Elementary School Teacher in Sunrise, FL

A Career Guide for Elementary School Teachers in Sunrise, Florida

Sunrise, Florida is a city of contrasts. It’s a sprawling suburban community nestled in western Broward County, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Fort Lauderdale and Miami. But for an elementary school teacher, this can be a strategic advantage. It offers a more affordable cost of living than Miami-Dade, while still providing access to a robust job market and a diverse, growing student population.

As a local, I can tell you Sunrise isn’t a tourist town; it’s a place where people live and work. Its skyline is dominated by the massive Sawgrass Mills mall and the FLA Live Arena, but its residential heart is made up of quiet, established neighborhoods. The city's unique geography—sprawling from the edge of the Everglades to the bustling Sawgrass Mills area—creates distinct lifestyle pockets. This guide is designed to give you a clear, data-driven picture of what your teaching career could look like here, from your first paycheck to your long-term growth.

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The Salary Picture: Where Sunrise Stands

Let’s start with the numbers. The financial reality for an elementary school teacher in Sunrise is competitive, especially when you factor in the state’s growing population. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local district data, here’s how the salary landscape breaks down.

The median salary for an Elementary School Teacher in the Sunrise metro area is $65,923 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $31.69. This is notably higher than the national average of $63,670, giving Sunrise a slight edge for educators seeking better compensation. It’s important to note that this median figure represents a blend of experience levels, from first-year teachers to veteran educators.

Here’s a more detailed, experience-based breakdown. (Note: These are estimates based on Broward County Public Schools salary schedules and local market trends.)

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors
Entry-Level	$51,500 - $58,000	Based on a Bachelor's degree and zero to two years of experience. Starting salaries in Broward County are competitive with the state average.
Mid-Career	$65,923 (Median)	Typically 5-10 years of experience, often includes Master's degree steps or National Board Certification. This is the standard for a full-time, tenured teacher.
Senior/Expert	$72,000 - $85,000	15+ years of experience, often with leadership roles (e.g., Department Head, Mentor Teacher) and advanced degrees (Master's or Doctorate).
Specialty Premiums	+$3,000 - $7,000	Additional pay for high-demand areas like Exceptional Student Education (ESE), ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), or STEM specialization.

Regional Comparison: How does Sunrise stack up against other Florida cities?

• Miami: Higher cost of living, but salaries are generally comparable or slightly higher. The median salary in the Miami metro is around $67,000, but rent and home prices are significantly steeper.
• Orlando: Salaries are similar to Sunrise (median ~$65,500), but the job market is more competitive due to a larger number of education graduates from local universities.
• Tampa: Salaries are slightly lower (median ~$62,800), but the cost of living is also lower than South Florida.
• Jacksonville: Similar salary range but a much larger geographic area with different school district structures.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for this metro is 1%. This might seem low, but it’s crucial to understand the context. This projection comes from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and reflects a stabilization after years of rapid growth. It doesn’t mean there are fewer jobs; it means the market is mature. With 484 jobs in the metro, turnover due to retirement and relocation creates consistent openings, especially in growing areas like Sunrise.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $65,923 sounds solid, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let’s break it down. We’ll assume a single filer with no dependents for simplicity, and we’ll use Sunrise’s specific cost of living data.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $65,923 Annual Salary):

Item	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,493	$65,923 / 12 months (before deductions).
Taxes & Deductions	-$1,263	This includes federal tax, Florida state tax (0%), Social Security, Medicare, and health insurance premiums. The estimate is based on standard deductions for a single filer.
Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home)	~$4,230	This is your actual spending money.
Average 1BR Rent	-$1,621	The city-wide average. Your actual rent will vary by neighborhood (see section below).
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	-$200	Florida's electric bills can be high in the summer.
Car Insurance & Gas	-$300	Florida has some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation.
Groceries & Essentials	-$400	A reasonable budget for one person.
Remaining Discretionary	~$1,709	This covers savings, entertainment, dining out, and unexpected expenses.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Sunrise is approximately $400,000 - $450,000. Let’s run the numbers on a $425,000 home with a 20% down payment ($85,000).

