WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Dozens of Palm Beach County public school teachers and supporters traveled to Tallahassee on Monday to rally for public education.
Teachers from across the state descended on our state's Capitol just one day before Florida’s Legislative session begins.
The teachers said they're focusing on several issues including overall funding, teacher pay, teacher shortages, and local control for school districts.
Leaders of the Classroom Teachers Association in Palm Beach County said around 200 teachers, retirees, and supporters are participating in the "Take On Tallahassee" rally.
Teachers who went to Tallahassee had to use a personal day to miss work.
Edith Pride, a Boca Raton Elementary School teacher, is passionate about her mission.
"You don’t tell the doctor how to do his job or the lawyer how to do their job, but you want to dictate to teachers who have gone to school, who know what to do, who work with children every day, how to do our job?" said Pride. "Stay in your lane and I promise we’ll stay in ours."
"We’re ready. We’re geared up to tell the Legislature that we need more money for more schools, safety for our kids, and overall, we just need some help to fund public schools," said Michelle Pringle, a teacher at Pioneer Park Elementary School in Belle Glade.
WPTV's Meghan McRoberts traveled with teachers from the Treasure Coast and will have coverage of the rally throughout the day.
And we’re off before the sun is up! I’m joining a couple dozen St. Lucie County teachers, a board member, and some students joining the #takeontallahasee rally this afternoon to demand better pay for teachers, more funding for schools, and an end to over-testing @WPTV pic.twitter.com/Rwrkhe1Ohc
— Meghan McRoberts (@MeghanWPTV) January 13, 2020
And they’re off! Local teachers heading to #takeontallahassee rally for public education. @WPTV @FOX29WFLX pic.twitter.com/CkyXzvKAsi
— Stephanie Susskind (@StephanieWPTV) January 13, 2020