Gov. Ron DeSantis making his announcement today. {courtesy governor’s press office}
By: Sharon Aron Baron
Education has been a top priority of Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration, and today was no exception when he announced his proposal to increase the minimum salary for teachers across the state.
The Governor’s proposed 2020 budget recommendation will include a pay raise for more than 101,000 teachers in Florida by raising the minimum salary to $47,500.
“We are experiencing a teacher shortage in Florida,” said Governor DeSantis. “With a strong economy and plenty of jobs available in other fields, unfortunately, too many college graduates are unwilling to enter the teaching profession.
According to the National Education Association, Florida ranks 26th in the nation for starting teacher pay at $37,636. With this investment of over $600 million, raising the minimum salary to $47,500 will rank Florida 2nd in the nation for starting teacher pay.
DeSantis said his proposal to increase the minimum salary for teachers would help alleviate this shortage and elevate the teaching profession to the level of appreciation it deserves.
“This is long overdue, and I look forward to working with the legislature to make this a reality.”
Getting a great teacher in front of every child is the number one proven way to get great outcomes for students, said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran.
“Today, Governor Ron DeSantis is elevating Florida’s teachers like never before and is making a statement nationally that Florida is the Education State and he is the Education Governor. Florida going from number 26 to number 2 in the nation in starting pay sends a clear signal to Florida’s teachers and our entire education family that we are ready to celebrate our teachers and foster lifelong success for our students.”
Governor DeSantis announced his proposal during a visit to Middleburg High School in Clay County, where he was joined by Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran and Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley. This afternoon, he will visit Bayview Elementary School in Broward County and Dunedin High School in Pinellas County.
Teachers have made an incredibly positive impact on my life and the lives of my wife and kids,” said Senator Rob Bradley. “This session, it’s time to say thank you both in word and in deed. I’m proud to stand with Governor Ron DeSantis as we fight for higher pay for Florida teachers.”
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