MIAMI SPRINGS, FLA. (WSVN) - The United Teachers of Dade (UTD) along with community leaders held a news conference on Tuesday to discuss issues in a recent National Education Association (NEA) report which shows Florida’s ranking in educator pay has plummeted from 48th to 50th nationwide.
The union spoke about the findings at UTD Headquarters, located at 5553 NW 36th Street, Miami Springs, to note the findings of the latest report and their upcoming negotiations with Miami-Dade County Public Schools concerning salary and working conditions.
With a significant teacher shortage affecting the state, UTD is urging the Florida legislature to take immediate action to alleviate the situation.
One educator described her struggle to make a living while teaching in South Florida.
“I can’t live anymore. I can’t move from Miami, my family lives here. So it’s either we get paid more or you’re going to lose a lot of really good teachers,” said Renee O’Connor.
This call to action comes at a critical time as the legislature has been focusing resources on private and religious schools, handing out billions despite the growing needs within public education.
Union members emphasized the urgency of redirecting attention and resources to public school educators to ensure fair compensation and improved working conditions.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.