(Mark Pellin, Headline USA) After disposing of radical LGBT grooming dogma from his state’s public education system, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis welcomed the start of a new school year by promoting military veterans to help alleviate a severe teacher shortage and educate kids.
“Our veterans have a wealth of knowledge and experience they can bring to the classroom,” DeSantis said, noting that the state’s new Military Veterans Certification Pathway helps facilitate that process.
The program, which was approved earlier this year, allows veterans who meet certain standards and clear a background screening to receive a five-year temporary education certificate while they finish their bachelor’s degree.
“Veterans and servicemembers can now work toward their full professional certificate while imparting their unique knowledge and valuable experience in the classroom,” Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., said in a statement.
DeSantis praised the initiative for “leading the way by bringing some of the best, the brightest and the bravest among us into our classrooms.”
“Every morning our students recite the pledge of allegiance while looking at the star spangled banner, and it’s fitting that the teacher in the classroom is somebody who took an oath and put his or her life on the line to persevere, protect and defend our flag and the freedom it represents,” DeSantis said.
The state’s teachers unions, which were responsible for helping to create the teacher shortage with their COVID hysteria and demands, lashed out at the program.
“You can’t just throw a warm body in a classroom, that’s not the answer,” declared Barry Dubin, president of the Sarasota County Teachers Association.
“There are many people who have gone through many hoops and hurdles to obtain a proper teaching certificate,” complained Carmen Ward, president of the Alachua County teachers union.
DeSantis dismissed the leftist spin, and doubled down on his support for the program.
“For too long the requirements to be a teacher have been too rigid, with union bosses insisting that all educators get certain credentials that often have little impact on teaching performance,” DeSantis said.
“We respect our veterans and know they have a lot to offer.”
