How To Become A Teacher In Florida [2022 Guide] (2024)

To become a teacher in Florida, educators need a bachelor's degree and completion of a state-approved teacher-preparation program. Other steps include completing a criminal background check and passing examinations. These requirements ensure Florida's public school students learn from highly qualified educators. Private schools may use different hiring criteria.

The following article covers how to become a teacher in Florida. Sections answer frequently asked questions, introduce teacher-preparation programs, and present the latest hiring and economic data. The final section provides links to helpful outside resources for teaching in Florida. Please reach out to a state agency or accredited college to learn more about becoming a teacher in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching in Florida


Can I teach in Florida without a teaching degree?

Some people become a teacher in Florida by earning a bachelor's in teaching. Others enter the career by earning a bachelor's in another subject and completing a teacher-preparation program.

How long does it take to get a teacher certification in Florida?

A typical bachelor's degree takes four years to complete. Teachers-in-training with a bachelor's in another subject need another 1-2 years to qualify for a professional teaching license.

Are teachers in demand in Florida?

As of March 2022, Florida's teacher shortage amounts to nearly 4,500 open positions in K-12 public schools. Many subjects, including English, need more highly qualified teachers.

Best Online Schools in Florida

Finding an Accredited Teaching Program

Individuals wanting to become a teacher in Florida must graduate from an accredited college. Accreditation agencies use U.S. Department of Education standards to evaluate the nation's colleges and universities. An accredited school offers the education it promises prospective students. Please do not apply to unaccredited schools. Their graduates may not qualify for jobs or graduate-level programs.

Some learners working toward becoming a teacher in Florida earn an online or hybrid degree. Like all institutions, online colleges must hold accreditation. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) awards accreditation specific to online programs. DEAC-accredited schools provide online and on-campus students with the same educational experience and resources.

Some top teacher-preparation programs earn programmatic accreditation from a private agency. These agencies include the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP accredits hundreds of the nation's best bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs preparing students for a teaching license.

Florida Teaching Requirements

Teaching in Florida K-12 public schools requires holding a state-issued license. Recent college graduates qualify for professional licensure by completing a teacher-preparation program with a student teaching experience. Other requirements include passing a teacher competency exam and a subject-specific exam.

Florida lets workers with non-teaching bachelor's degrees enter the profession with temporary licenses. The state gives these teachers three years to complete a teacher-preparation program and apply for a professional license. Requirements include a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA and an examination. Temporary and professional licensure candidates submit paperwork online.

Florida's licensure process varies from other states. Licensure candidates do not receive their temporary or professional license until they accept a job offer. Teaching in Florida also requires that all new employees submit to a criminal background check. This requirement applies to all schools, including private ones.

Florida Teacher License

Floridians meet the state's licensure requirements by completing four steps. As of March 2022, teaching in Florida requires an application and fingerprints. Candidates who pass a criminal background check then begin their job hunt. Educators receive their temporary or professional license after accepting a job offer. Please check the state board website for the latest information.

  1. 1

    Fill Out the Application

    The official application requires aspiring teachers to provide their personal and educational histories. Candidates must reveal any criminal record and submit official undergraduate or graduate transcripts. Teachers with a license from another state include a copy of their license. As of March 2022, Florida charges a $75 processing fee. Educators renewing their license pay the same fee.

  2. 2

    Receive an Official Statement of Status of Eligibility (SOE)

    Florida issues an SOE to all licensure candidates who submit a complete application. Candidates with a positive SOE may begin a job hunt. If the state finds someone ineligible, the SOE explains why and offers advice on fixing issues. These individuals reapply by submitting new documents and paying an additional fee.

  3. 3

    Find Employment

    Florida features public, charter public, virtual, and private schools. The state's government website provides contact information for the 67 public school districts. These districts post open positions on their human resources websites. Other options include researching private job boards and reaching out to potential employers.

  4. 4

    Provide Fingerprints

    Licensure candidates with a job offer submit fingerprints for the state to run a criminal background check. The process varies slightly for individuals planning on teaching in Florida private schools. Criminal convictions that disqualify someone from becoming a teacher in Florida include sexual misconduct, arson, and robbery. Those who pass the background check receive their temporary or professional license within 30 days.

