Cumberland County teacher weighs in on statewide rally: 'We just want to be heard'
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- More than 800 Cumberland County teachers and staff are expected to join a statewide walkout in Raleigh on Friday, leading to school closures and a renewed push for increased education funding across North Carolina.
The demonstration has drawn support from educators such as William Jacobs, a special education teacher at Mack-Williams Middle School, who says he wants lawmakers to hear their concerns.
"I just want to feel like we're being supported," Jacobs said.
Jacobs, who has taught in Cumberland County for three years, described the challenges he faces in the classroom, highlighting overcrowding as a major concern.
"Our classrooms are too full. I talk with other teachers around the county as well. Classrooms are packed. Not enough desks between 35 to 40 students in a classroom," he said.
Teachers and staff across the state are rallying for better pay and improved working conditions. According to the National Education Association, North Carolina ranks 43rd in the nation for teacher pay, with an average salary of $60,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, significantly below the national average of $70,000.
Jacobs expressed some frustration with how the district handled the walkout. When asked if he felt the option to attend the rally was a win, Jacobs replied, "No. I just feel like them giving us the option today of having to use a day to go down there and then us turning around at the end of the month, having to come to school on a Tuesday, the day after a holiday. I just feel like, you know, that's wasting gas."
The less than 48-hour notice for the walkout has drawn criticism from some Cumberland County parents. Brandon Blackburn, who has two children in the district, said the late notice put his family in a difficult position.
"I got the call yesterday around 5 or 6 p.m.," Blackburn said. "A little bit short notice? It could have been, uh, maybe 11 a.m., a little bit of, give us a little bit more time."
Blackburn acknowledged the need for better teacher pay but questioned the timing of the rally.
"They deserved more pay, but with it being near the end of year, I think they should have waited till the school year ended because of EOGs."
Caregivers such as Shawniqua Doisher have also been affected, as parents scrambled to find childcare.
"I've had at least four families reach out. I've been able to get care for two of them," Doisher said.
Despite the disruptions, Jacobs said he believes standing up for teachers is critical.
"Some of the kids that I teach are amazing individuals, but to be a teacher, you have to be a special person. And I just feel like I mean, we just have to be supportive, so we can, so we could put our best foot forward to help these kids."
Cumberland County Schools released a statement saying, "Based on this data, it was determined that adjusting the calendar is necessary to ensure the safety, supervision and overall well-being of all students."
The rally has prompted several districts, including Cumberland County, to cancel classes to accommodate staff absences. May 22, originally scheduled as the last day of school, will now serve as a makeup day. The last day for students is May 26.
Jacobs said he and his colleagues plan to be there, hoping their voices will be heard by state leaders as they advocate for North Carolina's teachers and students.
