A Message from FEA President Andy Ford

Published in the TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT, May 04. 2011

Andy Ford: We all have a stake in public education

This is the week when parents, neighbors and local businesses will take a moment to recognize the crucial role teachers play to ensure that students learn. Teacher Appreciation Week is one time during the year that public school teachers receive praise rather than blame for everything that's wrong with our education system.

Many of us will spend part of the week trying to figure out the best way to show our support. Some teachers will receive flowers, cupcakes, fruit or cute gifts. But what will have a lasting impact?

Earlier this year, Education Week released its annual Quality Counts report, which rated Florida the fifth-best education system of all the states and the District of Columbia. Florida got high marks for its teachers, its standards and its K-12 achievement. It got its worst marks for two things that are tied together — funding and chance for success, where it was ranked in the bottom half of the country. Imagine what we could do if we only had the financial commitment to succeed.

Legislative leaders are poised to pass a budget that reduces per student funding and leaves teachers digging deeper in their own wallets to finance their students' education.

Everybody has a vested interest in public education. It doesn't matter whether you are a teacher or a parent, a police officer or an employer. The entire community wins when our students excel, and the best way to ensure that all students receive a free quality public education is for each of us to help ensure that in receives proper funding.

How can students learn if schools are forced to shorten school days and eliminate music and art classes? Will students excel if teachers are working with outdated textbooks or need classroom supplies? What message are we sending to our students when our state leaders are not willing to fully support or pay for quality education?

Teachers can no longer remain the scapegoat for poor student performance. There are too many outside factors that could be mitigated by a widespread commitment to properly fund Florida's schools. Instead of complaining about all that's wrong, let's dedicate ourselves to working together to find positive solutions that help teachers further enhance the education of our students year round.

If we are really serious about education, if we are really serious about competing in the global economy, then let's issue a call to action to hold our state legislators accountable for ignoring the Florida Constitution and failing to adequately fund a quality public education for all students in Florida.

Andy Ford

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Andy Ford is president of the Florida Education Association. Contact him at andy.ford@floridaea.org.