Want to Help Hurricane Victims? Here’s How
Minnesotans are caring and generous people. We eagerly prepared Camp Ripley to accommodate families displaced by Hurricane Katrina, and welcomed storm survivors into our schools and communities with open arms. We all saw the devastation on TV – lives were disrupted, communities were uprooted, and it seemed that unspeakable suffering was everywhere. Now the rebuilding begins. Part of that rebuilding includes providing stability and structure to the lives of thousands of displaced children. Living far from the neighborhoods they knew, in surroundings new and unfamiliar, the comfort of the familiar routine of the classroom may be the only stability and structure these children will know. Educators throughout the Gulf region have stepped forward to welcome thousands of displaced children into their schools. In a recent meeting with Florida superintendents, I was impressed with their optimism in light of the challenges that this influx of students brings. For example, Walton County normally has around 6,000 students. As of last week, Walton’s schools had taken in over 500 new students displaced by Katrina. Superintendent Carlene Anderson told me of the outpouring of generosity in her community. People and businesses donated school supplies, clothes and backpacks for all of the new students – with each elementary child also receiving a teddy bear. Yet in spite of this sudden and explosive growth in student population, displaced children continue to be welcomed with love and compassion. The same story is taking place across the Florida panhandle, in places such as Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Bay and Escambia counties. Overall, Florida has taken in nearly 5,700 displaced students. Generous donations, money, federal aid, and volunteers are providing these children with clothes, food and a place to live. However, there is one thing lacking – teachers. Florida needs teachers. At the same time as we are seeing dedicated, quality teachers in Minnesota being laid off and leaving the profession due to enrollment declines, Florida is working to encourage teachers to relocate to the Sunshine State. The need is urgent and the need is great. Licensure is not an issue. Florida grants reciprocity to those who hold valid teaching licenses in other states, and has a streamlined alternative certification programs (with mentors and an induction period) that allows career professionals to become licensed teachers. Retired chemists, engineers and others have found rewarding second careers as teachers in this state. Furthermore, in addition to the satisfaction of being able to stay in the profession they love, another incentive for teachers to consider is that Florida residents do not pay a state income tax. Minnesota has a surplus of high quality teachers. Those who want to stay in the classroom will find an enthusiastic welcome in Florida, making this a win-win situation for teachers who want to continue in their profession. However, the real winners will be the children in Florida, who need caring and dedicated teachers – and maybe a teddy bear.
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Cheri Pierson Yecke