FLORIDA'S NEW TEACHER CONDUCT STANDARDS
A BALL OF MAGA CONFUSION
In a recent move that has left many educators scratching their heads, the state of Florida has introduced a set of new professional conduct standards for teachers. These guidelines include a laundry list of prohibitions that range from the absurd to the downright offensive.
First on the list: don't say gay. Yes, you read that right. Teachers in Florida are now forbidden from even mentioning the word "gay" in their classrooms. Apparently, the state believes that acknowledging the existence of LGBTQ+ people is just too much for our delicate young minds to handle.
But it doesn't stop there. Teachers are also banned from using any nicknames for their students, no matter how endearing they may be. So if you've been calling little Timmy "T-Bone" all year, you better watch out.
And if you thought that was bad, get ready for this: teachers are now required to use the correct pronouns for their students, regardless of their gender identity. That's right, folks. In Florida, acknowledging someone's gender identity is now a punishable offense.
But wait, there's more! Florida teachers are also forbidden from teaching any history that might make white kids feel bad. That means no discussion of slavery, Jim Crow laws, or any other uncomfortable truths about America's past.
And if you thought climate change was a hot-button issue before, just wait until you hear this: teachers in Florida are now banned from teaching about it altogether. Apparently, the state believes that acknowledging the existence of climate change is just too controversial.
But perhaps the most ridiculous prohibition on this list is the ban on anything "woke." That's right, folks. In Florida, being aware of social and political issues is now a punishable offense.
And just in case you thought this couldn't get any more absurd, there's also a ban on Drag Queen Story Hour. Because apparently, reading a book to children while dressed in drag is just too scandalous for Florida's delicate sensibilities.
So what happens if a teacher violates any of these guidelines? According to Christie Gold from Hillsborough school district's HR department and the state's Educational Practices Commission, disciplinary measures could range from warnings to termination. But no penalty guidelines have been attached to the new language, leaving educators uncertain about the consequences of their actions.
The issue is further complicated by lawsuits related to the 2022 Florida law that restricts instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. Rob Kriete, the president of Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association, believes that the laws and updated guidelines are part of a campaign to privatize education, making unions more important than ever before.
School district leaders in Florida are struggling to comply with these new education laws regarding gender issues, sex, library books, and race. The rules are vaguely worded, directives keep changing, and guidance from state officials is confusing. This confusion and dysfunction have bred mistrust among educators.
School district officials and educators in Florida are frustrated by the lack of clarity on compliance for topics like book selection, AP psychology, and gender identity lessons. The strained relationships between districts and the Department of Education have made it difficult for teachers to navigate these new guidelines.
The state officials of Florida have introduced a new version of the Principles of Professional Conduct for teachers that includes six new restrictions, adding to the existing laws and rules that govern classroom content. Teachers are becoming increasingly anxious about what they can say in their classrooms, and the penalties for any violations have become much tougher.
In conclusion, Florida's new teacher conduct standards are a ball of MAGA confusion. These guidelines are not only absurd but also offensive to many educators and students. It's time for the state to rethink these restrictions and start focusing on creating an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all.
Educators: Penalties for violating new conduct guidelines are unclear | WUSF Public Media https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/education/2023-09-13/new-professional-conduct-florida-guidelines-teachers-penalties-breaking-unclear
Florida teachers face stiffer sanctions over classroom restrictions https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2023/09/11/florida-teachers-face-stiffer-sanctions-over-classroom-restrictions/
Florida’s new edicts on schools keep changing, and locals are confused https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2023/09/13/floridas-new-edicts-schools-keep-changing-locals-are-confused/
Big Education Ape: MAGA MADNESS FLORIDA TEACHERS CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/maga-madness-florida-teachers-caught-in.html