Florida Ed. Statistics
| Avg. Elem. Teacher Salary* | 55,210 |
| Avg. Sec. Teacher Salary* | $57,880 |
| Avg. Admin. Salary* | $84,530 |
| Teacher Retention (?) | 94% |
| Vacation Wks/Yr | 15 |
Learn how to become a teacher in Florida (or administrator). Choose the description of certification you are most interested in or situation that best describes you:
- Initial Teaching Certification…
- I’m a teacher from another state…
- Teacher Certification Renewal…
- Admin./Principal Certification…
- Alternative Teaching Certification…
- Substitute Teaching Permit…
- None of the above are what I’m looking for…
Getting Involved…
Investing in our future is vitally important and strangely difficult. In order to fight oppression from the greedy and power-hungry elite, to better our ways of life with advancing technology, and to increase our country’s overall views toward the concept of acceptance, we need education to be a priority. Learn how you can be a spoke in this terribly important wheel. See how Florida measures up to the rest of the country by viewing the percentage of state revenue going toward education in each state. (see State Education Spending vs. Overall State Revenue).
Learn About Your Governor’s Track Record
Learn about your Governor’s views and voting record with regard to education. (see Florida Governor’s website).
Give Your Knowledge Power By Voting
Hold your public servants accountable. It is our duty as residents of Florida.
Help Make Education A Priority
Initial Florida Teaching Certification
The Florida Department of Education recently released updated high school graduation statistics for the 2010-11 school year, and the findings were very positive. At 80.1 percent, the high school graduation rate in the state is at an all-time high. The Florida Department of Education also saw a notable decrease in the dropout rate of Florida’s high school students during the 2010-11 school year. Florida’s dedicated educators are owed many thanks for this, as these well-trained and professionally competent educators have helped to motivate students such that they learn, enjoy learning and ultimately reap the benefits of a complete education. Find schools offering teaching certification programs in Florida.
Education Requirements
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The Bureau of Educator Certification of the Florida Department of Education (800-445-6739) issues two types of teaching certificates: a Temporary Certificate and a Professional Certificate. Both types of certificates require that you have a bachelor’s degree, at minimum, and proficiency in the subject area you plan to teach. You may be certified in a variety of Elementary Level Coverages, Middle Level Coverages, Secondary Level Coverages, Science Areas, Elementary and Secondary Coverages, and Foreign Language Areas. Educational requirements for becoming a certified Florida teacher are as follows (find schools offering teaching certification programs in Florida):
- You must have at a bachelor’s degree, at minimum, from a regionally accredited college or university, or from a non-accredited, approved institution.
- Regionally accredited institutions must be accredited by one of the following accreditation bodies:
- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- The Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
- The New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
- The North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
- The Northwest Association of Secondary and Higher Schools
- The Western Association of Colleges and Schools
- Non-accredited, approved institutions must meet the following criteria:
- It is accepted for teacher certification purposes by the State Department of Education in which it is located
- It is a newly created Florida public college or university that offers at least a bachelor’s degree program
- It is located outside the United States and awards a degree that is the equivalent to a bachelor’s or higher degree awarded by an accredited or approved institution in the United States
- It holds a certificate of exemption
- Your degree from that institution was accepted by an accredited/approved institution on a transfer basis or in being admitted to their graduate degree program
- Your academic major should be in the content area in which you intend to teach
- If your major is not in the content area in which you plan to teach, you must have completed required courses in that content area with at least a 2.5 GPA in the content area
- You must demonstrate subject area knowledge in at least one area in which you plan to teach. This involves meeting course requirements for that subject
- You should be a graduate of a state approved Florida teacher preparation program
- This plus passing the necessary examinations leads straight to a Professional Certificate
- If you do not graduate from a Florida teacher preparation program, you may be eligible for a Temporary Certificate while you work as a teacher and complete educational requirements necessary for a Professional Certificate
Classes that you take for teacher preparation are usually at the bachelor’s degree level. Some educator preparation programs, however, may lead to a graduate degree.
Florida’s educational requirements make it easy to apply for certification if you attend out-of-state institutions, as long as the college or university from which you graduate is regionally accredited or approved – or if non-approved, meets the criteria listed above – and the course requirements for your subject area are met. To see the specialization and educational requirements for certification in all possible certification areas in Florida, click here.
Examinations
Once the Florida Department of Education has received your completed application for teacher certification, they will evaluate it and determine which examinations you must pass for certification. This will result in the department issuing you a Statement of Eligibility, which outlines the examinations you must pass for certification. For an overview of Florida’s testing requirements, click here.
