TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – Governor Rick Scott vowed Thursday to add $2 million for a professional grant program that will help train teachers.

Scott said he would ask for the money from state legislators as part of his next budget request and said legislators would act on the request during their annual session that starts in March.

The push from Scott came after he spent time meeting with teachers, parents, students, and union representatives in September. Scott said teachers told him they want to be respected and have the tools they need to perform their jobs.

The $2 million sought by Scott will be a competitive grant program matched with local and private money. The governor’s office hasn’t said how many teachers would qualify for the program or how the money will be distributed.

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