How to Become a Teacher

Step 1

Apply for a Florida Teaching Certificate

Apply for a Florida Teaching Certificate at the Florida Department of Education

Florida Applicants should request that your college or university send official transcripts to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE).

Out-of-State Applicants should:

• Request that your college or university send official transcripts to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). Then submit a copy of your valid, standard, out-of-state certificate to the FLDOE and School Board of Polk County /Human Resource Services-Certification Office. (Write your social security number on each copy.)
• Submit a copy of your valid, standard, out-of-state certificate to the FLDOE.
• Upload a copy of your valid, standard, out-of-state certificate to Polk County Public Schools. Certificates should be submitted to PCPS via the Applicant Registration System using the My Transcripts & Credentialing feature. Add this certificate by clicking the “Upload Credentialing Documentation” button, not the transcript button.

Send documentation to:

Florida Department of Education
Bureau of Educator Certification Room 201, Turlington Building
325 West Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400
(Contact the FLDOE toll free at 1-800-445-6739)

Note: After the FLDOE evaluates your application, they will notify you of any additional certification requirements in a letter titled Official Statement of Status of Eligibility

Step 2

Complete the online employment application.

Complete the online employment application.

1. Read the Tips for Managing Your Online Application.
2. Gather supporting documentation (i.e., work experience, education history, and reference contact information).
3. Record the assigned Applicant Reference Identification Number that you receive, in a safe and accessible location. This is located on the top right-hand corner of your application.

Step 3

View and apply for available positions using the Job Browser located within your employment application.

View and apply for available positions on the Employment Openings page of the district’s website or by clicking the “Browse Jobs” tab in your online application.

1. You will only be able to apply for positions for which you are reporting certification and are qualified to teach. If you receive the error, “You do not match this position,” then what you have reported in the certification section of your application does not match the requirements for the position for which you are applying. If this occurs, you may:
   1. Update the certification section of your application,
   2. Contact [email protected] to have your resume and information sent to the hiring principal, or
   3. Contact the hiring administrator directly to express your interest in the position.
2. The automated Applicant Registration System (ARS) will notify you of your interview status.
3. If/when you are selected for an interview, you will need to access your online application and accept or decline the interview.