Are you interested in becoming a certified teacher in the state of Florida? Look no further than the Florida Teaching and Certification Resource, a comprehensive guide outlining the qualifications, examination process, and certification requirements for teaching in the Sunshine State.
Gain insight into the current teacher outlook, salary, and job opportunities in Florida, as well as information on teacher shortages and interviews with local teachers.
Get started on your journey today!
Becoming a Teacher in Florida
Becoming a teacher in Florida requires one to possess a bachelor’s degree and complete a state-approved teacher education program, as well as pass the necessary content examinations. This includes enrolling in an approved Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) in Florida or an online program accredited by a regional accrediting body.
The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) must also be completed in order to obtain a teaching certificate. For those who do not possess an education degree, the Florida Professional Development Certification Program and Florida Professional Education Test are necessary.
Furthermore, a background check must be cleared and the appropriate subject area examination must be passed. With the correct qualifications, a teaching certificate can then be obtained.
Finding Approved Teacher Education Programs in Florida
When seeking to become a teacher in Florida, it is important to select an approved Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) in the state, or an online program accredited by a regional accrediting body, in order to ensure one’s teacher education program will be accepted.
To find an approved program, consider the following:
- Choose a school accredited by a recognized organization (e.g. SACS).
- Select an approved EPI in Florida or an online program accredited by a regional accrediting body.
- Look for schools with Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation.
Florida Teacher Education and Testing Requirements
Additionally, individuals must pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) in order to become a certified teacher in Florida. The FTCE is a series of tests that measure content knowledge and teaching proficiency. There are four main tests: the Professional Education Test, the General Knowledge Test, subject area examinations, and the Florida Professional Development Certification Program. The Professional Education Test assesses a candidate’s knowledge of teaching and learning, while the General Knowledge Test covers reading, writing, mathematics, and language. Subject area examinations measure a candidate’s knowledge of the subject they plan to teach, and the Florida Professional Development Certification Program is for non-education bachelor’s degree holders.
| Test | Content |
|---|---|
| Professional Education Test | Knowledge of teaching and learning |
| General Knowledge Test | Reading, writing, mathematics, and language |
| Subject Area Examinations | Content knowledge of the subject to be taught |
| Florida Professional Development Certification Program | For non-education bachelor’s degree holders |
Additional Florida Teacher Certification Requirements
After completing the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations, in order to receive their Professional Florida Educators Certificate, applicants must clear a state and federal background check. This includes:
- Possessing at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Demonstrating completion of an approved teacher training program.
- Passing the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations in the appropriate area(s).
In order to be eligible to teach in Florida, background checks must be conducted and cleared before applicants can receive their certificate. This is a necessary step to ensure the safety and security of students and the educational environment.
Florida Teachers Licensing Application Process
In order to become a teacher in Florida, applicants must meet several requirements. First, they must possess at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Second, they must demonstrate completion of an approved teacher training program. Third, they must pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations in the appropriate area(s).
Once these requirements are met, applicants must undergo a background check processed by the employing school system. They must also complete the application for a teaching certificate online.
Finally, applicants must have their fingerprints cleared in order to obtain a Florida Professional Certificate.
This thorough application process ensures that only the best and most qualified teachers are allowed to work in the state of Florida.
Florida Teacher Outlook, Salary, and Jobs
With 4,336 public schools in Florida during the 2016-2017 school year and an estimated student enrollment of 2.8 million, the outlook for teachers in the state is promising. The student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1 in Florida ensures that teachers have the necessary support to provide quality education to their students.
In addition to the favorable working conditions, educators in Florida also have the potential to benefit from competitive average annual salaries. This includes elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers.
Furthermore, the job outlook for teachers in Florida is estimated to be positive through 2026, with annual openings for new teachers.
Teacher Shortages in Florida
A significant number of districts in Florida are currently experiencing teacher shortages. According to the US Department of Education, the following are the teacher shortage areas in the state: mathematics, science, foreign language, special education, and English. The Florida Department of Education identifies the following as critical teacher shortage areas: mathematics, science, and special education. The rankings show that mathematics is the most critical shortage area, followed by science and special education.
Variations of teacher shortages by district in Florida also exist due to the varying needs of the students and the availability of qualified teachers. The lack of qualified teachers can be attributed to the state’s low teacher pay and the difficulty of finding qualified teachers.
This teacher shortage has led to an increase in the number of substitute teachers and a decrease in the quality of education in Florida.
Florida Teacher Interviews
Interviewing Florida teachers can provide insight into the challenging issues they face, such as teacher shortages and low salaries, as well as the unique rewards of the profession. From Kindergarten Teacher Jill Tillis to Past President of the Florida Chinese Teachers Association Yee-Chen Robson, teachers across the state illustrate the importance of providing quality education.
Here are three insights gleaned from their interviews:
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Teachers must be willing to create a safe learning environment for their students.
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Teachers must be open to learning from their students and colleagues.
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Teachers must be prepared to confront the unique challenges of the profession.
These three insights reveal the dedication and commitment of Florida teachers in the face of difficult obstacles. Through their interviews, these teachers provide valuable insight into the difficult and rewarding work of teaching.
Conclusion
The Florida Teaching and Certification Resource provides a comprehensive overview of the qualifications, examination, and application process for becoming a certified teacher in the state of Florida.
It also offers insight into the teacher outlook, salary, job opportunities, and teacher shortages in the state.
This resource is an invaluable tool for those seeking to become a teacher, hone their skills, or pursue a career change in the Sunshine State.
