There are many ways to become a certified teacher in Florida.  The FGCU College of Education has included web pages that will provide specific information for you depending on your education and experience.  Please visit this website:   http://coe.fgcu.edu/teachercertification.html     For more information on paths to Florida teacher certification, click on the FL Department of Education - Certification website at  http://www.fldoe.org/edcert/. 

Steps to Certification

1.  Select a subject area and grade level - http://www.fldoe.org/edcert/subjlist.asp

2.  Apply for an Official Statement of Status of Eligibility by going to www.fldoe.org/edcert and clicking on APPLY HERE (complete the form, pay $75, and send all official college transcripts to FL DOE).

3.  In 4-6 weeks you will receive an Official Statement of Status of Eligibility, which lists the requirements to obtain a FL professional teaching license.  The Statement is good for three years.  Typically, you will be required to take 5 core courses (6 if you wish to teach at the secondary level).  Click on “Resources” above to view the list of courses offered by FGCU which satisfy the coursework requirements for teacher certification in Florida.  You will also need to pass three FTCE exams:  a) General Knowledge Test (or CLAST prior to 7/1/02); b) a subject area exam; and c) Professional Education Test.  To register for these exams, go to www.fl.nesinc.com.  To download a practice test, click on Preparation Information on the left side menu and follow the links. 

There is also an internship requirement, but often the State will accept one year of successful full time teaching in your subject area in lieu of completing an internship.

If you need a math tune-up, please join us on upcoming Fridays for free math workshops.  The next workshops will  meet on September 10, September 17, September 24, and October 1, 4:30-6:30 p.m., in Ben Hill Griffin Bldg., Room 109 (tentative room location).  Check here frequently for updates and additional information.  These workshops are specifically geared toward those who need to pass the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE) called the General Knowledge Test, the Elementary Ed. K-6 math section, as well as the Middle Grades Math 5-9 exam.  We will take you from pre-algebra, through algebra and geometry to be victorious!  skohler@fgcu.edu  No need to register.  We look forward to seeing you.  Ms. Mary Sweet, Math Instructor

The Teacher Immersion Program (TIP), a state-approved program accepts those who dream of becoming teachers and miraculously turns them into well-qualified, competent teachers.  Upon completion of TIP, you are eligible for the Florida Professional Educator’s Certificate.  TIP includes six instructional modules, three graduate courses, an internship, classroom observation opportunitites, an electronic portfolio requirement, and numerous specialized workshops to fully prepare you for the classroom.  TIP fulfills your career dreams.  At this time, we have not scheduled the next new TIP cohort, but please check this website regularly for updated information.