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Education organizations, led by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Preparation (AACTE), are advocating for a significant congressional investment to revamp teacher-preparation pipelines. A new report calls for $2.5bn in new or expanded teacher workforce development grants and scholarships, alongside the establishment of a national educator workforce data system. The report emphasizes the urgent need for support, commenting: "Teachers and school staff are now on the frontlines of addressing trauma, anxiety, and learning loss, often without the preparation, staffing, or resources to meet the magnitude of these needs." The AACTE also proposes transforming the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grants into a nationwide teacher-residency scholarship program. Despite potential political challenges, there is a growing interest in Congress to support these initiatives, particularly in light of recent hearings on teaching. AACTE representatives stress the necessity for a national educator workforce strategy to adapt to evolving educational demands.

 

Education Week News

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Brian Bender, an eighth grade teacher in Broward County Public Schools, has expressed deep concern over the district's recent decision to declare an impasse in contract negotiations. This move includes charging teachers monthly premiums for health insurance while offering no raises, which Bender feels breaks the unspoken agreement that provided stability and support for educators. He highlights the financial strain teachers face, stating, "Teachers have absorbed rising costs of living in South Florida for years." With the potential loss of voter-approved referendum funding in 2027, Bender warns that many teachers may leave the profession, jeopardizing the continuity and mentorship essential for students. He emphasizes the need for accountability at higher levels rather than diminishing the stability of classroom teachers, stating, "Commitment alone cannot sustain a profession indefinitely."

 

Sun Sentinel

The Brevard Federation of Teachers is advocating for Melissa Calhoun, a teacher whose contract was not renewed after using a student's chosen name without parental consent. A third-party arbitrator found that Calhoun may have been wrongly punished, stating that her actions did not warrant such severe consequences. Despite this, Superintendent Mark Rendell has refused to rehire her, emphasizing the need for parental involvement in such matters. Calhoun claimed she was unaware that the student lacked parental permission to use the chosen name, describing her oversight as a "complete oversight." The union argues that Calhoun met the criteria for reappointment, as she received a letter of reprimand but no formal disciplinary action. Anthony Colucci, president of the Brevard Federation of Teachers, noted: "This fight caused a highly effective, veteran educator to have to pause her career."

 

Florida Today

Law enforcement officials are advocating for the use of speed cameras in school zones to enhance student safety. During a recent House State Affairs Committee meeting, Rep. Fiona McFarland discussed House Bill 543, which supports this initiative. Chief Robert Bage of Fort Walton Beach, who is also the president of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, stated, “Anecdotally and statistically, we have seen changes around our schools.” He highlighted a 95% reduction in speed violations and a 50% decrease in traffic crashes in Fort Walton Beach since implementing the program. The cameras, installed by RedSpeed USA, capture images of speeding vehicles, with fines helping to fund the program at no cost to taxpayers. Bage emphasized the importance of midday enforcement for student safety, noting, “The support makes Florida a place where families can thrive, and businesses prosper.”

 

Florida Politics

In Lee County, Florida, the School District has taken disciplinary action against 2,480 students for their involvement in protests against ICE in early February. These actions included skipping classes and insubordination, resulting in 11 reassignments to Success Academy, 134 out-of-school suspensions, and 40 in-school suspensions. Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin emphasized: "The safety and security of our schools is our top priority," while noting that 96% of students adhered to the Student Code of Conduct during the protests. The district expressed gratitude to families for their support in maintaining behavioral expectations.

 

WINK News

Florida Power and Light (FPL) is transforming science education at Manatee Middle School in Collier County with a $50,000 grant to create an outdoor science lab. This initiative aims to provide hands-on learning experiences for students, exciting both teachers and students. The new lab is expected to be ready for the upcoming school year.

 

WINK News

The Florida House voted 83-25 on HB 757, a bill introduced by Rep. Michelle Salzman that aimed to extend the Florida School Guardian Program to public colleges and universities. Following the FSU shooting, Salzman, who was a student at FSU during the incident, called for improved safety measures, warning: "It was a tough time. It was a scary time." The bill allows trained faculty to carry firearms on campuses, with the goal of enhancing immediate response to potential threats. However, opposition arose from Democrats, including Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, who argued that adding more guns would not increase safety. The bill also mandates threat assessments and training for faculty to recognize mental health warning signs. Concerns about the adequacy of training for guardians were raised, with Sen. Tina Polsky questioning the potential risks of arming faculty. The bill reflects ongoing debates about campus safety and gun control in the wake of tragic events.

 

Florida Phoenix

Hillsborough County Public Schools are taking significant measures to combat vaping among students by installing vaping detection sensors in all high schools. The district announced this initiative as a "proactive step" to foster healthier and safer learning environments. "These sensors are designed to help reduce vaping on campus, support student well-being, and encourage positive behavior change," district staff said in a news release. The unveiling of this technology will take place at Bloomingdale High School, where staff and students will discuss its importance in shifting behaviors. According to the FDA, in 2024, approximately 2.25m middle and high school students reported using tobacco products, with e-cigarettes being the most popular. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services warns that nicotine can adversely affect brain development and mental health.

 

Tampa Bay Fl News

District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson expressed concerns regarding the proximity of vape shops to schools, stating that many parents have reached out about this issue. The county will discuss potential buffer zones at a work session on April 7, aiming to distance future vape shops from schools. Currently, the Skywalker Smoke and Vape Shop is located a few hundred feet from Olympia High School's sports fields but complies with existing zoning laws. Owner Naveed Dossani emphasized his commitment to responsible sales, claiming: "We refuse sales to anyone younger than 21 years old." Wilson made the case for a safe environment around schools, saying: "If their business is to sell something we understand to be toxic... then we need to figure out a better way." Parents like Kari Adams are advocating for changes to zoning rules to protect students' health, emphasizing that it’s "just common sense."

 

News 13

Alberta’s 2026 budget increases education funding and commits billions to new school construction, while raising the education property tax to help cover costs amid a projected C$9.4bn ($6.87bn) deficit. Finance Minister Nate Horner announced a 7.2% rise in the education and childcare operating budget to C$10.8bn for 2026-27. The province will invest $3.3bn over three years to build and modernize schools, with 40 new projects planned across Edmonton, Calgary, and other regions. Alberta aims to create more than 200,000 new school spaces by 2032, including 17,000 through a C$600m modular classroom program. The budget allocates C$355m for class size and complexity, including C$55m for a classroom complexity grant, and plans to hire 5,000 teaching staff over three years to address growing enrolment. Early childhood and independent school funding will also increase, with C$496m allocated for 2026-27. To fund operations, the education property tax will rise, generating an estimated C$3.6bn in 2026-27, covering about one-third of operating costs. While the government says the budget prioritizes essential services during a period of lower oil prices, critics, including the Alberta Teachers’ Association, questioned whether funding commitments will meet staffing targets and deliver meaningful new school construction.

 

Edmonton Journal