In Florida, too many of our teachers are working second jobs without second paychecks. While there’s growing support for increasing stipends for high school athletic coaches, we must go further. Teachers in the arts, agriculture, journalism, and other extracurriculars also give hundreds of unpaid hours each year to help students grow — and they deserve equal recognition and compensation.

Music and theater directors like Justin and Gail Chase at Lake Nona High School work 15 extra hours a week, every week, from the start of the school year through graduation. They build award-winning programs and shape lives far beyond the classroom. And they’re not alone. Across the state, teachers leading band rehearsals, yearbook teams, debate clubs, FFA chapters, and student newspapers are doing the same — without fair pay.

Right now, legislation like SB 538, introduced by State Sen. Corey Simon, focuses only on athletic coach compensation. That’s a good start — but it must be expanded. Lawmakers should ensure all educators who commit to long, unpaid hours supporting students are compensated fairly, not just those in sports.

This petition calls on the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis to:

• Amend SB 538 or introduce new legislation that includes arts, ag, and other extracurricular instructors in any stipend increases
• Fund these raises at the state level, rather than pushing the burden onto school districts or private booster clubs
• Treat educators like the professionals they are, by acknowledging the full scope of their work and compensating it accordingly

Students in Florida thrive not just because of what happens in classrooms, but also because of what happens after the final bell — on stages, in studios, in greenhouses, and at late-night rehearsals. If we value a well-rounded education, we must stop relying on unpaid labor to make it possible.

Sign this petition if you believe Florida should pay all teachers for the time and dedication they give to our students.