Florida bill proposes teachers swear an oath

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

A new bill set to be voted on in Florida's upcoming legislative session proposes that teachers take an oath to foster nonpartisan learning and uphold the U.S. and Florida constitutions before entering the classroom.

Substitute teacher Nayancah Galety expressed concerns about the profession's respect, saying, "I will not go into teaching." She questioned the necessity of the oath, stating, "I'm just teaching students, making them learn. Why take an oath?"

The proposed oath would require teachers to uphold academic integrity, serve as positive role models and not disclose their political beliefs, to name a few.

Abagail Alce, a student from Lehigh Acres, noted, "I've never had a teacher tell me they were red or blue." Alce, who is considering a career in teaching or pediatrics, said, "It's something I've kind of battled with. Should I be a teacher or a pediatrician? Just because I really do love kids."

Kevin Daly, president of the Teachers Association of Lee County, criticized the proposal, saying, "I think any effort to micromanage is probably a discouraging thing." He added, "I think it signals that teachers are inherently doing something wrong and we need to make them swear an oath."

Daly believes the current responsibilities and oaths teachers take are sufficient, stating, "I think between the oath we currently take and the responsibilities we currently have in the professional practices arena, I think it's pretty well-covered."

Currently, 30 other states require similar oaths for teachers.

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