Continuing Education Requirements in Florida

Teaching in Florida requires that educators take professional development (PD) classes throughout the school year and summer. Florida requires PD so that educators may create engaging lessons and teach learners valuable life lessons. The state approves a PD catalog by evaluating classes' professional learning standards.

A professional teaching license lasts five years. Teachers must earn 100 inservice points in that time. The state requires a college class in each of a teacher's licensed subject areas. Educators also take one undergraduate or graduate class in teaching students with disabilities. Teachers must earn a minimum C grade for college classes to count toward PD.

Teachers earn the remainder of their inservice points by taking PD from approved providers. The state lets licensed educators take some classes 100% online. Please check a provider's status with the state board before signing up for a class.

Online Teaching Courses
Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers

Florida Teacher Reciprocity Agreements

The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement lets teachers transfer their license between some U.S. states and Canadian provinces. This agreement helps relocating teachers resume their career as soon as possible. As a NASDTEC member state, Florida accepts out-of-state licenses if they compare to its professional license.

Out-of-state teachers must hold an active license in a subject Florida public schools teach. The state does not accept expired or revoked licenses. These educators follow the same licensure process as Floridians applying for a first-time temporary or professional license.

Additional Teacher Certifications

Florida teachers increase their employability by adding certifications to their license. More certifications let them apply to more jobs, a benefit in a competitive job market. This advantage also helps students. Teachers with many areas of expertise create more engaging lessons and offer academic help on multiple subjects.

As of March 2022, Florida awards certifications in a dozen content areas, including science, world languages, and exceptional student education. Certification in autism spectrum disorders requires a bachelor's in special education with 12 credits in autism diagnosis and education. Aspiring world language educators need 30 credits of undergraduate instruction in the language they want to teach.

Florida does not offer certifications in all subjects. Since 2011, the state has repealed certifications in journalism, speech, and teacher coordinator of cooperative education. As a result, out-of-state educators cannot transfer these certifications.

Florida Teacher Outlook

The average Florida K-12 public school teacher earned approximately $51,170 in the 2020-2021 school year. Salaries in the state's public school districts ranged from $40,380-$61,640. In March 2022, the state government announced additional funding for teacher salaries in the 2022-2023 academic year. Florida has yet to announce specific figures.

In the 2021-2022 school year, Florida's schools needed more teacher applicants specializing in science and English. Nearly a quarter of open positions relate to special or exceptional student education. The state's plan to solve this problem involves awarding new teachers a $1,000 signing bonus.

Top 5 Most In-Demand Subject Areas for Florida Teachers 2021-22

  1. Science-General
  2. English
  3. Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
  4. Science-Physical
  5. Reading

Source: Identification of Critical Teacher Shortage Areas for 2021-22

Resources for Teachers

FCRR provides Florida English and language arts teachers with a resource database containing podcasts, videos, and lesson materials. In-depth guides cover reading strategies for learners with a disability, such as dyslexia.New and experienced educators use Teacher Created Materials to find lessons and activities aligned with state standards. Affordable teaching materials include readers in multiple subject areas. Each features colorful photographs and graphics to grab students' attention.UFLI offers literacy teachers many free resources, such as lesson structure guides, instructional activities, and tech tools and tips. Other documents cover classroom management fundamentals and behavior modification techniques.The website helps recent graduates navigate their first year in the classroom. Resource links lead to an online study community, teaching job resources, and a news center. Teachers of Tomorrow also offers answers to frequently asked questions.FDACS helps Florida's K-12 science teachers create engaging lessons with free digital books on the state's plants, animals, and coastal areas. Many of these resources feature classroom activities aligning with state standards.
How To Become A Teacher In Florida [2022 Guide] (2024)

FAQs

What is the fastest way to become a teacher in Florida? ›

Complete a bachelor's degree program and fulfill other requirements.
  1. Pass 15 to 20 credit hours of education courses.
  2. Complete the Florida Teacher Certification Exam. ...
  3. Fulfill professional educator competencies during your first 2 years of teaching.
  4. Serve as a full-time teacher for two years.

