Educator Preparation Institute (EPI)

Certificate Type: Educator Preparation Institute Certificate of Completion
Major Code: EDPREP
CIP: 5551399990

The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) is a nine-month, competency-based program that provides baccalaureate degree holders in a field other than education the opportunity to become certified K-12 teachers. Applicants are screened for participation in this program.

The Educator Preparation Institute is a restricted-access program.

Applicants must:

• Possess a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited postsecondary college or university and provide an official (unopened) transcript(s),
• Complete the Seminole State College admissions application,,
• Obtain a statement of Status of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education,
• Obtain security clearance through fingerprinting for a background check with the local school district(s),
• Arrange to attend an EPI information session by e-mailing Gina Fontana and attend the session.
• Complete and pass the state of Florida General Knowledge Exam, the Professional Exam and Subject Area Exam before completing the EPI program.

Those accepted into the EPI program will receive institutional credits, which cannot be used as college credit hours. However, these hours are transportable from an alternative teacher certification program to another at participating institutions within the Florida state higher education system.

Major Courses
EPI0001	Classroom Management Module 1A This module prepares participants to set up a classroom, establish policies and procedures, create lesson plans integrated with Sunshine State Standards, develop and administer various forms of assessment, establish and maintain best practices in parental and professional relationships and hone the craft of effective instruction. It will also focus on the ethical and legal obligations of the teaching profession. Participants will also build a developmental assessment and professional portfolio demonstrating mastery of competencies.	3
EPI0002	Instructional Strategies Module 1B This module prepares participants to set up a classroom, establish policies and procedures, create lesson plans integrated with the Sunshine State Standards, develop and administer various forms of assessment, establish and maintain best practices in parental and professional relationships and develop assessment and professional portfolios demonstrating mastery of competencies.	3
EPI0003	Instructional Strategies: Technology Module 1C This module introduces teachers to the technologies available for classroom instruction and activities. Technologies covered include production, multimedia, communication and reference materials. The module will also address the legal and ethical issues associated with these technologies. This module is also a continuation of the course description in Modules 1A and 1B. Lab fee required.	3
EPI0004	Instructional Strategies: The Teaching and Learning Process Module 1D This module is designed to help teachers understand the teaching-learning process. This module is a continuation of the course description in Modules 1A, 1B and 1C.	3
EPI0010	Foundations of Research-Based Practices in Reading This module provides substantive knowledge of language structure and function and cognition of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. It provides knowledge of the integration of the reading components. Instruction in this module is grounded in scientifically-based reading research as a mechanism to inform instructional practice.	3
EPI0020	The Teaching Profession: Professional Foundations This module provides the foundation for becoming a productive member of the teaching profession. The participant will gain understanding of the organization and administration of the public school, the laws governing teachers, the code of ethics and the purpose of schools. This module develops a professional perspective and creates a sense of grounding in the profession of teaching.	2
EPI0030	Diversity in the Classroom: Module 4A This module provides the participant with an understanding of the variety of backgrounds and cultures that may be found in a typical classroom. Field experiences give a broader view of the social aspects of diversity and cause the participant to reevaluate personal beliefs and prejudices that may adversely affect the learning process. This module also introduces the participants to the issues, challenges and the opportunities of teaching students who reflect the diversity of the American population in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, culture, sexual orientation and gender. Topics emphasized include foundations of prejudice, elements of culture and the value of diversity.	2
EPI0940	EPI Module 3B: The Teaching Experience Field Experience This module provides the foundation for becoming a productive member of the teaching profession. The participant will gain understanding of the organization and administration of the public school, the laws governing teachers, the code of ethics and the purpose of schools. This module develops a professional perspective and creates a sense of grounding in the profession of teaching.	1
EPI0945	EPI Module 4B: Diversity Field Experience This module provides field experience for becoming a productive member of the teaching profession. The participant will gain an understanding of the organization and administration of the public school, the laws governing teachers, the code of ethics and the purpose of schools. Module 4B field experience in diversity develops a professional perspective and creates an understanding of the varieties of background and cultures that may be found in a typical classroom.	1
EPI0950	Teaching Methods Practicum This course provides the participant with methods of instruction integrating theoretical knowledge with classroom experience, demonstrating effective teaching practices, reflective decision-making and competency in Educator Accomplished Practices.	3
Total Credits:		24
Optional courses for students seeking Reading Endorsement:
EPI0009	Foundations of Language and Cognition This course teaches language structure, function and phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. The instruction is grounded in scientifically-based research. This course satisfies the requirements for Competency 1 of the State of Florida Reading Endorsement.	3
EPI0010	Foundations of Research-Based Practices in Reading This module provides substantive knowledge of language structure and function and cognition of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. It provides knowledge of the integration of the reading components. Instruction in this module is grounded in scientifically-based reading research as a mechanism to inform instructional practice.	3
EPI0011	Foundations of Assessment This course teaches the role of assessments in guiding reading instruction and instructional decision-making for reading progress of struggling readers.	3