• Loan Amount: $340,000
• Estimated Mortgage (P&I): ~$2,100/month (at current interest rates ~6.5%)
• Property Taxes & Insurance (PITI): ~$700/month
• Total Monthly Housing Payment: ~$2,800

Verdict: Buying a home on a single teacher's salary is challenging but possible with discipline. Your take-home pay is $4,230. A $2,800 mortgage would eat up about 66% of your net income, which is above the recommended 30-40% threshold. To make it work, you would need a significant down payment (more than 20%), a dual-income household, or to start with a more affordable condo or townhouse in the $250,000-$300,000 range. Renting first is the most prudent strategy.

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Where the Jobs Are: Sunrise's Major Employers

The job market for teachers in Sunrise is dominated by a few key players. The vast majority of elementary school positions are within the Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) system, which is the 6th largest school district in the nation. However, there are also opportunities in private and charter schools.

1. Broward County Public Schools (BCPS): This is your primary employer. Sunrise is home to several elementary schools, including Sawgrass Elementary, Banyan Elementary, and Sunrise Middle School (which has elementary grades). BCPS is a massive district with over 270,000 students. Hiring trends are stable; they post openings on their official career portal year-round, with the bulk of hiring happening in the spring for the following school year. They actively recruit for ESE and ESOL positions.

2. Charter Schools: Sunrise has a growing charter school sector. Somerset Academy is a well-known network with a campus in the area. These schools often offer more autonomy but can have different salary scales and benefits. They are a good option for teachers seeking a different classroom environment.

3. Private Schools: While fewer in number, private schools like St. Anthony Catholic School (in nearby Fort Lauderdale, a common commute) offer alternatives. Salaries can be lower than public schools, but class sizes are often smaller.

4. Early Learning Centers: Organizations like the Children’s Home Society of Florida and numerous private daycare and preschool centers (e.g., KinderCare, Primrose Schools) are always in need of qualified early childhood educators. These are great entry points or part-time options.

5. The City of Sunrise Parks and Recreation: While not a traditional teaching role, the city’s Parks and Rec department offers after-school programs and summer camps that hire educators. It’s a good way to network and get your foot in the local door.

6. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Area Schools: Due to the metro area’s connectivity, many teachers living in Sunrise commute to neighboring districts. Fort Lauderdale Public Schools and Palm Beach County School District (to the north) are major employers with large job boards. The commute against traffic (east in the morning, west in the afternoon) can be manageable.

7. Hospitality and Tourism: While not direct teaching, Sunrise’s massive tourism infrastructure (Sawgrass Mills, FLA Live Arena) means a constant need for youth program coordinators, education officers at attractions, and camp counselors, which can supplement a teaching income.

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Getting Licensed in Florida

Florida has specific requirements for teacher certification. The process is managed by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE).

Step-by-Step Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s Degree: You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
2. Approved Teacher Preparation Program: This can be part of your degree or a separate post-baccalaureate program.
3. Passing Exam Scores: You must pass the Florida General Knowledge (GK) exam and the Professional Education (PEd) exam. For specific subjects/grade levels, you may also need the Subject Area Examination (SAE).
4. Background Check: A Level II FBI fingerprint background check is mandatory.
5. Statement of Status of Eligibility: Apply for this through the FLDOE portal to get a temporary certificate while you complete any remaining requirements.

Costs and Timeline:

• Exam Fees: The GK and PEd exams cost $130 each. The SAE varies but is typically around $150.
• Application Fees: The initial certification application fee is $75.
• Background Check: Approximately $100.
• Total Estimated Cost: $485 - $600 (not including costs for study materials or prep courses).

Timeline: The process can take 3-6 months if you already have a degree and are only completing exams and background checks. If you need to enroll in a teacher preparation program, it could take 1-2 years.

Insider Tip: Florida has a backlog for processing applications, so apply early. If you are certified in another state, you may be eligible for a temporary certificate while you complete Florida-specific requirements, such as the Florida Civic Literacy course.

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Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Your choice of neighborhood will impact your commute, social life, and budget. Sunrise is not a walkable city; a car is essential.

1. Sunrise Central (Near Sawgrass Mills):

   • Vibe: Urban-suburban mix, high-density, bustling.
   • Commute: Minimal traffic to schools in the area. Close to I-595 and the Turnpike.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,100/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Teachers who want to be near shopping, dining, and entertainment.

