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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q - How long is the program?

A - The program is designed so that individuals can complete the coursework in as little as two semesters if they attend full-time. Full-time means 9 credits one semester and 12 credits a second semester. It is recommended that candidates take into consideration all personal responsibilities (family, work, etc) before choosing to attend full-time. The program is a post-baccalaureate certificate. The coursework is rigorous and we want all students to excel in the courses, therefore we urge students to go at a pace that is comfortable to them.

Q - The program is fully on-line. What does that mean?

A - EPI is a fully online program, thus students should be confident in their computer competency skills in order to participate in this program. The EPI courses are delivered through an online format called Blackboard. Individual instructors may choose to meet face-to-face at the beginning of the semester for an orientation. The orientations will either be in the evening or on a Saturday morning. All necessary coursework will be submitted through Blackboard.

Students will receive an initial Blackboard login ID and password when they register for their first course. The courses are in 6, 8, 12 or 16 week sessions. The assignments and due dates are determined by the class instructor. Students will submit assignments within Blackboard (similar to attaching a document to an email). Students are also required to participate in weekly discussions using the discussion board feature in Blackboard. All courses do have an instructor and the instructor is accessible by phone and email. The instructor will also have office hours on campus if a student chooses to meet in person.

For more information about online learning please visit BC's Flexible Learning department website - http://www.broward.edu/online/

Q - What is the cost of the program and is Financial Aid available?

A - The total cost of the program (tuition, fees, and books) is approximately $2,800 for in state students. Please keep in mind this can change due to an increase in tuition and/or books. Students can visit http://www.broward.edu/info/fees.jsp for more information about Broward College tuition and fees. Students can apply for financial aid in the form of student loans. The aid is based on need. At this time, there are no scholarship opportunities.

Q - What does my undergraduate degree need to be in?

A - The EPI program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in any field other than education. The program prepares students to enter the classroom. The program does not cover any one specific subject area. It is the responsibility of the student to take and pass their specific subject area exam in order to be eligible to teach that subject. More information regarding the required Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) can be found at the Florida Department of Education FTCE website - http://www.fl.nesinc.com.

Q - What is a Statement of Eligibility (SOE)? How do I obtain the SOE? When do I need the SOE?

A -Any individual who wants to teach in the state of Florida 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).

The SOE will list what the individual needs to do in order to obtain both the temporary certificate (3 year non-renewable) and the professional certificate (5 year renewable). If deemed not-eligible, the individual can chose to either take the applicable subject area exam (SAE) OR complete additional coursework in that subject. If the individual takes and passes the SAE, the SOE will automatically be updated to "eligible" status and a new SOE will be issued.

All students must maintain a valid and current Statement of Eligibility in order to complete the EPI program.

Q - If I am currently working full-time as a teacher on my temporary certificate can I participate in the program? Also, since I am already teaching full-time do I need to take the Field Experience courses?

A - We welcome all individuals currently working full-time on a temporary certificate to apply to our program. All EPI students are required to take the two Field Experience courses regardless if the student is already teaching full-time. It is possible (not guaranteed) for students teaching full-time to complete their Field Experience hours at the school they are teaching.

Q - How do I apply to the program?

• STEP 1: 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).

• STEP 2: Complete a BC application to become a Broward College student. If you have previously taken courses at Broward College, but it has been more than 2 full semesters, you will need to submit a re-entry application.

• STEP 3: Submit a supplemental EPI application. This application will ask you specific questions about your teaching experience and interests.

• STEP 4: Request official transcripts from every institution you have EVER attended.

Records must be sent directly to:
Broward College Registrar's Office
225 East Las Olas Boulevard,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 201-7476

• STEP 5: Contact the EPI office to schedule your admissions appointment.

The application deadline dates are July 31 (August start), November 15 (January start), and April 15 (May start). The program will continue to accept applications beyond the deadline date if there is availability in the course.

Q - Why do EPI applicants need to be interviewed?

A - Florida has a growing need for teachers. However, not everyone can be an effective teacher. The FLDOE requires we interview all EPI applicants to make sure they do have the disposition of an effective teacher. Some characteristics we are looking for are:

• Sensitivity to community and cultural norms
• A willingness to work with other professionals to improve student learning
• Respect for students as individuals
• An awareness of all aspects of a child's well-being
• The ability to establish a positive classroom environment
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Effective verbal and non-verbal communication
• Enthusiasm for teaching

Q - Are the EPI courses transferable?

A - The EPI program is a post-baccalaureate certificate program. The courses are credit-based courses; however the credits are not transferable to another higher education institution. If an EPI student moves to another county in Florida and chooses to continue to purse a teaching certificate, the EPI courses completed at BC can be "transported" to another EPI program at the local community college.

Q - Does BC help the EPI students with job placement?

A - The EPI office does not partake in the hiring process. All hiring decisions are made by the BCPS Instructional Staffing department and the individual school Principals.

Q - I have passed all sections of the FTCE. Do I still need to complete the EPI program?

A - Yes! In order to obtain a professional teaching certificate, an individual needs to pass all sections of the FTCE as well as a Florida approved Professional Education Competence demonstration system (the EPI program).

Q - Do I have to have a valid security badge to complete my field experience for the EPI program?

A - Yes! In order to be placed at a school in Broward County to complete field experience for the EPI0940 and EPI0945 courses you must provide the EPI office with a copy of a valid (cannot be expired) security clearance badge as issued by Broward County Public Schools. Instructions on how to obtain a security badge can be found here.

Students who are currently working at a K-12 school may contact the Coordinator of Clinical Education and Placement at 954-201-8420 to discuss completing the required field placement in their schools; please note, though, that students may still be required to provide a copy of a valid security clearance badge to complete the field experience.