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Teacher Pathways

Pathways to the Classroom Flyer

In partnership with Florida SouthWestern State College, the Para to Teacher Certification Program is designed to support non-traditional students as they work toward earning an educational degree while continuing to work in the district. This program offers a pathway for current employees with an Associate's Degree to grow professionally and take the next step toward becoming a certified teacher.

Program highlights include:

  • Scholarship and grant opportunities
  • Online classes with strong support
  • Reading and ESOL endorsements
  • FTCE preparation
  • Embedded internship opportunities completed at your school of employment

To learn more about the program and what participation involves, please join one of the upcoming virtual recruitment events:

  • April 22nd at 6:00 pm
  • April 28th at 4:00 pm

Please also see the attached flyer for additional program details.

Many Florida colleges and universities offer undergraduate programs that prepare students for K-12 teaching degrees. These teacher preparation programs provide student interns with hands-on, field-based experiences in schools to build practical teaching skills.

Please contact Inez Mata to learn more.

Florida Gulf Coast University, in partnership with The School District of Lee County, is offering a paid internship during the student intern’s Block 5/final internship. The interns receive a one-time supplement while spending half of their day completing their traditional internship and the other half supporting students through small-group intervention, walk-to-read support, school-wide operational responsibilities, and other responsibilities that will help the intern grow as a Lee County employee.

Please contact Inez Mata to learn more.

This pathway allows individuals enrolled in a state-approved teacher preparation program—who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree—to begin teaching and earn a first-year teacher salary while completing their internship requirements. Eligible candidates must meet state certification requirements, hold a valid Statement of Eligibility, have at least 60 college credits, demonstrate subject-area mastery, complete fingerprinting, and be actively participating in a public-school internship or field experience.

For more information about the Temporary Internship Pathway, please visit the FLDOE website.

Florida Gulf Coast University, in partnership with The School District of Lee County, FutureMakers, the Good Jobs Pipeline, and IDA Grant, has provided an alternative pathway to a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Special Education with Reading, ESOL, and Early Childhood Special Education Endorsements.

The target population of participants is instructional support staff currently employed in Lee County who hold an AA degree/60 hours of credit and wish to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. The purpose of this initiative is to meet the ongoing need for certified classroom teachers and meet the requests of our district partners. Candidates complete accelerated online coursework combined with field experiences and internships—often in their own school of employment. There is no program cost for the student.

If you're interested in the FGCU SSPP Program, please complete the Interest Form.

Please contact Inez Mata to learn more.

Saint Leo University, in partnership with The School District of Lee County, has provided an alternative pathway to a bachelor’s degree in Elementary or Secondary Education (Social Science or English) with reading and ESOL endorsements.

The target population of participants is instructional support staff currently employed in Lee County who hold an AA degree/60 hours of credit and wish to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. The purpose of this initiative is to meet the ongoing need for certified classroom teachers and meet the requests of our district partners. Candidates complete accelerated online coursework combined with field experiences and internships—often in their own school of employment. The student will pay a discounted tuition rate.

To learn more about the Para-to-Pro Program, please view the Saint Leo University Informational Handout .

Saint Leo University is hosting a Virtual ZOOM meeting on Tuesday, April 21st, for those interested in the Grow Your Own Para to Pro: Teacher Certification Program. If you’ve been dreaming of leading your own classroom, this is the perfect opportunity to learn how to make it happen! Click here to learn more about the Virtual ZOOM Meeting.

The Temporary Teacher Apprenticeship Program is a new pathway for individuals to enter the teaching profession and will continue to increase the pipeline of high-quality teachers. Apprentices begin as paraprofessionals and are paired with an experienced mentor utilizing a team-teach model. Apprentices will receive on-the-job training and related instruction leading towards a baccalaureate degree and a professional educator certificate. Participants will earn a program wage that increases at two checkpoints in the program. The university has waived the cost of post-secondary instruction, allowing the participant to receive it at no cost.

For more information about the Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway, please visit the FLDOE website .

The BloomBoard program offers an accelerated pathway to becoming the teacher of record while you’re still completing your degree. From day one, you’ll lead your own classroom, earn a salary, and build seniority as you grow into the profession. Through this program, you’ll be required to have a valid Teacher Certification to be eligible to apply for a LCEAP Teacher Intern position within the district, while immediately applying your learning in real time, supported by structured mentorship and coaching. Through course enrollment at Barry University you may be eligible to apply for financial aid (FAFSA) to assist in completing your studies.

To learn how you can earn while you learn, please view the Bloombaord Educator Advancement Program Informational Video.