How to become a teacher in Florida

What does a teacher do?

Teachers have the opportunity to change lives, and their job responsibilities cover an array of tasks. They develop lesson plans, work closely with students and parents, and guide students. Many teachers focus on one or two subjects, such as math and science or reading and writing.

As a teacher, most of your day may consist of grading exams, assessing papers, and helping with homework, while ensuring that students are safe and attendance is accurate.

Steps to become a teacher in Florida

As a teacher, you can work in a private or public school. You can focus on a variety of ages — from kindergarten through high school. While you can choose your grade level and school district, you must first meet specific requirements to teach in Florida.

Here are the steps you'll need to follow to become a long-term K-12 teacher in the state of Florida.

Step 1: Meet academic requirements

To teach in Florida, you must hold at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Whether you want to teach short term or long term, a four-year degree is the first step.

Many colleges provide coursework that can prepare you to become an excellent teacher. You can pursue teaching whether you have a degree in education or an unrelated field. Those with an unrelated degree must complete teacher preparation coursework.

During the program, you'll determine the subject you want to teach as well as the type of preparation best suited for you:

• Initial teacher preparation programs: These programs are available for those who have majored in education as undergraduates.
• Educator preparation institutes: These programs provide alternative pathways to teaching for people who have degrees in other disciplines outside of education but are ready to make a career shift.

Step 2: Complete a teaching practicum

All teaching certification program candidates must complete a practicum, which is required for graduation. Programs (whether part of a baccalaureate degree or an institute) partner with school districts to provide your field experience. You will receive a final assessment and skills evaluation after completing your practicum.

The state of Florida requires a minimum of 60 hours of field experience, including at least 12 weeks of student teaching. Check with your individual program for detailed practicum requirements.

Step 3: Take the teaching certification exam

Traditionally, after you've completed your field experience, you will take the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE). This exam varies based on your background and may include three different tests, including English language, reading, and math.

If you are applying to teach a particular subject, your exam may also include a test designed to assess your knowledge in a specific area. Some tests may also include principles of pedagogy.

You may not need to take an exam if you have a valid certificate from another state or the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Step 4: Apply for a certificate

Once you've passed your certification exam, you can apply for your teaching certificate from the Florida Department of Education.

You'll begin by filling out the application and paying the required fees. Along with your application, you'll need to submit official transcripts and proof of any out-of-state certificates.

Then, you'll need to wait for the state to review your application and send you an Official Statement of Status of Eligibility. You'll need to meet a list of requirements to upgrade your temporary certificate to a professional certificate. Temporary certificates are only valid for five years; after this period, you will need to apply for a professional certificate.

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As you prepare for a teaching career, you may want to consider advancing to a master's in education degree. This improves your employability and correlates with higher earning potential. Explore online master's in education programs so you can continue your education while you are teaching.