|
If you are looking for a chance to teach in one of the top 10 educational systems in the country, teaching in the only state in the continental U.S. that includes a tropical climate might be the perfect choice for you. Florida's stunning climb from 31st in the Education Week rankings in 2006 to 10th in 2009 demonstrates the state's commitment to its students and teachers. And Florida plans to maintain its high expectations for the future, meaning that educators looking for a challenging, progressive career path should closely consider the Sunshine State.
Why Become a Teacher in Florida? Through its Next Generation Strategic Plan, Florida's Department of Education has identified specific goals and measures to ensure its continued success at increasing the proficiency of its students and the quality of its educators. For example, the state has developed reward programs to acknowledge exceptional performance among its teachers. These include programs that provide Florida teachers with monetary awards and statewide recognition for their achievements: - The Dale Hickam Excellent Teaching program, which recognizes teaching mentors
- Florida's Teacher of the Year, which honors outstanding classroom teachers
Florida Teacher Salaries Data from the Florida Department of Education shows that public school teachers in Florida earned an average annual salary of $46,922 in the 2007-2008 school year. Because each Florida school district adopts its own salary schedule after a series of collective bargaining activities, Florida teachers will find that the school district in which they work, as well as their experience level, can influence their pay significantly. Miami teachers working in the Dade school district earn an average yearly salary of $50,737, the fourth highest for Florida teachers. Other Florida cities offer the following average teacher salaries: | City | State Region | School District | Average Annual Teacher Salary | | Tallahassee | Northwest | Leon | $44,213 | | Orlando | Central | Orange | $45,477 | | Tampa | West Central | Hillsborough | $46,489 | | Saint Augustine | Northeast | Saint Johns | $47,413 | | Fort Lauderdale | Southeast | Broward | $50,294 |
Where the Jobs Are for Florida Teachers The Florida school system is the fourth largest in the nation, comprised of over 4,000 public schools that enroll nearly three million students. With such a large student body, Florida's 67 school districts need educators for many grade levels and subject areas. In particular, the state has a critical need for those qualified to teach the following subjects: At the middle and high school levels, Florida has a specific need for educators qualified to teach these subjects: To help increase the number of qualified teachers in shortage areas, Florida administers a tuition reimbursement program and a student loan forgiveness program. Through these programs, the state helps teachers repay educational loans that lead to certification in critical teacher shortage subject areas.
Florida Teacher Certification Each public school teacher must hold a bachelor's degree and complete other specific teacher certification requirements to become a teacher in Florida. Before you can start the Florida teacher certification process, you will need to choose the grade level that you want to teach from the following options: - Preschool education (birth through age 4)
- Prekindergarten/primary education (age 3 through grade 3)
- Elementary education (grades K through 6)
- Middle school education (grades 5 through 9)
- Secondary school education (grades 6 through 12)
Secondary, middle and some elementary education teachers also need to specialize in a subject area, such as English, mathematics, science, a foreign language or special education to become certified for teaching in Florida. The state provides paths for earning either a professional or temporary teaching certificate, and the option you choose will depend on your individual background. Temporary Certificate – The temporary Florida teacher certification is valid for three years and is not renewable. This certificate provides teachers with a bachelor's degree the opportunity to teach full-time while they complete the requirements for the professional certificate. Professional Certificate – Florida's highest teaching certificate, the professional certificate is a renewable teaching credential valid for five years. Teachers with a bachelor's degree from a state-approved program can qualify for this certificate after they pass all three portions of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE) and complete applicable paperwork. Florida Teachers Have It All Become a teacher in Florida, and join one of the top school systems in one of the most beautiful locations in the country. Teach in historic St. Augustine or the innovative and culturally active Orlando, or build your career as a Miami teacher along 84 miles of coastline. Bring your high expectations for yourself and your students to a state eager to welcome your commitment—and reward your achievements. Get started today by finding a Florida teaching program on our comprehensive list of accredited teacher education schools. |
