Florida teachers still wait for ‘year of the teacher’

Many teachers still aren’t feeling the positive vibe of what some touted as Florida’s ‘year of the teacher.’ They’re still negotiating for raises, while also trying to convince leaders they’re worthy of prioritization for COVID-19 vaccinations. Read on for the latest.

Pasco County’s teachers don’t expect to get close to the state’s targeted $47,500 base pay. They’re optimistic that they might have a deal soon that’s more fair to both veteran and younger educators.

Teachers across Florida have advocated to move up in line for the coronavirus vaccine. Gov. Ron DeSantis said that’s not likely, Florida Politics reports.

Parents get to choose whether their children return to campus. While they decide, many teachers remain ‘in the unknown,’ WSVN reports.

Many schools resumed their online lessons on Monday. Broward County students found their connection to the district’s system had crashed, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

Some south Florida students were unable to log in to their classes as they returned from winter break. [ Times (2015) ]

Classes haven’t begun yet for some districts. That hasn’t stopped the quarantines from school from continuing, the Bradenton Herald reports. * Escambia County schools implemented new quarantine rules for the new year, WEAR reports. * Several south Florida private schools delayed their reopening, citing concerns with a possible new surge of coronavirus cases, WTVJ reports.

Who’s on board? South Florida’s school boards find they have a younger, more diverse membership than in past years, WLRN reports.

Try, try again. Florida lawmakers have again filed legislation to curtail restraint and seclusion of students with disabilities who act out, Florida Politics reports. Similar measures have failed repeatedly over the past decade.

From the court docket ... A former Volusia County school district employee sued the district, alleging he was dismissed because he complained about fiscal mismanagement, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.

From the police blotter ... A Lake County teen was arrested on accusations of having a gun on campus, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Don’t miss a story. Here’s the link to yesterday’s roundup.

Before you go ... In recognition of the important vote taking place today in our neighbor to the north, I offer another cool version of “Georgia On My Mind.” This is a cumbia-influenced performance, representing the changing demographics of the state. Enjoy.