Fall 2026 Cohort, Starting Soon

Become a Certified Computer Science Teacher in Florida

Prepare for the FTCE Computer Science K–12 certification exam with expert support from USF College of Education and Computer Science faculty.

  • Designed for teachers with little or no CS background
  • FTCE exam-focused curriculum and practice
  • Your district may reimburse tuition and exam fees through FLDOE grants
10 Weeks of instruction
AI Supported exam preparation
Apply Now

Why Add Computer Science Certification?

Adding Computer Science certification to your existing teaching credentials provides significant professional and personal advantages in today's education landscape.

Career & Financial Benefits
  • Higher demand, less competition — Massive shortage means more opportunities and leverage
  • Salary premiums — Many districts offer $1,000–$5,000+ annual stipends for CS teachers
  • Job security — Become more valuable and harder to replace
  • Administrative pathway — Opens doors to technology coordinator and curriculum specialist roles
Professional Growth
  • 21st-century relevance — Position yourself as a forward-thinking educator
  • Cross-curricular integration — Bring computational thinking to any subject
  • High student engagement — CS classes often have motivated, interested students
  • PD opportunities — Access to cutting-edge training, conferences, and grants
Flexibility & Options
  • Multiple course options — AP Computer Science, coding electives, digital citizenship
  • Curriculum freedom — More creative flexibility than traditional core subjects
  • Industry connections — Partner with tech companies, internships, guest speakers
  • Additional income — Tech camps, workshops, curriculum development opportunities
Future-Proofing & Impact
  • Essential skill set — Computational thinking becoming as fundamental as literacy
  • Growing requirements — More states mandating CS education means expanding opportunities
  • Grant funding available — Federal/state money specifically for CS education initiatives
  • High impact — Directly prepare students for high-demand, well-paying careers

The Bottom Line

The CS teacher shortage is so acute that many districts are essentially seeking qualified CS teachers, giving certified teachers significant advantages in negotiations, career advancement, and professional satisfaction. You'll be teaching one of the most relevant and future-focused subjects in education today.

Addressing Florida's CS Teacher Shortage

The Challenge

Florida is experiencing a critical shortage of computer science teachers, alongside shortages in other subject areas. While FL Statute 1007.2616 requires K-12 schools to provide face-to-face Computer Science courses with properly certified teachers, most schools are currently defaulting to Florida Virtual School (FLVS) due to lack of certified instructors on campus.

State Investment

The state has allocated $9 million in grants through the Computer Science Teacher Certification program to support teacher training and certification costs.

How District Reimbursement Works

FLDOE distributes grant funds directly to school districts each year. Teachers notify their district of their intent to take the certification course and exam, get district confirmation, complete the training and exam, and then request reimbursement from their district for covered costs.

About the Course

This course helps Florida teachers prepare for the FTCE Computer Science K–12 certification exam. It focuses on practical, classroom-ready content that meets state standards. Our goal is to make certification achievable — especially for teachers who may not have a background in computer science.

Who Should Enroll
  • Current Florida K–12 teachers seeking CS certification
  • Teachers with little or no prior experience in computer science
  • Educators interested in teaching AP Computer Science Principles or coding electives
Course Format
  • Semester: Fall 2026
  • Delivery: Multiple options being finalized based on teacher survey
  • Schedule: Flexible weekday evenings and/or weekend options based on participant needs
  • Length: 12–14 weeks
  • Support: Weekly office hours

What You'll Learn

Our curriculum is aligned with all seven FTCE Computer Science K-12 competencies, ensuring comprehensive preparation for certification success:

Computational Thinking & Problem Solving15%
  • Algorithm design and problem-solving strategies
  • Software development life cycle stages
  • Predicting algorithm outputs and testing solutions
Data Types & Structures15%
  • Variables, constants, and data types (integers, strings, Booleans)
  • Binary, decimal, and hexadecimal number systems
  • Arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and sets
Programming Logic20%
  • Debugging techniques and error types
  • Object-oriented vs procedural programming
  • Searching and sorting algorithms
Programming Languages20%
  • Scratch programming environment basics
  • Java programming fundamentals
  • Object-oriented principles (abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance)
Hardware, Software & Networking10%
  • Computer system components and functions
  • Network protocols and cloud computing
  • Application and productivity software
Social Issues & Ethics10%
  • Digital citizenship and intellectual property
  • Historical computer technology milestones
  • Cybersecurity and data protection
Computer Science Pedagogy10%

Learn effective teaching strategies, classroom management, assessment methods, and curriculum development specifically for K-12 computer science education.

Weekly Course Modules

The course is divided into 10 weekly modules, each designed to build your knowledge step-by-step. Each module includes readings, a lecture presentation, and a quiz to reinforce learning.