What are the requirements to become a teacher in Florida? ›

Earning a teaching certification in Florida requires candidates to earn at least a bachelor's degree and complete a state-approved educator preparation program. They must also participate in a semester-long student-teaching experience that allows them to build the skills required to lead classrooms.

How long does it take to get a teaching credential in Florida? ›

Please note, it may take 7-10 weeks for documents to post to the FLDOE website once they are received. Then, once the application is complete, it may take another 7-10 weeks to process the application for eligibility.

Can I teach in Florida without a teaching certificate? ›

Florida educators must be certified to teach in our public schools and in many of the private schools. Educators include classroom teachers, school administrators, and other support professionals, such as guidance counselors and media specialists.

Is there a teacher shortage in Florida? ›

The Florida Education Association has noted in the past that the shortages and lack of certified teachers or even bus drivers leave students in the state underserved.

Can I teach in Florida without a degree? ›

THE FACTS: DeSantis signed several bills on June 9 that were meant to help veterans find jobs. One was Florida Senate Bill 896, which allows veterans to apply for a five-year temporary teaching certificate without first earning a bachelor's degree, as is otherwise required to teach in the state.

What is the starting salary for teachers in Florida? ›

How much does an Entry Level Teacher make in Florida? The average Entry Level Teacher salary in Florida is $39,751 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $33,199 and $48,468.

How much a teacher makes in Florida? ›

How much does a Public School Teacher make in Florida? The average Public School Teacher salary in Florida is $52,673 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $43,991 and $64,223.

How much does it cost to become a teacher in Florida? ›

Paying for Your Teaching Degree
FloridaNational
Average Out-of-State Tuition and Fees (Public Four-Year)$18,241$25,657
Average Tuition and Fees (Private Four-Year)$25,531$30,731
Average In-State Tuition and Fees (Public Two-Year)$2,506$3,243
Average Out-of-State Tuition and Fees (Public Two-Year)$9,111$7,971
1 more row
Oct 13, 2020

Where can I teach without certification? ›

For example, some private, charter and not-for-profit schools don't require applicants to have a teaching degree or hold state licensure. If you want to teach in the public school system (either as an elementary or high-school subject teacher), however, you will need a teaching license or teaching credential.

Can you become a teacher without a degree? ›

You may follow one of two routes in becoming a teacher, namely: a four-year Bachelor of Education degree (B. Ed.); a three-or four-year Bachelor's degree, followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Once completed, both routes lead to classification as a professionally qualified teacher.

What are the requirements for a teaching certificate? ›

Diploma in Teacher Education (Education Science)
  • Minimum grade C+ Plus in KCSE and above.
  • C+ (plus) in the two subjects specialization.
  • At least C plain in English.
  • C (plain) in Mathematics.
  • Minimum grade C Plus in KCSE and above and C+ (plus) in the two subjects specialization.

Why does Florida have a teacher shortage? ›

There are a number of reasons for the shortage: Experts attribute law pay, testing, stringent schedules and new laws all exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a flood of teachers resigning.

Where does Florida rank teachers pay? ›

The state is estimated to continue to rank 48th for the 2021-2022 school year, according to Staci Maiers, an NEA spokesperson.

How much do sub teachers make in Florida? ›

Substitute Salary Scale:
Type of CertificateFull Day Rate
Florida/District Certificate Rank III/Bachelor's Degree$105.00
Florida/District Certificate Rank II/Master's Degree$105.00
SCPS Teacher: Retired/On leave/Job Sharing$105.00
Instructional Substitutes in SED, TMH, PMH, Autistic, PreK ESE$105.00
5 more rows

What is the highest paying county in Florida for teachers? ›

Manatee County's starting salary for teachers among highest in Florida after approval of new contract. The new contract between the Manatee Education Association (MEA) and the school district raises starting pay for teachers from $52,910 to $55,177. MANATEE COUNTY, Fla.

Why are teachers quitting? ›

Researchers polled more than 4,600 TK-12th grade teachers across the state between May 24 and June 6. The findings show that while many teachers find their work rewarding, a majority said they felt exhausted and stressed — with burnout cited as the top reason for leaving the profession.

