Your Pathway to Teaching

The University of Florida is dedicated to shaping the future of education by offering a variety of pathways to teacher certification. These programs are designed to accommodate paraprofessionals with full-time education jobs, as well as anyone in Florida seeking to obtain their teaching credentials. Here’s a closer look at the exciting opportunities available:

SITE Elementary Program

This program provides a comprehensive curriculum that equips future educators with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in elementary education. It is a learn-by-doing Master’s program that can be completed in a single year.

Secondary Teaching Certificate

Ideal for individuals aiming to teach at the middle or high school level, this program focuses on subject-specific pedagogy and classroom management techniques. This program leads to Florida Teacher Professional Certification at the post-baccalaureate level.

Early Childhood Education

Designed for aspiring educators, the Bachelor of Arts in Education at the University of Florida program focuses on children aged three through grade three and their families. It covers essential topics such as child development, early literacy, and inclusive education practices.

Elementary Education (Online Pathway)

Coming soon, this program will offer another pathway for aspiring elementary school teachers, providing them with the tools and strategies needed to create effective and engaging learning environments.

Coming Soon

Whether you’re a paraprofessional looking to advance your career or someone new to the field of education, the University of Florida has a program to help you achieve your goals and make a lasting impact in the classroom.

Teacher Apprentice Program

In Spring 2024, the University of Florida College of Education proudly graduated its first cohort of teacher apprentices in the state. This innovative program was tailored for individuals already working full-time in Florida classrooms, offering a flexible learning schedule that allowed apprentices to seamlessly integrate their professional responsibilities with their educational pursuits. Throughout the program, apprentices engaged in rigorous online coursework complemented by practical, on-the-job training. In addition, they received invaluable support from district-appointed Mentor Teachers, who provided classroom guidance and coaching in effective teaching practices. This project was funded by a grant from the FDOE and was specifically for those who already had a bachelor’s degree. We have a new grant to design a program for those seeking a bachelor’s degree – coming soon!

Questions?

To learn more about teacher apprenticeship programs at the University of Florida, contact Dr. Alyson Adams, Director of the School of Teaching and Learning (STL), at adamsa@coe.ufl.edu.