How to Become a Teacher

Become a teacher at The School District of Lee County!
It's as easy as 1,2,3...

1. Do you have a bachelor's degree?

Florida Law requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.

Florida is one of 48 states to offer alternative routes to becoming a certified teacher.

If you hold a bachelor's degree, then you can become eligible for Florida teacher certification under one of the following:

• Pass an appropriate subject area exam; OR
• Earn a degree major in an appropriate subject area; OR
• Complete the appropriate coursework in a subject area with a 2.5 GPA; or 
• Complete a teacher prep program from an accredited college; OR
• Possess a current out-of-state teaching license in an equivalent subject area and grade level offered by Florida.

A teacher may begin teaching under either a temporary certificate or a professional certificate. Those beginning with a temporary certificate need to be aware that it is a non-renewable 5-year teaching certificate. Teachers with a temporary certificate need to meet professional certification requirements prior to the expiration of the temporary certificate in order to retain their certified status.

2. If yes, connect with Human Resources

Non-education majors may submit official transcripts directly to Human Resources at 2855 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33966.

Human Resource Operations Credential Specialists on staff may review your transcripts and help guide you on a pathway to certification. You can also get connected to a Credential Specialist by emailing us at [email protected].

Need help choosing your certification/teaching subject?  This list of certification subject areas may help your decision.  Let your Credential Specialists know what you are interested in!

3. Once eligibility is determined apply online!

Once Human Resources determines your eligibility, then you will be able to apply online with the Florida Department of Education and apply directly to instructional positions using Peoplesoft.

Are you interested in Exceptional Student Education?  Check out this resource to support you on your pathway. Florida's Personnel Development - Supporting Students with Disabilities

Military Veterans Certification

Military veterans who have not earned a bachelor's degree are eligible for a 5-year temporary certificate if they meet the following criteria:

• Minimum of 48 months of active duty with honorable/medical discharge
• Minimum of 60 credit hours and a 2.5 GPA
• Passing scores on a Florida subject area exam

Adjunct Instructor Opportunity

The District may issue an adjunct teaching certificate to any applicant who fulfills the requirements of s. 1012.56 Educator certification requirements ((2) (a)-(f) and (10)) and who has expertise in the subject area to be taught.  An applicant shall be considered to have expertise in the subject area to be taught if the applicant demonstrates sufficient subject area mastery through passage of a subject area test.  A complete list of subject area tests available for an applicant to take and pass in order to demonstrate subject area mastery is available on the Subject Area Examinations section of the Florida Department of Education website. 

A District-issued adjunct teaching certificate is valid through the term of the annual contract between the educator and the District. An additional annual certification and an additional annual contract may be awarded by the District at the District’s discretion, but only if the applicant is rated effective or highly effective under s. 1012.34 Personnel evaluation procedures and criteria during each year of teaching under adjunct teaching certification. A school district may issue an adjunct teaching certificate for a part-time or full-time teaching position; however, an adjunct teaching certificate issued for a full-time teaching position is valid for no more than 5 years and is nonrenewable.