(RALEIGH) --Discussions on jobs and education in North Carolina were a big part of a debate last night between three Democrats vying for their party's nomination in the governor's race.

Lt. Governor Walter Dalton said lawmakers must change how they view teachers. "I will make sure that we treat our teachers as the professionals that they are, that we give them the proper professional development, that we make every effort to get back to making sure we are paying teachers a proper amount," said Dalton.

Former U-S Representative and former state Superintendent of Public Instruction, Bob Etheridge said teacher pay must be addressed. "It should be one of the first priorities because if you don't pay your people, you don't have enthusiasm in the classroom or in the workplace. You are not going to get the kind of response you need in the public role," said Etheridge.

State Representative Bill Faison offered thoughts on where the money would come from to pay teachers more. "By turning around the economy we generate the funds we need to be able to honor our teachers and pay them as they should be paid," said Faison.

The candidates debated on a broadcast carried by 16 television stations across the state and hosted by WRAL-TV.  They meet again for another debate hosted by UNC-TV Tuesday night at 8:00.