Teachers are returning to the classroom across North Carolina, wondering what pay raises they're getting. State lawmakers are still trying to hammer out a state budget, weeks late. 

"We need a pay raise that acknowledges the hard work that our educators do on a daily basis, but also allows them to live with dignity in order to pay their bills, and not have to work a second job or not have to leave the profession entirely," Tamika Walker Kelly, President of the North Carolina Association of Educators, said.

According to the teacher's advocacy organization, North Carolina ranks 46th in the country for starting pay. The State Superintendent for Public Instruction says she's confident the state's new budget, when passed, will include generous pay raises. 

"I am hoping along with all of our other teachers and parents, I'm sure, that this year's budget is going to make a big dent in that beginning teacher pay ranking," Superintendent Catherine Truitt said.