South Florida Teachers Speak Out: “We Can’t Survive on Passion Alone”

Public school teachers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties say they’re reaching a breaking point. An NBC6 survey of nearly 1,400 teachers revealed that more than 99% believe they’re underpaid, while almost all expressed concerns about South Florida’s soaring cost of living.

Many educators juggle multiple side jobs. Wyndi Fasciana, a 14-year veteran at Western High, tutors and bartends on weekends just to cover expenses. “$52,000 a year comes out to about $900 a week—it’s not enough,” she said.

Others echo the same frustration. “I shouldn’t have to work three jobs to afford a starter home,” said LaDonna Van Buren of Cypress Bay High. Teacher Jordanna Egan put it bluntly: “If I make the same money as a server, where’s the respect?”

Starting salaries hover around $50,000, boosted by voter-approved referendums to closer to $60,000. But Florida still ranks 49th nationwide for teacher pay, according to the NEA.

Veteran teacher Melissa Falkowski left Marjory Stoneman Douglas High after 21 years, moving to Washington State. Her salary jumped from $56,000 to $135,000—while her cost of living dropped. “Nearly 86% of my colleagues are considering leaving too,” she said.

Despite the financial strain, many remain committed to their students. As one teacher summed it up: “We rise to every challenge, but our paychecks never reflect it.”