Editing DeFuniak Springs, Florida (section)

=== Education ===
As part of the intellectual atmosphere of the town, a college and a private high school (named [[Palmer College (DeFuniak Springs, Florida)|Palmer College]] and [[Palmer Academy (DeFuniak Springs, Florida)|Palmer Academy]], respectively), as well as a technical school ([[Thomas Industrial Institute]]) and a teacher training school ([[Florida Normal College]]) were established in the late 19th century. Florida Normal College was later incorporated into [[Florida State University]]. The other schools closed during the [[Great Depression]], which created financial strains. There remains a College Avenue that once led to Palmer College.

In 1886, the town held an important meeting that changed the course of public education in Florida. At this meeting, teachers from around the state formed the [[Florida Education Association]]. This teachers' union remains the state's predominant voice for educators and is affiliated with the [[National Education Association]] and the [[American Federation of Teachers]].