EPI Frequently Asked Questions
EPI applicants must have an Eligible Statement of Status of Eligibility from Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) and (2) test scores (SAE & GKT) from Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE) before entry into the Educator Preparation Institute.
Q. What is the Educator Preparation Institute?
A. The EPI is an alternative route that leads to full Professional Certification. It is used by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) to refer to various methods by which adults with a minimum of a bachelor's degree outside the field of education can become certified by the FLDOE to teach preK-12 grades.
Q. How long will it take to complete SCF's EPI?
A. The program will take approximately 10-12 months to complete. (No summer internships)
Q. What can I do to prepare for the EPI application process?
A .Apply for a Statement of Status of Eligibility from the FLDOE. Information about the eligibility certificate can be obtained from www.FLDOE.org/edcert.
B. Take and pass the General Knowledge Test, and Subject Area Exam. The GKT examination for those students with a master’s degree or higher would be deemed as passed and having met the GKT requirement.
Q. How do I apply for SCF's EPI?
A. Interested applicants must:
(1) Submit an official application to SCF
(2) Provide residency documentation
(3) Send an official copy of college transcript documenting a Bachelor's to SCF Educational Records office.
(4) Complete an EPI application which is available online at scf.edu/TeacherEd.
(5) Include philosophy statement entitled "Why I want to be a Teacher."
(6) Include the FLDOE eligible statement of eligibility.
(7) Send passing scores for General Knowledge Test (or Master's transcript) and Subject Area Exam.
Prior to acceptance into the program, candidates will be interviewed regarding their interest and disposition to become a teacher.
The completed application should be mailed to:
Educator Preparation Institute for Teachers
Attn: Araceli Cumbo
Coordinator, EPI
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
8000 S Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34293
Q. What happens after being accepted into the program?
A. Once accepted into SCF's EPI, applicants must attend a mandatory program orientation
Q. What must I do to complete SCF's EPI and become certified to teach?
A. Program participants must complete all course modules, portfolio, and pass the General Knowledge, Subject Area and Professional Educator state exams. SCF will then submit documentation to the Florida Department of Education which will result in the issuance of a five-year renewable Professional Teaching Certificate.
Q. What are the characteristics of SCF's EPI?
A. The SCF program includes modules of course study, experiences in classrooms and demonstration of acquired exemplary teaching practices. Experienced classroom teachers will serve as mentors. Participants must complete all course modules and achieve passing scores on the General Knowledge test, Subject Area exam, and the Professional Educator test. While participants in SCF's EPI are free to apply for a teaching position with the school system during their participation in the EPI, they are not required to be employed as teachers while completing the program.
Q. What are the costs for the program?
A. The program is a series of eight courses totaling 24 credit hours. However, if the Reading Internship is needed, it will be 26 credit hours. Tuition currently is $112.08 per credit hour totaling $2689.92. The college assesses a $40.00 access fee per semester.The Florida Department of Education assesses a $75.00 fee to process the application for the Statement of Status of Eligibility and the three certification exams (General Knowledge-$130.00, Professional Educator- $150.00 and Subject Area-$150.00) total $430.00.
Q. Will jobs be available to program completers?
A. SCF coordinates with local school districts to identify critical shortage areas and prepare eligible participants to teach in those subject areas. However, participation in the college's program does not guarantee job placement.
Q. Who should I contact if I want information about SCF's EPI?
A. For more information contact:
Araceli Cumbo (941) 408-1481 (SCF Venice)
Patti Davies (941-408-1412 (SCF Venice)
