer if Texas recruiters agree she has what they're looking for.
