How to Become a Teacher in Florida
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- Florida teachers are in high demand, with thousands of job openings.
- Certified educators need a college degree and passing exam scores.
- Florida also offers alternative pathways to certification.
When the 2023-24 school year started in Florida, over 7,000 teaching jobs remained unfilled, according to WMFE. There is a high demand for teachers in subjects like elementary education, math, special education, and reading.
Curious about how to become a teacher in Florida? You can qualify to start a rewarding education career with a bachelor's degree, thanks to Florida's temporary certification process.
Our step-by-step guide to the Florida teaching certification process, plus job outlook and salary data, can launch your journey to the classroom.
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5 Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Florida
Want to become a teacher in Florida? You'll need a bachelor's degree and passing scores on Florida's certification exams.
Florida offers several pathways to certification. If you don't qualify for a professional educator certification, you can apply for a temporary certification and teach while meeting additional requirements.
The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) issues and renews teaching certifications. Here are the five steps you'll complete to become a Florida educator.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
You'll need a bachelor's degree to become a teacher in Florida. Most teachers major in education, which incorporates coursework in pedagogy, assessment, instructional methods, and subject-area knowledge. You'll also complete student teaching requirements as an education major.
Approved Florida teacher preparation programs meet the requirements for a teaching certificate.
If you earned a bachelor's degree in a field other than education, you can apply for a Florida temporary certificate. This five-year, nonrenewable certificate allows you to meet additional requirements while working in a Florida school.
Step 2: Meet FLDOE Certification Eligibility Requirements
The FLDOE requires candidates for a professional teaching license to demonstrate their professional preparation and educator competence. You'll have several pathways to meet this requirement:
- Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program.
- Complete a state-approved Professional Development Certification Program.
- Complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Institute.
- Hold a master's degree or higher in a STEM field, plus STEM certification for grades 6-12.
- Hold one year of full-time teaching experience at the college level.
With all of these options, you'll also need to pass Florida's certification exam to qualify for a teaching license.
Step 3: Pass Certification Exams
All Florida teachers must pass the required Florida Teacher Certification Exams. These tests measure general knowledge, pedagogical skills, and subject-area knowledge.
For example, all educators must pass an exam on their English language skills, reading, and mathematics, regardless of their endorsement areas.
If you're pursuing endorsements, you'll also need to pass subject-area tests for each subject. You'll also need to complete a fingerprint clearance to receive your Florida teaching certification.
Step 4: Apply for Certification
After completing the educational, experience, and examination requirements, you're ready to apply for your teaching credential!
When you apply for certification as a teacher in Florida, the FLDOE will renew your application package and issue a statement of eligibility.
If you meet all requirements, you'll receive your teaching certificate. If you are not eligible, the FLDOE will provide you with a customized list of the requirements you'll need to meet within the next three years to receive full certification.
Step 5: Maintain Your Teaching Credential
After earning your professional teaching certification in Florida, you'll need to renew every five years.
Florida's renewal requirements include:
- A renewal application and a $75 processing fee
- Six college credits or acceptable equivalencies
- At least one credit in teaching students with disabilities.
Educators can also add subjects to their teaching certificate.
| Certification Application | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial Florida Certification | $75 |
| Upgrading from Temporary to Professional Certification | $75 |
| Adding a Subject (cost per subject) | $75 |
| Renewing an Educator Certification | $75 |
What's the Career Outlook for Teachers in Florida?
Florida reports shortages in several teaching fields. According to the FLDOE, the high-demand areas for teachers in 2023-24 include:
- English
- Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
- Science
- Reading
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Math
The FLDOE projected the highest number of vacancies in elementary education, exceptional student education, English, math, and ESOL. Educators in these shortage areas may have more job opportunities.
How Much Will You Make as a Teacher in Florida?
The median pay for Florida teachers is around $60,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). High school teachers report slightly higher salaries, while K-8 teachers report slightly lower salaries. The earning potential for special education teachers varies depending on the grade level.
Florida teachers often see their earning potential increase with experience or additional education. For example, teachers with a master's degree in Florida generally earn more than those with a bachelor's degree.
| Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teacher | $58,990 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,240 |
| Middle School Teacher | $58,700 |
| High School Teacher | $63,470 |
| K-12 Special Education Teachers | $57,780-$66,220 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Teacher in Florida
How long does it take to become a teacher in Florida?
It takes around four years to become a teacher in Florida. During that time, you'll complete a bachelor's degree in education to prepare for Florida's certification exams.
If you already have a bachelor's degree, you may qualify for a temporary certificate that will allow you to teach for up to five years while meeting other certification requirements.
Can I teach in Florida without FLDOE certification?
Yes, you can teach at private schools in Florida without certification from the Florida Department of Education. You can also work as a substitute teacher in some districts. However, most teaching jobs in Florida require certification, including all public school jobs.
If you do not meet the requirements for a professional certificate, consider applying for a temporary certificate to teach for five years while completing the certification process.
How much do teachers make in Florida?
Florida teachers report a median salary of around $60,000 per year, according to the BLS. Your specific earning potential varies depending on the district, your experience, and your degree level.
Teachers can often increase their earning potential by earning a master's degree. Moving into administrative roles also typically comes with a salary increase.
How do I become a substitute teacher in Florida?
Florida substitute teachers don't need a state-issued certification. Instead, school districts set their own requirements. In some school districts, you'll only need a high school diploma to work as a substitute. You may also complete a training program on classroom management, school safety, and instructional strategies.
Districts also typically require a background check and references. Check the Pensacola News Journal for district-specific requirements.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 19, 2024.
