Certification Overview
Questions about becoming a certified teacher in Florida? Just ask the certification experts! The certification team is eager to assist you in accomplishing your goal of becoming a certified teacher.
Professional Certificate Renewal Information
How to Renew Your Professional Certificate
Current Employees
1. Review
Review the FAQ’s and Renewal Checklist
2. Access
Access the Staff Portal to complete and submit the Polk County Schools Certification Renewal Payment Form.
3. Create
Create an Educator Account and Onboarding. Skip this step if you have previously completed the onboarding process and have an active account with the FLDOE.
4. Apply
Review the step-by-step instructions Instructions for Renewal Application Process for completing the FLDOE Renewal Application.
o Click here to access your FLDOE account
o Log into your account (Create an account if you have not done so already)
o Click the drop-down menu for ‘Choose Application’ and select Renewal Application
o Complete and submit the application
- Note: Select District Affiliation: 53-Polk
Former/Retired Employees
2. Create
Create an Educator Account and Onboarding. Skip this step if you have previously completed the onboarding process and have an active account with the FLDOE.
3. Review
Review the step-by-step instructions Former Employees –Instructions for Renewal Application Process for completing the FLDOE Renewal Application.
4. Apply
Click here to access your FLDOE account and apply to renew your Professional Certificate at the FLDOE.Notes:
- Select FLDOE Affiliation: 100-FLDOE
- Payment must be submitted and processed with the FLDOE
- Send a request to patti.wilkins@polk-fl.net to submit your In-service Points (i.e., CT116 Form) to the FLDOE.
Charter Employees
1. Review
Review the FAQ’S TO RENEW YOUR 5-YEAR PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION under the methods of renewal section.
2. Complete
Complete and submit the Polk County School Certification Renewal Payment Form. Staple your method(s) of renewal to this form.
3. Create
Create an Educator Account and Onboarding. Skip this step if you have previously completed the onboarding process and have an active account with the FLDOE.
4. Apply
Review the step-by-step instructions Instructions for Renewal Application Process-Charter Schools for completing the FLDOE Renewal Application.
o Click here to access your FLDOE account
o Log into your account (Create an account if you have not done so already)
o Click the drop-down menu for ‘Choose Application’ and select Renewal Application
o Complete and submit the application
- Note: Select District Affiliation: 53-Polk
Additional Renewal Resources (Current Employees)
- https://www.powtoon.com/c/dr87tnlpN9C/1/m
- Coming Soon!! Updated Moodle Course: How to Renew Your 5-Year Florida Teaching Certificate
Adding a Subject Area or Endorsement to a Teaching Certificate
Polk County Public School Employees
Professional Certificate
IMPORTANT! Follow these steps if you passed a subject area exam to add the corresponding coverage to your certificate that does not require a master’s degree or higher. (DO NOT choose this option if you passed the Reading K-12 subject area exam to add the Reading Endorsement – Reference Adding an Endorsement.)
- Step 1 – Access: Access the Staff Portal to submit the PCPS Add-On Application Payment
- Step 2 – Create: Create an Educator Account and Onboarding. (Skip this step if you have previously completed the onboarding process and have an active account with the FLDOE).
- Step 3 – Apply: Once you complete onboarding, you will be able to login to your DOE account an under the “Choose Application”, please select District Add Subject. (Note: District Affiliation is Polk County # 53) Click here to access your FLDOE account and apply.
Note: IMPORTANT! Follow these steps if you:
- Completed an Endorsement Program through our District: ESOL, Gifted, and/or Reading
- Passed the Reading K-12 subject area exam to add the Reading Endorsement (Not the Reading K-12 coverage)
DO NOT choose this option for college transcripts to be evaluated.
- Step 1 – Access: Access the Staff Portal to submit the PCPS Add-On Application Payment
- Step 2 – Create: Create an Educator Account and Onboarding (Skip this step if you have previously completed the onboarding process and have an active account with the FLDOE).
- Step 3 – Apply: Once you complete onboarding, you will be able to login to your DOE account an under the “Choose Application”, please select District Add Endorsement. (Note: District Affiliation is Polk County # 53) Click here to access your FLDOE account and apply.
