State's big issue: Teachers and money

Next month policymakers and opinion-shapers from around the country will gather at N.C. State University to discuss  "Teachers and the Great Economic Debate."

Each year since 1986,  the university has convened a forum on  "big issues that affect North Carolina's growth and prosperity."  Recent topics have included health care, manufacturing and  "investing in Generation Z."

This year the Institute for Emerging Issues is zeroing in on teachers:  How they're treated,  how they're paid and how well they inspire learning,  around the globe and here at home.

Ron Clark and students

State leaders such as former Gov. James Hunt,  who co-chairs the institute,  and state Board of Education member John Tate will share platforms with such national education celebrities as Ron Clark,  whose founding of Atlanta's Ron Clark Academy was turned into a TV movie,  and Diane Ravitch,  one of the most prolific and controversial voices in the education scene.  Gov. Pat McCrory and Phil Berger,  president pro tem of the state senate,  have been invited to speak,  and a panel of legislators will discuss next steps for North Carolina.

The forum is Feb. 10 and 11. Registration costs $400  ($275 for higher education, nonprofit and government representatives),  which puts it outside the reach of many teachers.  The Belk Foundation is addressing that by footing the bill for 150 teachers from around the state.  There's also an option to watch online;  staffers say last year's forum drew about 1,000 in-person participants and 1,200 online viewers.