TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – A new bill just filed at the statehouse would make Florida educators take an oath to uphold the constitution and state laws before ever stepping foot into a classroom. It’s similar to what lawyers, doctors, and public officials pledge.
Some see this new bill as an honor for teachers to give their word, promising to care for and educate students. While others find it insulting, fearing it creates an unsettling environment for Florida educators.
“I believe it’s just common sense that teachers are elevated and treated as professionals, and all professionals take an oath,” said State Representative Tom Fabricio, (R-Miami Lakes).
A new republican led bill is calling on state educators to take an oath, promising to be nonpartisan, serve as a positive role model, and uphold academic integrity.
“I’ve talked to quite a few teachers in my community, and they all supported the bill. They looked at the bill and I said, yeah, I have no problem with that,” said Fabricio.
Sponsor of the bill, Representative Fabricio says he saw states like New York, California, South Dakota, and Louisiana with a similar law and wanted Florida to be next.
“They check their personal views at the door, and they walk into the classroom to teach and mold America’s youth,” said Fabricio.
8 On Your Side spoke with an attorney to understand possible impacts who say, this particular oath may control and mandate how teachers teach and how they live outside of the classroom.
“I think that’s the problem is that teachers are not going to suggest topics to talk about, or books to read, fearful that it may violate this oath, and then as a result, again, ultimately, the students are the ones who are going to lose out,” said Bryant Camareno, Tampa Attorney.
Democrats inside of the capitol say if the state is going to put more expectations onto teachers we should be paying them more for that level of work.
“I think it’s important for us to not put more weight and more bureaucracy on top of our educators and instead try to find ways not only to compensate them more, but to make their jobs just a little bit easier,” said State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando).
Representative Fabricio says he expects the bill to spark debate and is open to working with the public and fellow lawmakers to make it the best version it can be.
As for a senate companion bill? That can be expected to be filed in the next week.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
