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New teacher licensing rules sparked by I-Team investigation saves jobs, but more to be done lawmakers say

200+ teacher jobs saved this past year
Posted at 12:08 PM, Jul 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-27 12:24:18-04

TAMPA, FL — At Lake Marion Creek School in the middle of the state, retaining teachers is an annual challenge.

“It’s hard to retain staff members out here,” Principal Johna Jozwiak told us.

While geography and location have made it difficult for Jozwiak to keep staff coming back to the Polk County school, the state’s teacher licensing exam hasn’t helped.

Last year, she nearly lost more than 10% of her staff because they had yet to pass the exam known as the Florida Teacher Certification Exam.