Florida wants to improve instruction in Science and Math, but it can be difficult to attract talented teachers. One state lawmaker wants to open the classroom to people with advanced degrees—even if they don’t have a background in teaching.
Rep. Manny Diaz (R-Hialeah) wants people with advanced science or tech degrees teaching Florida’s K-12 students. But he says existing requirements for continuing education could be a roadblock. Diaz has filed a bill to allow some schools to sidestep those demands if they find the right candidate.
“I think we need to leave that up to the professionals on the ground,” Diaz says, “and have those principals and the superintendents really make those determinations.
“And when a person does have those skills, and they have these higher level degrees,” Diaz goes on, “how do we get them in keep them and not lose them from the classroom.”
Diaz’s five year pilot program only applies to schools in the top ten percent based on district grades.
