Democratic candidate for State Senate District 22, Bob Doyel, announced today the endorsement of both the Florida Education Association and the Polk Education Association, in recognition of Doyel’s advocacy for both teachers and school support
professionals.
A retired circuit court judge from Winter Haven, Bob Doyel credits teachers and school administrators for helping lift him out of poverty and fulfill his potential.
“There were several instances when a teacher made a profound difference in my life and I firmly believe every child deserves the same access to quality public education and the opportunity to reach their full potential as I had. Public education is the backbone of our democracy and we must protect it and our teachers from those who seek to undermine this invaluable institution.”
The youngest of ten children and raised by a single mother in rural Oklahoma, it was the local public school principal who aided the Doyel family when their house burned down, creating a fund that allowed the family to put a down payment on a new home with two bedrooms and running water, luxuries the family did not have previously.
“This is perhaps the most meaningful endorsement for me, personally, “ Doyel continued, “If it were not for the intervention of caring teachers, principals and school administrators early in my life, my success as a lawyer, a law professor, and a judge would not have been possible. The work teachers do transforms lives and should be respected.”
