Program: F9025

The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) is an accelerated, state-approved alternative certification program for mid-career professionals and college graduates who were not education majors. A participant with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university who has a desire to teach in K-12 public schools in Florida may enter the EPI Program, which consists of competency-based instruction, to prepare for the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE) in Professional Preparation and Education Competence. The participants must also demonstrate General Knowledge and Subject Area Competence.

The EPI Program is a hybrid program (combination of face-to-face and Internet classes) that meets two Saturdays a month. Each course is one month in length. There are seven courses and two field experience components included in the program. Participants must pass all three FTCE exams to complete the program and receive a 5-year Florida Professional Teaching Certificate.

Participants must enroll at Polk State College and designate the Educator Preparation Institute as their program. Participants in the program register online in PASSPORT for the courses. Institutional credit is earned for all program courses; this credit is only transferable to other colleges in Florida that offer an EPI program.

Students are encouraged to visit the EPI website for additional information at www.polk.edu/epi .