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Aspiring Teachers

Aspiring Teachers

Florida Teacher Certification

If you hold a bachelor's degree, then you can become eligible for Florida teacher certification under one of the following:

  • Pass an apporpriate subject area exam; OR
  • Earn a degree major in an appropriate subject area; OR
  • Complete the appropriate coursework in a subject area with 2.5 GPA; or 
  • Complete a teacher prep program from an accredited college; OR
  • Possess a current out-of-state teaching license in an equivalent subject area and grade level offered by Florida.

Temporary Internship Certification

The new Temporary Internship Certification pathway is a five-year Temporary Teacher Internship Certificate for individuals who are enrolled in a state-approved teacher preparation program and have not earned a bachelor's degree. If you have at least 60 college credits with a 2.5 GPA, successfully passed the subject area exam, and is actively completing the required program field experience or internship in Lee County, you may be eligible for this exciting opportunity. Learn more about this opportunity at the Florida Department of Education's Temporary Teacher Internship Certification Pathway website.

Military Veterans Certification

Military veterans who have not earned a bachelor's degree are eligible for a 5-year temporary certificate if they meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum of 48 months of active duty with honorable/medical discharge
  • Minimum of 60 credit hours and a 2.5 GPA
  • Passing scores on a Florida subject area exam

Grow Your Own Scholarship

The "Grow Your Own" scholarship program's goal is to assist with creating a local pipeline of educators to aid in our current teacher shortage. The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has made a contribution to the District of $50,000 with the potential of adding incrementally for a total of $250,000. This program will provide scholarship opportunities to current paraprofessionals and to graduating high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in education.