{"id":44844,"date":"2023-10-17T22:42:54","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T03:42:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=44844"},"modified":"2023-10-17T22:43:13","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T03:43:13","slug":"how-much-does-an-elementary-teacher-earn-in-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-much-does-an-elementary-teacher-earn-in-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does an Elementary Teacher Earn In Florida?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s a growing need for more skilled elementary school teachers to match Florida&#8217;s high student enrollment numbers. The state is also focused on smaller class sizes to better the quality of education offered to students.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average annual salary of an elementary school in Florida is $59,240 based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This figure, however, may be higher or lower based on various factors such as certifications, years of experience, or school district.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we\u2019ll explore the average salary for elementary school teachers in Florida and the factors that can affect pay. This will help you as a prospective educator make informed decisions about your future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We will also discuss the steps required to become a certified elementary school teacher in Florida, including alternative certification options.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is an Elementary School Teacher?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An elementary school teacher specializes in teaching young children in grades kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elementary school teachers are responsible for teaching a range of academic subjects to their assigned class. The subjects include reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elementary school children are typically between six and eleven years old. Therefore their educators help them develop social and emotional skills that will serve them throughout their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make such a profound impact in these children\u2019s lives you need to be a good communicator, be creative in designing learning activities, and be flexible in how you apply your teaching styles to different children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elementary school teachers have many responsibilities to play in their assigned classes. For example,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating and implementing lesson plans that align with state and school district standards<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grading student assignments and providing feedback to help students improve<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communicating with parents regularly about their child&#8217;s progress\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining a safe classroom environment and managing student behavior<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elementary school teachers are also tasked with pursuing various professional development and training opportunities to stay up-to-date on the latest teaching methods.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Much Do Elementary School Teachers In Florida Make?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average annual salary for elementary school teachers in Florida is approximately $59,240 as of May 2022. This is according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes_fl.htm#25-0000\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The salary ranges vary with the highest earning $72,305, and the lowest $49128. This variation is based on factors such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Years of experience<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Level of education\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Location<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">School district<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, school districts have different funding levels, which impacts the resources available for teacher salaries. Some school districts have more financial resources to invest in teacher salaries, while others have limited budgets making it more difficult to offer competitive salaries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to their salaries, public elementary school teachers in Florida have access to health insurance and retirement plans which further enhances their compensation package.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below is a comparison of the percentage of earnings of elementary school teachers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1234\" height=\"729\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-44845\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/media\/coparison-of-the-percentage-earnings.jpg\" alt=\"comparison of the percentage earnings\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Comparison of the percentage earnings of elementary school teachers<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Become an Elementary School Teacher In Florida<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Becoming an elementary school teacher is a rewarding career, but it requires dedication and hard work to meet the educational and certification requirements. Certification requirements are different in every state.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must follow these steps to become an elementary school teacher in Florida:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Earn a bachelor&#8217;s degree: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must first earn a bachelor&#8217;s degree in education or a related field from an accredited college or university.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Complete a teacher preparation program: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After earning your degree, you must complete a teacher preparation program, which must be approved by the Florida Department of Education.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pass the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE):<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fldoe.org\/accountability\/assessments\/postsecondary-assessment\/ftce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FTCE<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a series of tests designed to assess your knowledge in general knowledge, professional education, and subject-specific content.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Apply for a teaching certificate: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have completed your education you should apply for a teaching certificate from the Florida Department of Education.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Complete a background check:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You must pass a background check to ensure you don&#8217;t have any criminal history.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After obtaining your teaching certificate, you can begin applying for elementary school teaching jobs in Florida. We suggest you research school districts and individual schools to find the best fit for your interests and qualifications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Alternative certification for elementary teachers in Florida<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternative certification is a pathway for individuals who hold a bachelor&#8217;s degree in a field outside of education to become certified to teach in Florida.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This option is designed to help address teacher shortages and increase the pool of qualified teachers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternative certification is a viable option for aspiring educators who did not major in education as an undergraduate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The process of alternative certification for elementary school teachers depends on the specific program but commonly involves the following steps:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete a teacher preparation program that is approved by the Florida Department of Education. The program will include coursework and supervised teaching experience in a classroom setting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similar to traditional certification, as an alternative certification candidate, you must pass the FTCE in the subject areas you wish to teach.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After completing the teacher preparation program and passing the FTCE, you can apply for a temporary certificate that is valid for up to three years. This certificate enables you to teach as you complete the remaining certification requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete additional requirements such as additional coursework or a mentoring program, to fully earn your teaching certificate.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have completed all the certification requirements, you can apply for a professional teaching certificate, which is valid for five years and renewable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure you research and carefully consider <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/national-teacher-certification\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alternative certification programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to ensure they meet your needs and goals as a prospective teacher.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is the Highest and Lowest Paying Elementary School Teaching Job?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a certified elementary school teacher in Florida, you can teach in a public school or in any of the following settings:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Private schools:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many private schools, including religious institutions, hire certified teachers to work with elementary school students.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Charter schools:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently of the traditional public school system, and offer opportunities for certified elementary school teachers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Online teaching: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the growth of online learning, there are opportunities for certified elementary school teachers to work for virtual schools or tutoring programs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>International schools:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Certified elementary school teachers have the opportunity to teach in international schools, either in-person or virtually.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below is a comparison of the highest and lowest-paying elementary school teaching jobs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1245\" height=\"748\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-44846\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/media\/point-scored.jpg\" alt=\"point scored\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Comparison of the highest and lowest-paying elementary teaching jobs<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Become an Elementary School Teacher In Florida<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Florida offers a variety of opportunities for certified elementary school teachers, from working in public schools to private schools, charter schools, nonprofit organizations, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While salary varies depending on the specific role and location, there are options available for those who are passionate about teaching and making a difference in their communities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re interested in pursuing a career in elementary education, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/national-teacher-certification\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teachers of Tomorrow<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a great alternative certification program to consider. This program provides a flexible and affordable pathway to becoming a certified teacher in Florida, and is designed to prepare you to succeed in your career.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the demand for qualified teachers continuing to grow, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the opportunities available in Florida.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Related Careers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-an-english-teacher\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Become an English Teacher: A Detailed Step-By-Step Guide<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/emergency-teaching-certification\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is an Emergency Teaching Certification? Benefits and Requirements In 2023<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/teaching-degree-requirements\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teaching Degree Requirements to Become a Successful Teacher In 2023<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s a growing need for more skilled elementary school teachers to match Florida&#8217;s high student enrollment numbers. The state is also focused on smaller class sizes to better the quality &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44844","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-insights"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2025-01-22 02:23:23","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category"},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44844"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/60"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44844"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44844\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44888,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44844\/revisions\/44888"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44844"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44844"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44844"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}