Florida ranks 50th in average teacher pay again, fueling recruitment concerns

Florida ranks 50th in the nation for average teacher pay for the third consecutive year, according to a National Education Association report. The average salary for a public school teacher in Florida is $56,663, which is below the national average of $74,495. While Florida's average starting teacher salary ranks 19th nationally, its overall average pay is near the bottom. More from the Sarasota Herald Tribune and WEAR.

Chamber report: Florida’s businesses need more mathletes

If you want one of Florida’s most in-demand jobs, you’re going to need math skills. The Florida Chamber Foundation, through its Future of Work Florida Initiative, has released an interactive “Math Skills Edition” of its Top 30 High-Demand Careers list, tying specific math competencies to jobs across the state’s 21 workforce regions. The list pushes back against the common conception that math is only essential in traditionally “numbers-heavy” fields. While fields such as accounting and auditing are indeed on the list, so are nursing, trucking and real estate sales. [Source: Florida Politics]

Florida House rejects added school vaccine exemptions

Changes to Florida’s laws governing school vaccines and student use of artificial intelligence are not on the way. No members of the Republican-dominated House filed bills on either of the two subjects that were part of a legislative special session called for this week by Gov. Ron DeSantis. “Consequently, we will not be taking up those issues,” Speaker Daniel Perez said to open the session. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Florida students can access tuition‑free online courses for career and life skills this summer

As summer break approaches, Florida students have the opportunity to use time away from the traditional classroom to focus on practical skills that support academic success, career readiness, and personal well‑being through tuition‑free online courses. Available to students statewide, the Florida Virtual School (FLVS) FLVS Flex option allows students to take individual courses online and work at their own pace, making it possible to continue learning alongside summer schedules, jobs, or family commitments. [Source: Alachua Chronicle]

VPK program updates roll out as families join savings plan

More than 13,000 families have participated in a new partnership between Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program and the Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans during the first four months since its launch, according to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office. The initiative allows families to apply for VPK while simultaneously opening a Florida Investment 529 Plan account. Participants receive $100 to begin saving for future education expenses. [Source: Islander News]

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› Pinellas students overcome bad influences, attitudes to find success [Tampa Bay Times]
Each spring for the past 41 years, Pinellas has celebrated middle and high schoolers who have made dramatic improvements in their academics and behaviors. For some, it’s the first time they have been invited to an event showcasing their successes, said Michelle Topping, district director of educational alternative services. The hope is that by publicly valuing their hard work, the students will strive for more.

› UF prepares next generation of planners for Florida’s growth challenges [UF News]
Nearly 1,000 people move to Florida each day according to University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research, accelerating development that is reshaping communities and placing growing demands on the state’s natural resources and ecosystems. At UF’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning, the next generation of planners and community leaders is learning to address these challenges, from smart growth and cultural preservation to supporting aging populations and advancing ecological conservation.

› Historic building in Orlando could get new life as arts and entertainment school [WFTV]
A historic school building in Orlando could soon be reimagined for a new generation of students. A proposal is underway to transform the old Cherokee School building near Summerlin Avenue into the Cherokee School of the Arts and Entertainment. School Board member Stephanie Vanos will discuss the project during a public meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. at Blankner Elementary School. The initiative seeks to both restore a significant local landmark and create a specialized educational institution.

› Broward schools’ vote on job-cut plan delayed amid widespread concerns [South Florida Sun Sentinel]
A plan to cut hundreds of Broward school jobs proved too contentious and difficult for School Board members to agree on Tuesday, prompting them to postpone discussions for two more weeks. Board members spent four hours debating the second version of Superintendent Howard Hepburn’s organization chart. They reviewed the first version at a workshop last week and directed Hepburn to make some changes. During Tuesday’s meeting, board members made frequent motions to save certain jobs, leading to debates about whether they should identify other jobs to cut to help balance the plan.

‘Alarming’: Tallahassee starter-home prices rise 43% in five years as regulations limit builds