North Carolina, January 7, 2026
In response to persistent low teacher pay, educators in North Carolina are planning a statewide walkout on January 7, 2026, expecting participation from around 50 schools. Organized by NC Teachers in Action, their demands include restoring master’s pay and unfreezing step increases for veteran teachers. Concurrently, Duke Energy is moving forward with plans for a new nuclear power plant to replace coal facilities, addressing the state’s increasing energy demands while aiming for a 70% reduction in emissions by 2030.
Charlotte – Teachers at dozens of schools across North Carolina could stage a walkout on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, to protest low teacher pay. This potential action marks the second such statewide protest in recent months, highlighting persistent concerns regarding educator compensation. Concurrently, Duke Energy has advanced its plans to explore options for establishing a new nuclear power plant in central North Carolina, aiming to replace existing coal power plants and meet increasing energy demands.
Statewide Teacher Walkout Highlights Pay Concerns
The planned teacher walkout, organized by a new group called NC Teachers in Action, is expected to involve educators from approximately 50 schools across the state, with a significant number located in Wake County. At least three schools in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools – Paw Creek Elementary, Elon Park Elementary School, and Governor’s Village STEM Academy – are listed as participating.
The primary motivation behind the protest is the long-standing issue of inadequate teacher salaries and worsening financial conditions for educators in North Carolina. Teachers are reportedly struggling to make ends meet, with some working multiple jobs or even relying on food banks to support their families.
NC Teachers in Action has outlined several key demands to the state legislature. These include the restoration of master’s pay for teachers, full funding of the court-ordered Leandro plan, unfreezing step increases for veteran teachers, and capping health insurance premiums. These demands address benefits and salary components that have been eroded or frozen over time, contributing to the current financial strain on educators.
This organized protest builds on momentum from an anonymous social media post in November that led to scattered teacher absences and protests. Organizers aim to conduct monthly protests on the 7th of each month, culminating in a larger demonstration around April 7, when the General Assembly is scheduled to reconvene in Raleigh. The goal is to raise public awareness and pressure lawmakers to address the critical situation in public education.
North Carolina ranks 43rd in the nation for average teacher pay and 39th for beginning teacher pay, according to the National Education Association. The Education Law Center has also ranked North Carolina at the bottom nationally for state funding for schools. The state was notably the only one not to adopt a comprehensive budget in 2025.
Duke Energy Pursues New Nuclear Plant in Central North Carolina
In a separate significant development, Duke Energy is taking initial steps toward constructing a new nuclear power plant in central North Carolina. The utility has submitted an early site permit application to federal regulators, proposing a site near its existing Belews Creek Steam Station in Stokes County. This application is a crucial part of exploring options for new nuclear reactors at the Belews Creek site.
The company’s long-term strategy involves replacing its existing coal power plants with nuclear reactors before 2040. This initiative aligns with North Carolina’s mandates to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 70% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The construction of such power plants typically takes an average of 10 years.
Duke Energy aims to utilize the existing Belews Creek coal plant site and its workforce for the new nuclear facility, which could also help secure federal tax credits. The early site permit, described as “technology-neutral,” allows for an 18-month safety review to commence while the company assesses which small modular reactor (SMR) designs will be most suitable. The company plans to add new nuclear generation to the grid by 2037. This could be the first new nuclear reactor built in North Carolina since the 1980s.
The exploration of nuclear power comes amidst rapidly increasing electricity demand in the Carolinas, driven by factors such as AI data centers, electrification of buildings and transportation, and a resurgence in domestic manufacturing. Duke Energy forecasts an eight-fold increase in energy demand over the next fifteen years compared to the previous fifteen years.
Background on Teacher Protests in North Carolina
Teacher protests over pay and school funding have a long history in North Carolina, with educators consistently advocating for better resources and compensation for decades. Notable past actions include a large rally in May 2018, where thousands of teachers marched in Raleigh to demand higher salaries and increased education funding. During that event, at least 42 school districts, including the state’s six largest, canceled classes. Historically, teachers have deplored inadequate salary increases and cuts to education spending. North Carolina is one of the last states to expressly ban all public sector employees from collective bargaining, meaning teachers cannot collectively negotiate their pay and work policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main reason for the potential teacher walkout in North Carolina?
- The potential teacher walkout in North Carolina is primarily motivated by concerns over low teacher pay and worsening financial conditions for educators.
- Which schools in North Carolina are expected to participate in the walkout?
- Approximately 50 schools across North Carolina are slated to participate in the walkout, mostly in Wake County. At least three schools in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools – Paw Creek Elementary, Elon Park Elementary School, and Governor’s Village STEM Academy – are listed as participating.
- What are the key demands of the teachers organizing the walkout in North Carolina?
- The key demands of the teachers organizing the walkout in North Carolina include restoring master’s pay, fully funding the Leandro plan, unfreezing step increases for veteran teachers, and capping health insurance premiums.
- What is Duke Energy’s plan regarding a new nuclear plant in North Carolina?
- Duke Energy plans to explore options for establishing a new nuclear power plant in central North Carolina, specifically at its Belews Creek site in Stokes County, to replace existing coal power plants.
- When does Duke Energy aim to have new nuclear generation operational in North Carolina?
- Duke Energy targets a date of 2037 for new nuclear generation to be in service in North Carolina.
Key Features of Recent North Carolina Developments
| Event | Primary Focus | Geographic Scope | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Walkout | Low Teacher Pay | State-level (North Carolina) | Scheduled for January 7, 2026. Approximately 50 schools involved, mainly in Wake County. Demands include restoring master’s pay, fully funding Leandro plan, unfreezing step increases, and capping health insurance premiums. North Carolina ranks 43rd nationally in average teacher pay. Second statewide protest in recent months. |
| Duke Energy Nuclear Plant | Energy Transition | State-level (Central North Carolina) | Early site permit application submitted for a new nuclear power plant near Belews Creek Steam Station in Stokes County. Aims to replace existing coal power plants before 2040. Targets new nuclear generation by 2037. First new nuclear reactor in North Carolina since the 1980s. |
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