FEAR AND LOATHING IN FLORIDA'S CLASSROOMS
THE ABCS OF TEACHING IN FLORIDA AVOIDING BANS AND CONTROVERSY
As the school year approaches in Florida, teachers are facing a new set of challenges that they never anticipated. The state has implemented a series of policies that have left educators confused and uncertain about how to approach the school year. From changes to how African American history is taught to restrictions on discussing LGBTQ issues in the classroom, teachers are feeling the pressure to navigate these new waters without getting themselves in trouble.
One teacher, Mrs. Smith, summed up the feelings of many when she said, "I just want to teach kids social studies, I don't want to go to jail." And who can blame her? With the new laws and policies in place, it's easy to see how a well-meaning teacher could accidentally cross the line and find themselves on the wrong side of the law.
But it's not just the fear of jail time that's causing concern among Florida's educators. There's also the issue of fashion. As Mrs. Smith pointed out, "Orange is not my color." And with the possibility of being booked into jail for violating state policies, it's a legitimate concern.
One of the most contentious issues facing teachers in Florida is how to teach African American history. The state has implemented new guidelines that restrict how this history can be taught, leading some teachers to feel like they're walking on eggshells. As one teacher put it, "I don't want to say anything that could be misconstrued as offensive or inappropriate, but at the same time, I don't want to water down the history and do a disservice to my students."
And then there's the issue of LGBTQ issues in the classroom. Florida has been accused of effectively banning the College Board's Advanced Placement Psychology classes because of its sexuality and gender content. This has left teachers feeling like they're not allowed to discuss these important issues with their students. As one teacher said, "I don't want to say 'gay' or 'transgender' and get myself in trouble, but at the same time, I want my students to feel like they're in a safe and inclusive environment."
The teacher staffing crisis in Florida is also exacerbating these issues. With over 6,900 advertised vacancies for teachers statewide, compared to 6,006 at the same time last year, schools are struggling to find qualified educators to fill these positions. This is putting even more pressure on existing teachers to navigate these new policies without adequate support.
The Florida Education Association, the state's largest teachers union, has been vocal in its opposition to these new policies. They've called for more support for teachers and a reevaluation of the state's approach to education. But with so much at stake, it remains to be seen whether their efforts will be enough to turn the tide.
In the meantime, teachers like Mrs. Smith will continue to do their best to navigate these murky waters. As she put it, "I just want to teach my students and give them the best education possible. But with all these restrictions and policies in place, it's becoming harder and harder to do that." Let's hope that Florida's leaders take notice and work to create an environment where teachers can do what they do best: teach.
Florida teachers are worried new policies could get them fired — or even criminally charged https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/florida-teachers-start-school-year-uncertainty-new-policies-take-effec-rcna99243 via @nbcnews