How to Become a Math Teacher in Florida

Anyone wishing to become a math teacher in Florida must possess an accredited bachelor's degree. They must also complete a state-approved teacher education preparation program in elementary education, middle grade mathematics education, or secondary mathematics education.

The bachelor's degree earned may include an approved teacher preparation program; before picking a program, check the list of all approved options on Florida's Department of Education website. Every program will have slightly different coursework, but due to the nature of the programs, most will include human development, calculus, algebra, and teaching math at the appropriate grade level. During the program of study, students will also be expected to complete a student teaching internship to gain experience in the classroom before graduation.

No matter what subject or grade level a teacher prefers to teach, all applicants must pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) General Knowledge test. Most students complete this requirement prior to being accepted into a teacher preparation program as it is often required for admission. During the exam, students will take math, reading, English language skills (ELS), and writing subtests. The 4-hour test is made up of multiple choice questions and free response questions. The math, reading, and ELS subtests require minimum scores of 200, while test-taker must earn 8 out of 12 points on the essay. The General Knowledge FTCE costs $150 for the first attempt and the retake, if necessary.

Future middle school or high school math educators will also take either the Middle Grades Mathematics (5-9) exam or the Mathematics (6-12) exam, respectively. Both exams consist of 75 multiple choice questions over the course of 150 minutes, and both each cost $150 for the first attempt and the retake). Test takes must score at least a 200 on these tests. Scientific calculators will be provided at the time of testing.

Prospective elementary educators will take the Elementary Education exam, which is made up of four parts: Language Arts and Reading, Social Science, Science, and Mathematics. Each section is 50-60 multiple choice questions and can be taken all together or one at a time. Together, the test is $150.

Finally, all future teachers need to take the Professional Education Test, which is made up of 120 multiple choice questions and costs $150 for the first attempt. Students must score at least a 200. This test is designed to make sure all teachers are prepared for the challenges of the classroom prior to being hired.

First, applicants need to submit a form called a CG-10, which can be filled out and turned in through the Department of Education's website. Applicants will then need to include a $75 processing fee for any endorsement areas of their choosing. After they have submitted all official transcripts to the DOE, applicants will receive an Official Statement of Eligibility from the state. The statement is valid for 3 years and determines that an applicant is in fact ready for the next steps in the certification process. Once the initial application is complete, all candidates need to find employment with a Florida school equipped with a state-approved professional education competence program. After the teacher has found employment, the next step is to be fingerprinted; once the fingerprinting process is complete, students will receive a Professional Certificate.

Questions about particular FTCE examinations can be answered with the these detailed guides, which include what to study and how to prepare for future exams:

• The FTCE Guide
• The FTCE Professional Education: Practice & Study Guide
• The FTCE Mathematics 6-12 Exam: Practice & Study Guide

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