  • Readings: Introduction to Computer Systems & Binary Logic
  • Presentation Topics: Hardware Components, Data Storage, Software Types, Binary & Hexadecimal Systems
  • Quiz: Computer Systems & Binary Numbers Assessment

  • Readings: Computational Thinking & Logic Fundamentals
  • Presentation Topics: Problem-Solving Process, Algorithms, Flowcharts, Pseudocode, Propositional Logic
  • Quiz: Problem Solving & Logic Assessment

  • Readings: Java Basics & Data Types
  • Presentation Topics: Variables, Constants, Scope, Java Syntax, Main Method, "Hello World"
  • Quiz: Java Basics Assessment

  • Readings: Control Structures & Data Structures
  • Presentation Topics: Sequencing, Selection, Iteration, Methods, Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues
  • Quiz: Java Constructs Assessment

  • Readings: Advanced Algorithms & Testing Methodologies
  • Presentation Topics: Nested Loops, Recursion, Code Tracing, Systematic Testing, Boundary Value Analysis
  • Quiz: Advanced Algorithms Assessment

  • Readings: OOP Principles & Debugging Strategies
  • Presentation Topics: Error Types, Debugging Techniques, OOP vs. Procedural, Abstraction, Encapsulation, Inheritance, Polymorphism
  • Quiz: OOP & Debugging Assessment

  • Readings: Algorithms & Network Fundamentals
  • Presentation Topics: Linear vs. Binary Search, Sorting Algorithms (Selection, Insertion, Merge), OSI Model, Network Devices
  • Quiz: Algorithms & Networks Assessment

  • Readings: Digital Safety, Security & Ethics
  • Presentation Topics: Network Protocols, Cloud Computing, Intellectual Property, Digital Citizenship, Malware, CIA Triad
  • Quiz: Digital World Assessment

  • Readings: CS Pedagogy & Classroom Management
  • Presentation Topics: Classroom Environment, Active Learning, Assessment, Equity & Access, Career Landscapes
  • Quiz: Pedagogy & Curriculum Assessment

  • Readings: Comprehensive Review Materials
  • Presentation Topics: Course Wrap-up, Mock Exam Strategies, Final Q&A
  • Quiz: Final Certification Practice Exam

Course Faculty

The course is co-taught by experienced faculty from both the College of Education and Computer Science departments:

Zafer Unal
Zafer Unal
College of Education

Professor & Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, USF College of Education

unal@usf.edu

Expert in educational technology and computer science education with extensive experience in computer hardware, software systems, and programming languages including Java, C++, Python, PHP, and MySQL. Specializes in teacher professional development and curriculum design for K-12 computer science programs.

Nithin Palyam
Nithin Palyam
Computer Science & Engineering

Research Assistant, USF College of Computer Science & Engineering

palyam@usf.edu

Computer engineering graduate student with expertise in computer hardware, software systems, and programming languages including Java, C++, Python, and C#. Experienced in full-stack development, database design, and software engineering principles.

Course Funding

Course Investment

Course Tuition
$XXX
FTCE Exam Fee
$150
Total Estimated Cost: $XXX
Reimbursement Available: Your school district may be eligible for FLDOE Computer Science Teacher Certification grants that can reimburse these costs. Contact your district for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Florida Department of Education allocates $9 million in annual grants to school districts through the Computer Science Teacher Certification program — not directly to teachers. Here's how the process works:

1. Notify your district — Let your school or district know you plan to enroll in a CS certification course and take the FTCE exam.
2. Get district confirmation — Your district reviews and confirms your request based on available grant funds they've received from FLDOE.
3. Complete the course and exam — Take the USF certification course and sit for the FTCE Computer Science K-12 exam.
4. Request reimbursement — Submit your receipts to your district's grants or professional development office to be reimbursed for covered costs.

Contact your district early — funds are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

According to FLDOE guidelines, district grant funds can cover: (1) training for classroom teachers to earn K-12 computer science certification, (2) fees for examinations that lead to credentials, and (3) professional learning for computer science instruction. This includes our course tuition and the FTCE exam fee. Since funds flow from FLDOE to your district, check with your district's grants or professional development office to confirm what is covered and what their reimbursement procedure requires.

No programming experience is required. This course is specifically designed for teachers with little or no computer science background. We start with fundamentals and build up to the level needed for the FTCE exam.

No, this is a non-credit professional learning course focused specifically on FTCE Computer Science K-12 certification preparation. Participants receive a certificate of completion from USF College of Education.

We're currently surveying teachers from Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Sarasota, and Hillsborough districts to determine their preferred delivery modes and scheduling options. Based on this feedback, we expect to offer multiple delivery formats and flexible weekday/weekend scheduling to best serve our participants' needs.

FL Statute 1007.2616 requires K-12 schools to provide face-to-face Computer Science courses with properly certified teachers. Currently, many schools default to Florida Virtual School (FLVS) due to lack of certified CS teachers on campus. Getting certified allows you to teach these courses in-person at your school.

This course is designed for current Florida K-12 teachers who want to add computer science certification to their existing teaching credentials. You should be employed by a Florida school district and interested in teaching computer science courses like AP Computer Science Principles or coding electives.

Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort will open on May 15, 2026. We'll notify interested candidates when the application process begins. You can express your interest now by contacting us.

Apply for Fall 2026 Cohort

Application Requirements
  • Proof of current teaching position in a Florida school district
  • Letter of support from your school or district (optional but recommended)
Application Deadline
July 15, 2026
Course Starts
Fall 2026

Survey in Progress

We're currently surveying teachers from Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Sarasota, and Hillsborough districts about their preferred delivery modes and schedules. If you are interested in this course, please complete the survey and leave your contact information.

Complete Survey