What kinds of teachers are in demand? ›

Types of teachers in highest demand by 2030.
  • English as a Second Language (ESL). ESL educators are some of the most in demand teachers. ...
  • Math Teaching. Another teacher subject in demand is mathematics. ...
  • Science Teaching. What about science teachers? ...
  • Social Studies Teaching. ...
  • Special Education Teaching.
Dec 18, 2020

Is the Florida teacher certification exam hard? ›

In addition to being challenging, the K-6 exam is long. The first time you take the K-6, you'll need to take all four subtests. This can take almost five hours. However, using our FTCE K-6 Study Guide and practice tests can help prepare you for this lengthy exam.

What tests do teachers have to take in Florida? ›

Required Tests for Florida

Teachers are required to complete the Florida General Knowledge Test open_in_new and the Florida Subject Area Examinations open_in_new. Applicants for the Professional Certificate may need to take the FTCE Professional Education Test.

How much is the teacher certification test in Florida? ›

Planning Your FTCE Test Registration

For the FTCE General Knowledge Test, the testing fee is $130 for your first attempt and $150 for any subsequent attempts. It costs the same, no matter how many subject areas you intend to complete, so for most test-takers, it makes sense to attempt all four subtests in one sitting.

Do teachers get paid in the summer in Florida? ›

No, technically, teachers do not get paid in the summer if they are not actively teaching. However, most teachers have the option to spread their pay for ten months of work over an entire 12 month period.

How much do daycare teachers make in Florida? ›

The average salary for a daycare teacher in Florida is $21,500 per year. Daycare teacher salaries in Florida can vary between $16,000 to $32,000 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.

What state has the highest teacher salary? ›

Pennsylvania, California and New York have the highest average teacher salaries in the country, compared to all other occupations.

Which teachers get paid the most? ›

Some move into more specialized teaching roles; some of the best-paid teaching jobs include special education and gifted education.
...
  1. Superintendent. ...
  2. School Principal/Assistant Principal. ...
  3. University/College Administrator. ...
  4. Professor. ...
  5. Instructional Coordinator. ...
  6. High School Teachers.

Do teachers get paid in the summer? ›

In most teaching positions, teachers are not paid over the summer break. Usually, teachers can choose to receive their paychecks over a 10-month period or over a span of 12 months. Many teachers choose to take a prorated salary even at a lower monthly rate to keep a steady income throughout the entire year.

What grade teacher makes the most? ›

  • Preschool teachers: $34,360 – $63,610.
  • Elementary school teachers: $58,150 – $83,360.
  • Middle school teachers: $56,650 – $83,000.
  • High school teachers: $60,440 – $86,890.
  • Special education teachers. Preschool: $61,730 – $89,220. Elementary school: $58,580 – $82,710. Middle school: $58,650 – $83,210.

What benefits do teachers get in Florida? ›

On the educational front, most Florida teachers are eligible for health, dental, and vision coverage; however, plans vary between school districts. There are also additional perks such as paid sick leave, tuition reimbursement, and loan forgiveness programs, depending on each school system's policies.

How much do teachers make an hour? ›

The average hourly wage for a Public School Teacher in the United States is $27 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $22 and $33.

How long does it take to get a teaching certificate? ›

How many years do you have to study to be a teacher? The minimum number of years to become a qualified school teacher is four years.

What is a teaching degree called? ›

Master of Arts in Teaching

It is commonly required for middle and high school teachers to earn a master's degree in a teaching field. One example of a typical program is a Master of Arts in Teaching.

Can a teacher teach without license? ›

Except as otherwise allowed under this Act, no person shall practice or offer to practice the teaching profession in the Philippines or be appointed as teacher to any position without having previously obtained a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional license from the Commission.

Can I teach online with a bachelor's degree? ›

You can pursue a variety of online teaching jobs from home with only a bachelor's degree, even if your degree is not in education. Although many online schools prefer teachers with certification, demand is growing for teachers, tutors, and test scorers without professional licensing.

What is the maximum age to become a teacher? ›

KPSC Age Limit and Age Relaxation

To apply for the teacher recruitment exam, a candidate must be between 21-42 years.

Which job is similar to teaching? ›

Top 10 Alternative Careers for Teachers
  • Career guidance counselor. Choosing a career can be an overwhelming process. ...
  • School administrator. ...
  • Librarian. ...
  • Private Tutor. ...
  • Corporate trainer. ...
  • Adult literacy teacher. ...
  • Parenting coach/educator. ...
  • Writer.

