Florida teacher shortage continues to improve, as number of uncertified teachers rises
According to the Florida Education Association’s last count, there are more than 3,000 teacher vacancies at the midway point of the school year in Florida. That’s an improvement from last year at the same time, but the data points to a rise in another concerning trend: uncertified teachers in classrooms. The FEA says there are 3,197 vacancies across the state, compared to about 4,000 last year. [Source: Central Florida Public Media]
Florida universities ranked high in US News & World Report's 2025 Best Online Programs
On Tuesday, U.S. News & World Report released its 2025 Best Online Programs rankings for colleges and universities, rating nearly 1,800 online bachelor's and master's degree programs at regionally accredited institutions. The University of Florida was rated first in the country for Special Education Programs, second in online Bachelor's Programs behind the University of Buffalo-SUNY, second in online Graduate Education Programs behind Clemson University, and fourth in online MBA Programs. [Source: Daytona Beach News Journal]
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» U.S. News & World Report: UF best in America for online degree programs for veterans
University DEI spending prohibition challenged by professors in federal court
The ACLU of Florida filed suit last week against a 2023 law it argues curtails academic freedom and violates First Amendment rights. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of professors whose careers have been “disrupted” as a result of SB 266, a law mandating Florida schools not spend state or federal funds to promote or maintain programs that advocate for DEI “or promote or engage in political or social activism.” [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Florida school start time law faces renewed scrutiny amid cost concerns
The idea behind later start times for Florida middle and high schools remains undisputed: If they get more sleep, teens tend to perform better academically and have fewer behavior and health problems. As district officials researched what it would take to shift their schedules, many found potentially expensive hurdles in their path. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida’s growing school voucher program has a high price tag, analysts say
Two years after the Florida Policy Institute (FPI) predicted a high price tag for Florida’s universal school vouchers, the independent non-profit’s analysts say it's coming true. A new report from the Institute finds the vouchers will cost the state an estimated $3.9 billion in the 2024-25 school year. When the bill was signed, the Institute estimated it would cost $4 billion each school year. [Source: WUSF]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida Atlantic University narrows search for next president to three finalists
A former state lawmaker and two academics were selected as finalists to be Florida Atlantic University’s next president. A search committee will pick from Adam Hasner, a former House majority leader; Michael Hartline, dean of the College of Business at Florida State University; and John Volin, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Maine.
› Central Florida school district uses bikes to combat chronic absenteeism
Since the pandemic, schools across the country have been struggling with absenteeism. If a student misses at least 10% of the school year, it’s considered chronic absenteeism. In Florida, one school district struggling with these absences says part of the problem is that kids can’t always get to school. The district thinks they’ve found a solution: give students bikes.
› After rejecting pay increase, Alachua County teachers sound off at school board meeting
Alachua County School Board members heard from a bevy of disappointed teachers during Tuesday's meeting after teachers last week rejected a 1.6% salary increase negotiated by the district and the Alachua County Education Association (ACEA). About 20 teachers both in-person and over the phone voiced their concerns about the lack of pay for teachers in Alachua County.
› Pinellas schools revamp summer classes, expand paid camps
Pinellas County’s summer elementary school program will get a new look this year, as district officials aim to refocus its offerings without the influx of federal pandemic relief funds it had the past three years. Summer Bridge no longer will have the wide reach it provided after the pandemic caused all students to lose learning time. Things such as unlimited enrollment and summer field trips will fall by the wayside.