‘Teacher Bill of Rights’ passes Florida House

Amber Jo Cooper contributed to this report.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – The Florida House approved legislation Friday that seeks to give teachers more autonomy over their classrooms and the right to challenge illegitimate school orders.

The proposed legislation, HB 1035, is sponsored by Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman, R-Tampa, which she dubbed the “Teacher Bill of Rights.”

It would provide instructors two options for responding to a school policy that is illegal.

Teachers would be able to request the commissioner of education name a special magistrate to investigate the claims and recommend a course of action.

Alternatively, as outlined in the bill, teachers could pursue a legal remedy in civil court in which they may be entitled to damages and “reasonable” attorney fees.

The bill seeks to reduce what Pittman called “unnecessary or duplicate training requirements for teachers.”

According to the proposed legislation, the Department of Education would be required to examine the training requirements and suggest potential repeals.

The bill also creates a “rebuttable presumption” for school staff who take actions to “maintain safety or educational atmosphere.”

If a teacher’s actions were taken to maintain the integrity and safety of the school, they would be given the chance to defend them under this legislation.

A similar Senate version is expected to be considered on the floor next month.

Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, opposed the bill during debate and said she has heard concerns that “part of this is tied to rhetoric that is anti-union.”

“I just want to be on the record in saying that unions are an incredible asset in our state, and especially teachers unions, as they are fighting every single day for teachers, for wages, for benefits, and I would hope that, a policy like this complements that, versus trying to replace that,” Eskamani said.

Rep. Jennifer Canady, R-Lakeland, spoke in support of the bill.

“This bill reaffirms the teachers right to direct classroom instruction in accordance with the rule of law. This bill backs up teachers establishing the necessity, that a safe and orderly classroom environment is established by empowering and trusting teachers,” Canady said.

“We create an environment where students can thrive, and we must be about the business of doing what is good for children,” Canady said.

In closing, Pittman said she met with her union members in Hillsborough County, and they were “very, very happy about this bill.”

“Teachers want to teach, that’s what they want to do. They love their students, and they want to educate their students. This bill empowers teacher, this bill is a profoundly positive bill for teachers,” Pittman said.