Contact: Teacher Education Student Services
College: Education

Graduation from an approved teacher certification degree program includes completion of the required courses in the major and the general professional preparation sequence including student teaching with a cumulative GPA of 2.5. Graduates of NCATE and state-approved teacher certification programs may be eligible for certification in other states based on reciprocal agreements. Graduates should contact the appropriate state certification office for information on certification in that state.

In addition to its teacher certification degree programs, the University offers certain courses accepted by the Florida Department of Education for Florida teacher certification. For specific courses consult with the Office of Teacher Education Student Services. Student teaching will be available only for degree-seeking students or students in an approved alternate certification program. Though students may select appropriate courses to satisfy Florida teacher certification requirements outside of an approved degree program, such courses do not satisfy the requirements of the reciprocity agreements. Therefore, no assurance of certification in states other than Florida can be provided.

Florida Teacher Certification Examination
The Florida Teacher Certification Examination is required of all applicants seeking the first regular certificate in Florida. Although the examination may be taken by anyone during the four test dates each year, students are urged to take the examination during the semester of their student teaching or after graduation.

The Florida examination is not required of UWF graduates seeking certification in states other than Florida; however, many other states now require similar written certification examinations. Students may obtain further information about the Florida examination from the Office of Teacher Education Student Services.

Florida Professional Orientation Program
Applicants for the regular teaching certificate in Florida are required to complete a beginning teacher program pursuant to Florida statutes. The program is a post-bachelor degree requirement and is incorporated within the first two years of employment.

UWF Home Page