Thousands of public education stakeholders and supporters will “Take on Tallahassee” on January 13 — the eve of the 2020 legislative session.

Florida’s parents, educators and community supporters will carry their message straight to lawmakers’ doorstep, rallying in front of the Old Capitol to demand improved funding for students and schools, fair pay for all education employees, and an end to the misguided policies that have led to the over-testing of students and the loss of local control in our districts.

January 13 Schedule:

  • 9:00 am to 1:00 pm — Buses arriving from across the state at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center (505 W. Pensacola St.).
  • 12:30 pm — Feeder marches begin from FAMU and FSU
  • 1:30 pm — March from Civic Center to Florida’s Old Capitol 
  • 2:00 to 4:00 pm — Take On Tallahassee Rally at Florida’s Old Capitol (400 S. Monroe St.)
  • 10:30 am to 4:30 pm — Trolleys will shuttle between the Civic Center and the Capitol for those needing assistance

January 13 Logistics:

January 13 Scheduled Speakers:

(In alphabetical order)

  • Damaris Allen, president Hillsborough County PTS/PTSA
  • Angelina Gallesi-Schmitt, teacher in Palm Beach County
  • Lily Eskelsen Garcia, president of National Education Association
  • Adela Ghadimi, graduate student at Florida State University and president of the FSU chapter of Graduate Assistants United
  • Reverend Al Golden, Pastors for Florida Children
  • Fedrick Ingram, president of Florida Education Association
  • Zenani Johnson, a student at the University of West Florida and president of its Florida Student Association
  • Johanna Lopez, Orange County School Board member and a teacher
  • Suzie Martin, teacher and chair of the FEA Republican Cadre
  • Karen Morian, president of the United Faculty of Florida and a state college professor
  • Michael Mulgrew, president of New York City’s United Federation of Teachers
  • Jesse Sharkey, president of Chicago Teachers Union
  • Reverend Al Sharpton, founder and president of National Action Network
  • Sophia Torres, senior at Hernando High School and student member
  • Randi Weingarten, president of American Federation of Teachers
  • Jarius Williams, Florida A&M University student, and president of Student FEA
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What do Florida’s kids deserve?

  • Experienced, qualified teachers in every classroom.
  • Class sizes small enough for one-on-one attention.
  • Support, tools and time to learn.
  • Safe schools and inviting classrooms.
  • Well rounded curriculum that includes art, music and PE.

That’s how taxpayer funds should be spent. But…

  • Across our state there is a growing teacher shortage and it is hurting Florida’s students.
  • Thousands of children do not have a qualified teacher in front of their classroom.
  • Our schools are not getting the funding they need for repairs.
  • Florida’s class sizes are growing.
  • Students are spending too much time taking high-stakes tests.
  • And parents are worried about their children’s safety.

Florida’s students and families deserve better. 

Together we can build a better future for Florida’s children. Please sign up with the form above if you will commit to join your FEA colleagues all over the state to engage in mass action on January 13th.

It’s time politicians started listening to the people.

It’s time for us to make our voices heard.  Let’s take on the Tallahassee politicians.

YES! I’ll be there on
January 13, 2020!









TAKE ON TALLAHASSEE

A Rally for Public Education  |  January 13, 2020