Ron DeSantis dropped a brutal fact that sent Florida’s teachers unions into a fit of rage

Ron DeSantis is at the center of another heated battle in the Sunshine State.

This time Florida’s largest teachers union is coming after him with both barrels.

And Ron DeSantis dropped a brutal fact that sent Florida’s teachers unions into a fit of rage.

Florida teachers union blasts DeSantis and Legislature over education policies

The Florida Education Association (FEA) came out swinging against Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature as the 60-day legislative session ended on Friday.

In a blistering statement, the state’s largest teachers’ union claimed the Legislature and Governor have continued “repeated policy failures” that have damaged Florida’s education system.

The union pointed to declining SAT scores and lower reading and math performance based on National Assessment of Educational Progress data as evidence of the administration’s failures.

“We need common sense solutions to public education issues,” the FEA declared in their statement. “Florida needs a new direction.”

The teachers organization didn’t stop there. 

They took aim at teacher pay, noting that Florida ranked at the bottom in average teacher salaries for the second consecutive year.

According to the National Education Association, Florida teacher pay increased to $54,875 for the 2023-24 school year – a 3.3% bump from the previous year. 

But when adjusted for inflation, teacher salaries have actually fallen nearly 13% over the past decade.

The union also highlighted a severe staffing crisis, reporting nearly 3,200 teacher vacancies statewide in January, with schools increasingly turning to uncertified teachers to fill classrooms.

DeSantis administration fires back with record of accomplishments

Education Secretary Manny Diaz Jr. didn’t let these accusations go unanswered. 

In February, Diaz publicly praised DeSantis for what he described as unwavering support for education.

“Governor DeSantis has been steadfast in his support of Florida’s students, teachers, and their families,” Diaz stated while touting the administration’s achievements.

The DeSantis administration points to their proposed “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget,” which includes an additional $246.7 million for teacher and instructional personnel salaries – bringing the total to a record $1.5 billion for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

This would mark the sixth consecutive year of teacher pay increases under DeSantis’ leadership. 

The budget proposal also raises per-student funding to $9,205 and allocates $300 million for school safety initiatives.

The battle comes as state lawmakers failed to pass a budget bill Friday night, though House and Senate leaders agreed on a “framework” they plan to finalize when they return on May 12.

Both sides dig in as education becomes political flashpoint

The contrasting statements from the teachers union and the DeSantis administration highlight how education has become one of the most contentious political battlegrounds in Florida and nationwide.

While the FEA points to teacher shortages and declining test scores, the Florida Department of Education pointed out that the state is “#1 in the nation for education” with expanded school choice options and a focus on traditional educational values.

The DeSantis administration has championed initiatives like the Florida Civics Seal of Excellence program, which provides $10 million for bonuses for teachers who earn special civics education endorsements.

Education Commissioner Diaz’s February statement highlighted DeSantis’ commitment to education funding increases and student-focused reforms, though this wasn’t a direct response to the FEA’s recent criticisms.

With the Legislature having failed to pass a budget bill Friday night (though House and Senate leaders agreed on a “framework” to complete when they return May 12), the education debate in Florida shows no signs of cooling down.

The teachers union is a left-wing special interest group that puts politics over the needs of teachers and students.

They are nothing but a left-wing special interest group that cares more about politics than the students.