Not Paid Fairly: The Overwhelming Consensus
In a new NBC6/Telemundo 51 survey of nearly 1,400 teachers across Miami-Dade and Broward counties, the results were striking. More than 99 percent of educators said they are not paid fairly, while nearly all respondents flagged the cost of living as a major obstacle. One veteran teacher with 14 years of experience admitted to working as a barista on weekends just to keep up with rent and bills. Teachers described a constant tug-of-war: their dedication to students keeps them in the classroom, but their paychecks no longer cover their lives.
Salaries Versus Reality
Starting salaries in Miami-Dade sit at $50,050 and $51,402 in Broward, with voter-approved referendums boosting some pay closer to $60,000. Yet educators insist that figure is nowhere near enough in a region where housing, insurance, and childcare costs are skyrocketing. Florida ranks 49th nationally in teacher pay, and local teachers say that shortfall is driving many away. In fact, 96 percent said they know colleagues who have already left for better pay elsewhere, and 86 percent admitted they are considering leaving South Florida themselves.
Side Gigs and Burnout
The survey revealed how many teachers are forced to take on side jobs—bartending, tutoring, waitressing—just to survive. One 22-year teacher said she feels trapped: she works three jobs and still cannot afford a starter home. Nearly 79 percent said they have considered leaving the profession altogether, but many said the joy of working with students keeps them hanging on. As one teacher put it bluntly, “I only like my job from eight o’clock to two, working with the kids.”
Concerns Beyond Pay
While salary dominated the survey, educators also expressed concerns about safety, staffing, immigration, and student behavior. More than 63 percent said their schools are understaffed, and over 82 percent believe districts are not doing enough to address the issue. Nearly 78 percent reported a drop in student enrollment, with many citing fear around immigration enforcement as a factor keeping families away. Teachers also voiced deep concerns about safety: while 75 percent said they feel secure at school, more than a third said their districts are failing to adequately protect staff and students.
Technology and Student Behavior
The role of social media and technology in classrooms also emerged as a flashpoint. Over 93 percent of respondents said they are worried about the impact of social media on student mental health. Nearly 91 percent support a phone ban for elementary and middle school students, but more than half said enforcing such bans is nearly impossible in practice.
The Bigger Picture
Teachers in South Florida are pointing to a clear breakdown in how public education is funded and supported. Wages remain flat even as living costs soar, creating a retention crisis that threatens the stability of classrooms. Burnout and side hustles are now the norm, not the exception. And while state leaders debate policy, teachers say those decisions often miss the reality of what’s happening inside schools.
What Needs to Change
Educators across South Florida are calling for meaningful wage increases, not temporary stipends. They want districts to address chronic understaffing, improve school safety measures, and align education policy with the realities teachers face every day. Without serious investment, teachers warn that students—not just staff—will pay the price. Higher turnover, worsening shortages, and declining morale could unravel the stability of the public school system itself. Comment below and let us know if you agree or disagree.
