Preparation for and Finding a Position as a Teacher

Teaching the English Language Arts

Avenues to Teaching (FL)Florida offers two types of certificates

Avenues to Teaching (FL)Florida offers two types of certificates

Have Basic Content

Knowledge, Pedagogical

Training, Understanding

of Learning Theories,

Supervision in Field

Have a Pulse

PROFESSIONAL LICENSE (vs. Temporary Certificate)

• Valid Certificate Issued by American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) and Demonstration of Professional Education Competence in the Classroom

• District Alternative Certification Program and Passing Florida Certification Examinations

• College Professional Training Option, Teaching Experience, Demonstration of Professional Education Competence in the Classroom, and Passing Florida Certification Examinations (UNF Education Majors)

• Professional Preparation College Courses, Teaching Experience, Demonstration of Professional Education Competence in the Classroom, and Passing Florida Certification Examinations

Requirements: State of Florida

Requirements: State of Florida

Content Knowledge

Note: Some states recognize that a major or 30 hours of content is insufficient for truly knowing one’s content area. Some states—namely New York and California—require more content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge to become a certified teach. They require the equivalent of a major in the content and graduate courses in education.

FTCE General Knowledge Test

• General Knowledge Test 

FTCE Professional Education Test

• Professional Education Test 

FTCE English 6-12 Test (subject)

• Test Information Guide for English 6–12

For detailed information on each test and to schedule a time to take each test, visit: http://www.fl.nesinc.com/FL_TIGS.asp

Required Tests

The General Knowledge Test is relatively easy and should pose no problems for students soon to graduate from college. It is meant to ensure that teachers entering the classroom have basic knowledge of English and Math.

Required Tests: FTCE General Knowledge Test

Click here for more information on the General Knowledge Test

Required Tests: FTCE Professional Education Test

Click here for specific information on the Professional Knowledge Test

Competency / Skill ofExa

1. Knowledge of instructional design and planning (10 Skills) 18

2. Knowledge of appropriate student-centered learning environments (8 Skills) 15

3. Knowledge of instructional delivery and facilitation through a comprehensive understanding of subject matter(10 Skills)

18

4. Knowledge of various types of assessment strategies for determining impact on student learning (6 Skills)

14

5. Knowledge of relevant continuous professional improvement (7 Skills) 12

6. Knowledge of the Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida (5 Skills)

9

7. Knowledge of research-based practices appropriate for teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) (5 Skills)

7

8. Knowledge of effective literacy strategies that can be applied across the curriculum to impact student learning (6 Skills)

7

FTCE English 6-12 Test (subject)

• Test Information Guide for English 6–12 Competency / Skill % of Exam

1. Knowledge of the English language and methods for effective teaching (6 Skills) 20

2. Knowledge of writing and methods for effective teaching (6 Skills) 20

3. Knowledge of the use of the reading process to construct meaning from a wide range of selections (5 Skills)

20

4. Knowledge of literature and methods for effective teaching (9 Skills) 20

5. Knowledge of listening, viewing, and speaking as methods for acquiring critical literacy (7 Skills)

15

6. Knowledge of the methods for integration of the language arts (4 Skills) 5

7. Ability to write well on a selection from poetry or prose, including fiction or nonfiction (5 Skills)

*

*The writing section (competency 7) comprises 30% of the score for this subject area test.

Required Tests: FTCE English 6-12 Test (subject)

Note: This chart refers to the test in use through February 2014.

FTCE English 6-12 Test (subject)

• Test Information Guide for English 6–12

Competency / Skill % of Exam

1. Knowledge of the effective use of the English language at the postsecondary level (11 Skills)

23

2. Knowledge of effective writing skills (11 Skills) 21

3. Knowledge of literacy processes across genres (10 Skills) 21

4. Knowledge of a wide range of fiction, nonfiction, and informational texts (8 Skills) 23

5. Knowledge of critical responses to media (4 Skills) 12

6. Demonstration of the ability to respond critically through an analysis of a literary selection (4 Skills)

*

*Competency 6 governs the written portion of the examination and therefore is not included in the blueprint percentage.

Required Tests: FTCE English 6-12 Test (subject)

Note: This chart refers to the test used as of March 2014.

Required Tests: FTCE English 6-12 Test (subject)

Click here for specific information on the English Content/Subject Test

• Review major authors and periods of British and American Literature– Norton Anthologies

– “Survey” Literature Courses

– Wikipedia

• Review major themes and characters in Shakespeare

• Know the processes used to make meaning from texts (decoding vs. active meaning making, connecting prior knowledge to new knowledge in texts, learning vocabulary from contexts, questioning the author, seeking point of view and bias in texts, etc.).

• Understand critical approaches to literary interpretation and interpretation of nonfiction texts (critical literacy approaches) to include media literacy

• Understand basics premises of literary theories (e.g., Marxism, feminism, structuralism, deconstruction, Freudian, Post-Colonialism, etc.)

• Understand the ideas of: Writer’s Workshop (workshopping model), Process-approach writing, writing across genres

Preparing for English Content (subject) Test

Do not wait to start looking- If you are graduating soon, you should already be actively looking for work

+ apply at the district sites & update your resume/application regularly

+ get resume to preferred schools

+ substitute at preferred schools (or any school in district)

+ use connections wisely

- Have a strong resume

+ updated with relevant experiences (do not include every experience in your life)

+ correct in terms of spelling, grammar, and syntax

+ include references

- If you are interning soon, start thinking of your internship as job networking (many of our graduates get jobs in the schools where they intern)

Finding a Job

Focus on a school or a district & become known there- If you really want to work at a particular school or a particular district,

focus there and do NOT take the first job offer that comes your way

- Get to know the school and help them get to know you

+ substitute at the school (get to know particular teachers, understanding that they can request specific substitutes when they know they will be absent)

+ know the school’s demographics, test scores, issues, etc. (all public information)

+ introduce yourself to principal, assistant principal, teacher leaders, and front desk secretary

+ volunteer for school functions

Finding a Job

Be prepared for an interview- Interviews can happen suddenly, so always be prepared

+ have your information organized and ready (do not overwhelm interviewee with too many documents or a portfolio)

+ have a ‘cheat sheet’ about the school and its students

+ know something about the principal

+ dress appropriately and be early

- Anticipate questions and have your own good questions

+ brainstorm the kinds of questions a principal is likely to ask and your answers to those questions

+ know the major acronyms (e.g., RTI, PLCs, etc.)

+ have two or three good questions for the principal that position you as a professional seeking a good place to start your career

Finding a Job

Be prepared to start immediately- Principals often need someone to start ASAP

+ be confident and prepared to start quickly if required

+ consider not only the initial job but possibilities that might open later

- e.g., a ‘reading’ job may turn into a true ELA job once a position opens at that school

Finding a Job

If looking for teaching jobs out of state, know the requirements and, if applicable, the reciprocal agreements between states.

- States have differing requirements for certification.

+ there are only a few states that would not allow you to teach if you have a Florida certificate/license (and some of these might allow a temporary teaching certificate while you meet that state’s requirements)

Finding a Job