How much do teachers get paid? ›

Click on the state names in the table to view the Best Places to Teach ranking for that state:
StateAverage Starting Salary
State AlabamaAverage Starting Salary $38,477
State AlaskaAverage Starting Salary $46,785
State ArizonaAverage Starting Salary $34,068
State ArkansasAverage Starting Salary $33,973
47 more rows
Sep 1, 2017

Can I get a teaching license online? ›

TSC Teacher Service Commission published the teaching license vacancy online application. License.tsc.gov.np is the website portal to apply online TSC License application for the all level.

Which certification is best for teachers? ›

20 Best Certifications For Teachers
RankCertificationOrganization
1Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)BLI
2Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE)Microsoft
3Child Development Associate (CDA)CECPR
4First Aid, CPR and AED InstructorNSC
16 more rows
Sep 9, 2021

What are the minimum requirements for teaching? ›

4-year Bachelor of Education (BEd). 3-to-4-year Bachelor degree, followed by 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Can I become a teacher without a degree? ›

So yes you can become a teacher without a degree and hold QTLS, which the government states has parity with QTS in maintained primary and secondary schools. There is however no guarantee that the schools you apply for will consider the QTLS qualification as equal to applicants holding QTS.

How long does it take to get a temporary teaching certificate in Florida? ›

Teachers employed in public schools, including charter public schools, complete the requirements through their district. If the fingerprint screen comes back clear, applicants receive a temporary certificate within 30 days.

How long does it take to get a teaching certificate? ›

How many years do you have to study to be a teacher? The minimum number of years to become a qualified school teacher is four years.

Where can I teach without certification? ›

For example, some private, charter and not-for-profit schools don't require applicants to have a teaching degree or hold state licensure. If you want to teach in the public school system (either as an elementary or high-school subject teacher), however, you will need a teaching license or teaching credential.

Do you get paid to train to be a teacher? ›

The programme is fee free. Being able to earn a salary while you train, as well as receiving a discount on travel within London. Gain more experience working in a school before you qualify, so you are more prepared for life as a newly qualified teacher.

What qualifications do I need to be a teacher? ›

Entry requirements

You'll usually need: 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths. 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree. a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course.

How long is teacher training? ›

Full-time courses usually take three to four years, while part-time courses take four to six years. If you have undergraduate credits from previous study, you might be able to complete a course in two years.

What is the starting salary for teachers in Florida? ›

How much does an Entry Level Teacher make in Florida? The average Entry Level Teacher salary in Florida is $39,751 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $33,199 and $48,468.

What do you need to be a substitute teacher in Florida? ›

All substitute teachers must have at least a high school diploma (or equivalent). If you have no classroom teaching experience, the school district must provide you with training on classroom management skills and instructional strategies prior to allowing you to work in the classroom.

Can you teach out of field in Florida? ›

Florida State Statute 1012.42 recognizes that teachers at times must be assigned duties in a class outside the field in which the teacher is certified.

What is the maximum age to become a teacher? ›

KPSC Age Limit and Age Relaxation

To apply for the teacher recruitment exam, a candidate must be between 21-42 years.

How much do teachers make an hour? ›

The average hourly wage for a Public School Teacher in the United States is $27 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $22 and $33.

What can I do to get started as a teacher? ›

There are two ways to study to become a teacher: a 4-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) or. a 3-to-4-year Bachelor's degree, followed by 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

What is a teaching degree called? ›

Master of Arts in Teaching

It is commonly required for middle and high school teachers to earn a master's degree in a teaching field. One example of a typical program is a Master of Arts in Teaching.

Can a teacher teach without license? ›

Except as otherwise allowed under this Act, no person shall practice or offer to practice the teaching profession in the Philippines or be appointed as teacher to any position without having previously obtained a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional license from the Commission.

Can I teach online with a bachelor's degree? ›

You can pursue a variety of online teaching jobs from home with only a bachelor's degree, even if your degree is not in education. Although many online schools prefer teachers with certification, demand is growing for teachers, tutors, and test scorers without professional licensing.

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