How To Become a Teacher Online in Florida

If you live in Florida and want to become a teacher, you may be wondering what you need to do to get there. Is it possible to become a teacher online in Florida? What are the steps you will need to follow?

All teachers in Florida need to have at least a bachelor's degree, state-approved student teaching experience, and the ability to obtain a state teaching certificate. Many of these steps can be completed online, though you must complete your fieldwork requirements in person at a local school.

Keep reading to find out more about becoming a teacher online.

Steps for Becoming a Teacher Online in Florida

The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) sets the guidelines and requirements for becoming a teacher in the state of Florida. To become a certified teacher, follow the steps below.

1. Determine Your Area of Focus

Is there a specific grade level or subject you hope to teach? Would you rather work in an elementary school, middle school, or high school? Do you hope to work with special education students?

Asking yourself these questions will help you narrow down your focus area and determine what teaching specialization to pursue. This is an important step, as it can help you decide what specific type of degree to pursue and which classes to take to prepare for certifications.

2. Gain an Undergraduate Degree Online

To meet basic eligibility requirements to obtain a professional certificate in teaching, you will need to earn a bachelor's degree. Many aspiring Florida educators complete an education degree that prepares them to pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE).

You can complete many teaching degree programs online, but you must also complete some in-person experiences, such as student teaching and observation, before securing your teaching license. These requirements are often included in your degree program, which commonly allows you to complete fieldwork requirements in a local school district.

3. Enroll in a Student Teaching Experience

Even if you study online, you will need to complete fieldwork requirements before you can become certified and pursue teaching positions in Florida. Fieldwork requirements will vary depending on your degree or certificate program.

These experiences are a necessary part of becoming a teacher. Not only do they allow you to practice what you learn in your courses, but they also help you gain a better understanding of what it's like to be a teacher on a day-to-day basis.

4. Pass Required Teaching Exams

Aspiring teachers must pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE). This examination consists of three tests that gauge your general knowledge, instructional aptitude and language skills, and expertise in specific subject areas.

The subject area exam tests prepare you for teaching a specific subject and grade level. As such, you will choose which specific subject areas to test in depending on your career goals. The other parts of the exam must be completed in full by all prospective teachers

5. Pass a Background Check

Before you can work in any Florida school district, you must pass a background check. You will be fingerprinted as part of this process.

Your fingerprints will be submitted to the FBI for national examination and to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for statewide examination. Once you have passed the background check, you can apply for certification.

6. Get Your Online Teaching Certification

After you have passed your FTCE examinations and background check, you will receive a statement of status of eligibility from the state of Florida. At this time, you can obtain a state certification to teach by completing an application package.

The certification process includes filling out an online application and submitting all required documents, such as the results of your background check. Initial Florida certification, as well as upgrading from a temporary certificate to a professional certificate, costs $75.

Online Bachelor's in Education Degree Programs in Florida

A bachelor's or master's degree is necessary to fulfill teaching certification requirements in Florida. Consider the following bachelor's degree education programs you can complete online.

University of Central Florida � BS in Career and Technical Education

The University of Central Florida is a public school in Orlando. This school is known for having many online programs, including a Bachelor' of Science degree in career and technical education. This program is great for those hoping to teach secondary and postsecondary students at technical and vocational schools. The program includes flexible online courses and is completed in 120 credit hours.

Florida International University � BS in Early Childhood Education

Florida International University, located in University Park, is another top public school with an array of online degree offerings. One of the online degrees available is a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education. All coursework can be completed online and is highly flexible, making it easy to study anywhere, anytime.

University of West Florida � BA in Exceptional Student and Elementary Education

The University of West Florida is located in Pensacola. This public school offers an online Bachelor of Arts in exceptional student and elementary education. The program features fully online coursework but requires two 100-hour fieldwork experiences to prepare students for teaching certification. The program comprises 132 credit hours.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher?

Not all students complete their teacher education in the same timeframe. Some career paths take longer than others to pursue. What's more, those who study full-time will finish more quickly than those studying part-time.

If you are following the most direct route, you can complete an approved education bachelor's degree in about four years. Completing all fieldwork requirements and exams may take an additional year.

On the other hand, if you pursue a bachelor's degree in another field, you must also complete a post-baccalaureate program or master's degree before getting certified. This could add a year or two to your timeframe.

Can I Teach in Florida Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, it's possible to become a teacher in Florida with any bachelor's degree. Some students choose a major in a specific subject area to gain mastery of the subject they hope to teach. Others start with an unrelated major and switch to teaching later in their careers.

Regardless of your chosen major, if it is not directly related to a teaching career, you will need to pursue a post-baccalaureate certification program or master's degree before you can become a teacher. These programs will provide required coursework and student teaching experiences that will prepare you to pass your certification exams.