How To Become A Substitute Teacher In Florida
Substitute teachers are an integral part of the American public school system. They provide continuity in education by filling in for full-time teachers who are absent or on leave. Substitutes are often called upon to teach classes that they have not been trained to teach, but they must be prepared to take on any challenge that comes their way. It may seem like an easy job, but it can also be one of the most stressful positions in education. To become a substitute teacher, you must follow a few steps and complete some paperwork.
Step 1: Apply for an Education Certificate
In order to apply for a teaching job in Florida, you will need an education certificate from an accredited institution. This can include a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. You should also have at least two years of teaching experience under your belt before applying for a position as a substitute teacher. This means that if you are currently working toward your bachelor’s degree or have just graduated from one, you will need to wait until after graduation before applying for substitute teaching jobs in Florida schools.
Step 2: Complete Background Check Requirements
All applicants for any position with any school district in Florida must undergo a background check before being allowed
How To Become A Substitute Teacher In Florida
Criminal History Background Check
Once hired as a substitute teacher in a Florida school, you must have a criminal history background check performed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This involves submitting fingerprints through the public school district’s personnel office. If your fingerprint results return clear, you will be issued a teaching certificate within 30 days of the Bureau of Educator Certification receiving the request from your district.
If you work for a nonpublic school in Florida, your employer will give you a fingerprint card and instructions on where to have the background check completed. You will return the completed card and processing fee to your employer, who will forward it to the Bureau of Educator Certification. Once the FBI and FDLE have cleared you for employment, within 30 days the Bureau will notify your employer and issue your teaching certificate.
If your fingerprinting results return a criminal record, your application will be forwarded to the Bureau of Professional Practices Services for review. They will contact you regarding the necessary information to resolve the situation and determine your eligibility to have a teaching certificate issued.
Additional Information
Depending upon the school district for which you work, you may be permitted to choose the grade level and/or subject you wish to teach. All school districts will assess the performance of substitute teachers who work for 30 or more days in one classroom.
