Two South Florida lawmakers are pushing for stronger safety measures in Florida classrooms by refiling legislation that would require teachers to receive specialized training on responding to mass casualty incidents.
Senator Shevrin Jones (D–Miami Gardens) and Representative Dan Daley (D–Coral Springs) reintroduced SB 510 and HB 23, a pair of bills titled “Educator Certifications and Training.” The legislation seeks to update Florida’s teacher preparation standards and ongoing professional development requirements to ensure educators are better equipped during school emergencies.
Under the proposal, Florida’s teacher prep programs — including college-based programs, educator preparation institutes, and pathways for adjunct instructors — would now be required to include crisis response strategies specific to mass casualty situations. The Department of Education would also develop a statewide list of approved trainings that teachers must complete as part of their continuing education and in-service hours.
Supporters say these changes are meant to strengthen schools’ emergency readiness at a time when safety remains a top concern for Florida parents and educators.
“Every child and every teacher deserve to feel safe at school, and that starts with ensuring educators are trained and ready to respond in a crisis,” Jones said. “This legislation is a moral imperative and gives Florida teachers the tools they need to act quickly and protect lives when it matters most.”
For Rep. Daley, the effort is personal. The MSD alumnus has continued to advocate for improved school safety measures since the 2018 shooting in Parkland.
“Nearly eight years later, the pain of my alma mater, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, still drives my mission to protect every student and teacher,” Daley said. “HB 23 ensures our educators have the tools and training to act decisively when seconds matter.”
If passed, the updated rules would apply statewide and become part of the long-term certification, training, and professional development structure for Florida’s educators.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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