Basic skills testing:
All applicants must demonstrate a mastery of general knowledge, usually by passing the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) General Knowledge (GK) test. This exam tests your knowledge of essay writing, English language skills, reading and mathematics.
Additionally, all applicants for teacher certification must pass the FTCE Professional Education Test, which is a test of pedagogy and professional practices for educators.
Content area assessment testing:
You must also demonstrate content mastery in the area in which you wish to become certified to teach. This is usually achieved through passing the FTCE Subject Area Examination (SAE) that corresponds with your certification area. FTCE Tests are available in these certification subject areas (along with their corresponding grade levels):
- Agriculture (6-12)
- Art (K-12)
- Biology (6-12)
- Business Education (6-12)
- Chemistry (6-12)
- Computer Science (K-12)
- Drama (6-12)
- Earth-Space Science (6-12)
- Educational Media Specialist (PK-12)
- Elementary Education (K-6)
- English (6-12)
- English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (K-12)
- Exceptional Student Education (K-12)
- Family and Consumer Science (6-12)
- French (6-12)
- German (6-12)
- Health (K-12)
- Hearing Impaired (K-12)
- Humanities (K-12)
- Journalism (6-12)
- Latin (K-12)
- Marketing (6-12)
- Mathematics (6-12)
- Middle Grades English (5-9)
- Middle Grades General Science (5-9)
- Middle Grades Mathematics (5-9)
- Middle Grades Social Science (5-9)
- Music (K-12)
- Physical Education (K-12)
- Physics (6-12)
- Prekindergarten/Primary (PK-3)
- Preschool Education (Birth-Age 4)
- Reading (K-12)
- Social Science (6-12)
- Spanish (K-12)
- Speech (6-12)
- Speech Language Impaired (K-12)
- Technology Education (K-12)
- Visually Impaired (K-12)
For languages that do not have a corresponding FTCE Test, the appropriate intermediate level exam provided by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) must be passed.
Experience
As part of your Florida teacher preparation program, you will satisfy student teaching requirements. The length of student teaching assignments vary according to the institution you attend. You’ll be placed in a classroom that is age and subject specific to the certification area you seek, and you will work under the tutelage of a mentor teacher, who will not only offer advice and guidance but also assess your classroom performance.
During your student teaching experience, you will likely be required to prepare lesson plans and take the lead in presenting lessons to the class. Your mentor teacher will likely prepare reports at regular intervals throughout the student teaching experience and offer valuable feedback.
Document and Application Requirements
The Florida Department of Education encourages you to apply for your teacher certification online, as long as you possess a valid social security number. If you do not have a social security number, you must request application materials by mail. You will be expected to answer each prompt and complete the application in its entirety, along with paying the appropriate processing fee. Additional documentation, listed below, must be sent to Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Certification, Room 201, Turlington Building, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400:
- Official, unopened transcript(s) verifying your receipt of a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited or approved institution and all completed credits
- Copies of any other teaching certificates you may hold from other states or countries
After the Florida Department of Education receives and evaluates your application and the accompanying materials, you will be sent an Official Statement of Status of Eligibility. This statement, which is valid for three years, lets you know whether you are eligible for a Professional Certificate or Temporary Certificate. If eligible for a Temporary Certificate, additional criteria will need to be met before the expiration of the Temporary Certificate. Remember, a certificate is not issued until you are employed in a Florida school, so you must first seek and find employment in a Florida public, non-public, charter or other state-approved school before your certificate will be mailed to you. Visit TeachInFlorida.com for assistance in applying for teaching positions in Florida.
If you attended a college or university in a foreign country, check here for the requirements that must be met to apply for Florida teaching certification.
Criminal History Background Check
After you have secured employment with a Florida school, but before beginning work, you will be required to submit to a criminal history background check performed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This involves submitting fingerprints through the public school district’s personnel office. If your fingerprint results return clear, you will be issued a teaching certificate within 30 days of the Bureau of Educator Certification receiving the request from your district.
If you work for a nonpublic school in Florida, your employer will give you a fingerprint card and instructions on where to have the background check completed. You will return the completed card and processing fee to your employer, who will forward it to the Bureau of Educator Certification. Once the FBI and FDLE have cleared you for employment, within 30 days the Bureau will notify your employer and issue your teaching certificate.
If your fingerprinting results return a criminal record, your application will be forwarded to the Bureau of Professional Practices Services for review. They will contact you regarding the necessary information to resolve the situation and determine your eligibility for the issuance of a teaching certificate.
Contact Information
If you need further information on state-approved teacher preparation programs in Florida, contact the Directors of these programs.
