CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Hundreds of teachers across SWFL gear up to rally for public education in Tallahassee, Florida on Monday.
This week marks the start of the 2020 legislative session, and educators are going to the capital to make their voices heard.
Fox 4 spoke with local teachers as they prepare to take on Tallahassee.
Over 20 thousand teachers from all over the state of Florida are expected to rally in Tallahassee to continue the fight for increased funding.
A Lee County school teacher says they are also demanding more local control to meet the needs of each individual district.
“Give it back to our districts to be able to decide between the districts and union what the schools and the teachers need, ” said Lee County school teacher, Charla Fox.
Teachers say it’s not about politics but about having the resources to nurture future generations.
“This is not political, this is non-partisan this is doing what’s best for our students and in order to teach our students in the best way. I have to have the resources to do that, ” said Lee County school teacher, Susan Delag.
Florida public schools currently rank a staggering 46 in the nation for teacher pay.
“That’s 12 thousand dollars below the national average, 8 thousand below Georgia, 2.5 thousand below Alabama, its time the legislators say forget these bonus schemes lets properly fund public education,” said the Executive Director of the Collier County Education Association, Jonathan Tuttle.
Lee county teacher of the year, Samantha hower says their plea is simple.
“We’re not out there asking for all the money we want a livable wage where teachers can nature the whole child, be able to make a difference in their lives and be able to function as an adult as well, ” said Lee County school teacher, Samantha Hower.
Early Monday morning busloads of teachers, staff, and community activists will be making there way from SWFL to take on Tallahassee in the rally for public education.
