DeLand, FL - Florida’s teachers were in Tallahassee to rally the day before the legislative session began. Teachers from Central Florida will rally again this Saturday in Orlando at Lake Eola Park at 1 p.m.
Volusia United Educators President Elizabeth Albert said the Central Florida Local will gather to keep the momentum going from the January rally and to continue the conversation about what students deserve.
She invites anyone who is interested in public education to attend and learn more."It's an event that will include a variety of speakers from a variety of backgrounds. Everyone is coming together around the idea of public education and what our students deserve."
Class size and student safety are just two of the subjects the speakers will talk about. "Our students deserve small class sizes. We had a ballot initiative capping the number of students in a classroom. We know that the number has been exceeded." Albert also said school safety is an issue. "How often do we see a news story where, in some way, shape or form, someone is able to make it onto a campus, compromising the security of our students."
As far as teacher and other staff salaries go, Albert says there is some good news but also some concerns. "Both the House and the Senate have submitted their proposed budgets. The good news is neither has funded the Best & Brightest Bonus Plan, so that money is freed up to be directed toward salaries." The problem? "Each side has a different vision and neither one has spoken explicitly about what they want to do for veteran teachers."
Albert said for anyone that would like to attend the rally, VUE is working on getting some carpools together. You can contact the VUE office at 386-238-1605.
From the Volusia United Educators Facebook page:
We rally because-
Florida’s kids deserve:
• Experienced, qualified teachers in every classroom.
• Class sizes small enough for one-on-one attention.
• Support, tools and time to learn.
• Safe schools and inviting classrooms.
• Well-rounded curriculum that includes art, music, and PE.
That’s how taxpayer funds should be spent. But…
• Across our state, there is a growing teacher shortage and it is hurting Florida’s students.
• Thousands of children do not have a qualified teacher in front of their classroom.
• Our schools are not getting the funding they need for repairs.
• Florida’s class sizes are growing.
• Students are spending too much time taking high-stakes tests.
• And parents are worried about their children’s safety.
Florida’s students and families deserve better.
Together we can build a better future for Florida’s children.
