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Raleigh NC, October 05, 2012, 2:06 pm -- /EPR NETWORK/ -- Today, Senator Doug Berger issued the following statement regarding World Teachers' Day:
I want to thank teachers everywhere but particularly in North Carolina. Yesterday, we learned that in North Carolina we lost about 11,791 teachers last year. North Carolina is facing a critical time and we must find our footing regarding the prioritization of public education. Teachers are entrusted with our greatest resource, our children and the future they represent. Instead of cutting education we need to invest in education and that starts with teachers. During the last legislative session I stood with teachers. As a former teacher for both middle school and high school, I understand the challenges that teachers face. It's bad enough that teachers find themselves as targets, but the assault on the overall funding for education makes it even worse. For example, in Franklin County , they saw a 54.4% reduction in funding for textbooks; books are becoming so expensive that schools have to guard them due to the lack of funding, a student must ask to bring a textbook home and even then, there is no guarantee they will receive permission. Recent reports place the present spending for textbooks in Franklin County at approximately $14 per student, per year that is unacceptable. North Carolina can do better, indeed North Carolina MUST do better. The choking of our schools funding simply cannot continue. Republicans want to take money from schools so they can pay for their tax cuts for millionaires it's Robin Hood in reverse, rob from the areas in need and give to those who do not understand need. I hold educators in the highest regard; I understand and thank them for their sacrifice. I am extremely honored and grateful to have been endorsed by the North Carolina Association of Educators. They represent what I have spent my eight years fighting for as a State Senator. I will do everything in my power to insure teachers receive what they need to make sure our children have the best possible chance for the future.
Held annually on October 5th since 1994 - World Teachers' Day was created by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, with the purpose of celebrating teachers worldwide.
A long advocate for teacher's and education, Senator Doug Berger is running for senate in NC Senate District 18. This race represents a clear choice between Senator Berger and Chad Barefoot. Senator Doug Berger's distinguished legal career has included serving as a prosecutor, judge, and an attorney in private practice. Berger has also served as a middle and high school teacher as well as a youth football coach. Senator Berger's background in education and law has given him tremendous perspective and insight during his four terms in the Senate. If you would like more information visit www.bergerfornc.com or www.bergerbeatsbarefoot.com.
Media Contact:
Ecil Brockman
919-287-9345
Source: Doug Berger for NC Senate