Note: Follow these steps if you are seeking:
- Evaluation of official college transcripts to see what Reading Competencies and/or ESOL courses you may have already completed
- Addition of coverages that require a master’s degree or higher such as: Educational Leadership, Guidance & Counseling, and/or Reading K-12
- Addition of School Principal certification by completing the Florida District School Principal Certification Program through PCPS
- Step 1 – Create: Create an Educator Account and Onboarding (Skip this step if you have previously completed the onboarding process and have an active account with the FLDOE).
- Step 2 – Apply: Once you complete onboarding, you will be able to login to your DOE account under the “Choose Application”, please select Addition of Subject to Educator Professional Certificate. Click here to access your FLDOE account and apply. (Note: You will submit the application fee directly to the FLDOE).
- Step 3 – Email certificationoffice@polk-fl.net once the area is added to your certificate.
Temporary Certificate
IMPORTANT! Follow these steps if you passed a subject area exam to add the corresponding coverage to your certificate that does not require a master’s degree or higher. (DO NOT choose this option if you passed the Reading K-12 subject area exam to add the Reading Endorsement – Reference Adding an Endorsement.)
- Step 1 – Create: Create an Educator Account and Onboarding (Skip this step if you have previously completed the onboarding process and have an active account with the FLDOE).
- Step 2 – Apply: Click here to access your FLDOE account and apply. (Note: Under your Quickstart menu: Choose the Educator Additional Subject Application)
- Step 3 – Email certificationoffice@polk-fl.net once the area is added to your certificate.
Note: IMPORTANT! Follow these steps if you:
- Completed an Endorsement Program through our District: ESOL, Gifted, and/or Reading
- Passed the Reading K-12 subject area exam to add the Reading Endorsement (Not the Reading K-12 coverage)
DO NOT choose this option for college transcripts to be evaluated.
- Step 1 – Access: Access the Staff Portal to submit the PCPS Add-On Application Payment
- Step 2 – Create: Create an Educator Account and Onboarding (Skip this step if you have previously completed the onboarding process and have an active account with the FLDOE).
- Step 3 – Apply: Once you complete onboarding, you will be able to login to your DOE account an under the “Choose Application”, please select District Add Endorsement. (Note: District Affiliation is Polk County # 53) Click here to access your FLDOE account and apply.
Adding a Subject Area or Endorsement to a Teaching Certificate
Charter School Employees
Professional Certificate
IMPORTANT! Follow these steps if you passed a subject area exam to add the corresponding coverage to your certificate that does not require a master’s degree or higher. (DO NOT choose this option if you passed the Reading K-12 subject area exam to add the Reading Endorsement – Reference Adding an Endorsement.)
- Step 1 – Create: Create an Educator Account and Onboarding (Skip this step if you have previously completed the onboarding process and have an active account with the FLDOE).
- Step 2 – Submit: the Add—On Application Money Order Form-Charter Schools and Money Order for $75.00 to the District Certification Dept.
- Step 3 – Apply: Once you complete onboarding, you will be able to login to your DOE account an under the “Choose Application”, please select District Add Subject. (Note: District Affiliation is Polk County # 53) Click here to access your FLDOE account and apply
Note: IMPORTANT! Follow these steps if you:
- Completed an Endorsement Program through our District: ESOL, Gifted, and/or Reading
- Passed the Reading K-12 subject area exam to add the Reading Endorsement (Not the Reading K-12 coverage)
DO NOT choose this option for college transcripts to be evaluated.
- Step 1 – Create: Create an Educator Account and Onboarding (Skip this step if you have previously completed the onboarding process and have an active account with the FLDOE).
- Step 2 – Submit: Submit the Add—On Application Money Order Form-Charter Schools and Money Order for $75.00 to the District Certification Dept.
