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.