As the new school year approaches, Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas have begun a statewide tour that has drawn criticism from education advocates. The Florida Education Association (FEA) says the so-called “Blame Educators Tour” unfairly targets teachers and staff for problems in public schools.
According to the FEA, educators are being made scapegoats for issues such as slow implementation of pay raises and ongoing underfunding of public education. The union argues that teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, lunch staff, maintenance workers, and other school employees are not responsible for policy decisions that affect funding and operations.
“Educators are not to blame for the slow rollout of raises. They are the victims of it. Every educator in the state has one goal: To ensure that every child in Florida has access to a world class public education where they can thrive. It’s an uphill battle when public schools have to also grapple with underfunded districts, confusing state mandates, and last-minute changes from the state,” the FEA said in a statement.
The association points out that Florida has ranked last among states in average teacher pay for two consecutive years. They say veteran educators feel ignored, healthcare costs continue to rise, and retirees face difficulties—all while state officials focus criticism on teachers and their unions instead of addressing broader funding issues.
“Educators are constantly being burdened by the state’s continual underinvestment in public schools. Florida ranks 50th in average teacher pay and has for two years running. Veteran educators are not being heard, healthcare costs are rising, and retirees are struggling, yet the Governor and Commissioner blame teachers and unions instead of owning the consequences of underfunding and poor policy,” according to the FEA statement.
The union also disputes claims by Governor DeSantis about increases in teacher compensation. While he has cited $5.6 billion directed toward teacher pay as a historic investment, FEA points to records from the Florida Department of Education indicating a cumulative total closer to $1.3 billion—a difference of $4 billion. For this year alone, FEA reports only $101 million was allocated statewide for raises—less than a 1% increase over last year—which translates into approximately $20 more per paycheck per teacher.
“Meanwhile, the Governor’s so-called ‘historic’ funding is just more fuzzy math. He keeps repeating that $5.6 billion has gone toward teacher pay. According to the Florida Department of Education’s records, the real cumulative figure is closer to $1.3 billion, which is a $4 billion exaggeration. This year’s allocation amounts to just $101 million statewide, which represents less than a 1% increase from the year prior. That works out to roughly $20 more per paycheck per teacher, which is a far cry from historic,” stated FEA.
Student outcomes have also been raised as a concern by FEA amid these debates over funding levels and educator support; SAT scores have declined recently along with national assessment results in math and reading.
“Our students deserve better. They deserve bold, sustained funding for our public schools. Educators are not political pawns or enemies; they are professionals. And they deserve policies that reflect that, not weak excuses or blame,” concluded FEA.
