North Carolina has over 7400 fewer teacher assistants than it did over a decade ago.

Let me repeat: North Carolina has over 7400 fewer teacher assistants than it over ten years ago.

When study after study published by leading education scholars and education historians preach that reaching students early in their academic lives is most crucial for success in high school and life, our General Assembly  actually promoted one of the largest layoffs in state history in a highly needed area.

As a voter, I am disappointed that the last 10-plus years with this GOP-led NCGA has fostered a calculated attack against public schools with more power and money given to entities to privatize education. By eliminating teacher assistants, the NCGA  simply weakened the effectiveness of elementary schools even more and helped substantiate the need to divert my tax money to segregate educational opportunities even more

And what about Phil Berger? He has more “teacher assistants” than most people for a job that is not even full-time.

Here’s a list of some of his top staff.

The Charlotte Observer recently ran a story that reported a list of salaries of the top earning NC General Assembly employees.

Look who is near the top at a cool $230K

The next two people on Berger’s list bove?

One policy analyst makes $110K/year.

This is from the office of the man who has singlehandedly stalled the passing of a new state budget.

Sounds hypocritical to this teacher.

If Berger wants to make the argument that he needs a staff / team of assistants (many of whom make six-digit salaries), then he would have to acknowledge that schools need teacher assistants as well.

And nurses for each school and psychologists and other personnel who can help our students.