You believe education has the power to inspire and prepare the next generation. So do we. Whether you're drawn to early childhood development, elementary, exceptional student, or secondary education, our hands-on programs prepare you to make a positive impact.
At UCF’s School of Teacher Education, you’ll join a community led by active researchers and scholars who are transforming education. Our world-class faculty conduct high-impact research that influences educational practices nationwide and brings those insights directly into your classroom.
We offer bachelor’s, master's, and doctoral pathways for careers in traditional classrooms, museums and other learning environments.
Through immersive classroom experiences, personalized mentorship, and teaching practices rooted in the latest research findings, you'll graduate ready to lead with confidence and compassion. Our programs include preparation for state certification exams, flexible online options, and built-in ESOL and Reading endorsements.
At UCF, you’ll learn from faculty who are defining the future of education while learning the tools you need to pursue your dreams and support every learner along the way.
Browse our Subject Areas
UCF’s Art Education programs offer both undergraduate and graduate degree options designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to become an effective art educator. Gain expertise in the latest trends in art education, develop proficiency in fine arts, and learn how to teach art at the elementary-, middle- and high-school levels.
Programs Leading to Teacher Certification
Non-Certification Programs
Faculty Contact
UCF's Early Childhood Development and Education programs will prepare you to work with young children and their families, equipping you to support their learning, growth and development in various educational settings. Learn and apply evidence-based practices that allow you to play a pivotal role in shaping bright young minds.
Programs Leading to Teacher Certification
Non-Certification Programs
- Early Childhood Development and Education BS, Early Childhood Development track
- Early Childhood and Development and Education Minor
- Education Minor
Advanced Studies
- Early Childhood Development and Education MS
- Education PhD, Teaching, Learning and Development track
Faculty Contact
The Elementary Education programs at UCF provide you with the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience needed to teach children in grades K-6. Whether you are new to teaching or a seasoned educator seeking advanced studies to build on your existing skillset, we offer several degree options to help meet your professional goals.
Programs Leading to Teacher Certification
Non-Certification Programs
- Elementary Education BS, Lifelong Learning track
- Elementary Education BS, Professional Studies track
- Education Minor
Advanced Studies
Faculty Contacts
UCF’s English Language Arts Education programs offer both undergraduate and graduate options that prepare you to teach English and language arts to middle- and high-school students in in various educational settings. Pursue either a teacher-certification route complete with ESOL and reading endorsements, or the non-certification route to develop your English Language Arts Education skillset through evidence-based practices.
Programs for Certified Teachers
- Secondary Education BS, English Language Arts Education with ESOL and Reading Endorsement track (Grades 6-12)
- Teacher Education MAT, English Language Arts Education with ESOL Endorsement track (Grades 6-12)
Non-Certification Programs
- Secondary Education BS, English Language Arts Education Lifelong Learning track
- English Language Arts Education minor
- Education minor
Advanced Program for Certified Teachers
Faculty Contact
The Exceptional Student Education programs at UCF are designed to prepare you for a career in teaching students with disabilities. You’ll learn and apply evidence-based practices that equip you with the necessary skills to help meet the academic, cognitive and socioemotional needs of ESE students.
Programs Leading to Teacher Certification
Non-Certification Programs
- Exceptional Student Education BS, Learning and Language track
- Exceptional Student Education Minor
- Education Minor
Advanced Programs for Certified Teachers
- Exceptional Student Education MEd, Applied Behavior Analysis track
- Online Exceptional Student Education MEd
- Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate
- Online Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate
- Collaborative Intervention Specialist Graduate Certificate
- Interdisciplinary Language and Literacy Intervention Graduate Certificate
- Online Pre-Kindergarten Disabilities Graduate Certificate
- Online Special Education Graduate Certificate
Doctoral Program
Faculty Contact
UCF’s Mathematics Education programs offer both undergraduate and graduate options that will prime you for teaching mathematics to middle- and high-school students in various educational settings. Between teacher certification and non-certification routes, advanced programs for certified teachers, or further advanced studies for seasoned mathematics educators, we offer several options to help meet your professional goals.
Programs Leading to Teacher Certification
- Secondary Education BS, Mathematics Education track (Grades 6-12)
- Teacher Education MAT, Mathematics Education track (Grades 6-12)
- Teacher Education MAT, Middle School Mathematics Education track (Grades 5-9)
Non-Certification Programs
- Secondary Education BS, Mathematics Education Lifelong Learning track
- Mathematics Education Minor
- Education Minor
Advanced Programs for Certified Teachers
- K-8 Mathematics and Science Education MEd
- Online Secondary Education MEd, Mathematics Education track (Grades 6-12)
Doctoral Program
Faculty Contact
The Physical Education programs at UCF prepare you to develop fitness and wellness instructional activities for children of all ages. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed — like facilitating team sports, injury management and classroom management — to effectively teach physical education at the elementary, middle and high school grade levels.
