Home > Living Outside of Florida? What You Need to Know About Teacher Certification

Living Outside of Florida? What You Need to Know About Teacher Certification

If you are pursuing the Master’s in Educational Leadership, Management, and New Technologies  at MIU City University in Florida, but reside in another state like New York, Texas, or California — or plan to move in the future — you likely have one major question:

Will my degree be valid for teacher certification in another state?

The short answer is yes, but there are key details you need to understand regarding educational mobility in the United States.

The challenge of crossing state lines

Each U.S. state has its own rules for teacher certification. This means that teaching requirements in Florida may differ from those in other states, like New Jersey or North Carolina. 

In the past, earning a degree in one state and teaching in another could be a bureaucratic nightmare. Fortunately, the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement was created to streamline this process.

What is NASDTEC and how does it benefit you?

NASDTEC is an agreement designed to help educators move between states without having to start their training from scratch. It provides a framework that allows state authorities to evaluate your credentials more efficiently. 

Please note: It is important to understand that “reciprocity” does not mean “automatic recognition.” While the agreement simplifies the process, the final decision always rests with the Department of Education in the state where you intend to teach or renew your license.

Studying in Florida from out of state

At MIU, we welcome students from across the United States (and around the world). Here is how your Master’s degree works depending on your location:

• Your current license remains valid: Pursuing a Master’s at a Florida-based university does not invalidate or negatively impact your current teaching certification in another state.
• Renewals and salary increases: If you plan to use your Master’s in Educational Leadership from MIU City University for a salary bump or license renewal outside of Florida, check your local requirements first. Some states may require specific additional coursework or verified years of experience to qualify for a higher pay scale.

Common requirements by state 

Here are the typical requirements for the states where many of our students reside.

State	Typical Requirements or Considerations
California	State review for certification outside of CA; may require credential evaluation and compliance with specific state requirements.
Connecticut	State requirements may be specific by area/role; usually involves credential review and compliance with local conditions.
Delaware	Credential evaluation and possible additional documentation according to specialty or professional process.
Michigan	Credential review for changes in role; may require additional documentation depending on the chosen pathway.
Mississippi	Credential evaluation and additional requirements for new procedures (renewal or mobility).
New Hampshire	Equivalency evaluation and additional documentation based on the certification requested.
New Jersey	Credential review and additional requirements; may include a request for verification of state experience.
New York	Credential evaluation based on the pathway/role; typically involves additional training validations.
North Carolina	Review for mobility or renewal; may require verification of previous experience.
Texas	Requirements vary by area; involves credential evaluation and compliance with state norms.
Virginia	State review for new certifications; may require additional verifications on a case-by-case basis.

Other states included in NASDTEC

Don’t see your state on the list? Don’t worry. 

The NASDTEC Interstate Agreement is a national framework that includes all 50 U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia and Guam. This makes it easier for you to take your professional career anywhere in the United States.

Tips to secure your professional future

If you are pursuing a Master’s in Educational Leadership at MIU City University and live outside of Florida, follow these steps:

• Consult your state authority: Before completing your program, contact your state’s Department of Education to find out which documents they require to recognize your Florida degree.
• Keep your documentation up to date: Save your course syllabi and field experience logs, as some states request them to validate equivalencies.
• Leverage the NASDTEC agreement: Stay informed on how the agreement streamlines the mobility process if you decide to move in the future.