The "Save Our Teachers Act" proposes significant salary enhancements for instructional personnel and school administrators in Florida by amending section 1011.62 of the Florida Statutes. The bill raises the minimum base salary for full-time classroom teachers from $47,500 to $65,000 and introduces new funding requirements to support school districts and charter schools in implementing this increase. It also mandates the development of a salary distribution plan that addresses salary compression, annual cost-of-living adjustments, and longevity pay for experienced teachers. Additionally, the bill amends section 1012.22 to require performance salary schedules that include step-based increases and compression relief supplements, ensuring that salary adjustments reflect the experience of educators.

To further address teacher shortages and improve retention, the bill allows district school boards to identify additional critical shortage areas and introduces new responsibilities for instructional personnel, such as department chairs and instructional coaches. It establishes retention incentives based on years of service, with specific amounts for those with 10 to 20 years and those with 20 or more years. The Department of Education will provide guidelines for implementing compression relief supplements, and school districts must conduct annual audits to address salary compression. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to create a more equitable salary framework for educators in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 670 Filed: 1011.62