Program Leading to Teacher Certification
Non-Certification Track
- Teacher Education BS, Physical Education Lifelong Learning track
- Physical Education Minor
- Education Minor
Faculty Contact
The Reading Education program at UCF prepares teachers to effectively lead, support and assess reading instruction and curriculum in K-12 schools. You'll acquire the knowledge, skills and mindset necessary to work as a reading specialist, resource teacher or instructional coach in various educational settings — all while promoting literacy in young learners.
Program Leading to Teacher Certification
Certificate Leading to Reading Endorsement
Advanced Studies
Faculty Contact
The Science Education programs at UCF offer undergraduate and graduate options to effectively prepare you for teaching middle and high school students in biology, chemistry or physics. You’ll expand your knowledge in the sciences while honing professional teaching skills, equipping you to set your students up for success.
Programs Leading to Teacher Certification
- Secondary Education BS, Science Education - Biology track (Grades 6-12)
- Secondary Education BS, Science Education - Chemistry track (Grades 6-12)
- Secondary Education BS, Science Education - Physics track (Grades 6-12)
- Teacher Education MAT, Middle School Science Education (Grades 5-9)
Non-Certification Programs
- Secondary Education BS, Science Education - Biology - Lifelong Learning track
- Secondary Education BS, Science Education - Chemistry - Lifelong Learning track
- Secondary Education BS, Science Education - Physics - Lifelong Learning track
- Science Education Minor
- Education Minor
Advanced Programs for Certified Teachers
- Education PhD, Teaching, Learning and Development track
- K-8 Mathematics and Science Education MEd
- Online Secondary Education MEd, Science Education
Faculty Contact
UCF's Social Science Education programs provide a variety of pathways in both undergraduate and graduate studies. Whether you seek initial teacher certification or are a seasoned educator seeking to expand your knowledge, you’ll be prepared to effectively teach social science courses — including history, government, geography, civics and economics —to middle and high school students in various educational settings.
Programs Leading to Teacher Certification
- Secondary Education BS, Social Science Education track
- Teacher Education MAT, Social Science Education track
Non-Certification Programs
- Secondary Education BS, Social Science Education Lifelong Learning Track
- Social Science Education Minor
- Social Science Education Graduate Certificate
- Education Minor
Advanced Program for Certified Teachers
Faculty Contact
The Teaching, Learning and Development doctoral program at UCF prepares future academic leaders, researchers and scholars in teacher education, learning and development, and more. With five areas of specialization as well as an interdisciplinary track available, you can tailor your research to align with your professional interests, from reading and STEM/science education to elementary or early childhood education and beyond.
Doctoral Program
Faculty Contact
The World Languages Education program at UCF prepares you to teach languages other than English in K-12 settings. You'll gain knowledge in second-language acquisition, as well as teaching methodology and culture. From teacher-certification route to advanced studies and beyond, choose the program that best aligns with your professional goals.
Programs Leading to Teacher Certification
- Teacher Education BS, World Languages track (Grades K-12)
- Teacher Education MAT, World Languages Education with ESOL Endorsement (Grades K-12)
Non-Certification Programs
- Teacher Education BS, World Languages Lifelong Learning track
- Education Minor
Advanced Programs for Certified Teachers
- Secondary Education MEd, World Languages Education
- Dual Languages Graduate Certificate
- ESOL Endorsement K-12 Graduate Certificate
Faculty Contact
Information Sessions
If you're interested in becoming a teacher or looking to advance your skills but aren't sure which path is right for you, join an information session to learn more. Information sessions provide an opportunity to speak with coordinators who can help guide you toward the program that best fits your current stage in your teaching career. Whether you're looking to become a classroom teacher for the first time, build on your paraprofessional experience, or advance your teaching knowledge and skills, the UCF School of Teacher Education has a pathway to get you started.
Advising
At the UCF School of Teacher Education, you’ll have a dedicated team helping you navigate your academic path so you can make confident decisions and prepare for a successful career in education.
Academic Success Coaching (Undergraduate Students)
Academic success coaches are here to support you throughout your academic journey. From planning your course schedule and exploring majors or minors to staying on track for graduation, they’ll help you make informed decisions and connect you with valuable resources like tutoring, scholarships and career planning tools.
