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To teach in the state of Florida an individual must first apply to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) for their Statement of Eligibility (SOE). The individual applies for the SOE online at http://www.fldoe.org/edcert/steps.asp. On the application, the individual must identify which subject area(s) they would like to teach. In addition to completing the application, the individual must send official transcript(s) to the FLDOE for review. Based solely on the transcript(s), the FLDOE will determine if the individual is eligible to teach the specified subject area(s). Students may not begin the EPI program until they have a Statement of Eligibility. A valid copy of your SOE is required for registration. Please email a copy to amatias@broward.edu after completing the EPI application.
Important Note: Per FLDOE guidelines and approved statutes, in order to admit prospective students into the program, the SOE must reflect that they are "eligible" for a temporary certificate, meaning that the competency requirements to teach the applied subject area have been satisfied. If the statement reflects that you are not eligible, please contact the program advisor to discuss the next steps and resources to help study and pass the subject area exam in order to be eligible.
Complete the Broward College application and select Non-Degree Seeking for College Credit Option # 4. Select Educator Preparation Institute as your degree program. If you were previously a student and have not taken classes for two consecutive terms, please be sure to submit a re-entry application.
Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended to Broward College's Registrar. You may request to have the transcripts sent electronically to Broward College or mail official, sealed hard copies to:
Official College transcripts can be sent electronically or directly by mail to the Registrar's Office.
Broward College
Registrar's Office
4205 Bonaventure Blvd.
Weston, FL 33332
Submit a supplemental EPI application. This application will ask you specific questions about your teaching experience and interests. Please make sure you are applying for the current term.
Email the Teacher Education Pathway at amatias@broward.edu to schedule an EPI Admissions appointment by forwarding your received Statement of Eligibility (SOE) along with your Broward College Student ID number.
EPI is a fully online program, so you have the opportunity to learn at your own pace. Many faculty members choose to have optional face-to-face meetings throughout the semester to support and enhance their learning experience. The program also includes two courses with 30 hours of fieldwork. Students must teach a lesson in each course and be evaluated by their assigned Cooperating Teacher.
The job outlook is great for certified educators. Teachers who specialize in "critical shortage areas," including mathematics, science, and foreign languages are desired all across the State of Florida.
Take advantage of our free online tool to find the most current local data on salary, employment, career prospects, and more.
Florida has a growing need for teachers; however, not everyone can be an effective teacher. The FLDOE requires we interview all EPI applicants to ensure that they have the disposition to be effective teachers. Some characteristics we are looking for are:
You should apply to this program if you:
The faculty in our Educator Preparation Institute are very experienced and take pride in providing for an engaging online learning experience. Our instructors include graduates from colleges/universities and former teachers and administrators from the local school district.
EPI consists of 21 credits, which includes seven courses and two field experiences. You are required to complete the full 21 credits and maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout the program.
You can complete the program in two semesters if you enroll full-time.
EPI0001 - Classroom Management
EPI0002 - Instructional Strategies
EPI0004 - The Teaching and Learning Process
EPI0010 - Foundations of Research-Based Practices in Reading
The EPI is a state-approved alternative certification program for individuals who have a bachelor's degree, in a field other than education, and now want to transition into teaching. Individuals who successfully complete the EPI program will be eligible for a Professional Teaching Certificate in Florida. In order to complete the EPI program, individuals must meet the three requirements listed below.
Students are required to submit a program portfolio that will be reviewed, assessed, and approved by EPI faculty. The program portfolio will document the student's understanding, demonstration, and mastery of the Florida Education Accomplished Practices (listed below). Students submit a mid-program portfolio after completing three classes and a final portfolio after completing all seven classes.
Florida Educator Accomplished Practices
Broward College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees. Broward College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Broward College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
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