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NOTE: "Dates and times are subject to change, please check schedule before attending your selected enrollment session"

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The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) Alternative Certification Program

The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program is designed for individuals who want to teach, but hold a bachelor's degree in an area other than education.  This alternative certification program provides the knowledge and tools necessary for earning a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate.

The program consists of 7 courses and 2 field experiences.  The 2 field experience courses require a total of 30 hours of observation in an approved school classroom. Each course is 8 weeks in length and is presented in a hybrid format: meeting one night a week for 3 hours on campus with all other coursework being online.

An additional requirement will be added for students beginning the program or continuing in the program for the Fall of 2009. Students who are not in a full-time teaching position or working as a full-time teacher's aide or paraprofessional will have to complete 5 hours of volunteer hoursin K-12 setting per 8 week term, not per course. The exception will be when students are registered for their field experience courses. Information about how to complete these volunteer hours will be communicated to students by their instructors at the beginning of the term. Each course can require between 5-10 hours of work outside of your class. For this reason, it is important that you consider commitments and register for the right amount of courses. You are only allowed to take 2 courses per 8 week term, but this requires a heavy time commitment.

We also offer fully-online courses, but if you are not a full-time teacher or a para-professional, then you must complete 10 hours of observation in a public, private, or charter school for each 8 week term that you are registered for an online course. Information about the observation will be provided by your instructor about the observation requirement. These courses are intensive and require the completion of several projects and research assignments along with readings, group work, and quizzes. You can estimate about 10 hours worth of coursework per week, per course. Many students take 2 courses at a time, but you are not required to take more than one. By taking 2 courses at a time, it is possible to complete the program in two semesters, but it may take three to four semesters. You must also complete all of the FTCE Exams and an EPI portfolio in order to complete the program.

These courses will prepare you not only for the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (Profession), but for success as a teacher in a classroom. Please refer to Courses link for more information regarding courses.

Requirements for participation include:

• Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Obtain a statement of Status of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) stating "You are Eligible."
• Complete all required paperwork.
• Attend a MANDATORY EPI Enrollment Session
• Submit EPI Application to the Answer Center , pay admission fee in the Business Office, and register for courses after attending the Enrollment Session.

The following paperwork must be completed and presented at the EPI Enrollment Session:

• Statement of Status of Eligibility from FLDOE
• FEAPs Assessment
• Teaching Profession Questionnaire
• OCPS Internship paperwork (for anyone not employed as a full-time teacher)
• Short Biography
• EPI Student Information Form
• All EPI Pre-program assessment forms. These forms can be found under the "How to Enroll" link.
• Official Transcripts must be submitted before beginning the program, especially if you wish to apply for financial aid.

If you have further questions, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions link or use the Contact Us link to email us your specific questions. We will respond in a timely manner.

How do I complete the program?

•  Step one : Complete all courses and coursework.

•  Step two : Take and pass all FTCE exams. Please visit the FTCE website to register.

•  Step three : Make sure our office has a copy of your test score and a copy of your temporary certificate or Statement of Eligibility. We will not send any paperwork to the state for your completion until we have these documents.

•  Step four : If you have checked out any text books or test-prep books from our office, you will need to return them. We will not print your transcript until the books have been returned.

•  Step five : Submit your Portfolio to the Director.

•  Step six : Complete the EPI Program Evaluation Survey (3 parts). This is to make sure that you are ready to complete, and that nothing has been overlooked. Please print out the confirmation at the end of each survey and submit with your documentation.

EPI Program Evaluation Part I

EPI Program Evaluation Part II

EPI Program Evaluation Part III

•  Step seven : This is our part. We will review your portfolio, sign the CT 133, and send the paperwork to the state. Then, we will mail a copy of the CT 133 to you for your records.

•  Step eight : If you are already on a Temporary Certificate, apply for your Professional Certificate and enjoy being an educator of our youth. If you have not been issued a Professional Certificate, you will receive a letter stating you are eligible for a Professional Certificate. When you have been hired and passed the fingerprinting and background check, you will be issued your Professional Certificate. If you wish to request your Professional Certificate before being hired, you may do so, but you will have to be fingerprinted and have a background check.

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