Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Monday that $800 million in this year’s budget will go to raise minimum teacher pay and increase veteran teacher salaries in Florida.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
In 2020, the average starting salary for a teacher in Florida was $40,000 (26th in the nation), and with Monday’s funding, it will now be at least $47,000 (ninth in the nation).
This marks the third year in a row for increases in teacher pay, the governor’s office said.
READ: Disney cast members to stage walkout over controversial Parental Rights in Education bill
“Over the last three years, we have worked hard to increase teacher pay,” DeSantis said. “We have invested more than $2 billion in teacher pay, and with rising inflation, this could not come at a better time. This will help Florida to recruit and retain great teachers.”
The governor said that the increases in teacher pay will provide help to teachers in Florida during a critical time where inflation is rising rapidly across the country.
READ: Why are some local street lights purple?
“I don’t think people always understand the countless hours we put into our work,” said Loren Temes, a second grade teacher from Renaissance Charter School at Wellington. “I truly love my students. I am constantly thinking of things to help teach them and it is nice to be appreciated and be respected.”
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2022 Cox Media Group
