Teacher shortage

Florida’s teacher shortage highlights the growing need for education reform and lack of resources in our state. With high demands placed on testing, teacher performance, and subpar resources, of course more teachers are opting to leave the classroom. Teachers are forced to teach to the test and to students who lack motivation and discipline. Teachers are left with no support, failing to provide the most basic form of learning.

In my 19 years of childhood education, I have taught in both private and public sectors. Education has changed, and not for the better. Gone are the days where parents, schools, and the community took education seriously. Teaching is placed on the sidelines as teachers are forced into the roles of suppliers and referees. When teachers are faced with nonsupportive parents, meager earnings, and belowaverage curriculums, teaching becomes less rewarding.

Unless the nation makes education a top priority, we will continue to turn out children who lack skills needed to become productive in society. More will enter the workforce lacking strong skills in reading, writing and math. Without proper funding, materials and creative freedom for teachers, few will pursue careers in education. Without qualified teachers leading instruction, education is bound to dwindle.

Children are entitled to a great education. Without reforms and support, we educators fail to meet that. To keep quality teachers in schools we must give them the proper tools needed to produce results. I encourage others to write to their representatives and demand education as priority number one. Lisa Cason Orlando