For more information about educator certification in Florida, contact the Bureau of Educator Certification of the Florida Department of Education at 800-445-6739, or visit their website.
* 2019 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data – Conditions in your area may vary.
**Teacher Retention Sources – U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education, Statistics Schools and Staffing Survey, 1999–2000 (“Public School Teacher Questionnaire,” “Private School Teacher Questionnaire,” and “Public Charter School Teacher Questionnaire”),
and 2000–01 Teacher Follow-up Survey (“Questionnaire for Current Teachers” and “Questionnaire for Former Teachers,” Table 1.01). Washington, DC.
State estimations based on analysis by Richard Ingersoll, Professor of Education and Sociology, University of Pennsylvania, from the National Center for Education Statistics Student and Staffing Survey, and therefore include a slight margin of error.
FAQs
What are the requirements for teacher certification in Florida? ›
To become a teacher in Florida, educators need a bachelor's degree and completion of a state-approved teacher-preparation program. Other steps include completing a criminal background check and passing examinations. These requirements ensure Florida's public school students learn from highly qualified educators.
How to become a teacher in Florida without a teaching degree? ›For those who hold bachelor's degrees in a subject other than education, completion of the Florida Professional Development Certification Program and a passing score on the Florida Professional Education Test may also be sufficient to obtain teaching certification.
How long does it take to get Florida teaching certificate? ›Once your file is complete, it will take approximately 90 business days to receive your Official Statement of Status of Eligibility, depending on the time of year. ➢ Hold a valid Statement of Status of Eligibility, which reflects no deficiencies in subject area requirements.
Can you get a teaching certificate in Florida without a degree? ›Florida educators need a bachelor's degree including a teacher preparation program to qualify for a teaching license or certificate.
How hard is the Florida teacher certification exam? ›The FTCE K-6, like most FTCE exams, can be challenging. The FTCE pass rates in 2020 ranged from 51-64% depending on the subtest. While this may sound scary, the right study tools and strategies will greatly increase your chances of passing this exam. In addition to being challenging, the K-6 exam is long.
Can I get a Florida teaching certificate online? ›You Can Become Certified to Teach This Year
Florida Teachers of Tomorrow offers rolling admission, so you can get started at any time and begin your online training. Our online teacher certification program consists of self-paced training, so you can start teaching as soon as you're ready.
You can work as an unqualified teacher in a secondary school/further education while training part-time or you can complete a University or College course such as the Professional Certificate in Education (PCE) or the Certificate of Education (CertEd), which both meet the requirements of Level 5 DET.
How much is a teachers salary in Florida? ›How much does a Public School Teacher make in Florida? The average Public School Teacher salary in Florida is $53,370 as of February 27, 2023, but the range typically falls between $44,570 and $65,084.
Can you substitute teach in Florida without a degree? ›All substitute teachers must have at least a high school diploma (or equivalent). If you have no classroom teaching experience, the school district must provide you with training on classroom management skills and instructional strategies prior to allowing you to work in the classroom.
Is there a shortage of teachers in Florida? ›– Florida's public schools continue to deal with a shortage of teachers. Vacancies have doubled in the Sunshine State over the last two years, and it's estimated more than 100,000 students do not have a full-time teacher.
How much is the Florida teacher certification exam? ›
Planning Your FTCE Test Registration
For the FTCE General Knowledge Test, the testing fee is $130 for your first attempt and $150 for any subsequent attempts. It costs the same, no matter how many subject areas you intend to complete, so for most test-takers, it makes sense to attempt all four subtests in one sitting.
Test Information Guides for each SAE are available on Pearson's FTCE website. The Professional Education Test is related to knowledge about professional education competencies. This 120-question multiple choice test is built on the Florida Educators Accomplished Practices (FEAPs).
How do I pass the Florida teacher certification exam? ›To pass the GK exam, you'll need a scaled score of at least 200 on each of the three multiple-choice subtests (English Language Skills, Reading, and Mathematics) and at least 8 out of 12 points on the essay subtest. For more information about how your exam will be scored, check out our article on FTCE scores.
Can you get a second temporary teaching certificate in Florida? ›Can I apply for another Temporary Certificate? No. The Temporary Certificate is not renewable.
What qualifications do you need to be a teacher? ›- degree: you need a degree for all postgraduate teacher training programmes. ...
- GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4.
- GCSE Science at Grade C / Grade 4 applies only to those wanting to teach Primary or Key Stage 3.
Retake Limit
Fortunately for students who need to take an FTCE test again, there is no limit on the number of times you can take any one test.
