Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsJuly 2, 2018

The Florida Education Association (FEA) is asking a court to declare unconstitutional the Legislature’s controversial education bill that could lead to some teacher unions across the state being decertified. Among other things, HB 7055, which took effect July 1, expands the use of voucher-like scholarships to send more public-school students to private schools. But it also “unfairly targets […]

Danny McAuliffeJune 5, 2018

The two Democratic state lawmakers who tried but failed to reconvene the Legislature to increase education funding now are planning a rally for teachers in South Florida. Rep. Shevrin Jones, a West Park Democrat, and Miami Democratic Rep. Nicholas Duran announced Tuesday that they’re putting together the “Red For Education Teacher Rally.” It will be […]

Scott PowersJune 1, 2018

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Philip Levine is turning his focus to schools and teachers in his new television commercial being launched statewide Friday. The 30-second spot, “Class is In” includes Levine’s platform pledges of increasing teachers’ salaries by $10,000, increasing funding for schools, and stopping state tests. His campaign is putting $1 million behind airing the […]

Scott PowersOctober 25, 2017

Responding to Gov. Rick Scott‘s reported comments Tuesday that there was little to be done about Florida’s relatively low teacher salaries, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum said Wednesday he would propose a statewide minimum starting salary of $50,000. “When Gov. Scott blames ‘the system’ for low teacher pay, Floridians should ask him to look in […]

Scott PowersAugust 10, 2017

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham pledged Thursday to a number of educators and parents concerned about public education that she would make public education her top priority. While meeting with a roundtable of teachers, former teachers, public education advocates, and parents in an Orlando restaurant Thursday, Graham blasted Republican efforts to promote charter schools, which […]

Florence SnyderFebruary 13, 2017

At the rate Florida is hemorrhaging classroom teachers, it soon won’t matter that we can’t hire school bus drivers for $11.88 an hour, because there won’t be any classrooms worth taking the kids to. Every week brings fresh reporting about Florida’s teacher shortage; none of it is a surprise to parents or policymakers who have […]

Guest AuthorMay 17, 2016

When my daughter graduated high school, she took her talents to the University of Central Florida where she majored in musical theater. As patrons, my wife and I love the arts. As parents, not so much. We worried that four years hence our daughter would strut across the stage to “Pomp and Circumstance” only later […]

Associated PressApril 18, 2016

New bonus payments aimed at attracting and keeping good teachers in Florida have gone disproportionately to those who work with students from affluent families, an analysis by a Florida newspaper has found. Teachers who received bonuses under the $44 million “best and brightest” teacher scholarship program started last year were more than twice as likely […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 11, 2016

Here’s some wishful thinking. Wanted to Rent: One bedroom, one bath house or apartment. Long-term lease. Willing to pay security, first and last. Employed. Good references. Can afford up to $775 monthly. In Key West. I don’t have a car so need to be close to work. Did that $775 a month make you snort […]

Julie DelegalAugust 24, 2015

Former State Board of Education Chairman Gary Chartrand has issued an impassioned plea on behalf of Florida’s 78,000 voucher students. He wants the plaintiffs, namely the Florida Education Association, which represents teachers, to drop its lawsuit opposing the diversion of tax dollars to the voucher program. The FEA lawsuit is now at the appeal stage. […]

Tag: teachers
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Teachers union sues over contentious education bill

Nicholas Duran, Shevrin Jones plan teacher rally

Philip Levine out with schools and teachers commercial

Andrew Gillum proposes $50K starting salaries for teachers

Gwen Graham pledges public education as her priority, blasts Richard Corcoran

Florida abuses teachers and can’t figure out why there’s a teacher shortage

Darryl E. Owens: Good teachers at poor schools deserve a fair shot at bonuses

Florida’s top teachers found at affluent schools

Linda Cunningham: Key West voters need to preserve housing for workers

Julie Delegal: Other ideas follow defense of school vouchers