- Step 3 – Apply: Once you complete onboarding, you will be able to login to your DOE account an under the “Choose Application”, please select District Add Endorsement. (Note: District Affiliation is Polk County # 53) Click here to access your FLDOE account and apply
Note: Follow these steps if you are seeking:
- Evaluation of official college transcripts to see what Reading Competencies and/or ESOL courses you may have already completed
- Addition of coverages that require a master’s degree or higher such as: Educational Leadership, Guidance & Counseling, and/or Reading K-12
- Addition of School Principal certification by completing the Florida District School Principal Certification Program through PCPS
- Step 1 – Create: Create an Educator Account and Onboarding (Skip this step if you have previously completed the onboarding process and have an active account with the FLDOE).
- Step 2 – Apply: Once you complete onboarding, you will be able to login to your DOE account an under the “Choose Application”, please select Addition of Subject to Educator Professional Certificate. Click here to access your FLDOE account and complete the Add-On Application. (Note: You will submit the application fee directly to the FLDOE.)
- Step 3 – Email: Email certificationoffice@polk-fl.net once the area is added to your certificate.
Temporary Certificate
IMPORTANT! Follow these steps if you passed a subject area exam to add the corresponding coverage to your certificate that does not require a master’s degree or higher. (DO NOT choose this option if you passed the Reading K-12 subject area exam to add the Reading Endorsement – Reference Adding an Endorsement.)
- Step 1 – Create: Create an Educator Account and Onboarding (Skip this step if you have previously completed the onboarding process and have an active account with the FLDOE).
- Step 2 – Apply: Click here to access your FLDOE account and apply. (Note: Under your Quickstart menu: Choose the Educator Additional Subject Application)
- Step 3 – Email: Email certificationoffice@polk-fl.net once the area is added to your certificate.
Note: IMPORTANT! Follow these steps if you:
- Completed an Endorsement Program through our District: ESOL, Gifted, and/or Reading
- Passed the Reading K-12 subject area exam to add the Reading Endorsement (Not the Reading K-12 coverage)
DO NOT choose this option for college transcripts to be evaluated.
- Step 1 – Create: Create an Educator Account and Onboarding (Skip this step if you have previously completed the onboarding process and have an active account with the FLDOE).
- Step 2 – Submit: Submit the Add—On Application Money Order Form and Money Order for $75.00 to the District Certification Dept.
- Step 3 – Apply: Once you complete onboarding, you will be able to login to your DOE account an under the “Choose Application”, please select District Add Endorsement. (Note: District Affiliation is Polk County # 53) Click here to access your FLDOE account and apply
Temporary Certificate Information
Options to Complete Education Courses
Alternative Certification Educator (ACE) Program
Offered through Polk County School District’s Professional Development Department
Website:
https://polkschoolsfl.com/ace/
Contact:
Laurie Christopher
Lauri.christopher@polk-fl.net
Educator Preparation Institute (EPI)
Offered through Polk Community College
Website:
https://polk.edu/epi/
Contact:
Sherri Davis
sdavis@polk.edu
University of Phoenix (Online)
These online courses are $175/credit hour and here are available dates through August 2020:
In order to receive your 10% Tuition Discount on these or any other courses, please contact renee.romo@phoenix.edu or call/text (312) 659-8475.
| Course # | Course | Requirement | Credits | Weeks | Tuition | May/Jun | Jul/Aug |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EDUC/521 | Classroom Management for Educators | Classroom management | 3 | 4 | $525 | 5/12, 6/2, 6/23 | 7/14, 7/28, 8/25 |
| EDUC/525
(Choose one) EDUC/526 |
Theories of Growing and Learning
Overview of Adolescent Psychology |
Child and adolescent development |
3 3 |
4 4 |
$525
$525 |
5/12, 6/2, 6/23
5/12, 6/2, 6/23 |
7/14, 8/4
7/14, 7/28, 8/25 |
| EDUC/524 | Assessment and Evaluation for Educators | Educational assessment practices | 3 | 4 | $525 | 5/12, 6/23 | 7/14, 8/25 |
| EDUC/522 | Curriculum Development and Instruction | Effective instructional techniques, strategies, materials | 3 | 4 | $525 | 5/12, 6/23 | 7/14, 8/25 |
| RDNG/501
(Choose one) RDNG/502 |
Reading Methods: Elementary
Reading Methods: Secondary |
Applications of research-based instructional practices in reading | 3
3 |
4
4 |
$525
$525 |
6/23
5/12, 6/23 |
7/14, 8/25
7/14, 8/4 |
| TESOL/571 | Instructional Techniques and Methods | Instructional strategies for teaching students of limited English proficiency | 3 | 4 | $525 | 5/12, 6/23 | 7/14, 8/4 |
Florida Southern College Teacher Workshops
for teachers on Temporary certificate expiring 2020.
