The Florida Department of Education reported a 17.7% decrease in teacher vacancies for the 2025-2026 school year compared to the previous year. This follows another reduction in vacancies during the prior school year, resulting in a nearly 30% drop over two years. The department clarified that its vacancy figures are based on data directly from school districts, distinguishing them from third-party estimates.
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas stated, “Florida continues to attract the best teaching talent because we have raised teacher pay, empowered our teachers in the classroom and created new pathways for Floridians to enter the teaching profession. While the teachers unions use the same, tired tactics in an attempt to smear Florida’s education system, we are focused on providing our teachers with the tools they need to succeed, and the data show our approach is working. I am proud of the work Florida has done to dramatically reduce the number of vacancies across the state thanks to the policies Governor Ron DeSantis has championed.”
Since Governor Ron DeSantis took office, more than $5.9 billion has been allocated toward increasing salaries for teachers and instructional staff. The state has also introduced additional routes for qualified candidates to join the teaching workforce. Over 80 participants are currently receiving practical training through veteran educators as part of Florida’s Teacher Apprenticeship Program, which has drawn nearly 500 applicants since its launch. More than 100 military veterans have started their teaching careers via a temporary certification pathway designed specifically for veterans, with about 700 applications received.
