Hillsborough County is ranked among the top 25 districts in the state of Florida, but they still face challenges that can be seen across the nation.

What You Need To Know

  • A local educator says funding, or the lack thereof, is still a widespread issue throughout Florida school districts

  • Hillsborough County is ranked among the top 25 districts in the state of Florida, but still faces issues that are also seen nationwide

  • Teacher Janderlyn White has been an educator for 8 years and says that it's not uncommon for teachers to spend their own money to enhance students' learning experiences

“They call it the trickle-down effect,” said teacher Janderlyn White. “When you’re at the highest level of government and you’ve never been in a classroom, how can you really say you know what’s best for these students?”

Janderyln White has been an educator for eight years and says her passion was inherited from her mother, who taught for 40 years before retiring.

White spoke on a number of topics including teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and the long debate over teacher pay.

“At the private school I taught at before, the base pay was $37,000,” she said. “It’s hard to be honest, it’s really hard. Before that, I was already catching up on things I couldn’t afford. Being paid what we’re paid as teachers, you just kind of make it work.”

White said her current Hillsborough County school provides a good amount of resources, but said it’s still not uncommon for teachers to spend their own money to enhance students' learning experiences.

“Some of these parents in the Title 1 schools are working two jobs just trying to survive," she said. "I’ve chosen to work in Title 1 schools since I became a teacher. It’s hard to see funds go other places because these underserved areas — that’s the first place the money is taken out of."