Teaching Math in Florida

Florida recognizes the need to hire and support solid math teachers in order to educate strong math students. The Florida Department of Education and other organizations offer funds for education, classroom presentations, loan forgiveness and other incentives only available to math educators and prospective math educators. There are several professional associations that focus on education in general, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in particular.

Florida boasts several programs that allow individuals in other careers to make a smooth transition into the field of education. They also have reciprocity for other states’ teaching licenses (under certain circumstances). Florida’s student to teacher ratio is slightly lower than the national average at 15.8 students per teacher, and salary levels for Florida teachers have increased 1.6 percent (compared to the national average, which saw a loss of income of 0.1 percent). Areas like Fort Walton Beach, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Naples and Marco Island even have median salaries above that of the national average.

Math Teacher Certification in Florida

Math Teaching Qualifications

Florida is committed to ensuring that all students have qualified and engaging teachers in their classrooms. To accomplish this goal, a person seeking to obtain a Florida teaching license/certificate must meet several requirements, including completing the necessary education coursework and passing the requisite teacher examinations.

Credentials & Exams

• Upon completion of the minimum requirements, prospective teachers are granted a Temporary Certificate. This certificate qualifies for three school years and certifies that the certificate holder is competent to teach in the specified disciplines.
• At the completion of three school years worth of teaching, the teacher may apply for a Professional Certificate, which is good for five school years and can be renewed. The Professional Certificate is Florida’s highest teaching certificate. It is obtained by successfully passing certain tests that include a general knowledge section as well as a specialized subject area portion. A helpful chart summarizing the different types of certificates and their requirements can be found here.
• Click here for more information on Florida’s certification process, including information for graduates of Florida state-approved teacher preparation programs, temporary certificates, reciprocity and more.
• Once an application for certification has been submitted, the Bureau of Educator Certification (BEC) will determine exactly which tests are required for an individual’s certification. Tests will likely include one or more of:
  • Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE), which tests general knowledge.
  • Professional Education Tests (PEd), which assess educational philosophies and practices.
  • FTCE Subject Area Examinations (SAE) are used to assess mastery in a content area.
  • Florida Educational Leadership Examinations (FELE) for administrative certifications.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

Florida also offers an alternative route to certification. Prospective teachers can choose to participate in the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI). EPI allows individuals holding a non-education degree to complete sessions ensuring they’re both educationally and professionally prepared to begin teaching. Upon completing the necessary coursework, individuals will be granted a permit providing them with lateral entry into the field of education.