DeSantis shows lack of respect for real teachers

Gov. Ron DeSantis has made a partisan issue out of one of the most nonpartisan issues: a quality education for our kids.

In his typical style of speaking like a 12-year-old to a 12-year-old, he presents an idea while bashing people. He said: “We would prefer people with real-world experience and academic proficiency in the core subjects they’re teaching — English, math, science — not saying, ‘Oh, I went to the School of Education somewhere, and they taught me how to teach.’ ”

When my mother, who’s been a very qualified and motivated elementary school teacher for 25-plus years, read that, her blood must have boiled. What an insult to dedicated teachers everywhere! I’m not sure how DeSantis plans to carry the teachers’ vote in Florida or any other state. It seems like the same financial incentives the governor is offering first responders could be offered to college graduates who have trained for four years to become teachers.

If the governor has so little respect for teachers, why limit candidates to first responders? Florida has plenty of retirees looking for a side hustle. I’m sure one of the governor’s intentions of hiring retired military or police officers is to quietly introduce armed teachers into our schools. Referring to college education programs that train teachers, DeSantis said: “I’ve seen that and I’ve been very underwhelmed by it.” Well governor, referring to your style of leadership, I’ve seen that and I’ve been very underwhelmed by it.

Abby Diamond, Plantation