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Governor Ron DeSantis encourages veterans to apply for Temporary Teaching Certificates.

By Kevin Deutsch

Florida may soon offer military veteran’s a chance to launch careers as teachers—without the typical barriers.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday announced the new recruitment program, which state officials hope will attract people who served in the U.S. military to join schools across the state.

On Aug. 17, the State Board of Education will consider a rule to formally implement the program. Under the rule, the state would offer qualified veterans a five-year temporary education certificate while they finish their bachelor’s degree, provided they meet certain criteria.

This rule implements legislation titled “Educator Certification Pathways for Veterans,” which received bipartisan support from state lawmakers and was signed by DeSantis earlier this year.

“Florida is the most veteran and military-friendly state in the nation,” said DeSantis. “We also know that our veterans have talents and skills that they can offer our students. This new opportunity expands Florida’s existing programs that help our veterans take their talents to our schools, and it will help Florida remain a national leader in education.”

If the rule is implemented, veterans would have to meet the following criteria to qualify for the program:

Minimum of 48 months of military service with an honorable/medical discharge
Minimum of 60 college credits with a 2.5-grade point average
Passing score on a Florida subject area examination
Employment in a Florida school district, including charter schools
Cleared background screening.

Participants in the program would be assigned a mentor teacher for a minimum of two years to support their growth as educators. They must also earn their bachelor’s degree during the five-year period to be eligible for a full professional certificate.

Participants may not teach subject areas that require a master’s degree.

The temporary certificate cannot be renewed once it expires, nor does it apply to military spouses or families.

To learn more about the program, visit www.fldoe.org/veterans.

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Author Profile

Kevin Deutsch

Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning crime journalist and author. A graduate of Florida International University, Kevin has worked on staff at The Miami Herald, New York Daily News, and The Palm Beach Post.