Grace Fendrick
Staff Writer
.JPG) |
| Apex teachers protest along Laura Duncan Road |
Red outfits, colorful signs, and nearly 60 Apex
High School staff lined the sidewalks of Laura Duncan Road on Wednesday. Teachers
were protesting “To make the public aware; what we’re [mainly] concerned about
is the exodus of teachers in state,” said the organizer of the event Gregg
Thomas. Low pay, the removal of tenure and additional pay for advanced degrees,
and an overall lack of respect for the profession were among the other reasons
for the protest.
 |
Coach Forrest Moog participates
in the protest |
The rally occurred before school, as they, “were
following all the rules to permit us to protest and still do our job,” said
Thomas. This demonstrates how much teachers of Apex High School care about
their students.
“It was great, we were very fortunate,” Thomas said
regarding the media coverage, including WRAL, WTVD, and the News &
Observer. Although Principal Matthew Wight was not a part of the protest he
backs his teachers fully saying, “I absolutely support them one-hundred
percent.” Wight believes that the teachers took an essential step in improving
the system saying, “They have met with legislators voicing their concerns, but
to make a public display of their concerns is really important.”
 |
| Megan Fackler-Bretz, Tim Kane, and Amy Ernenwein |
As North Carolina is ranked 46th in
the nation for average teacher pay, there is a definite need for reform.
The protest occurred after the shocking news
that 612 educators have left midyear in Wake County, which is the largest
teacher turnover rate in five years. Governor Pat
McCrory hopes to address these issues through his long term plan, “Career
Pathways for Teachers.” Some Wake County citizens do not believe any changes are
necessary; however, when asked how he would respond to the naysayers Thomas
said, “I think the people who are critical don’t know about education.
 |
| Ryan Phelps, Forrest Moog, Vicki Winstead, and Leila Moog |
 |
| Scott Ferguson, his daughter Hannah Ferguson, and Carol Bost |
