'Red for ed' extends beyond protests, into classrooms

Teachers who wore "red for public ed" in recent weeks during protests at the state legislature say they're bringing the color into their classroom wardrobes this fall.

Posted 1:50 a.m. Aug 15, 2013 — Updated 3:35 a.m. Aug 15, 2013

RALEIGH, N.C. — Teachers who wore "red for public ed" in recent weeks during protests at the state legislature say they're bringing the color into their classroom wardrobes this fall.

"Red is the color of passion and Lord knows, our group feels passionate about this," said Angie Scioli, a history teacher at Leesville Road High School in Raleigh. "It's also about love. We love what we do."

Scioli is among a group of educators behind the "Red 4 Ed NC" campaign, which is encouraging teachers and supporters to wear red on Wednesdays in protest against the state budget. The spending plan signed Gov. Pat McCrory last month doesn't include raises for North Carolina's teachers – among the lowest paid in the country.

"If we really want the best and brightest in our classrooms, we've got to get the best and brightest to look at teaching," Scioli said.

The group plans to wear red every Wednesday until better laws are passed, she said, but they won't let the campaign detract from their primary concern – teaching students.

"We all know teachers don't get in it for money, but there's a minimum amount of money you need to be able to support you family," she said.

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