Navigating the Path to Becoming a Certified Educator in Florida

The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the academic success of students by certifying educators who are professionally qualified. Certification is a must for teachers in Florida's public schools, as well as in numerous private institutions. This encompasses not only classroom teachers but also school administrators and support staff like guidance counselors and media specialists. The Bureau of Educator Certification (BEC) is the body entrusted with implementing the certification guidelines as laid out in Florida Statutes and State Board of Education administrative rules.

Understanding Florida Educator Certification

If you aspire to teach in Florida, the first crucial step after completing your teaching degree is to obtain certification. The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) offers two primary teacher certification routes: the temporary certificate and the professional certificate. While both options exist, aspiring to obtain a professional certificate is advisable for those who envision a long-term teaching career.

Initial Requirements for Certification

All candidates seeking licensure must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Moreover, to achieve professional certification, completing a professional preparation and education program to demonstrate Mastery of Professional Preparation and Education Competence is essential.

The Role of Student Teaching

Although not explicitly listed as a mandatory requirement, practical experience through student teaching is an integral part of all teacher preparation programs. Student teaching offers invaluable hands-on experience before embarking on a teaching career, allowing teacher candidates to learn classroom management and lesson delivery under the guidance of experienced teachers.

Essential Examinations for Florida Educators

Before earning a teaching certificate in Florida, educators must successfully pass three key examinations:

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General Knowledge Test (GK): This FTCE test serves as Florida’s basic skills assessment.
Professional Education Test (PEd): The PEd evaluates a teacher's preparedness in pedagogy and professional practices.
Subject Area Examinations (SAE): The SAE exam focuses on the specific subject and grade level an educator intends to teach, assessing their skill and knowledge in that area.

It’s crucial to note that Florida requires you to apply for certification before taking any certification exams.

The Application Process

To initiate the application process, candidates need to complete the application packet, including the CG-10 application form, pay a $75 processing fee, and submit official college transcripts. The completed application should be sent to the Bureau of Educator Certification for review.

Upon receiving the application, the Bureau of Educator Certification (BEC) will determine the necessary certification exams and provide an Official Statement of Eligibility (OSE). The OSE will indicate whether the candidate is eligible for a temporary or professional license and outline any additional requirements that must be fulfilled.

Once fingerprint clearance is confirmed and the district's request and notification of clearance are received, the certificate will be issued within 30 days.

Salary Expectations for Teachers in Florida

While teaching may not lead to immense wealth, it offers a comfortable and stable income. Higher education and experience levels can lead to increased earning potential. According to the National Education Association, the average starting salary for a Florida teacher is $47,178. The average overall salary for a Florida teacher is $53,098.

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Types of Teacher Certifications in Florida

All teacher certifications in Florida qualify teachers to teach a specific subject and grade level. To earn a specific certification, one can pursue a degree in the relevant teaching field, obtain a degree in the subject matter, and/or complete a teacher preparation program tailored to the desired subject and grade level.

Early Childhood Education Certification

To obtain early childhood education certification in Florida, candidates must complete all the standard steps, including the required testing. The SAE test for early childhood education is the Preschool Education (Birth-Age 4) SAE, with a required score of 200 or higher.

Elementary School Teacher Certification

Elementary school teachers must pass the SAE in Elementary Education K-6, demonstrating proficiency in language arts and reading, social science, science, and mathematics, in addition to meeting the education requirements and clearing a background test. A passing score of 200 or higher is required. Those interested in teaching lower elementary grades may opt for the Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 SAE.

Middle School Teacher Certification

For middle school teachers in Florida, four subject area testing options are available for earning certification, all qualifying teachers to teach grades 5-9:

English: The Middle Grades English SAE includes a multiple-choice section and a writing section, with the essay portion requiring a score of eight or higher.
General Science: The Middle Grades General Science SAE exam consists of a 120-question multiple-choice exam, requiring a score of 200 or higher.
Mathematics: The Middle Grades Mathematics SAE includes 75 multiple-choice questions and requires a passing score of 200 or higher.
Social Science: The Middle Grades Social Science SAE requires a passing score of 200 or higher.

Secondary School Teacher Certification

Secondary school teachers have a wide range of SAE testing options available, and it's important to choose the SAE that corresponds to the desired certification.

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Substitute Teacher Requirements

Each school district in Florida sets its own rules for hiring substitute teachers. However, the state mandates that substitute teacher candidates be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma, and pass a background check.

Physical Education (PE) Teacher Certification

PE teachers must meet all requirements for earning a professional teaching license, including a bachelor’s degree and the appropriate testing requirements. This includes passing the Physical Education K-12 SAE with a score of 200 or higher, as well as the GK and PEd exams.

Special Education Certification

Candidates seeking a teaching certification in special education must complete all standard requirements and earn a score of 200 or higher on the Exceptional Student Education K-12 SAE.

ESOL Certification

The SAE exam for ESOL certification is the ESOL K-12, requiring a score of 200 or higher. Candidates must also complete all certification steps, including a background check.

School Administrator Certification

There are two certification options for school administrators: Level 1-Educational Leadership and Level 2-School Principal. Candidates for either certification must take the Florida Educational Leadership Exam (FELE), which includes three sub-tests: Leadership for Students Learning, Organizational Development, and Systems Leadership. Level 1 certifications require a master’s degree and completion of the Florida Educational Leadership Core Curriculum. Level 2 candidates must meet the same requirements and hold a Level 1 certification for one year.

Alternative Certification Pathways

Recognizing that not everyone follows a traditional path into teaching, Florida offers alternative certification pathways.

Teach for America (TFA)

Teach for America (TFA) places individuals with a bachelor's degree in high-needs schools for a two-year commitment. TFA is active in Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami-Dade.

Educator Preparation Institute (EPI)

For those who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than education, Florida offers Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) programs. Completing one of these programs and meeting the other professional license requirements can lead to a Florida teaching career.

Interstate Reciprocity

Florida is an active participant in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement. If you possess a valid advanced teacher certification comparable to Florida's professional licensure, you may be eligible for licensure in Florida.

Applying for Certification

The Online Licensing Service site is the most efficient way to complete and submit your application. Follow the application instructions carefully. Be prepared to provide details of any criminal offense records or certificate sanctions. Include the appropriate processing fee for each subject or endorsement requested. Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended, ensuring that your social security number or Florida DOE License# is included. If you hold a valid certificate from another state or territory, submit a photocopy of the front and back of the certificate with your completed application.

Maintaining Your Certification

Florida offers two levels of licensure, Temporary and Professional. The Temporary certificates remain valid for three years and are nonrenewable. After that period, you must obtain a Professional Certificate to teach. A professional certification is also valid for 5 years. It’s important to check regularly with the Florida Department of Education for updates on renewal requirements and procedures. Many school districts in the state offer professional development and training workshops for educators to gain their continuing education units (CEUs).

Addressing Teacher Shortages and Salary Enhancements

Florida continues to experience significant teacher shortages. The state has expanded recruitment incentives, including sign-on bonuses, out-of-state credential reciprocity, and fast-track alternative certification pathways. The Teacher Salary Increase Allocation has expanded significantly since 2020, rising to over $1.35 billion.

Additional Opportunities and Benefits

Entering one of Florida’s high-need teaching areas may provide additional support, incentives, and faster job placement. The best part of being a teacher in Florida is the summer months off. This provides time for rest and relaxation on Florida’s beautiful beaches and national parks.

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