SFSC Elementary Teacher Education Program Ranked Among Highest in Florida

A group of graduates in caps and gowns. SFSC’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education (BSETE) program earned a 3.7 out of 4.0 on the Florida Department of Education’s Annual Program Performance Report (APPR) for 2025.

Among all Elementary Education, ESOL, and Reading programs reviewed, only five Florida institutions scored higher than SFSC, placing the program among the top teacher preparation programs in the state.

The APPR evaluates teacher preparation programs on several key measures of quality:

Candidate Readiness: This category assesses certification exam pass rates. SFSC scored Level 4 (highest level), reflecting outstanding performance on the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations.
Workforce Contribution: This aspect tracks graduate employment in teaching. SFSC scored Level 4, with all graduates employed in the teaching profession and additional weighting awarded because SFSC’s degree prepares teachers in a designated high-need area.
Annual Evaluations: This section is based on employer evaluations of recent graduates. SFSC scored Level 3, with 100% of completers rated Effective or Highly Effective by their districts.

These results affirm the excellence of SFSC’s faculty, staff, and graduates, and highlight the program’s strong role in preparing highly qualified teachers for Florida’s schools.

“The program’s success is a result of the dedication of BSETE professors and adjuncts whose enthusiasm for teaching empowers our student teachers to change lives,” said Dr. Maday Leon, lead instructor for BSETE. “We will continue to support our communities by developing effective educators.”

For more information about SFSC’s BSETE program, contact Dr. Leon at leonm@southflorida.edu or ext. 7154.