Florida Teachers Rally, Warn Lawmakers State Is Falling Short on Education

Educators point to chronic underfunding, staffing shortages, and diversion of funds to vouchers and charter schools.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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At a rally in Tallahassee, Florida's teachers' union urged lawmakers to rethink education funding and policy priorities, warning the state is falling short on delivering high-quality public education. Educators cited chronic underfunding, staffing shortages, and billions of dollars being diverted to vouchers and charter schools, as well as Florida's ranking at the bottom nationally for average teacher pay.

Why it matters

The rally highlights growing tensions between Florida's teachers and state leadership over education priorities and funding. As the legislative session continues, the outcome of these debates will have significant implications for the future of public education in the state.

The details

Teachers at the rally pointed to Florida's low teacher pay, which they say is driving educators out of the profession and communities across the state. Union leaders also criticized a new bill that would require teachers to swear an oath to uphold the Constitution and teach in a professional, objective, nonpartisan manner. Supporters argue the bill reinforces professionalism, but the union says it is unnecessary and distracts from more pressing issues.

  • The rally took place on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
  • The Florida legislative session is currently underway.

The players

Stephanie Yocum

Member of the Polk Education Association.

RJ Decoteau

Member of the Hardee Education Association.

Tom Fabricio

Republican state representative from Miami Lakes, sponsor of the teacher oath bill.

Andrew Spar

President of the Florida Education Association.

Ron DeSantis

Republican governor of Florida.

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What they’re saying

“Our budget in the state of Florida has reflected the priorities of billionaires and corporations for far too long, at the expense of the education of children.”

— Stephanie Yocum, Member of the Polk Education Association (wptv.com)

“Florida ranks 50th in the nation for teacher pay, and that reality is driving people out of the profession and out of our communities.”

— RJ Decoteau, Member of the Hardee Education Association (wptv.com)

“What I believe is, I think we should elevate teachers to be professionals like, like, as a lawyer, I'm a professional. I believe they are professionals as well. And I think they should take an oath.”

— Tom Fabricio, Republican state representative from Miami Lakes, sponsor of the teacher oath bill (wptv.com)

“Look, the teacher oath bill is one that makes no sense. It does nothing to make lives better for our students, for our families, for our communities, for anyone in this room. And so I would just say— why are lawmakers focusing on the wrong stuff?”

— Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association (wptv.com)

“We put our money where our mouth is. We did record funding for teacher pay increases for Florida, and this proposal today is the biggest by far.”

— Ron DeSantis (wptv.com)

What’s next

As budget negotiations continue this legislative session, the final outcome of the proposed education funding increases and policy changes will determine the future direction of public education in Florida.

The takeaway

This rally highlights the ongoing tensions between Florida's teachers and state leadership over education priorities and funding. The debate over issues like teacher pay, vouchers, and curriculum requirements will have significant implications for the quality and accessibility of public education in the state.