Become a Teacher in Florida

1. Graduates of a Florida-certified teaching program who have passed all three sections of the FTCE are eligible to apply for a professional teaching certificate. Individuals can then begin the application process to various schools. Applicants seeking a position within a district school can apply through the individual county websites.
2. Aspiring teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than teaching should obtain a temporary teaching certificate. The paperwork can be done online and requires a release of transcripts and a nominal fee.
3. Aspiring teachers must take a series of three Florida Teacher Certification Exams (FTCE). The tests consist of a general knowledge test, a subject area exam, and a professional education test. These can be taken after a position is obtained but must be completed before receiving a professional teacher certification in Florida.
4. There are two routes for individuals who have received licensing in another state to become a teacher in the state of Florida:
5. Route 1: If the applicant holds a current license in a state other than Florida OR has a certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), they can apply for a professional certificate.
6. Route 2: If the applicant’s license from another state has expired, they can apply for a temporary certificate.
7. Students who wish to teach in Florida at the K-12 level need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Many aspiring teachers often choose to obtain a bachelor’s in education. However, as long as individuals have obtained temporary certification, they can take the necessary education courses over time. A minimum of a master’s degree is required to teach at a community college. A PhD is necessary for college-level professors.

Even though teachers in Florida have done an excellent job in educating their students, the state needs teachers who are powerful enough to lead. Florida is desperately seeking teachers who are passionate about helping our schools grow. You can find teaching jobs statewide by just contacting school districts directly. However, it is highly recommended that you earn a master’s degree, PhD, or administrative credentials, as teachers with advanced degrees are ultimately more influential, have better salaries, and are usually offered the best opportunities.

• You can graduate from a teacher education program in Florida, transfer an out-of-state license, or even change to teaching as a career after you’ve been in the workforce without a teaching degree.
• The state has developed reward programs to acknowledge exceptional performance among its teachers. These include programs that provide Florida teachers with monetary awards and statewide recognition for their achievements. For example:
• The Dale Hickam Excellent Teaching program, which recognizes teaching mentors.
• Florida’s Teacher of the Year, which honors outstanding classroom teachers
• Florida provides differential pay for teachers teaching in high-needs schools and for teachers teaching in shortage subject areas

• Average Elementary Teacher Salary: The average elementary school teacher in Florida makes $49,820
• Average Secondary Teacher Salary: The average secondary school teacher in Florida makes $52,640
• Teacher Salary vs. State Average Salary: The average public school teacher in Florida makes $46,938. Information on district- and level-specific Florida public school teacher salaries, along with more precise vacation details, is available through the Florida Bureau of Educator Recruitment, Development, and Retention.
• Teacher Salary vs. State Average Salary: The average teacher in Florida makes 133% of the salary of the average worker in Florida

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics