FOX 4 WFTX - Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples News, WeatherFuture teachers say education bill against them

Future teachers say education bill against them

The first day of second grade, Florida Gulf Coast student April Cox figured out something big about where her life should go.

"I knew I wanted to be a teacher.  I wanted to be up front making lives change, and things like that, so I knew that was what I wanted to do.  I mean I've worked with kids since I was 16-years-old.  I love it."

With that passion, April hoped she could bring change for students who have the least. 

But the Florida Legislature may end up punishing teachers like April who take on the hardest classrooms.  Senate Bill 6 bases half a teacher's salary on how well students do on the FCAT.

"Actually, when I first heard about it, I just kinda looked at my friend and said I think I'm gonna move out of the State of Florida because I was like "we're already getting paid less."  I don't understand why they're cutting education.  We need it!" April said in disbelief.

Others agreed.

"It's just a test!" education major Megan Smith reasoned.  "It doesn't measure your creativity.  It doesn't measure anything but how well +you take a test.  And not all students take tests well."

Another provision would eliminate job security.  Teachers would have to sign one-year contracts, and could be fired at any time.

"I've actually already considered going to other states to teach because I don't think it's fair - the Florida legislative laws - a lot of things going on," Megan said.  "Even different countries..."

Opponents say the bill is already damaging morale among current teachers.  But remembering why she wanted to teach in the first place is what keeps April Cox motivated.

"And you didn't get into this for the money?" I asked April.

"Oh no.  Oh no!" she laughed.  "Now we don't make that much.  No, I just love doing it."

Loving to do it is a good thing, because with low salaries and little job security, future teachers may have to accept passion over money on payday. 

ELI ROBERTS, REPORTER
eroberts@journalbroadcastgroup.com