Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a plan Thursday to give $422 million in bonuses to Florida teachers.
"I’m proud to announce these steps we are taking to ensure our state recruits and retains the very best educators for Florida schools," the Governor said at Armwood Senior High School in Seffner.
He said he wants the state Legislature to reform Florida's Best and Brightest Teachers program, which would make nearly 45,000 qualified teachers eligible for bonuses exceeding $9,000.
It would also give bonuses of up to $6,500 to principals who create classroom environments that help students thrive.
Florida currently gives bonuses to teachers who scored well on their SAT/ACT college entrance exams. The plan is to do away with that requirement, according to the Governor.
"This renewed investment will reward highly effective teachers and principals across our state who are making a positive impact in our students' lives," said Gov. DeSantis.
The Governor also announced his plan to create of the Teacher Talent Pipeline in Florida, which would offer loan and tuition forgiveness to new teachers who commit to working in Florida for five years.
Earlier on Thursday, the Florida Department of Education said the state's controversial Common Core program will remain in effect until at least Jan. 1, 2020.
Last month, the Governor announced he's filing an executive order to eliminate the academic standards in Florida schools, grades K-12.