Florida Substitute Teacher Certification
Are you thinking of becoming a substitute teacher in Florida? Each school district has its own eligibility requirements. Many Florida school districts do not require a special certification for substitute teachers, but there are some that do. The application process varies, but there are certain minimum requirements that are universal for substitute teachers throughout the state.
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College Credits
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Most Florida school districts require substitute teacher applicants to have a minimum of 60 college credits and an average GPA of 2.5 to 3.0. In some cases, the more college credits you have, the higher your pay rate will be. Retired teachers are generally at the top of the pay scale for substitute teaching.
References
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You will need to provide professional references with your application. Most schools require at least three employment references.
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Special Training
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Many school districts require you to complete special training before becoming a substitute teacher. The Miami-Dade County Public Schools district, for example, requires applicants to complete a two-day training if they have not previously received training in Miami-Dade school safety and security procedures, educational liability laws, professional responsibilities, ethics, classroom management and instruction. Seminole County offers a half-day class. Orange County requires a six-hour training class.
Additional Requirements
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Many schools require criminal background tests and drug tests before hiring someone as a substitute teacher.
Possible Fees
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There may be fees for employment applications, background checks, or other eligibility requirements. The school district should inform you of any fees before you submit an application.
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References
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