Program Overview

Alternative Teacher Certification

Introduction

Alternative Certification may be a beneficial pathway for individuals to become certified teachers in the state of Florida without completing a traditional teacher certification program. This means that individuals will independently communicate with the Florida Department of Education and complete required steps to meet the certification requirements.

Steps to Certification

The following steps are required for Alternative Teacher Certification:

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree.
2. Apply to the state of Florida for certification.
3. Receive a Statement of Eligibility from the state within several weeks after the application is received.
   • The statement outlines missing information and/or coursework required to earn temporary and professional teacher certification.
4. Schedule FTCE Exam(s), if indicated on the Statement of Eligibility.
   • Florida Teacher Certification Exams:
     1. General Knowledge Exam (may be waived for applicants who hold a master's degree or higher).
     2. Subject Area Exam (may be waived for applicants who hold a master's degree or higher with an appropriate major).
     3. Professional Education Exam (may be waived if the applicant meets specific requirements outlined on the FL DOE's website or as written in House Bill 1, K-12 Education, Educator Certification).

Additional Information

• If individuals are missing specific professional preparation coursework as indicated in their Statement of Eligibility, they are welcome to complete them at Florida Atlantic University:
  1. Course by Course - apply as a non-degree seeking student and register for appropriate coursework according to the Statement of Eligibility.
• Professional education courses are designed to address requirements on the Florida Department of Education Statement of Eligibility.

Program Details

The Alternative Teacher Certification program is designed for individuals who wish to become certified teachers in the state of Florida without completing a traditional teacher certification program. The program requires individuals to earn a Bachelor's Degree, apply for certification, and complete required coursework and exams as outlined by the Florida Department of Education.

Academic Preparation

Individuals may complete missing professional preparation coursework at Florida Atlantic University as a non-degree seeking student. The university offers courses designed to address requirements on the Florida Department of Education Statement of Eligibility.

Certification Exams

The Florida Teacher Certification Exams include the General Knowledge Exam, Subject Area Exam, and Professional Education Exam. Certain exams may be waived for applicants who hold a master's degree or higher, or who meet specific requirements outlined by the Florida Department of Education.

Program Structure

The Alternative Teacher Certification program is structured to allow individuals to complete required coursework and exams independently. Individuals will work with the Florida Department of Education to determine required coursework and exams, and may complete missing coursework at Florida Atlantic University.

Conclusion

The Alternative Teacher Certification program offers a beneficial pathway for individuals to become certified teachers in the state of Florida. The program requires individuals to earn a Bachelor's Degree, apply for certification, and complete required coursework and exams as outlined by the Florida Department of Education. With the opportunity to complete missing coursework at Florida Atlantic University, individuals can achieve their goal of becoming certified teachers in Florida.