The number of charter school teachers in Florida continues to rise, with total instructional staff now at 18,236, up 31% from six years ago.
Florida now has more charter school teachers, 16,871, than 12 states have public school teachers.
The fresh numbers come courtesy of the Florida Department of Education, which compiled the latest charter school staffing data in response to a request from redefinED.
The spreadsheets include breakdowns by race and district. See them here:
The growth isn’t entirely surprising. The Florida charter school sector is celebrating its 25th birthday. It has become the single most popular choice option for Florida parents. It serves 330,000 students.
At the same time, the numbers are another reminder that more and more teachers are choosing, too.
Cielo Acosta is one of them. In this podcast, the Miami-Dade teacher describes why she chose to teach in the charter school she graduated from.
I was a student who roamed those same halls. And I know what they need. And I know what they are. And I know the battles that they fight at home …
More charter school teachers could be on their way with Senate Bill 1028, which would give state colleges and universities the power to authorize charters. Stay tuned.
