How To Become a High School Teacher in Florida 2025

<p>Teaching high school in Florida can be a rewarding path for those who enjoy working with teens and helping them prepare for college or careers. If you're wondering <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_high_school_teacher.html">how to become a high school teacher</a>, you'll need to meet specific state requirements. These include earning a bachelor's degree, completing a teacher preparation program, and passing certification exams. </p> <p>Florida provides multiple certification pathways for new teachers and career changers. Whether you're just graduating or switching professions, the information below explains each step clearly, from education to licensure and financial aid options. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatDoesAHighSchoolTeacherDo">What Does a High School Teacher Do?</h2> <p>As a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/High_School_Teacher_Job_Duties_Career_Outlook_and_Education_Prerequisites.html">high school teacher</a> in Florida, you'll guide students through subjects like algebra, U.S. history, chemistry, or literature. Your goal is to help students build academic skills, earn their diplomas, and plan for life after graduation. </p> <p>In addition to subject instruction, you'll support student growth by providing mentorship, preparing lessons that align with Florida standards, and fostering a productive learning environment. </p> <p>Common <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Duties_of_a_High_School_Teacher.html">high school teacher responsibilities</a> include: </p> <ul><li>designing lessons aligned with Florida's B.E.S.T. standards </li><li>grading assignments and tracking student progress </li><li>managing classroom behavior </li><li>collaborating with parents and other educators </li><li>preparing students for statewide assessments </li><li>supporting extracurriculars and academic advising </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowToBecomeAHighSchoolTeacherInFlorida">How To Become a High School Teacher in Florida</h2> <p>To become a certified high school teacher in Florida, you must meet the Florida Department of Education's criteria. This includes earning a degree, completing training, and passing exams. Below are the steps to earn your Florida educator certification. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1EarnABachelorSDegree">Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>Start by completing a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. If you're pursuing a traditional pathway, major in education or a high school content area like math, science, or English. If you're interested in a subject such as history, you'll still need to complete teacher preparation courses or enroll in a certification program after graduating. </p> <p>Florida requires your major to match a high school content area or include at least 30 semester hours in that subject. You can also explore the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_High_School_Subjects_Can_I_Teach.html">subjects to teach in high school</a> to better understand what areas are in demand. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2CompleteATeacherPreparationProgram">Step 2: Complete a Teacher Preparation Program</h3> <p>In Florida, you must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. If your bachelor's degree included this component, you'll complete classroom fieldwork and teaching methods coursework as part of your degree. </p> <p>If your degree did not include teacher training, you can enroll in an Educator Preparation Institute (EPI). EPIs are designed for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree and want to transition into teaching. These programs focus on instructional strategies, classroom management, and teaching diverse learners. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3ApplyForATemporaryCertificate">Step 3: Apply for a Temporary Certificate</h3> <p>After meeting basic eligibility requirements (bachelor's degree and passing a background check), you can apply for a Temporary Certificate. This certificate is valid for three years and allows you to begin teaching while you complete the rest of your certification requirements. </p> <p>Many career changers use this route while completing coursework through an EPI or alternative certification program. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4PassTheFloridaCertificationExams">Step 4: Pass the Florida Certification Exams</h3> <p>To earn your Professional Certificate, you must pass three exams: </p> <ul><li>General Knowledge Test (GK) </li><li>Subject Area Examination (SAE) in the subject you plan to teach </li><li>Professional Education Test (PEd) </li></ul><p>These exams evaluate your content expertise, general skills in reading, writing, and math, and your understanding of pedagogy. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5ApplyForTheProfessionalCertificate">Step 5: Apply for the Professional Certificate</h3> <p>Once you've passed the required exams and completed a teacher preparation program, you can apply for the five-year renewable Florida Professional Certificate. This certificate qualifies you to teach full-time in public high schools across the state. </p> <p>To maintain certification, you'll need to complete professional development or college coursework before the renewal period ends. </p> <h2 id="section---EducationDegreeProgramsInFlorida">Education Degree Programs in Florida</h2> <p>If you're planning to become a high school teacher in Florida, choosing the right education program is an important step. The colleges below offer affordable bachelor's degrees that meet state certification requirements and include practical experience in real classrooms. </p> <h3 id="section---UniversityOfNorthFlorida">University of North Florida</h3> <p>The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in secondary education with certification options in areas like English, biology, chemistry, math, and social studies. The curriculum includes subject-specific courses alongside training in curriculum development, instructional methods, and classroom management. </p> <p>Students participate in multiple field experiences, including a full semester of student teaching in a Florida high school. The program offers support through academic advising, certification exam preparation, and partnerships with local school districts. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $175 per credit hour (in-state); $655 per credit hour (out-of-state) </li><li>Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---FloridaAtlanticUniversity">Florida Atlantic University</h3> <p>Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offers a BS in secondary education through the Charles E. Schmidt College of Education. Students may focus on teaching subjects like English, mathematics, social science, or biology. Field experience begins early in the degree plan, and students complete a supervised teaching internship. </p> <p>Students work in a variety of schools across South Florida and access services such as test prep workshops, mentoring, and training in culturally responsive teaching. The coursework helps students meet Florida certification requirements while gaining practical experience in classrooms. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $203 per credit hour (in-state); $721 per credit hour (out-of-state) </li><li>Accreditation: SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---EasternFloridaStateCollege">Eastern Florida State College</h3> <p>Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) offers a BS in science teacher education with a focus on secondary-level biology or chemistry. The program includes coursework in science and education, preparing students to teach grades six through 12. </p> <p>Students complete over 200 hours of fieldwork and a full internship in a public high school. EFSC offers small class sizes and faculty support to help students gain confidence and teaching skills. It provides a low-cost route to teacher certification in STEM fields. