Florida scrambles to get retired teachers to return to combat shortage
Legislators in Florida are considering a bill that would help retired teachers return to the workforce.
Senate Bill 1482 would eliminate the requirement for retired teachers and other school personnel who have taken part in the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) to have been out of work for six months before starting new employment.
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Taking aim at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, said: "We've all heard the governor's talking points about his investments in teachers and education, but the governor won't tell you the truth about education in Florida, which is that our state ranks 48th in the nation in average teacher salary, 43rd in the nation in per student spending, and doesn't even crack the top 10 in average teacher starting salary or average earnings for K-12 education support professionals."
Ah yes, because the law these morons passed that prevents them from being rehired for 6 months is the problem, not the horrible pay, worse teaching conditions, and the ever present threat of civil and criminal charges for even hinting that LGBTQ people actually exist. I'm sure repealing that little clause will fix everything.
For me it’s also the measles thing currently going on
Yeah, I'm just waiting for the summer when the yearly exodus is going to spread measles all over the place. I'm just so happy they've decided that unvaccinated kids with known exposures don't have to quarantine - with an infectivity rate of 15, what could possibly to wrong?!
Let's not forget all the shootings.
It's so weird that here in my state they are having 100+ applicantions for every open position.
Could It be because it pays one of the higher wages in the nation and the state next to it pays on average 1/3 less.
It's almost as if there is no teacher shortage, there is a shortage of pay to teachers.
The Florida Legislature currently has HB13 waiting to pass. It ups the minimum wage for teachers to $65k. Would start Fall 2024.
It doesn't fix all of the issues, but I was happy to see that bill. https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/13
I bet it doesn't pass, that's far too reasonable for the Florida legislature in general, and Ron DeSantis in particular.