{"id":42538,"date":"2023-03-20T19:24:02","date_gmt":"2023-03-21T00:24:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=42538"},"modified":"2023-07-06T04:40:30","modified_gmt":"2023-07-06T09:40:30","slug":"how-to-become-a-teacher-in-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-teacher-in-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Teacher In Florida in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many prospective teachers choose to pursue a career teaching in Florida due to its job security, summer breaks, competitive salaries, and professional development opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Becoming a teacher in Florida is a fulfilling career choice. In addition to earning a decent living, teaching allows you to enhance the lives of young children.<\/span><\/p>\n

The journey to becoming a certified teacher in Florida can be overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process and requirements. Each U.S. state has its own set of requirements for certification, and Florida is no different.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This guide takes you through the step-by-step process of how to become a teacher in Florida.<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll cover everything from obtaining the necessary education and certification to finding job opportunities and building your teaching career in the Sunshine State.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Overview of the Teaching Situation in Florida<\/b><\/h2>\n

Data from the <\/span>Florida Department of Education<\/span><\/a> suggests that there are about 397,860 people employed in educational instruction. This includes teachers and librarians.<\/span><\/p>\n

Florida has 67 school districts in Florida, with more than 4,000 public schools enrolling 3 million students annually.<\/span><\/p>\n

With these huge numbers, Florida is struggling with an acute teacher shortage. There is an urgent need to recruit more Florida teachers in areas such as English, Exceptional Student Education (ESE), Science-General, Reading, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) seeks to attract more teachers in and out of state into their classrooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Florida<\/b><\/h2>\n

To become a teacher in Florida, you must go through some mandatory steps. We\u2019ll cover each step to help you understand exactly what you need to do to get certified.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree.<\/b><\/h3>\n

You must hold a bachelor\u2019s degree from an accredited institution to become a teacher in Florida.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having a bachelor’s degree demonstrates to employers and the state that you\u2019ve developed the skills necessary to be an effective teacher.<\/span><\/p>\n

The degree must be in the subject area you wish to teach or in a related field. The state of Florida recognizes degrees from both in-state and out-of-state institutions as long as they are accredited.<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019re still eligible to become a teacher if your degree is not education-related. This is as long as you complete an approved teacher preparation program and pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) Subject Area Exam.<\/span><\/p>\n

The state of Florida views the bachelor’s degree as an indicator of your preparation for the challenges of teaching and commitment to the profession.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Gain Student Teaching Experience.<\/b><\/h3>\n

To obtain a teaching certificate in Florida, you must complete a state-approved student teaching experience program after your bachelor\u2019s degree. Teaching experience equips you with the necessary training and real-life experience to become an effective teacher.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the program, you\u2019re placed in a real classroom under the supervision of a mentor teacher. Here, you\u2019re allowed to plan and teach lessons, work with students, collaborate with colleagues, and receive feedback and support from the mentor teacher.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The experience you gain in the student teaching experience program will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re using the <\/span>alternative certification<\/b> route of the <\/span>Educator Preparation Program (EPI)<\/span>, student teaching is not a requirement. For EPIs you\u2019re not required to undergo the student teaching program with alternative certification, however, you teach for a year on a temporary teaching certificate but enjoy full pay and benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Pass the Required Certification Test.<\/b><\/h3>\n

To obtain a teaching license in Florida, you must pass the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE). Passing the FTCE demonstrates your knowledge and skills related to teaching.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>FTCE<\/span><\/a> is a series of standardized tests administered by the Florida Department of Education.<\/span><\/p>\n

The test is designed to assess the knowledge and skills required of all prospective teachers in Florida. It\u2019s computer-based and offered in testing centers throughout the state.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are three different FTCE exams that you may be required to take, depending on the specific teaching field and grade level you wish to teach. For instance:<\/span><\/p>\n