DeSantis: Veterans and first responders to fill teacher vacancies

The Florida governor proposed three new initiatives to expand dual enrollment and combat the state's teacher shortage.

“Great teachers don’t become great teachers because they are sitting in a university lecture hall. What makes a teacher great is being in the classroom, watching other teachers and seeing what works.”

These are the words of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis after announcing a new plan on Tuesday that will empower Florida’s K-12 teachers and give students better access to dual enrollment courses.

DeSantis is focusing heavily on education this year and his proposals have received mixed reviews. Last month, he unveiled a new civics curriculum for high school and undergraduate students designed to prepare them for careers in public service and leadership. “I think this is really going to be innovative, and I bet you there are going to be states around the country that are going to be copying the model we’re doing here today,” he said.

Teachers met this proposal with resistance, arguing that it adheres to conservative Christian values.

He also signed the Parental Rights in Education law in March, otherwise known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which aims to keep schools from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity. One teacher described the new law as “discriminatory” and “toxic.”

Most recently, he proposed three new initiatives to expand opportunities for Florida teachers and students.

The first is an attempt at combating the state’s teacher shortage. It will allow retired veterans and first responders to fill teacher vacancies:

  • One-time bonuses will be awarded to those who commit to two years of full-time teaching.
  • Additional bonuses will be given if they teach in areas heavily impacted by the shortage.
  • Waivers of certification exam fees would also be expanded.

The next initiative aims to bolster the pipeline into the profession. The “Teacher Apprenticeship Temporary Certification Pathway” will award teachers with bonuses for mentoring future teachers. This new route to the profession is the 13th additional pathway into the field and works as follows:

  • Aspiring teachers are required to have an associate’s degree, a 3.0-grade point average, and must undergo a background check.
  • The applicant will then complete two years in the classroom with a teacher to gain experience. They will also be able to receive steady pay while earning their bachelor’s degree.
  • Teacher mentors are required to have a minimum of seven years of teaching experience and impressive ratings on VAM scores or performance reviews.
  • Mentors are awarded bonus pay after each successful year.

The Dual Enrollment Educator Scholarship program is the third and final initiative. It will offer K-12 teachers a scholarship opportunity for those who want to teach dual enrollment classes on high school campuses:

  • Scholarship funds will be awarded to teachers as they work toward their master’s degree. The scholarship will cover tuition and fees and offers a book stipend each semester.
  • Teachers will be able to teach dual enrollment courses immediately after earning their master’s degree on high school campuses, benefiting low to moderate income and rural areas.
  • Those interested must be accepted into, or currently enrolled in a graduate program and successfully earn their degree within three years of receiving the scholarship.

“These three initiatives will build on our efforts to increase recruitment and retention of high-quality teachers,” said DeSantis in a statement. “With today’s announcement we will be helping more teachers gain that critical firsthand experience and we will be recruiting first responders and veterans to continue their service in the classroom. Our students will greatly benefit from these programs.”

Micah Ward
Micah Wardhttps://districtadministration.com
Micah Ward is a District Administration staff writer. He recently earned his master’s degree in Journalism at the University of Alabama. He spent his time during graduate school working on his master’s thesis. He’s also a self-taught guitarist who loves playing folk-style music.

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