Here's the list of the top toughest exams in the world: Gaokao Exam - China. IIT JEE Exam (Joint Entrance Exam - Indian Institute of Technology) - India. UPSC Exam (Union Public Service Commission) - India.
What happens if you fail the FTCE? ›If you fail an FTCE exam you must wait 31 calendar days to retake the exam. You cannot schedule a new exam attempt while your test results are pending, only after the official FTCE scores are released.
Does Florida accept out of state teacher certification? ›Florida has two reciprocity routes for out-of-state certified teachers and administrators to qualify for a Professional Certificate. The NBPTS certificate must be currently valid. The Florida certificate will reflect the Florida subject considered comparable to the NBPTS subject.
What other states accept a Florida teaching certificate? ›- Arizona.
- Florida.
- Hawai'i.
- Illinois.
- Mississippi.
- Missouri.
- Nevada.
- Oklahoma.
How much do subs make in Florida? ›
| Type of Certificate | Full Day Rate |
|---|---|
| Florida/District Certificate Rank III/Bachelor's Degree | $105.00 |
| Florida/District Certificate Rank II/Master's Degree | $105.00 |
| SCPS Teacher: Retired/On leave/Job Sharing | $105.00 |
| Instructional Substitutes in SED, TMH, PMH, Autistic, PreK ESE | $105.00 |
Wherever you are in your journey to becoming a teacher, don't let your age be a factor. Students and schools need all kinds of teachers. Your experience will most likely be an asset: part of what makes your teaching and your classroom uniquely valuable to your school community. In short, it's never too late to teach!
Can a non qualified teacher teach? ›There are no prescribed qualifications required for instructors. You can appoint an instructor even if there's a suitable qualified teacher or teacher on the employment-based training scheme that's available.
Can a teaching assistant become a teacher? ›If you have been working in a classroom for a significant amount of time, as a teaching assistant or in a similar role, you may be able to get qualified teacher status (QTS) through a 12-week 'assessment only' programme. You must also have a degree. You'll need to show that you already meet the standards for QTS.
How much does a 1st year teacher earn in Florida? ›The average Entry Level Teacher salary in Florida is $40,277 as of February 27, 2023, but the range typically falls between $33,636 and $49,118.
What part of Florida pays teachers the most? ›...
Which Tampa Bay teachers make the most money?
| County | Polk |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $46,151 |
| Number of Teachers Employed | 6,609 |
| Average Years of Experience | 9.6 |
While teachers with a bachelor's degree and minimal experience earn a base salary of $39,670, Florida teacher salary can increase to $59,050 for educators with a master's degree and 20+ years of experience. Variable districts, subjects, and shortage areas also affect Florida teacher salaries.
What is the 20 hour substitute teacher course in Florida? ›Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, although a Florida educator certificate is preferred. Every substitute teacher is required to complete a 20-hour online course that covers substitute teaching 101, classroom management, instructional strategies, ethics and more before they are allowed in a classroom.
Is substitute teaching a good paying job in Florida? ›Average Broward County Public Schools Substitute Teacher hourly pay in Florida is approximately $12.79, which is 10% below the national average.
How much do substitute teachers make in Florida with a bachelor's degree? ›According to the Florida Department of Education, substitute teachers with a bachelor's degree or higher can expect to earn an average of $15.27 per hour. This is higher than the average hourly rate for substitute teachers with only a high school diploma or equivalent, which is $11.14 per hour.
What kinds of teachers are in demand? ›
Which teaching subject is most in demand? While specific needs vary by institution, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are subjects that are always in high demand.
What state needs teachers the most? ›According to data from the U.S. Department of Education for the 2022-2023 school year, Rhode Island has the largest teacher shortages in the following subjects: English as a second language, career and technical education, math, science, special education, health and physical fitness, world languages and language arts.
Are Florida teacher salaries going up? ›TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been working to increase teacher salaries for Florida educators since he took office in 2019. Working together, DeSantis and the state legislature passed a law to set minimum teacher salary levels at $47,500.
What is the easiest FTCE exam? ›FTCE Passing Scores and Pass Rate
On the other hand, the two least difficult test subjects are the General Knowledge sub-level Reading Test, and Engineering and Technology Education 6-12 test, with passing raw scores of 75% or higher.
You will need to pass the required General Knowledge Test (GKT) and the Professional Education Test (PEd) prior to issuance of your Professional Certificate.
How long is the FTCE good for? ›FTCE scores will be available in a candidate's official testing account for 5 years if they have taken the test after January 2018; prior test results may require a duplicate score report to be requested. The scores for any and all tests and subtests that have been taken within the last 5 years will be available.