2. Sawgrass/Sunrise Lakes:

   • Vibe: Established, quiet, and residential. Many single-family homes and townhomes.
   • Commute: Easy access to major roads. Slightly longer drive to downtown Fort Lauderdale.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800/month for a 1BR in a townhome community.
   • Best For: Those seeking a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle.

3. Weston (Adjacent to Sunrise):

   • Vibe: Affluent, master-planned, excellent public schools.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Sunrise schools. A very safe and green community.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,900 - $2,500/month for a 1BR. More expensive.
   • Best For: Teachers with higher budgets who prioritize school quality and safety. Note: Weston is a separate city but a common place for BCPS teachers to live.

4. Plantation (Adjacent to Sunrise):

   • Vibe: Historic, tree-lined streets, with a mix of old Florida charm and modern development.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to Sunrise schools, depending on traffic.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,900/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who want a more classic suburban feel with good amenities.

5. Tamarac (Adjacent to Sunrise):

   • Vibe: Affordable, diverse, and convenient.
   • Commute: Very close to Sunrise, with easy access to I-595.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious teachers who want a short commute and a diverse community.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

A teaching career in Sunrise is not static. There are clear paths for advancement and specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: As noted, BCPS offers additional pay for high-need areas. Pursuing an ESOL Endorsement or ESE Certification can boost your salary by $3,000-$7,000 annually. This is a strategic move for any teacher looking to increase their earning potential.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Instructional Coach/Mentor: Work with other teachers to improve instruction.
  • Department Chair/Team Lead: A leadership role within a school.
  • Administrator: Becoming an Assistant Principal or Principal requires a Master’s in Educational Leadership and significantly higher pay ($90,000+).
  • District-Level Roles: Curriculum specialist, program coordinator.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 1% job growth, the market is stable. The key to growth will be in specialization. Teachers who are adaptable to new technologies (like AI-assisted learning tools) and who can address the needs of a diverse, multilingual student population will be the most in-demand. The ongoing development in western Broward County ensures a steady stream of young families, meaning elementary schools will remain a priority.

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The Verdict: Is Sunrise Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary is above the national average, providing a solid foundation.	Cost of Living Index of 111.8 is higher than the US average, squeezing your budget.
Stable job market within the large BCPS system.	10-year job growth is low (1%), meaning competition for the best positions can be fierce.
Diverse student population offers rich teaching experiences.	Car-dependent city with potential for long commutes if you live outside Sunrise.
Access to beaches, Everglades, and cultural hubs of South Florida.	Summer humidity and hurricane season can be a significant lifestyle adjustment.
No state income tax in Florida, increasing your take-home pay.	Housing affordability is a challenge for single-income households.

Final Recommendation:
Sunrise is an excellent choice for an elementary school teacher who is financially disciplined and career-focused. If you are willing to rent for the first few years, specialize in a high-demand area (like ESE or ESOL), and take advantage of the salary and tax benefits, you can build a comfortable and rewarding life. It’s not a city for those seeking a bohemian, walkable lifestyle, but it’s a practical, professional environment with good schools and a strong sense of community. If you’re looking for a stable, well-paying teaching job in a vibrant, diverse region, Sunrise deserves serious consideration.

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FAQs

1. What is the starting salary for a new teacher in Sunrise?
A new teacher with a Bachelor’s degree and no experience can expect a starting salary in the range of $51,500 - $58,000 per year in the Broward County Public Schools system.

2. Is it easier to find a teaching job in Sunrise or Fort Lauderdale?
Both are within the same large school district (BCPS), so job openings are posted on a central portal. However, Sunrise schools may have slightly less turnover than some urban Fort Lauderdale schools, making competition a bit stiffer. Living in Sunrise does not guarantee a job there; you may need to commute to a neighboring community.

3. How competitive is the job market with a 1% growth rate?
The 1% growth rate indicates a mature, stable market rather than a booming one. It means that most openings will come from retirements and resignations, not new school construction. To be competitive, having a high-need specialty (ESE, ESOL, STEM) and being willing to work in any of the district's schools (not just Sunrise) will significantly increase your chances.

4. What’s the best way to prepare for the Florida certification exams?
Use the official FLDOE resources and study guides. Many teachers recommend popular prep books and online platforms like 240Tutoring or Mometrix. Forming a study group with other out-of-state teachers can also be beneficial. Budget for at least 2-3 months of dedicated study time.

**5. Can I live comfortably on a