The truth about teaching, from a union leader

A recent Viewpoint column by the director of Americans for Prosperity-Florida requires a fact check and response. While misinformation appears to be the political way these days, we need to focus on facts.

Fact: Florida is facing its worst teacher and staff shortage ever. In January, more than 5,200 teacher and 4,600 support staff vacancies were advertised on the 67 school district websites.

Florida’s teachers and staff are among the worst-paid in the nation, something teachers and staff have fought for the past decade, and Florida spends less on public schools than 44 other states.

Rent, homeowners’ insurance, car insurance, utility costs and more are increasing at alarming rates, making it hard for most, including teachers and staff, to afford.

Florida’s teachers and staff make a conscious, deliberate decision to join with their union to better advocate for their students and professions, and they run their union and decide how to pay dues if they want to be members.

Florida’s teachers and staff speak up through their union to ensure that all children — regardless of race, background or ZIP code — get the education they deserve and that Florida’s Constitution requires.

If you speak up and don’t go along with the governor, he comes after you. Ask Disney, the Tampa state attorney, Broward school board members and the College Board. Teachers and staff are targeted because they won’t fall in lockstep. They stand up for kids and speak out with parents as we fight attempts to limit the freedom to learn for Florida’s students.

Let’s stop the misinformation campaign pushed by those who want to silence everyday workers, especially those with corporate backers. Want to know what’s really happening? Ask a teacher or staff member, not a high-paid political operative. Together, let’s protect the freedom to learn and the freedom to teach.

Andrew Spar, Tallahassee

The writer is president of the Florida Education Association (FEA).