DPS heads into the new school year with a record-low 58 teacher vacancies.
The study from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute places North Carolina 48th nationally out of all 50 states.
The debate comes as data shows North Carolina teacher pay continues to lag behind the national average.
Researchers said it's almost as if students in North Carolina have missed 27 weeks of learning in reading and 15 weeks in math.
Under the framework, state employees would see an average 3% raise, while teachers would receive an average 8% increase, along with one-time bonuses.
Teach For America North Carolina hosted a panel discussion after visiting a school in Edgecombe County.