Is it Mandatory to have a Master’s Degree to Become a Teacher in Florida?

If you are interested in becoming a teacher in Florida, the steps are quite straightforward and without any complications along the way. However, one of the most common questions that people have is regarding the importance of a master’s degree and whether it is mandatory to have one.

For the candidates enrolling in an online reading education masters program, it will help you augment your chances of securing great jobs. However, to answer your question, a Master’s degree is not mandatory if you already have a Bachelor’s degree in Education to become a teacher in Florida.

This article will further explore all the details that you need to know to become a certified educator in the state of Florida.

What are the Educational Requirements to Become a Teacher in Florida?

When it comes to becoming a teacher in Florida, the first step is to sort out your educational requirements. This is the basic and mandatory step that you can’t forego.

• The first route is to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a specialization in the subject that you deem suitable to your expertise. The Education degree will help you learn about classroom management, student organization, etc. The specialization will equip you with better knowledge regarding the subject area you are considering teaching the students.
• The second route is to earn a Master’s degree in Education if you have a non-education bachelor’s degree. This is the scenario where a Master’s degree would be mandatory for you to acquire if you want to venture into the profession of teaching in Florida.

Furthermore, if you don’t meet the standard criteria to qualify for professional certification, you can go ahead and acquire a temporary certification. You do need a Bachelor’s degree as a base for that too.

What are the Qualifying Examinations to Become a Teacher in Florida?

So, once you have your standard educational requirements sorted and out of the way, the next step is to clear the Florida Teacher Certificate Examination (FTCE). You must pass this examination to acquire your teaching license and become a teacher.

More information about the test, the schedules, requirements, curriculum, etc. are all mentioned on the official website of this certificate examination.

Once you pass the FTCE exam, the next step is to complete the CG-10 application. This is the basic certificate application, where you fill out all the standard information like name, educational background, experience, expertise, personal information, etc. Once you have filled out the form, you need to mail it to the Florida Department of Education.

With the application, you’d be asked to submit a variety of documentation for background checks and verification purposes, all of which are listed on the official website of the Florida Department of Education. 

Conclusion

While you don’t need to have a Master’s degree to become a teacher in Florida, it is always ideal if you want to secure a well-paying teaching job in a high-end district in the town. We hope this article gives you all the basic insights that you needed to clarify your doubts.