Educational Issues and TrendsThere are many current educational issues. Lack of parental involvement and support is certainly one. This is especially the case in our Title 1 schools. It is difficult to get many parents to become involved in their children's education. Another current educational problem is the lack of support and assistance for teachers. For example, in some schools, each kindergarten and first grade has a full-time aide. I teach first grade but share an assistant with two other first grade classes. We have reading teachers, but they only take care of 3-5 students at a time out of over 60 students. As class sizes increase, it becomes increasingly difficult to meet the needs of each student without appropriate support. The biggest education issue in North Carolina right now is teacher pay. It's all over the news and on social media. Everyone is aware of the current low wages, “frozen” for years. Even though everyone is aware of the situation and most people are sympathetic to it, no one knows how much it is harming our state and teachers' families except the teachers themselves. Somehow there doesn't seem to be enough money to give teachers even a cost of living increase. Since moving to North Carolina I haven't had a raise. My salary is the same as 5 years ago. I have 8 years of teaching experience, however, I am paid as if I only have 3 years of experience. Now let me clarify, I didn't become a teacher to make a lot of money, I became a teacher because I love kids and I love teaching! I also became a teacher because I knew it would be a great job to be a mother. I would be on the same schedule as my children and I could help...... middle of paper...... his years of experience. Somehow, we have to find a way to give teachers enough of a raise each year to keep them from leaving their profession, moving to another state, or having to find a second job. Ideally, we need to find a way to pay teachers what they deserve, based on their training and experience. However, until we are able to do that, I think even a small increase and the promise that it would continue to increase each year might be enough to keep some of the teachers we are currently losing. I am proud to be a teacher. in Orange County Schools and I know that even with the huge problem of teacher pay, Orange County Schools will keep teacher morale high, show teachers how much they are appreciated and recognize them for everything their exceptional work! It can be done with no money and has a huge impact when times are tough.!