New classical teaching certificate likened to school choice for teachers

Prospective teachers gained a new pathway to lead classrooms in Florida when the State Board of Education approved certificates for teachers in “classical schools” that do not require mastery of general knowledge, their subject area, professional skill, or demonstrated competence.

Citing teacher recruitment, retention, and preparation as priorities, the board adopted a framework for classical teacher certification during its meeting on July 24 in Orlando, acting on HB 1285, the law signed this spring that also limits book challenges by parents without children in the district.

The Department of Education will grant these certificates if a teacher holds at least a bachelor’s degree, passes a background check, and is deemed suitable by the classical school to be hired.

Professional educator certificates, the main credential for Florida teaches, require proof of general and subject area mastery, which the department verifies through subject-area examinations. Other possibilities include showing a teaching certificate from another state.