Ready to share your knowledge, expertise and wisdom with a new generation? Have you always had a passion to teach? Do you have a bachelor's degree in a non-education field? Then we welcome you to St. Petersburg College, where you can earn a teaching credential in only three semesters.

SPC's state-approved Educator Preparation Institute Certificate leads to a Florida Professional Certification, so you can embark on a fulfilling first or second career. This alternative teaching certification is the perfect way to begin your teaching career.

The program begins in the summer, continues in the fall and finishes in the spring.

Online Classes

Classes are available online for all qualified candidates in the state of Florida.

Practicum in Public Schools

Your courses include a 60-hour practicum in the fall semester that requires at least one full day or two half days each week (7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) over the course of the term. You also complete a full-day, 10-week internship in your final semester that you can finish in any school district in Florida.

Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) Certificate with Financial Aid Eligibility

EPI-CT
Effective Beginning Catalog Term: Fall 2024 (640)

The requirements shown below are valid beginning Fall 2024 (640), and may not reflect degree requirements for current students. Current students should visit My SPC and view My Learning Plan to see specific degree requirements for their effective term.

Program Summary

The Educator Preparation Institute Certificate is a state approved program that is offered fully online and leads to a Florida Professional Teaching Certification. The program includes a 60-hour practicum in the fall semester and a full-time 10-week internship in the final semester that can be completed in any school district in Florida. The EPI program begins in the summer, continues in the fall and finishes in the spring.

Graduation Requirements

A grade of ā€œCā€ or higher is required in all EPI classes.

Graduation requirements include completing all above course requirements, demonstrating competency in the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs) at the pre-professional level, passing all sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE), a minimum 2.5 G.P.A. in all EPI coursework, and completing all School Based Hours.

Academic Pathways

The Academic Pathway is a tool for students that lists the following items:
  • the recommended order in which to take the program courses
  • suggested course when more than one option exists
  • which semester each course is typically offered
  • if the course has a prerequisite
  • courses that may lead to a certificate (if offered in the program)
VIEW THE RECOMMENDED ACADEMIC PATHWAY

Please verify the Academic Pathway lists your correct starting semester.

Program Leadership Information

Dr. Heather Duncan
Dean, College of Education
duncan.heather@spcollege.edu

Florida CIP Code

5551399990 - EDUCATOR PREPARATION INST

Federal CIP Code

13.9999 - Education, Other.

Admissions

To be admitted to the Educator Preparation Institute to earn your alternative teacher certification in Florida, you need:

  • A non-education, bachelor's degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited college/university or other approved Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) institution
  • To pass all four sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) General Knowledge Test (GK)
  • To pass your respective Subject Area Exam (SAE)
  • A valid FLDOE Official Statement of Status of Eligibility
  • To be computer literate

Certification

After completing the coursework for this degree including the school-based hours and internship, you will be guided through the steps to apply for your Florida Professional Certificate.

For more information, contact Pat Roper at 727-712-5410 or by email at roper.pat@spcollege.edu.