Offered online through Florida Southern College
Website:
https://www.flsouthern.edu/adult-graduate/teacherworkshops.aspx
Contact:
Kathy Fezzie
kfezzie@flsouthern.edu
Florida Southern College Teacher Workshops
Suggested List of Courses to Fulfill Education Courses Listed on an SOE
| If this education course is listed on your Statement of Status of Eligibility (SOE) |
*Then consider this course through Florida Southern College Teacher Workshops |
|---|---|
| Classroom management with a focus on creating safe learning environments for students |
EDU 3333 – Foundations of Education III (Classroom Instructional Strategies and Classroom Management), 2 credit hours |
| Human development and learning | EDU 1107 – Foundations of Education I (Introduction to Education & Human Development and Learning), 4 credit hours |
| Educational assessment to include content measured by state achievement tests and the interpretation and utilization of data to improve student achievement |
EDU 2235 – Technology Infused Teaching and Educational Assessments & Measurements, 4 credit hours |
| Effective instructional techniques, strategies, and materials to meet the needs of diverse learners including students with disabilities |
EDU 3333 – (Same as above). This course covers both professional education areas. |
| Curriculum and special methods of teaching SUBJECT in the middle or secondary school |
EDU 4454 – Special Methods in Education (FSC is approved with FLDOE in the following subject areas: Biology 6-12, Mathematics 6-12, English 6- 12, Social Sciences 6-12, Foreign Languages K-12, Art K-12, Music K-12, and Physical Education K-12, 1 credit hour |
| Applications of research-based practices in teaching reading |
EDU 3370 – Differentiated Instruction of Reading for Elementary Students (Foundations of Teaching Reading), 4 semester hours OR EDU 4457 – Reading and Writing in the Content Area (Secondary), 1 credit hour |
| Instructional Strategies for teaching students of limited English proficiency including instruction in the English language |
EDU 3279 – Foundations of ESOL I |
| Teaching Students with Disabilities, SWD (Senate Bill 1108, beginning July 1, 2014) |
EDU 2210 – Foundations of Special Education, 2 credit hours |
*Note: It is your responsibility to verify with the FLDOE that the course(s) you intend to complete will
fulfill the education course requirement(s) listed on your SOE. For Course verification: Email the FLDOE
at edcert@fldoe.org and include the name of college, course title, prefix, and number prior to
enrollment.
American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE)
Offered online through ABCTE
Website:
http://www.abcte.org
Note: It is your choice regarding how to complete the required education courses that are listed on your SOE towards the professional certificate. It is your responsibility to obtain verification from the FLDOE that the college course(s) you choose to complete the education courses (listed on your SOE) through another entity (college/university) will fulfill your specific requirement(s) listed on your SOE. Email the FLDOE at flcertify@fldoe.org and include the name of college, course title, prefix and number for course verification before enrollment.
Testing Information
o FTCE Testing Website: www.fl.nesinc.com
o FTCE Test Study Assistance: https://polkschoolsfl.com/pd
o FTCE Study Resources: Provide a link to the attached information FTCE Study Resources
Upgrade to the Professional Certificate
Please follow the 3 Steps listed below to upgrade to the professional certificate when one of the following occurs:
- During the last year of your temporary certificate (Expires in June of the current SY), or
- All requirements listed on your SOE have been met.
Step 1: Go to Florida Department of Education’s website: https://flcertify.fldoe.org/datamart/login.do
Step 2: Log into your VERSA account.
Step 3: Choose the “Upgrade to Professional Certificate” application.
- Complete the application
Include all coverages that are currently on your temporary certificate.
Document at least one year of teaching experience.
- Submit the application fee of $75.00 directly to the FLDOE.
