On February 6, 2024, the School District of Manatee County sent a letter to parents and guardians. The letter discussed the issue of some teachers teaching subjects outside their certification area, referred to as ‘out-of-field’.
The district aims to provide high-quality instruction by employing certified teachers. However, some are currently teaching outside their certified subjects. The Florida Department of Education mandates these teachers to gain additional certification by the end of the school year. This is a part of the state’s process to ensure all teachers meet the required certification and training.
According to Florida Statute 1012.42, the district must inform parents and guardians in writing if a teacher is teaching outside their certification area. Federal law also permits parents to request specific information about their child’s teachers, which the district must provide promptly.
The letter named several out-of-field teachers, including Tracy Sanders, Jaime Silva, Samantha Smith, Stephanie Smith, Jean Magee, and Laura Ramos, along with the subjects they are currently teaching.