Middle school education is crucial in a student’s academic journey. Middle school teachers help shape students’ lives and set them up for academic success.
In Florida, the annual average salary of a middle school teacher is $58,700, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As you start out on this career path, you must understand the qualifications required and the steps involved in becoming a certified middle school teacher in Florida.
If you’re considering becoming a middle school teacher in Florida, this guide explores all these aspects in detail to help you make an informed decision about pursuing a career in middle school education.
What Is a Middle School Teacher?
A middle school teacher is an educator who teaches students in grades 6-8. The children are commonly aged 11–14 years.
Middle school years are a critical development period as the students transition from childhood to adolescence.
To succeed as a middle school teacher, you must be patient and adaptable to engage students undergoing physical, emotional, and intellectual changes.
You should be able to relate to them, build trust and respect, and provide guidance and support during this important development phase.
Middle school teachers specialize in teaching specific subjects. Therefore, the daily duties of a middle school teachers can vary depending on the subject matter they teach. However, they generally include the following:
- Planning and delivering lessons in your subject areas
- Assessing student progress,
- Grading assignments and tests
- Enforcing classroom rules
- Resolving classroom conflicts
- Meeting with parents to discuss student progress
How Much Does a Middle School Teacher in Florida Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for middle school teachers in Florida is around $58,700 as of May 2022.
The salary varies based on different factors, with the highest teacher earning $75,290 and the lowest $49,090.
Factors that contribute to such a high difference in wages include:
- Years of experience: Florida teachers with many years of experience typically earn higher than those new in the profession.
- Location: Educators in more urban or densely populated areas earn higher salaries, while those in rural or less affluent areas may earn less.
- School district: Some school districts use their funding to pay better salaries, while others focus on buying equipment and teacher training.
- Level of education: Teachers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree
The average annual salary in $
How to Become a Middle School Teacher In Florida
Becoming a middle school teacher in Florida requires a combination of education, experience, and licensure.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the steps you need to follow to become one.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: The first step in becoming a middle school teacher in Florida is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education or a subject area relevant to middle school education. For example, math, science, or English.
- Complete a teacher preparation program: You must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program to equip you with practical classroom skills. This program may be completed as part of your undergraduate degree or as a post-baccalaureate program.
- Pass the Florida Teacher Certification Exams: After completing your teacher preparation program, you must pass the Florida Teacher Certification Exams (FTCE). This exam consists of three parts: general knowledge, professional education, and subject area knowledge. You must pass all three parts to receive your teaching certification in Florida.
- Obtain your teaching certificate: After passing the FTCE, you can apply for your teaching certificate through the Florida Department of Education.
Once you have your teaching certificate, you can start applying for teaching positions in middle schools in your districts.
To become a successful middle school teacher, you must continue taking education courses to maintain your teaching certification and stay up-to-date with the latest teaching methods and best practices.
Alternative Certification for middle school teachers in Florida
Aspiring teachers in Florida who do not hold a traditional teaching degree can still become certified to teach through alternative certification programs.
These programs are designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a subject area other than education but wish to become certified to teach in Florida’s public schools.
The steps to becoming a middle school teacher in Florida through alternative certification differ depending on the particular program but generally go as follows:
- Meet the eligibility minimums: You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university to be eligible. You must also pass the FTCE General Knowledge Test and the subject areas you wish to teach.
- Complete a state-approved alternative certification program: There are several state-approved alternative certification programs available in Florida. These programs involve completing coursework and passing exams in education and teaching methods.
- Apply for a temporary teaching certificate: After completing the alternative certification program, you can apply for a temporary teaching certificate. It allows you to teach in a Florida public school for up to three years.
- Complete any additional requirements: While teaching on a temporary certificate, you must work on completing additional requirements for a professional teaching certificate.
- Apply for a professional teaching certificate: After meeting all these requirements, you can apply for a professional teaching certificate in Florida. It’s valid for five years, after which you must renew it.
What Is the Highest and Lowest Paying Middle School Teaching Jobs?
You can also obtain a certification in specific subject areas for middle school teaching in Florida, such as:
- Special education
- Foreign language
- Math teacher
- Science teacher
- English Language Arts
- Social Studies
The following chart shows the salary expectations for each of the above jobs.
Average earning in 1000$
Become a Middle School Teacher In Florida
As established, becoming a middle school teacher in Florida can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice, with a salary reflecting the role’s importance.
By taking the necessary steps to become certified and pursuing a career as a middle school educator, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young students and contribute to the betterment of society.
While the path to becoming a certified middle school teacher can seem daunting, there are resources available to help guide you through the process, such as the Teachers of Tomorrow program.
If you have a passion for teaching and making a difference, consider exploring the Teachers of Tomorrow program and taking the first step toward your career as a middle school teacher in Florida.
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