The Florida Department of Education has reported a 17.7% decrease in teacher vacancies for the 2025-2026 school year compared to the previous year. This marks nearly a 30% reduction over the last two years, according to data submitted directly by school districts to the department.
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas stated, “Florida continues to attract the best teaching talent because we have raised teacher pay, empowered our teachers in the classroom and created new pathways for Floridians to enter the teaching profession. While the teachers unions use the same, tired tactics in an attempt to smear Florida’s education system, we are focused on providing our teachers with the tools they need to succeed, and the data show our approach is working. I am proud of the work Florida has done to dramatically reduce the number of vacancies across the state thanks to the policies Governor Ron DeSantis has championed.”
Since Governor Ron DeSantis assumed office, more than $5.9 billion has been allocated toward increasing salaries for teachers and instructional personnel in Florida. The state has also expanded routes for individuals seeking entry into teaching roles. The Teacher Apprenticeship Program now provides on-the-job training under experienced teachers; over 80 participants are currently involved and nearly 500 have applied.
Additionally, more than 100 military veterans have started teaching careers through a temporary certificate provided by Florida’s Military Veterans Certification Pathway, with close to 700 applications received for this initiative.
