F222 - Educator Preparation Institute (C.P.P.)

This is a Limited/Selective Access program.

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.

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. This program is reading endorsed. For more information about the Florida Professional Educator’s Certificate, visit the FLDOE Educator Certification webpage.

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.

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:

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

2. Obtain a Statement of Status Eligibility for certification from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). For more information, visit the FLDOE Certification Steps webpage.

3. Receive a passing score on the Subject Area Exam. Information on testing dates, availability, and registration are available online. Submit official exam score report at teacherexams@fscj.edu.

4. Submit an electronic application.

5. Complete a background check.

6. Complete an interview process.

epiinfo@fscj.edu.

• Florida Department of Education Educator Preparation