Everywhere you look, there are many issues in education. Specifically, there's a nationwide teacher shortage, and Florida is far from the exception. We could hide from the reality, but when you combine salary concerns, overbearing regulations, safety issues, and a general lack of support, these issues for teachers are a far cry from being a surprise. Florida hiring Veterans as teachers was a great idea on paper from Governor Ron DeSantis, but so far, his Military Veterans Certification Pathway seems to be receiving an “F” on its assignment. Read next:This Is How You Could Be the Solution to the Teacher Shortage in FL

The Military Veterans Certification Pathway Is Failing To Fix the Florida Teacher Shortage

The good news? The Military Veterans Certificate Pathway has a large number of applicants. The bad news? The Florida teacher crisis persists, and six months after the bill was put into action, only seven have filled the 5,000+ openings in the state. It felt like a great idea. Florida Veterans teach in schools, and this helps with Veteran unemployment while also improving education. It's a well-intentioned plan all around, but the longer this goes on, the clearer it's becoming that this isn’t the fix Florida needs. Ranking 48th in salary, teachers need better income now more than ever, as inflation continues to be a problem for households. Sadly, there are also many other problems that are only increasing the exodus of educators from the field. Critics are pointing to the move as a political one from DeSantis, saying that the program doesn’t work and was low-hanging fruit to look good for both teachers and Vets. When it works, the program formally known as the Military Veterans Certification Pathway helps candidates find employment even if they don’t yet have their bachelor's degree. Many experts in the field also believe this could be a bad premise to begin with.

Is Florida Hiring Veterans as Teachers?

Yes, as you can see with the Military Veterans Certification Pathway initiative, the Florida Department of Education is working to fill the shortage of teachers plaguing the Sunshine State. This is the purpose of the Military Veterans Certification Pathway Florida communities are hoping to see come to fruition.

Interested? Here’s the Criteria You’ll Need To Meet

It’s one thing to have the desire to teach, but you’re also going to need to have the right qualifications. According to the Florida Department of Education, there are some important benchmarks you’ll need to have. For starters, you’ll need to have at least 48 months of U.S. active-duty military service followed by either an honorable or medical discharge. FL Veterans teaching will need to have at least 60 college credits while maintaining a 2.5 GPA or higher. You’ll also need to pass any exams in your subject area of choice. The Florida Veteran teacher program is requiring proof of employment in a Florida school district as well as the ability to pass a background check. So far, there have been issues with Veterans not realizing the qualifications necessary for this opportunity. Where the miscommunication lies is unclear, but it has clearly contributed to the lack of success with the program. "My understanding from the applicants that I've spoken with is that they didn't know they had to meet those certifications. They thought if they were Veterans and they had a college degree, they were good. We've heard from our politicians in the state 'that anyone can teach,' which doesn't help," said Althea Walker, a Department Manager for Recruitment at Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Complex Issues Are Hindering Education

Pay is an obvious issue for teachers, just as it can be in many places as we all deal with inflation, but it goes deeper than that. There's a feeling that the lack of support systems is not only failing children but also failing educators. The inability to be flexible with curriculums, as well as the inability to secure multi-year contracts, are also problems with keeping and attracting talent. But these things are also all on top of a workforce still reeling from the unprecedented working conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. While a lot has reverted back to normal, the ramifications of those school years are still presenting problems for educators. Social and political issues involving everything from civil rights to public safety are also factors adding to the shortage. The Military Veterans Certification Pathway may not be built to fix all of these issues, but it’s clear that it was brought about to do more than it’s actually doing so far.

Spouses Aren’t Included in the Military Veterans Certification Pathway

Despite the confusing language involved with the Military Veterans Certification Pathway, it seems that spouses cannot take advantage of the program, which is a devastating blow to both prospective educators and a system already reeling. Overall, let’s hope that the program improves, communication becomes clearer, and children are provided with the education they deserve. Suggested read:14 Certifications for Jobs To Help You Find a Career After Military Service