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About the program

EPI classroom The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program provides an alternate route to teacher certification for mid-career professionals and college graduates who do not have a degree in education. Students with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university may enter the EPI program, which consists of 21 credit hours of instruction, to prepare to take the Professional Educator, Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE). Prior to being granted a Florida Teacher Certificate, students must also demonstrate general knowledge and subject area competence through additional FTCE testing (these are not covered by the EPI program). The curriculum of the EPI program consists of seven courses relating to the standards of the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs). The courses are comprised of segments that provide students with the skills set and knowledge base necessary for those in the teaching profession. Students are also required to create a portfolio that documents their competency of the FEAPs and students must also pass all required sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam.

The EPI program consists of seven courses and two field experiences (diversity and professional foundations). Each course is from three to six weeks in length and is presented either in a classroom setting or online. The online model can be completed in five to seven months, depending upon semester breaks. The classroom model is only offered at the New Port Richey campus and takes ten months to complete - August through June.

Get more information by completing our contact form.

The Educator Preparation Institute provides a new and resourceful way for the state to vigorously recruit and train teachers. Recent data collected by the Florida Department of Education finds that students who complete EPI programs enter classrooms in Florida, teaching a variety of levels and disciplines, including those critical need areas such as math, science and reading. Teachers who were prepared through EPI programs have consistently evaluated their preparatory experiences as being very effective in preparing them for the classroom.

Gain professional expertise

Coursework covers the following areas of expertise:

Classroom management
Instructional strategies
Diversity in the classroom
Technology
Teaching and learning process
Professional foundations
Foundations of research-based practices in reading

Requirements for participation

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)
Complete all required paperwork
Complete the online PHCC registration form and pay the application fee. Note: If you are a returning student, you will complete a re-application form and the fee is waived.

Certification

The EPI program will not satisfy the course work requirements for certification in the following areas:

Preschool education
Pre-kindergarten/primary education (Pre-K-3)
Reading
Speech-language impaired
School social worker or psychologist
Education leadership
Agriculture

If you are seeking certification in one of these areas, your application will be denied.

Florida Teacher Certification Examinations

Florida Teacher Certification Exams are required by the state of Florida in order to be certified to teach in Florida. EPI students will need to take and pass these three examinations:

Professional Educator Exam
Subject Area Exam
General Knowledge Exam (must take/pass before acceptance into the EPI program)
Note: Some students are exempted from this exam. Determination is made by the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Certification. Testing requirements are provided on the Statement of Status of Eligibility letter.

For more information about FTCE computer-based and standard testing, visit the National Evaluation Systems website.

More information

Prospective students that are interested in applying for this program can obtain information by submitting the contact form on this website.

Vision

The Educator Preparation Institute at Pasco-Hernando Community College is a dynamic, learning-centered alternative certification program, with a faculty and staff who are dedicated to promoting a model for continuous lifelong learning, teaching excellence and supporting a community network.

Mission statement

The Educator Preparation Institute prepares learners to serve as teachers in their communities through collaborative learning programs with our professional development school partners. The Institute offers learners the opportunity to obtain a State of Florida Professional Teaching Certificate. In addition, the Institute offers learners opportunities to realize their “full creative potential.”

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EPI information About the program Course descriptions Enrolling in EPI Program calendar Tuition and costs Contact EPI The latest version of Adobe Reader is required to view documents in PDF format. Please direct updates for and questions and comments about this page to the webmaster.	Home >> Academics >> Arts and Sciences >> EPI >> About the program About the program The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program provides an alternate route to teacher certification for mid-career professionals and college graduates who do not have a degree in education. Students with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university may enter the EPI program, which consists of 21 credit hours of instruction, to prepare to take the Professional Educator, Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE). Prior to being granted a Florida Teacher Certificate, students must also demonstrate general knowledge and subject area competence through additional FTCE testing (these are not covered by the EPI program). The curriculum of the EPI program consists of seven courses relating to the standards of the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs). The courses are comprised of segments that provide students with the skills set and knowledge base necessary for those in the teaching profession. Students are also required to create a portfolio that documents their competency of the FEAPs and students must also pass all required sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam. The EPI program consists of seven courses and two field experiences (diversity and professional foundations). Each course is from three to six weeks in length and is presented either in a classroom setting or online. The online model can be completed in five to seven months, depending upon semester breaks. The classroom model is only offered at the New Port Richey campus and takes ten months to complete - August through June. Get more information by completing our contact form. The Educator Preparation Institute provides a new and resourceful way for the state to vigorously recruit and train teachers. Recent data collected by the Florida Department of Education finds that students who complete EPI programs enter classrooms in Florida, teaching a variety of levels and disciplines, including those critical need areas such as math, science and reading. Teachers who were prepared through EPI programs have consistently evaluated their preparatory experiences as being very effective in preparing them for the classroom. Gain professional expertise Coursework covers the following areas of expertise: Classroom management Instructional strategies Diversity in the classroom Technology Teaching and learning process Professional foundations Foundations of research-based practices in reading Requirements for participation 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) Complete all required paperwork Complete the online PHCC registration form and pay the application fee. Note: If you are a returning student, you will complete a re-application form and the fee is waived. Certification The EPI program will not satisfy the course work requirements for certification in the following areas: Preschool education Pre-kindergarten/primary education (Pre-K-3) Reading Speech-language impaired School social worker or psychologist Education leadership Agriculture If you are seeking certification in one of these areas, your application will be denied. Florida Teacher Certification Examinations Florida Teacher Certification Exams are required by the state of Florida in order to be certified to teach in Florida. EPI students will need to take and pass these three examinations: Professional Educator Exam Subject Area Exam General Knowledge Exam (must take/pass before acceptance into the EPI program) Note: Some students are exempted from this exam. Determination is made by the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Certification. Testing requirements are provided on the Statement of Status of Eligibility letter. For more information about FTCE computer-based and standard testing, visit the National Evaluation Systems website. More information Prospective students that are interested in applying for this program can obtain information by submitting the contact form on this website. Vision The Educator Preparation Institute at Pasco-Hernando Community College is a dynamic, learning-centered alternative certification program, with a faculty and staff who are dedicated to promoting a model for continuous lifelong learning, teaching excellence and supporting a community network. Mission statement The Educator Preparation Institute prepares learners to serve as teachers in their communities through collaborative learning programs with our professional development school partners. The Institute offers learners the opportunity to obtain a State of Florida Professional Teaching Certificate. In addition, the Institute offers learners opportunities to realize their “full creative potential.” back to top