Tuesday 16 August 2022 09:22 PM Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants retired cops and first responders to fill ... trends now
Florida governor Ron DeSantis said Tuesday he wants to relax regulations to encourage retired law enforcement and first responders to fill vacant teacher positions as the state grapples with a shortage of educators.
DeSantis is hoping to expand on a law that took effect this year that allows military veterans to earn a five-year temporary certificate to teach before they earn the usually required bachelor's degree.
While retired law enforcement and first responders must have a bachelor's degree due to current regulations, DeSantis touted a $4,000 bonus for those who sign up, and a further $1,000 for positions that are experiencing severe shortages.
'We believe that the folks that have served our communities have an awful lot to offer,' DeSantis said at an event in Port Richey.
He said those who are retired from law enforcement are looking for 'the next chapter in their life,' and teaching provides the perfect outlet for that.
Florida governor Ron DeSantis has indicated he wants to encourage retired law enforcement and first responders to fill vacant teaching roles, and will offer $4,000 bonuses
Annual teaching salary is down about 13 percent in Florida since the 2009-2010 school year, which may explain why less people are aiming to become teachers
DeSantis laid out his plan for encouraging different professionals to apply to become teachers, including financial bonuses and relaxed regulations
The governor also indicated he would be waiving exam fees for first responders and law enforcement for the certification necessary for teaching, just as he had done for military veterans.
DeSantis is a vocal supporter of law enforcement officers and has invoked hiring bonuses as a way
