As each year passes, the demand for public school teachers continues to soar. Current statistics predict that over 200,000 public school teachers will be hired to meet the constant demands of replacing teachers entering into retirement or those who have decided to all together leave the profession. The special education population continues to grow in which teachers are needed to address those students with special needs and meet each state’s requirements. The number of bilingual students continues to grow and teachers are needed to fill the demands of this growing population of second language learners. The demand for specific subject areas such as mathematics, physics and chemistry also continues to rise as teachers enter into the field however due to the shortage may not necessarily have the background education or knowledge to teach the subject. “Urban and poor communities will have the greatest need for teachers, with more than 700,000 additional teachers needed in the next decade.” (Yasin, 1999) Overall, this expected demand for teachers has surpassed the probable growth in the stock of teachers available. Teachers are indeed needed in the United States.
Becoming a Teacher
To become a certified math teacher, one must first acquire a degree through a state approved teacher’s education program. Once that person is admitted into the program, supervised student teaching experience is usually expected. Requirements for state licenses depend on what grade level the person wishes to teach and the examinations required by the state. This varies state by state. In the state of Florida, a person must have passed all three portions of the Florida Teacher Certification also known as the FTCE. The person then applies to become a certificated educator through the Florida Department of Education.
Another method districts in Florida are using since the demand for teachers is so, certain districts have provided a Temporary Certificate in which teachers can begin working while trying to obtain their permanent certification. “Florida has a two-tiered certification system, which provides for an individual tobegin teaching under a non-renewable Temporary Certificate by demonstrating subject matter knowledge, during which time professional education and examinations are completed for the Professional Certificate. The Professional Certificate requires that candidates demonstrate mastery in three areas: (1) general knowledge, (2) subject matter knowledge, and (3) professional preparation and education competence.” (Author Unknown, 2008)
When becoming an Algebra teacher, the individual must first hold a bachelor’s degree in the subject in which Florida offers certification. That individual must meet the subject content requirements. To become an Algebra teacher, the individual must have either a Professional Educator’s Certificate or a Statement of Eligibility from the State of Florida Department of Education in the area of algebra.
As the number of children rises in Florida, Florida’s need for teachers continues to increase. Today, Florida has the fourth largest school system in the United States. Its 67 school districts are comprised of more than 4,000 public schools (including charters) that enroll almost 3 million students. ” (Teach in Florida, 2008, p. 1) There are 67 school districts in Florida and each district has distinctive hiring procedures. Individuals who wish to apply for a teaching position must apply directly to the school district that they are interested in. A current employment application must be on file with that district in order to grant an interview for a particular teaching vacancy.
Entry Level Position and Pay
The average teacher compensation is the state’s average teacher salary plus other monetary contributions made by a school district to classroom teachers. ” (Florida Department of Education, 12) According to the Florida Department of Education, the average teacher’ salary is $41,587 plus $1,641 for additional duties and $2,204 for additional bonuses which comes out to be $45,432 for the average teacher. Salary however is based upon the degree the teacher has and years of experience. A teacher who has a master’s degree would receive an increase in pay. The same is true if a teacher has more units and an even higher degree. Also the number of years of experience determines how much a teacher gets paid. For a teacher who starts out, the entry level position pay for that teacher varies district by district. However, to provide some examples a person with a bachelor’s degree in Union School District can make $33,732. A teacher with a master’s degree from Gadsden School District can make $38.757. Any entry level position is based upon the degree that person has.
Opportunities for Advancement
The need for teachers in Florida is great however there also exists a need for great administrators. Many teachers leave their positions and are promoted to different key administrative positions. Florida desires thoughtful leaders who are up on the current issues and can provide possible solutions. Teachers can do this which leads to opportunities for advancement. Many teachers leave their positions and utilize their knowledge to become assistant principals or even principals. Usually, these positions require a graduate degree, having years of experience in education as a teacher and the appropriate certification (ie. an administrative certification).
With this increased responsibility comes rewards such as an increase in pay, the opportunity to hire qualified teachers who possess similar skill sets if not better and overseeing how you can best meet the needs of everyone at the school. A teacher can also become a specialist (ie. math coach) where the person observes classrooms and other teachers, offers instructional strategies to help improve the teacher’s methods and as the coach, helps other teachers better connect the kids with math. Overall, Florida teachers are striving to seek higher education and to better themselves as educators.
Sources:
Author Unknown. Beginning Teachers from Florida Teacher Preparation Program.
(Retrieved on 11/12/2010)
Florida Department of Education. Teacher Pay Review. 2006. (Retrieved on 11/12/2010)
Teach in Florida. Educator Recruitment. (Retrieved on 11/12/2010)
Yasin, Said. The Supply and Demand of Elementary and Secondary School Teachers
in the United States.” ERIC Digest. December 1999. (Retrieved on 11/12/2010)
