State Superintendent gives $200 to all K-3 teachers in NC

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — When it comes to your child’s education, learning how to read is a key component. That is why State Superintendent Mark Johnson says he is making sure teachers have what they need for kids to succeed.

“Last week we announced that we were getting $5 million out of Raleigh and sending it out to schools so that every teacher in a K-3 classroom would have $200 to buy reading supplies,” Johnson said.

It’s extra money teachers like Savannah Crangle are honored to receive.

“So a lot of our students come from, you know, families that don’t have a lot of money. So having this extra funding in the classroom they’re going to have so much more access to books that they can bring home,” Crangle said. “To the outside world.”

Johnson stopped by Union Elementary School in Shallotte and Mary C. Williams Elementary School in Wilmington Friday to share the good news and a check.

“To show our appreciation to teachers,” Johnson said. “But also let teachers decide how this money should best be spent. Because they know their students the best and they know what their students need.”

Johnson said the money comes from the Read to Achieve Program which focuses on helping students learn how to read, training teachers, and providing materials necessary for success.

Teachers say they are more than excited to put the money to good use.

“I’m gonna get some bagged books to send home with my children,” Crangle said. “They love choosing their own titles, their own topics, and sharing with their families what they’re learning. So I can’t wait to put that in their hands to take home with them.”

Every public school teacher in kindergarten through third grade across the state will get $200 to spend on reading supplies. Charter schools are also included.