FLORIDA — The Florida Department of Education has launched a webpage aimed at helping recruit qualified military veterans to teach in Florida schools, even if they have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.
On Wednesday, the State Board of Education will consider a rule to formally implement a program for veterans to receive a five-year temporary education certificate while they finish their bachelor’s degree, provided they meet certain criteria. The rule implements SB 896, which Governor Ron DeSantis signed earlier this year.
“We also know that our veterans have talents and skills that they can offer our students,” said DeSantis.
“This new opportunity expands Florida’s existing programs that help our veterans take their talents to our schools, and it will help Florida remain a national leader in education.”
Military Veterans Certification Pathway
The State Board of Education will consider a rule to allow military veterans to obtain a five-year temporary teaching certificate without a bachelor’s degree, providing the following criteria are met:
- Minimum of 48 months of military service with an honorable/medical discharge
- Minimum of 60 college credits with a 2.5 grade point average
- Passing score on a Florida subject area examination
- Employment in a Florida school district, including charter schools
- Cleared background screening
Per SB 896 (2022), which unanimously passed the Florida House and Senate, veterans who successfully obtain their five-year temporary teaching certificate will be assigned a mentor teacher for a minimum of two years to support their classroom teaching endeavors.
They must also earn their bachelor’s degree during the five-year period to be eligible for a full professional certificate. Veterans utilizing this temporary certificate may not teach subject areas that require a master’s degree.
The temporary certificate cannot be renewed once it expires, nor does it apply to military spouses or families.
“With the skills and experience that our 1.7 million veterans bring to Florida’s workforce, this new pathway to teaching will positively impact Florida’s students,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr.
“Veterans and servicemembers can now work toward their full professional certificate while imparting their unique knowledge and valuable experience in the classroom.”
To learn more about the program, visit www.fldoe.org/veterans.
