Durham Association of Educators (DAE) is a local affiliate of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) and the National Education Association (NEA), the largest public school workers’ union in the country. We are a member-led organization of educators and allies, committed to leading the fight to defend and transform public schools so that every young person can achieve their full potential and live happy and healthy lives. We believe that educators, in collaboration with parents, students, and community allies, have the knowledge, skills, and power to build the schools and communities that ALL Durham residents deserve.
What do we do?
DAE is committed to developing worker leadership within Durham Public Schools, organizing our school buildings and communities, and winning the schools that our students, parents, and educators deserve.
Organizing & Wins from the ’25/26 School Year
Local Classified Staff Raises
- between 4% and 12% raises for all classified staff (26-27 school year)
- ex: starting custodian: $16.65/hr to $18.22/hr, starting bus safety assistant: $17.51/hr to $19.61/hr
State Certified Staff Raises
- a budget and 8% average state raise for teachers from the NC General Assembly (26-27 school year) after May 1 statewide day of protest (see pic below)
Budget Transparency Policy passed by the Durham Board of Ed
Collective Grievance Policy in process of being passed by the Board of Ed
Protections for Immigrant Students
- red “Know Your Rights” cards at all DPS worksites
- ICE response training for all DPS staff
Pro-Union Majority elected to the Durham Board of Ed
- took office July 1
Durham Association of Educators 