• I already hold a certificate from another state. Does Florida have reciprocity with other states?
• If I have a Master's Degree, do I still need to take the Florida Tests?
• Is it true that Florida no longer requires the CLAST Exam?
• I need to talk to a Certification Officer but I can't get through on the phone. What can I do?
• My temporary certificate expires on June 30th, but I know I won't be done with my requirements. Another teacher told me that she got an extension when she was in this position. How can I get an extension?
• What happens if I am terminated because I did not complete requirements?
• I used to have a temporary certificate but it expired in 1996. I know that the state will allow me to have another temporary certificate, but I was told I could not be hired in Miami-Dade County. Is this true?
• I know that when I graduated from college I had taken the courses for the ESOL endorsement, but it is not on my certificate. Why?
• The state keeps sending me letters asking for something I have already sent to them. Why does this keep happening?
• My Statement of Status of Eligibility says I must demonstrate mastery of Professional Education Competence. How do I satisfy this requirement?
• I already hold a certificate from another state. Does Florida have reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Florida does have reciprocity. Just be sure to send a photocopy of your certificate to the Florida Department of Education, along with your application, fee, and official transcript. The following must apply:
- The certificate must be a standard certificate and valid at the time of application for the Florida certificate.
- The certificate must be issued in a subject(s) in which Florida offers certification.
- Certificates are acceptable from all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Department of Defense Educational Authority (DODEA, formerly DODDS)
back to top
• If I have a Master's Degree, do I still need to take the Florida Tests?
Yes, unless you have a standard valid certificate from another state or a valid certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, you will need to complete all of the tests required by the Florida Department of Education.
back to top
• Is it true that Florida no longer requires the CLAST Exam?
The General Knowledge Examination replaced the CLAST as of July 1, 2002. The state will continue to accept any portions of the CLAST passed before July 1, 2002. Reminder: The General Knowledge (CLAST) requirement must be completed in the first year of employment.
back to top
• I need to talk to a Certification Officer but I can't get through on the phone. What can I do?
The best and most efficient way to contact a Certification Officer is through e-mail. The e-mail addresses for all the officers are on the "Contact Us" page. If you have a general question, or want an application or test bulletin sent to you, send your e-mail to perscert@dadeschools.net and it will be directed to the appropriate person.
back to top
• My temporary certificate expires on June 30th, but I know I won't be done with my requirements. Another teacher told me that she got an extension when she was in this position. How can I get an extension?
Unfortunately for applicants who applied for certification after July 1, 2000 and who hold a temporary three-year certificate, the state no longer allows extensions for any reason. Your requirements must be complete or you will be terminated from employment.
back to top
• What happens if I am terminated because I did not complete requirements?
You will not be allowed to be re-employed until you have completed all requirements for a professional certificate. Once you do complete the requirements, you will have to submit a new instructional application and again be interviewed.
back to top
• I used to have a temporary certificate but it expired in 1996. I know that the state will allow me to have another temporary certificate, but I was told I could not be hired in Miami-Dade County. Is this true?
Yes it is. Anyone with an expired temporary Florida certificate must have met all testing and course requirements for a professional certificate before being employed by Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
back to top
• I know that when I graduated from college I had taken the courses for the ESOL endorsement, but it is not on my certificate. Why?
In order to receive the endorsement you must apply for ESOL-E and pay the certification fee. Many new teachers forget to do this.
back to top
• The state keeps sending me letters asking for something I have already sent to them. Why does this keep happening?
You must be sure that your social security number is on everything you send to the state, including transcripts and checks. A few colleges will not put a social security number on a transcript unless you ask for it. Unfortunately, papers do occasionally get lost. The easiest way to deal with this is to resend the requested documents
back to top
• My Statement of Status of Eligibility says I must demonstrate mastery of Professional Education Competence. How do I satisfy this requirement?
In Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Professional Education Competency (PEC) is verified by a satisfactory annual evaluation. You must fax or bring to us a copy of your annual PACES evaluation and we will submit it to the appropriate office for documentation. DO NOT SEND THE EVALUATION TO THE STATE. The appropriate documentation must be forwarded by Instructional Certification.
back to top
|