How hard is the teaching exam? ›And newly released data reveal that over half of aspiring elementary teachers initially fail one of the most common tests. Fifty-four percent of those who take the Praxis test on elementary-level content fail on their first try. Twenty-five percent never manage to pass.
What is a passing FTCE score? ›What is the minimum passing score for the FTCE and FELE? The minimum passing scale score for tests, subtests, or sections consisting of only multiple-choice questions is 200.
Is the Florida knowledge exam hard? ›The Permit Test is not easy — we recommend you focus your studying on all the rules and regulations. The road signs are almost all common sense so spend a little time on the Road Signs and then focus on rules and regulations.
How long is the FTCE test? ›| FTCE General Knowledge Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Test Content: | Mathematics (Test Code 828); Reading (827); English Language Skills (826); Essay (825) |
| Time to complete: | 1 hour and 40 minutes for Mathematics; 55 minutes for Reading; 40 minutes for English Language Skills; 50 minutes for Essay |
What test do Florida teachers take? ›
About the FTCE. The purpose of the Florida Teacher Certification examinations (FTCE) is to ensure that all teacher candidates demonstrate the necessary content and pedagogical knowledge necessary to effectively instruct students in Florida.
What tests are required to become a teacher in Florida? ›Teachers are required to complete the Florida General Knowledge Test open_in_new and the Florida Subject Area Examinations open_in_new. Applicants for the Professional Certificate may need to take the FTCE Professional Education Test.
How long can a teacher in Florida teach out of field? ›You must complete one course within two years of the initial out-of-field date and one course each year after that.
How many inservice hours do you need to renew your teaching certificate in Florida? ›In-service Points – A minimum of 120 in-service points is required for renewal for those who have four or less academic areas on their professional certificate. Endorsements are not academic areas and do not require in-service points. College Credit – One 3 semester hour course is equivalent to 60 in-service points.
How to become a teacher in Florida? ›To become a teacher in Florida, educators need a bachelor's degree and completion of a state-approved teacher-preparation program. Other steps include completing a criminal background check and passing examinations. These requirements ensure Florida's public school students learn from highly qualified educators.
Can you become a teacher with a bachelor's degree? ›Every state requires that you have at least a bachelor's degree, and you will need to pass a background check. After that, you'll most likely have to take your state's teaching exams. In some states, you will be required to earn your master's degree soon after you start teaching.
Can you train as a teacher without a degree? ›So yes you can become a teacher without a degree and hold QTLS, which the government states has parity with QTS in maintained primary and secondary schools.
What qualifications do you need to become a teacher? ›- degree: you need a degree for all postgraduate teacher training programmes. ...
- GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4.
- GCSE Science at Grade C / Grade 4 applies only to those wanting to teach Primary or Key Stage 3.
You may follow one of two routes in becoming a teacher, namely: a four-year Bachelor of Education degree (B. Ed.); a three-or four-year Bachelor's degree, followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Once completed, both routes lead to classification as a professionally qualified teacher.
Can I teach without a teaching qualification? ›So yes you can become a teacher without a degree and hold QTLS, which the government states has parity with QTS in maintained primary and secondary schools.
Can I become a teacher without a degree? ›
To become a teacher without a degree is certainly possible, although you're going to have to acquire some training, experience or qualifications. In this article, we discuss the possibilities of becoming a teacher without a degree, the teaching qualifications you can acquire and the different schools you might work at.
What is the average teacher salary? ›Find out what the average Teacher salary is
The average teacher salary in Ireland is € 37 538 per year or € 19.25 per hour. Entry-level positions start at € 30 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to € 48 812 per year.
Depending on your state, it may be necessary to pursue a master's degree after becoming licensed. As a result, becoming an elementary school teacher can typically take between five and seven years.
How hard it is to become a teacher? ›It is not too hard to become a teacher.
In general, it takes at least a bachelor's degree plus a teaching license to become a teacher. For many, a bachelor's degree in education, teaching, or a similar area will be the standard degree, at least with respect to teaching at primary and secondary levels.
How much does a Public School Teacher make in Florida? The average Public School Teacher salary in Florida is $53,370 as of February 27, 2023, but the range typically falls between $44,570 and $65,084.
Do you have to take the Praxis to teach in Florida? ›There are actually no Florida Praxis requirements for aspiring teachers because the state primarily uses the FTCE for teacher certification. However, Florida teacher certification reciprocity will accept Praxis exams for educators who have earned their certification outside the state.