New program seeks military veterans for teaching careers

Florida – 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.

The State Board of Education will consider a rule to formally implement the program on Aug. 17.

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.”

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.

In order to be eligible for a full professional certificate, they must also earn their bachelor’s degree during the five-year period.

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.