- October 6, 2024
Loading
Gov. Ron DeSantis has 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.
According to the National Education Association, Florida ranks 26th in the nation for starting teacher pay at $37,636. This investment of more than $600 million will move Florida up to second in the nation for starting teacher pay.
“We are experiencing a teacher shortage in Florida,” DeSantis said in a news release. “With a strong economy and plenty of jobs available in other fields, unfortunately too many college graduates are unwilling to enter the teaching profession. My proposal to increase the minimum salary for teachers to $47,500 will 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,” he said.
“Getting a great teacher in front of every child is the No. 1 proven way to get great outcomes for students,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “Florida going from No. 26 to No. 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.”
DeSantis announced his proposal during a visit to Middleburg High School in Clay County, where he was joined by Corcoran and Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley.
During the 2019 Legislative Session, the governor worked with the Florida Legislature to secure historic achievements for Florida’s students and families, including: