TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) – Florida teachers could soon be required to take an oath of office similar to judges and police officers under legislation being considered in the upcoming state legislative session.
Rep. Tom Fabricio, R-Miami Lakes, is sponsoring the bill requiring teachers to raise their right hand and swear to protect students before entering classrooms.
“It elevates the profession and I believe will help parents be more comfortable with leaving their children in the hands of these professionals,” Fabricio said.
Fabricio modeled the proposal after oaths required for lawyers, doctors and other public officials. The oath would require teachers to uphold the Constitution and stick with approved curricula.
“Teachers are role models. They’re very important players and parts to the educational system and to the molding of our future and that’s what this bill is about,” Fabricio said.
Florida Politics
Scott Mazur from the Leon Classroom Teachers Association opposes the bill, saying it’s not needed.
“As far as the code of ethics already in the constitution, there’s already a clear expectation for behavior that is already above and beyond of what that is as public educators in the state of Florida,” Mazur said.
Mazur said lawmakers should focus on attracting teachers instead.
“We have a lot of educators leaving the profession, leaving the state. Our schools are in crisis and they need support right now,” Mazur said.
More than 30 other states require teachers to take an oath like the one being proposed. The bill has not been scheduled for a hearing in either the House or Senate.
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