Gov. DeSantis proposes bonuses for retired first responders to become teachers

First responders could fill the void of teachers in the classroom.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing a way for them to help combat the teacher shortage the same way he allowed retired military members to get involved.

And now, he is incentivizing them with bonuses.

First responders could receive a bonus between $4,000 and $5,000 to teach classes.

DeSantis made the announcement during a visit to Pasco County.

“They would be able to get a temporary certificate, be able to teach, and then obviously work to get their bachelor’s degree,” DeSantis said.

Now, he wants to do the same thing for retired first responders with bachelor’s degrees.

“We will waive the exam fees for the state teacher certification exam,” DeSantis said.

For 27 years, Wayne Bernoska has been riding around in a red fire engine.

“I’ve spent my whole career in the fire service,” he said.

Bernoska, the president of the Florida Professional Firefighters, said he couldn’t see it any other way.

“I think when firefighters retire, you know, we’ve based our careers on serving our community,” Bernoska said.