Reading Endorsement Pathways
Aiming to provide all teachers the opportunity to become highly qualified in the area of reading and writing, the Just Read, Florida! office helps teachers earn a Reading Endorsement aligned to evidence-based instructional and intervention strategies rooted in the science of reading.
The Florida Reading Endorsement Pathways are offered to give teachers an opportunity to earn a Reading Endorsement and implement evidence-based instructional strategies to impact student achievement.
State Reading Endorsement Pathways
Literacy Matrix
The University of Florida Lastinger Center Literacy Matrix provides Florida’s educators an online pathway to earn the Reading Endorsement. Educators are given the opportunity to apply research-based strategies for each competency with customized learning pathways to fulfill individual needs. Courses are asynchronous and facilitated by a navigator with expertise in reading instruction. Please contact literacymatrix@coe.ufl.edu or your district's main Professional Learning Contact to see if this pathway is available in your district.
The University of Florida Lastinger Center Literacy Matrix: Competency 1 OR Competency 2 may count towards the 40-hour reading renewal requirement in accordance with Rule 6A-4.0051(7), F.A.C.
Reading Foundations and Evidence-Based Instructional Practices Pathway
The Florida Center for Reading Research at Florida State University has developed the Reading Foundations and Evidence-Based Instructional Practices Pathway to support educators in earning the Reading Endorsement. This pathway requires participants to complete all five reading endorsement competencies. Courses are delivered by certified Literacy Cadre Trainers in participating school districts through in-person trainings and/or synchronous virtual meetings. Please contact your district’s main Professional Learning Contact to see if this pathway is available in your district.
The Florida Center for Reading Research Reading Foundations and Evidence-Based Instructional Practices Pathway: Competency 1 AND Competency 2 may count towards the 40-hour reading renewal requirement in accordance with Rule 6A-4.0051(7), F.A.C.
Florida District Add-on Program for Currently Employed Educators
Teachers who are currently employed in a Florida school district may add the Reading Endorsement to their certificate through an approved district add-on program. For more information, please contact your district's main Professional Learning Contact.
Educator Obtains Certificate from an Internationally Recognized Organization that Meets Florida Competencies
Internationally recognized organizations that award a Reading Certificate may apply to have their certificate program recognized as fulfilling the requirements of the Reading Endorsement. To apply, please contact the Just Read, Florida! office at JustRead@fldoe.org or 850-245-0503.
Teachers who have one of the approved certificates may apply to the Bureau of Educator Certification to have the Reading Endorsement added to their Florida Teaching Certificate.
Reading Certification Exam
If you are currently employed by a school district in Florida and would like to attain the Reading Endorsement through the Reading Certification Exam, please visit the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) site to register for the Reading Certification Exam. Beginning July 1, 2024, instructional personnel may not earn a reading endorsement solely by achieving a passing score on the K-12 Reading Certification Exam.
Other Educators
If you are not currently employed by a school district in Florida, do not hold a valid Florida Educator Certificate, or you hold a Reading certificate from another state, please visit the Bureau of Educator Certification’s homepage for detailed information on the application process and paths to certification including reciprocity with other states.