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $104 per credit hour (in-state); $405 per credit hour (out-of-state) </li><li>Accreditation: SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---BethuneCookmanUniversity">Bethune-Cookman University</h3> <p>Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) offers a BS in secondary education to prepare students to teach in grades six through 12. Coursework covers liberal arts, instructional theory, subject-specific teaching methods, and includes a student teaching assignment. </p> <p>B-CU offers a close-knit learning environment and mentoring support for future educators. As a historically Black university, B-CU supports inclusive education and career readiness with professional development and certification exam prep. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $13,844 </li><li>Accreditation: SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---CollegeOfCentralFlorida">College of Central Florida</h3> <p>The College of Central Florida offers a BS in secondary mathematics education. Students take advanced math courses and study teaching practices, learning theory, and strategies for managing classrooms in grades six through 12. </p> <p>Students complete more than 200 hours of field experience and a semester of student teaching. CF provides an affordable path to licensure and is suitable for future math teachers who want to enter the profession with hands-on experience and local connections. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $2,832 </li><li>Accreditation: SACSCOC </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowMuchDoesAHighSchoolTeacherMakeInFlorida">How Much Does a High School Teacher Make in Florida?</h2> <p>The <a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes252031.htm">average high school teacher salary in Florida</a> is about $62,270, based on the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries vary based on district, subject area, and experience. </p> <p>Teachers working in high-need subjects like math or science may receive additional stipends. Larger districts like Miami-Dade and Hillsborough often offer higher salaries and more benefits than smaller rural districts. </p> <h3 id="section---JobOutlookForHighSchoolTeachersInFlorida">Job Outlook for High School Teachers in Florida</h3> <p>Right now, Florida is having teacher shortages in areas such as math, science, English language learners (ELL), and exceptional student education (ESE). As a result, job prospects are strong, especially in high-demand subjects such as these. </p> <p>Statewide initiatives and federal support help expand hiring efforts and retention bonuses, especially in underserved communities. Many school districts actively recruit new graduates and professionals entering the classroom for the first time. </p> <h2 id="section---FinancialAidForHighSchoolTeacherPrograms">Financial Aid for High School Teacher Programs</h2> <p>Florida students preparing to become high school teachers have several financial aid options: </p> <ul><li>Submit the FAFSA to access Pell Grants, student loans, and work-study aid. Many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_florida.html">online colleges that accept FAFSA</a> apply this funding to education degrees and certification programs. </li><li>The <a href="https://www.ffmt.org/">Florida Fund for Minority Teachers</a> offers scholarships to eligible underrepresented students in teacher education programs. </li><li>The <a href="https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/teach">Federal TEACH Grant</a> awards up to $4,000 per year to students who commit to teaching in a high-need field for four years. </li><li>Some school districts offer paid internships, tuition assistance, or reimbursement for certification costs. </li></ul><p>Be sure to explore scholarship and grant opportunities offered by your college's school of education or advising center. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingAHighSchoolTeacherInFlorida">FAQs About Becoming a High School Teacher in Florida</h2> <p>If you're considering a teaching career in Florida, the commonly asked questions below cover concerns for both recent graduates and those looking to pursue a teaching license in Florida. </p> <h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToBecomeAHighSchoolTeacherInFlorida">How Long Does It Take To Become a High School Teacher in Florida?</h3> <p>The timeline to become a high school teacher in Florida typically ranges from four to five years. Most students earn a bachelor's degree in four years, then spend a few additional months completing a teacher preparation program, passing the required certification exams, and applying for licensure. </p> <p>However, if you already hold a bachelor's degree in a teachable subject, you may qualify for a temporary certificate and begin teaching while completing your Educator Preparation Institute in as little as one year. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSubjectsAreMostInDemandForFloridaHighSchools">What Subjects Are Most in Demand for Florida High Schools?</h3> <p>Florida schools often experience teacher shortages in subjects like math, science, English as a second language (ESOL), and special education. These high-need areas may qualify for loan forgiveness, signing bonuses, or faster hiring processes. If you have a background in STEM or language instruction, your skills are likely to be in especially high demand across many school districts. </p> <h3 id="section---CanITeachInFloridaWithoutCompletingATraditionalEducationDegree">Can I Teach in Florida Without Completing a Traditional Education Degree?</h3> <p>Yes, many teachers in Florida begin their careers without majoring in education. If your bachelor's degree is in a core high school subject (such as biology, English, or social studies), you can enter a state-approved EPI or alternative certification program. </p> <p>These programs provide essential training in classroom instruction and pedagogy. You'll also need to pass the Florida certification exams to be eligible for licensure. </p> <h3 id="section---CanITeachInFloridaWhileCompletingMyCertification">Can I Teach in Florida While Completing My Certification?</h3> <p>Yes, Florida offers a Temporary Certificate that allows you to teach full-time while finishing your certification requirements. This is a popular route for career changers and graduates of non-education programs. </p> <p>While working under the temporary license, you must enroll in an approved preparation program, complete required exams, and apply for the Professional Certificate within three years. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIMaintainOrRenewMyFloridaTeachingCertificate">How Do I Maintain or Renew My Florida Teaching Certificate?</h3> <p>Once you earn your five-year Professional Certificate, you'll need to renew it before it expires. Renewal requires at least 120 in-service points or college credits, including training in teaching students with disabilities (SWD). </p> <p>These credits can be earned through professional development, graduate coursework, or district-provided workshops. Renewal ensures that teachers stay current with instructional methods and state standards. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreTeachingDegreesInFlorida">Explore Teaching Degrees in Florida</h2> <p>If you're ready to begin your teaching journey, explore accredited teaching degrees and certification pathways on Learn.org. Our resources can help you compare schools and degree options that align with your timeline, budget, and career goals.</p>