Undergraduate students can schedule an appointment with their academic success coach using myKnight STAR.
Graduate Advising
Graduate students have access to a dedicated advisor who offers personalized support. From navigating course selection to reviewing degree requirements, Carley Vasquez is here to help you stay on track, in person or virtually. Connect with her to support your success.
Academic Program Facilitators
Academic program facilitators can assist with questions specific to your area of study. They oversee curriculum development and program structure, ensuring your courses align with certification requirements and reflect the highest standards in teaching and learning.
Bachelor's Degrees and Tracks
Early Childhood Development and Education BS, Pre-Kindergarten to Primary (PK-3) track and Early Childhood Development Track
Faculty Facilitators: Norine Blanch, Ph.D. and Shane Trenta, Ed.D.
Elementary Education BS, Lifelong Learning track
Faculty Facilitator: Elizazbeth Hoffman, Ph.D.
Exceptional Student Education BS, K-12 Certification track
Faculty Facilitator: Dan Ezell, Ed.D.
Exceptional Student Education BS, Learning and Language track
Faculty Facilitator: Rebecca Hines, Ph.D.
Secondary Education BS, English Language Arts with ESOL and Reading Endorsement track
Faculty Facilitator: Elsie Olan, Ph.D.
Secondary Education BS, Mathematics Education tracks
Faculty Facilitator: TBD
Secondary Education BS, Science Education tracks
Faculty Facilitator: Su Gao, Ph.D.
Secondary Education BS, Social Science Education tracks
Faculty Facilitator: Scott Waring, Ph.D.
Teacher Education BS, Art Education tracks
Faculty Facilitator: Debra McGann, Ph.D.
Teacher Education BS, Physical Education tracks
Faculty Facilitator: Shiva Jahani, Ph.D.
Teacher Education BS, World Languages Education - French and Spanish tracks
Faculty Facilitator: Michele Regalla, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Minors
Art Education
Faculty Facilitator: Debra McGann, Ph.D.
Early Childhood Development and Education
Faculty Facilitator: Sara Michael-Luna, Ph.D.
Education
Faculty Facilitator: TBD
English Language Arts Education
Faculty Facilitator: Elsie Olan, Ph.D.
English Speakers of Other Languages
Faculty Facilitator: Irina McLaughlin, Ph.D.
Exceptional Student Education
Faculty Facilitator: Dan Ezell, Ph.D.
Languages Other Than English
Faculty Facilitator: Michele Regalla, Ph.D.
Mathematics Education
Faculty Facilitator: TBD
Physical Education
Faculty Facilitator: Shiva Jahani, Ph.D.
Science Education, minor
Faculty Facilitator: Su Gao, Ph.D.
Social Science Education, minor
Faculty Facilitator: Scott Waring, Ph.D.
Master's Degrees and Tracks
Early Childhood Development and Education MS
Faculty Facilitator: Sara Michael-Luna, Ph.D.
Elementary Education MA
Faculty Facilitator: Norine Blanch, Ph.D.
Elementary Education MEd
Faculty Facilitator: Norine Blanch, Ph.D.
Exceptional Student Education MA
Faculty Facilitators: Elizabeth Dooley, Ph.D. and SoYoung Park, Ph.D.
Exceptional Student Education MEd
Faculty Facilitators: Elizabeth Dooley, Ph.D. and SoYoung Park, Ph.D.
K-8 Mathematics and Science Education MEd
Faculty Facilitator: Enrique Ortiz, Ph.D.
Reading Education, MEd
Faculty Facilitator: Michelle Kelley, Ph.D.
Secondary Education MEd, English Language Arts track
Faculty Facilitator: Elsie Olan, Ph.D.
Secondary Education MEd, Mathematics Education track
Faculty Facilitator: Aline Abassian, Ph.D.
Secondary Education MEd, Science Education track
Faculty Facilitator: Su Gao, Ph.D.
Secondary Education MEd, Social Sciences Education track
Faculty Facilitator: Scott Waring, Ph.D.
Secondary Education MEd, World Languages Education track
Faculty Facilitator: Michele Regalla, Ph.D.
Teacher Education MAT, Art Education track
Faculty Facilitator: Debra McGann, Ph.D.
Teacher Education MAT, English Language Arts with ESOL and Reading Endorsement track
Faculty Facilitator: Elsie Olan, Ph.D.
Teacher Education MAT, Mathematics Education track
Faculty Facilitator: TBD
Teacher Education MAT, Middle School Mathematics Education track
Faculty Facilitator: Enrique Ortiz, Ph.D.
