Florida Department of Education Puts Teachers Through a 30-Day Loop

Teachers seeking information from the Florida Bureau of Educator Certification are in for a long, frustrating wait.

On Monday morning, no humans were available at the toll-free line (800-445-6739) and there is no voice-mail option.

Callers are instructed to direct their requests to the DOE's website, which generates this automated reply:

"Due to the extremely high volume of electronic requests, our staff will be responding to your inquiry as quickly as current resources will allow, unless a review of your file indicates that your question has already been addressed by other members of our Bureau."

Callers requesting information on their applications are unhelpfully informed: "Please allow at least 30 days after our office has received your application before inquiring on its status."

So hurry up and wait, teachers. This is your government at work ... or not.