Teachers union challenges school district’s ‘certified teacher in every classroom’ claim
The Teachers Association of Lee County asserts that there is a serious discrepancy between the School District of Lee County’s public claims of having a certified teacher in every classroom and the reality inside its schools.
According to statement issued by TALC today, “while the district has stated that all classrooms were covered by certified teachers on Monday, TALC’s climate survey of members tells a different story.”
Among the responses TALC shared from educators is that there were “multiple instances where classes were led by staff without the appropriate certification for the subject or grade level assigned,” and “special area coverage reductions leading to significant loss of planning time for teachers.”
The release states that educators shared that there were overcrowded classrooms with some up to 40 students, while others were combined due to shortages of staffing.
TALC said teachers also reported that “we don’t have enough grade-level teachers, so level 1’s are being placed in college-level classes. It’s not right.”
“These findings are not isolated incidents — they represent a systemic problem that impacts both students and educators,” President of the Teachers Association of Lee County Kevin Daly said in a prepared statement. “We cannot accept a narrative that all classes are properly staffed when our members are telling us otherwise. This is not about politics; it’s about truth and the quality of education for our students.”
The School District of Lee County stands by its statements that every classroom has certified teacher and addressed TALC’s statement with one of its own.
“The School District of Lee County is in compliance with the requirements of teacher certification through the Florida Department of Education and is providing a certified teacher in every classroom. We have gone from 575 instructional vacancies in April to 37 today. Thirty-seven is less than 1% of our teacher workforce, and an 81% improvement from this time last year when more than 200 instructional positions were vacant. We will not stop hiring until every position is filled and look forward to returning to the bargaining table next week to fulfill our commitment of participating in the interest based bargaining process to best serve our teachers,” the release from the School District of Lee County this afternoon states.
Lee County Board member Debbie Jordan, whose district includes North Fort Myers and parts of Cape Coral, said after the press release was issued by TALC, she asked district officials again to make sure they were being truthful.
“Again, it is yes. We have a certified teacher in every classroom. When I am visiting my schools, I am speaking to my principals and asking them the same questions. Their response is yes. This is the first time we have had one,” Jordan said of having certified teachers in every classroom.
The 37 vacancies have also been filled with a certified teacher in the classrooms until others are hired to be the official teacher of record, she said.
“They all have an education certificate. There is a state-certified teacher in every single classroom,” Jordan said. “To me it was very exciting. I am ecstatic about that. I am all for the teachers. I respect them. We definitely need to make sure we have good, qualified teachers.”
TALC said it will collect and share firsthand accounts from teachers, so both the public and decision-makers understand the conditions within the schools. According to the release, “the association calls on the district to acknowledge these gaps and work collaboratively with TALC to address staffing shortages, protect planning time, and ensure all students are taught by appropriately certified educators.”
Jordan encourages teachers to reach out to her, so she can share the information with the district and continue to ask questions and get answers.
“I am not just taking it for what the district is saying, I am out there speaking to the schools and asking them as well. I am asking the kids, too, I am getting their perspective as well,” she said.