Daytona Beach, FL - Thousands of teachers will be waving signs around Florida right before the 2019 legislative session convenes in Tallahassee, including in Volusia County.
For this session, educators want to stress the concern about two big funding issues: school safety and a growing teacher shortage.
"All of our children deserve a world-class education," said Elizabeth Albert, President of the Volusia United Educators. "That starts with a safe learning environment and a certified teacher in their classroom."
According to Albert, Florida has one of the top ten largest economies in the United States but currently sits 42nd in the nation for education. She says that's because Florida doesn't prioritize spending on education.
"For a state that has such a healthy economy to make the decision to spend near the bottom on their students makes no sense," said Albert.
According to VUE, Florida is suffering from a teacher shortage because state legislators have engaged in "bonus pay" schemes rather than funding teacher salaries properly.
VUE says that Volusia started the school year with 175 vacancies and still has around 140 open positions.
"We need Floridians who care about their public schools to remind legislature to work harder to solve the widespread teacher and staff shortages," said Albert.
Volusia's demonstrations will be held at four high-traffic intersections around the county after school lets out for the day, with demonstrators dressed in T-shirts that read "VUE Cares."
Those locations include Clyde Morris Boulevard & International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, Spring Garden Boulevard & Woodland Boulevard in DeLand, Howland Boulevard & Elkcam Boulevard in Deltona and State Road 44 & Wallace Road in New Smyrna Beach.
VUE will also engage in a "social media blitz" throughout the event where they will take photos and post them on social media using the hashtags #VUECares and #FundOurFuture.
VUE will also be holding a letter writing party where people can come in and draft letters to legislators.
