Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing three initiatives to get more teachers in schools by offering incentives for veterans and first responders who have a bachelor's degree to become educators.
The goal is to fill areas in need such as science, exceptional students' education, and reading. Those approved will receive a bonus of up to $5,000.
"We believe the folks that have served our communities have an awful lot to offer," DeSantis said. "We've got people that have served 20 years in law enforcement. They retire, and some of them are looking for the next chapter in their life."
DeSantis said those interested in teaching will not be able to indoctrinate children with extreme views because "in the classroom, we've battled a lot of ideologies."
"We are not going to let this state descend into some type of woke dumpster fire. We're going to be following common sense. We're going to be following facts, and that's really important," he added.
DeSantis also proposed an apprenticeship program that would allow residents with an associate's degree to teach under the leadership of an experienced teacher for two years and then move on to get a bachelor's degree. The mentor would also be eligible for a $4,000 bonus.
The governor additionally proposed a scholarship program for K-12 teachers interested in teaching dual enrollment courses on high school campuses to earn a master's degree.
This proposal is expected to be taken up by the state legislature in the next session.
The announcement follows a similar plan by DeSantis to recruit first responders in Florida.