The state of Florida invests in its students, making sure that new teachers are well-prepared, taking note of teachers who enhance student achievement and implementing strategies to retain its best teachers, according to the state Department of Education. Read on to learn more about the necessary steps to become a physical education (PE) teacher in Florida, including passing the three required teacher certification exams.
Requirements for Physical Education Teachers in Florida
| Average Salary for Florida Teachers (2019)* | $56,970 (Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education); $55,210 (Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education); $56,640 (Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education); $57,880 (Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education) |
| Required Degree | Bachelor's |
| Degree Field | Physical Education |
| Testing Requirements | Florida Teacher Certification (FTCE) General Knowledge Test; FTCE Professional Education Test; FTCE Physical Education K-12 |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Step One: Pass the General Knowledge Test
All individuals looking to apply to a teacher education program have to take the Florida Teacher Certification (FTCE) General Knowledge Test and earn at least a 200 on the English language skills, reading, and math subtests, as well as an eight out of 12 on the essay subtest. Examinees are given four hours to complete all four sections.
The English language skills exam focuses on language structure, basic vocabulary, and parts of speech. The math subtest covers information such as real and rational numbers, operations, geometry and measuring ratios, algebraic equations, and probability. The reading subtest measures how well candidates can identify the main points from a text, follow the structure and tone of a piece of writing, and synthesize information from various texts. Finally, the essay tests their ability to focus on a single audience, develop a clear thesis, organize ideas clearly, and use proper grammar.
Step Two: Graduate from a Teacher Education Program
Once enrolled in an approved PE bachelor's program at a college or university, students will be exposed to classes in anatomy, diversity in a classroom, kinesiology , building PE curriculum, teaching PE in elementary school, teaching physical education in high school, coaching, and measuring sport skill proficiency. This formal education includes at least one semester-long internship. This offers students the chance to apply their knowledge and actually instruct a real classroom of students.
Step Three: Pass the Other Required Exams
All Florida teachers must pass the FTCE Professional Education Test (PEd) with at least a 200 score. Examinees get two and a half hours to answer 120 multiple-choice questions that relate to topics like designing instruction, planning lessons, building student-centered learning environments, developing content area literacy, assessing student learning, maintaining professional development, and teaching English language learners.
To earn the required 200 score on the FTCE Physical Education K-12 exam and become certified for teach kindergarten through grade 12, examinees must answer 120 multiple-choice questions in two and a half hours. The PE K-12 tests an individual's knowledge of the philosophy behind PE, PE curriculum, instructional strategies unique to PE, assessment of students' physical abilities, human growth and development, lifetime health, the social development brought by PE, and more.
Step Four: Apply for Certification
For certification, prospective teachers must submit an application package to the Florida Department of Education. This package consists of the CG-10 application form, a processing fee of $75 and school transcripts. Upon employment, teachers will need to be fingerprinted.
Links to Help Future Florida PE Teachers
The links provided here may assist you as you prepare for the various FTCE exams required to teach physical education in the state of Florida, as they contain comprehensive study materials.
- Prepare for the FTCE Exam
- FTCE PEd Study Guide
- FTCE PE K-12 Study Guide
