A pay increase of 7 to 10% was still on the table on Thursday for Miami-Dade County Public Schools teachers and already some were celebrating.

Dr. Philip Schulte, a dedicate wordsmith, introduces Head Start kids to big words.

Can you think back on a teacher who impacted your life?

Florida teachers were woefully underpaid for years before they began receiving modest pay increases under former Gov. Bob Graham, and again in the last two years under Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Teachers come up with creative ways to keep students engaged, give praise without asking for the same in return and many times dip into their own pockets to buy classroom supplies. Now, it’s time to say thank you in a special way.

Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that he would comply with the Biden administration’s mandate that requires states to prioritize educators with regards to the COVID-19 vaccine, and that all school employees and child care workers in the Sunshine State can now receive the vaccine, regardless of age. “The federal government is the one sending us the vaccine,” DeSantis said. CVS locations in Miami-Dade County that are currently offering vaccination appointments are in Doral, Hialeah, Homestead, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, North Miami, North Miami Beach, and Sunny Isles Beach. Age 50+ preschool and PreK-12 school employees “can go anywhere,” a spokesman for the state vaccination sites said. College professors are not eligible at federal vaccine hubs as of yet.