Teacher Education MAT, Middle School Science Education track
Faculty Facilitator: Su Gao, Ph.D.
Teacher Education MAT, Science Education tracks
Faculty Facilitator: Su Gao, Ph.D.
Teacher Education MAT, Social Sciences Education track
Faculty Facilitator: Scott Waring, Ph.D.
Teacher Education MAT, World Languages Education track
Faculty Facilitator: Michele Regala, Ph.D.
Graduate Certificates
Applied Behavior Analysis
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Collaborative Intervention Specialist
Initial Teacher Professional Preparation
Faculty Facilitator: Gina Gresham
Interdisciplinary Language and Literacy Intervention
Pre-Kindergarten Disabilities Endorsement
Reading Education
Faculty Facilitator: Michelle Kelley
Social Science Education
Faculty Facilitator: Scott Waring
Doctoral Degrees and Tracks
Education PhD, Exceptional Education track
Faculty Facilitator: Matt Marino, Ph.D.
Education PhD, Mathematics Education track
Faculty Facilitator: Sarah Bush, Ph.D.
Education PhD, Teaching, Learning and Development track
Faculty Facilitator: Elizabeth Dooley, Ph.D.
National Accreditation
The UCF School of Teacher Education is the first and only institution in Florida to receive initial accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national recognition of our commitment to high standards, innovative teaching and real-world impact.
This accreditation affirms what drives our work: a belief that every child deserves a teacher who inspires confidence, ignites curiosity and opens doors to possibility. Our faculty, curriculum and field experiences are designed to help you become that kind of educator.
Choosing an accredited program means you’re part of a community that’s held to the highest standards in teacher preparation and trusted by schools across the country. From immersive classroom experiences to cutting-edge tools like TeachLivE, we give you the support and preparation to make a difference.
Tuition Support
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UCF makes it easy to apply for scholarships through A2O (Access to Opportunities), an online system that matches you with scholarships you're eligible for based on your major, academic standing and other factors.
Education majors are encouraged to complete their A2O profile early each year to be considered for a wide range of scholarships, including those specifically for future teachers.
Scholarships available to education students include:
Undergraduate Scholarships
Brumbaugh Legacy Endowed Scholarship
H. Timothy Hendrix Exceptional Education Scholarship
John L. Brinson Endowed Scholarship
John L. Mica Public Service Scholarship
Judith A. Johnson Memorial Endowed Scholarship
L.A. Lee Endowed Family Scholarship
L.A. Lee Family Endowed Scholarship - UCF Challenge Match
L.A. Lee Family Scholarship
The Morcom Family Endowed Scholarship
Undergraduate & Graduate Scholarships
Atley Exceptional Education Endowed Scholarship Fund
Christine Franke Memorial Scholarship
Crouse Secondary Mathematics and Science
Dr. Richard R. Adicks, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for English
Frank and Ann Belle Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Kamelot Quasi Endowed Scholarship
Mike C. Hynes Lockheed Academy Fund
Nanette McLain Endowed Scholarship
Graduate Scholarships
Ann McCormick Simpson Endowed Scholarship
Geraldine P. Hanna Memorial Scholarship
Lars and Diane Eriksson Endowed Scholarship Fund
Rotary Club of Winter Springs Scholarship
The Central Florida English-Speaking Union Jessie Drey Memorial Scholarship
Doctoral Scholarship
The Lester N. Mandell Scholarship
One application gives you access to dozens of opportunities — so don’t miss out!
If you're passionate about teaching where you're needed most, the TEACH Grant can help you get there. This federal program, not administered by UCF, offers up to $4,000 per year to students preparing for a career in education and requires four years of full-time teaching (to be completed within eight years of finishing your program). The TEACH Grant is a powerful opportunity for those who are ready to make a meaningful impact. We encourage you to explore whether it's the right fit for your path.
Are you pursuing a master's degree in Exceptional Student Education? Consider applying to participate in a federally funded grant project that helps cover tuition and provides specialized training.
These grant-supported programs are designed to empower passionate educators — like you — with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality instruction and intervention services. Whether you're a current teacher or preparing to enter the field, these opportunities make graduate education more accessible and impactful.
Why Apply?
- Tuition Assistance: Reduce the financial burden of graduate school.
- Advanced Training: Gain cutting-edge strategies for supporting exceptional learners.
- Make a Difference: Be part of a community committed to making a positive impact through education.
Licensure Exams
The state of Florida requires education programs to share exam performance data related to teacher certification.
Below, you’ll find a summary of assessment results from students who submitted their scores as part of UCF’s approved Initial Teacher Preparation programs.