“It just goes to show that we have a funding problem for [Florida] public schools that isn’t being addressed”

— Florida Education Association spokeswoman Sharon Nesvig

Florida has dropped from 45 to 46 on the National Education Association’s annual report of average teacher salaries.

Florida’s teachers earned an average of $48,168 in 2017-18, slightly below the $50,000 mark that some state lawmakers have sought and $12,294 less than the national rate. The national average teacher salary increased from $59,534 in 2016-17 to $60,462 in 2017-18.

“The Legislature needs to do more.” Nesvig said.