New data from the state Department of Public Instruction shows lawmakers in Raleigh fell just short on the promise to raise the average teacher salary to $50,000. The release shows average pay for a public school teacher is $49,837. According to WRAL Democratic Governor Roy Cooper says teachers should not be surprised that political rhetoric doesn't match reality and that it is time to get serious about raising teacher pay. Republican lawmakers say the average is 99.7% of what was expected, and they fulfilled their promise.