Program: Educator Preparation Institute (F222) (C.P.P.) - Florida State College at Jacksonville

Certificate of Professional Preparation

This is a Selective Access Program.

Mission/Purpose

The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program helps baccalaureate degree holders (in fields outside of education) earn their Florida Professional Certification to teach in a K-12 classroom. The program provides the necessary training for participants to become highly effective certified teachers.

The Program

Florida State College at Jacksonville’s EPI program is a state approved Teacher Preparation Program through the Florida Department of Education. The EPI program is designed for individuals who already hold a baccalaureate degree in a non-Education program who wish to supplement their existing degree by pursuing an alternative route to a professional teaching certificate. For more information about the Florida Professional Educator’s Certificate, visit fldoe.org/teaching/certification/.

According to the Florida Department of Education, the state will need to fill 17,000 to 23,500 classroom teacher positions per year between now and 2027. However, the number of graduates exiting traditional college of education programs across the state of Florida is only around 10,000 per year.

To address the need for teachers within the state of Florida, the EPI program works with local school districts to offer the Educator Preparation Institute.

Adults looking for a career change, including displaced workers and U.S. veterans entering the work force, are encouraged to explore this exciting opportunity.

A minimum grade of C or higher must be achieved in all professional coursework.

Application Procedure

Admission to the program is selective and based upon academic performance and other criteria. It is required that students contact the program coordinator prior to applying for the program. To meet the minimum requirements for consideration and acceptance to the program, students must:

Possess a baccalaureate degree (in a non-Educational program) from a regionally accredited college or university.

Obtain a Statement of Status Eligibility for certification from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). For more information, visit fldoe.org/teaching/certification/steps-to-certification/step-1-completing-your-initial-applica.stml.

Receive a passing score on the Subject Area Exam. For more information on testing dates, availability, and registration, visit fl.nesinc.com. Submit official exam score report at teacherexams@fscj.edu.

Submit an electronic application at apply.fscj.edu.

Complete a background check.

Complete an interview process.

Need More Information? Contact:

Program Coordinator, EPI, Downtown Campus, epiinfo@fscj.edu

More Information Online

Florida Department of Education Educator Preparation: fldoe.org/teaching/preparation/

Curriculum

Professional Coursework

Credit Hours: 24

A minimum grade of C or higher is required in all Professional coursework.

Total Credit Hours: 24

Graduation Requirements

In order to be awarded a certificate of completion, students must have met the following requirements.

Fulfill all obligations, financial or otherwise, to the College before graduating.
Successfully pass the FTCE General Knowledge Exam and the Professional Education Exam.
Successfully complete all coursework with a minimum grade of C or higher in all professional coursework.
Successfully complete the Educator Preparation Institute ePortfolio.
Have an active Statement of Status of Eligibility or a temporary teaching certificate from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE).

Note: Students are cautioned to pay particular attention to the following statements.

A student’s graduation date will be the date of the end of the College term in which the student has fulfilled all academic requirements.
Students who enter under the (2022/2023) catalog will be assigned to the degree or certificate requirements in effect during the 2022/2023 academic year. The student’s assigned catalog year will remain in effect as long as the student maintains continuous enrollment. Changes to requirements as mandated by law or by rule of the District Board of Trustees and FLDOE may supersede this provision.
Many courses in this catalog have prerequisite requirements listed in the course descriptions. Students are advised to be guided by these requirements.