Florida public schools are facing a growing challenge as new data shows an increase in teacher and staff vacancies midway through the academic year. According to the Florida Education Association (FEA), thousands of positions remain unfilled, including roles such as bus drivers, paraprofessionals, custodial staff, cafeteria workers, and teachers. The FEA reports that this shortage is not typical for the middle of the school year and signals deeper retention issues.
The association notes that while some vacancies are expected at the start of each school year, the number has risen since August 2025. Teacher turnover rates are also high; last year, 31% of teachers had less than four years of experience. These trends suggest ongoing instability within Florida’s education system.
Several factors have contributed to this situation. The FEA points to Florida’s $4.4 billion voucher program and rising living costs across the state as reasons for declining public school enrollment. Despite fewer students, districts still struggle to fill essential jobs. The decrease in reported vacancies over the past year is attributed mainly to budget cuts and eliminated positions rather than genuine improvements in staffing.
Another concern raised by the FEA is the increasing use of out-of-field or temporary teachers—numbers which have nearly doubled over five years. Some districts may also leave positions unadvertised if filled temporarily with uncertified substitutes, potentially masking the full scope of staffing shortages.
“While the Commissioner of Education will likely try to rewrite the facts, the truth is, if even one child walks into a classroom this semester without a permanent, certified educator, that is one too many,” said Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar. “It’s unacceptable for students to cycle through four or five different teachers in a single year, because consistency is key to student success. Yet, between the micromanagement of classrooms, overbearing regulations, and Florida ranking 50th in average teacher pay, our educators and education staff professionals are being chased out of the profession. Lawmakers must take responsibility and address this crisis head-on. Parents and voters are demanding stronger public schools. They want lawmakers to strengthen Florida’s public schools, not abandon them.”
The FEA emphasizes its commitment to ensuring every child receives quality public education as required by state law but says meaningful change depends on leadership willing to prioritize investments in educators’ pay and resources.
Vacancy numbers are compiled twice yearly by reviewing district job postings each August and January. The FEA represents more than 120,000 members statewide—including PreK-12 teachers, higher education faculty, educational staff professionals, students preparing for teaching careers at colleges and universities, and retired employees.
