Want to become a teacher in the great state of Florida? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Florida.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

All U.S. states require that certified teachers, at a minimum, have an undergraduate degree. To earn your teaching credential in Florida, you will have to complete the appropriate number of undergraduate courses and standardized exams, as well as an accredited teacher certification program. A list of accredited teacher education programs in Florida can be found on the Florida Department of Education website. 

Florida has diverse course requirements, with different prerequisite courses for over 40 different subjects. Although there are specifications listed on its department of education site, Florida requires students to complete 30 semester hours in Elementary Education related-courses or major in elementary education to work as an Elementary School educator and a major or 30 semester hours in the desired subject area for Secondary Education.

A satisfactory score on the Florida Subject Area Subject Examination or an American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) certificate can be used in place of the required courses. There are several ways to move from a Temporary to a Professional Certificate, most of which involve additional courses from a teacher education program. For information about prerequisite coursework in Florida, visit the state’s department of education website.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Licensure testing in the state of Florida is run by FTCE (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations). Teachers must pass the Florida General Knowledge Test and the Florida Subject Area Examinations. Candidates for the Professional Certificate may need to take the FTCE Professional Education Test.

Florida offers two levels of licensure: A Temporary License for beginning teachers and a Professional License for teachers who have met the competency requirements.

Step 3: Submit a Florida Teaching Credential Application

Finally, send a completed licensure application. To start your licensure application, visit the Florida Department of Education website to apply online. The FDOE website provides a checklist of documents you need to send along with your license application for first-time candidates.