want to teach in Florida, need some clarification

[jrg24]

Hi all,

This is my first post and just need a little clarification with getting certified to teach in Florida. I am currently a college senior majoring in accounting. I have recently decided that i would like to teach, specifically math and science (calculus and physics, to be precise.)

I initially thought that all you had to do was pass the certificate exam for the particular subject to be able to teach it, but after reading the FDOE website it seems that i have to have so many college credits in the particular subject i want to teach. Physics is kind of a hobby of mine, which i read about and experiment in my free time, but i have only taken the lower division physics courses in college (university physics 1 and 2). Do i have to take more upper level physics courses to be able to teach physics in florida? Do i have to have these credits before i will be allowed to take the exam?

I wouldnt mind teaching some form of business education, but i really think i can turn kids on to science.

By the way, I am a Florida native and currently am attending college there if it matters.

Thanks for your input.
-Jason

[busbus]

I get the impression that your accounting major has nothing to do with teacher education. Am I mistaken?

If I were you, I would get answers to my questions from the school district(s) in the areas in which you might want to teach. I do not know about teaching in Florida. However, because of the need for teachers, many school districts across the country have instituted recruitment programs to attract people into teaching. Teaching Fellows and Transition into Teaching are two programs used in my school district. You might want to investigate what opportunities are available for non-education majors.

If, upon graduation, you will not have your teaching certification, you might also want to look into Teach For America. You can find information about this program online. Perhaps the school district(s) in your area or on your campus will have information about this program.

Don't know if this helps; but, good luck to you.

[Chef Dave]

Physics is kind of a hobby of mine, which i read about and experiment in my free time, but i have only taken the lower division physics courses in college (university physics 1 and 2). Do i have to take more upper level physics courses to be able to teach physics in florida? Do i have to have these credits before i will be allowed to take the exam?

When in doubt, always go to the source. One simple phone call to the Florida Department of Education, Office of Certification, will answer this question.

[irish223]

I initially thought that all you had to do was pass the certificate exam for the particular subject to be able to teach it, but after reading the FDOE website it seems that i have to have so many college credits in the particular subject i want to teach. Physics is kind of a hobby of mine, which i read about and experiment in my free time, but i have only taken the lower division physics courses in college (university physics 1 and 2). Do i have to take more upper level physics courses to be able to teach physics in florida? Do i have to have these credits before i will be allowed to take the exam?

I'm not familiar with Florida requirements, but I think most states are similar in this area.

You will need to complete the number of college-level credit hours required for an endorsement in physics before you can receive the endorsement. You will need the endorsement to teach physics, unless there is a shortage of qualified physics teachers in your area and your district applies for a waiver from the state. I don't know if you can take the exam first, but it doesn't really matter since you will still need to complete the coursework before getting an endorsement.

Busbus provided great information for a transition into teaching. It seems from your post that you are not aware that you need a teaching certificate, in addition to the subject area endorsements.

edit to add: My bad... I checked the FDOE website. Apparently, you will apply for a Temporary Teaching Certificate in the subjects you qualify to teach. I believe the credit hour/endorsement info is correct.