Paths that Lead to Florida Teacher Professional Certification
Becoming a teacher in Florida means becoming a champion for possibility — in your students, your community and yourself. At UCF’s School of Teacher Education, you’ll find flexible, state-approved programs that lead to certification, allowing you to teach throughout Florida. Through real classroom experiences, guidance from expert faculty and a supportive community, we’ll help you build the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead with heart, teach with purpose and make a lasting impact.
Whether you are just starting your professional career or considering a career change, the School of Teacher Education offers undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programs that lead to teacher certification.
Undergraduate Degrees
Earning a bachelor’s degree is your first step toward becoming a teacher. With 10 different tracks to choose from, you’ll find an option that aligns with your goals — no matter age group, subject area or educational setting you’re interested in.
Early Childhood Development and Education BS (Grades PK-3)
Elementary Education BS (Grades K-6)
- K-6 Certification track
If you are currently a paraprofessional or teacher assistant, check out our Para to Pro pathway.
Exceptional Student Education BS (Grades K-12)
Secondary Education (Grades 6-12)
- English Language Arts track with ESOL and Reading Endorsement
- Mathematics Education track
- Science Education – Biology, Chemistry or Physics tracks
- Social Science Education track
Teacher Education BS (Grades K-12)
Graduate Degrees for Career Changers
Already have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education? Ready to start a rewarding career in teaching? Explore our Master of Arts or Master of Arts in Teaching degrees — both designed to prepare you for teacher certification and specialized teaching pathways.
Elementary Education MA (Grades K-6)
Exceptional Student Education MA (Grades K-12)
Teacher Education, MAT
- Art Education (Grades K-12) track
- English Language Arts Education with ESOL and Reading Endorsement (Grades 6-12) track
- Mathematics Education (Grades 6-12) track
- Middle School Mathematics Education (Grades 5-9) track
- Middle School Science Education (Grades 5-9) track
- Science Education: Biology, Chemistry or Physics (Grades 6-12) track
- Social Science Education (Grades 6-12) track
- World Languages Education with ESOL Endorsement (Grades K-12) track
Questions about our graduate programs? Contact our graduate academic advisor.
Initial Teacher Professional Preparation Graduate Certificate
Turn Your Experience into Impact: Become a Teacher
Whether you have secured a teaching position or are currently seeking a temporary teaching certificate, UCF’s online Initial Teacher Professional Preparation graduate certificate will prepare you to meet the state’s professional preparation coursework requirements for teacher certification. Designed for full-time professionals, this 15-credit hour certificate can be completed in two to five semesters, with all classes being offered fully online.
What’s Your Educational Goal?
Obtain a Temporary Teaching Certificate and Start Teaching As Soon As Possible
Complete the ITPP certificate to meet core coursework requirements and begin teaching on a temporary certificate.
Earn a Professional Teaching Certificate
Complete the ITPP certificate and then transfer the 15 credits into UCF’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. Meet your internship requirements on the job and work toward professional teaching certification while teaching.
Develop Strong Teaching Skills that Can be Applied to Any Educational Setting
Gain a professional knowledge base in classroom management, child and adolescent development, reading instruction, and strategies for English learners with the ITPP certificate.