Educator Preparation Institute (EPI)

Changing careers? Come change lives!

If you are an aspiring teacher, we have the program for you! Seminole State's Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) provides baccalaureate degree holders (in fields outside of education) the opportunity to earn their Florida Professional Certification to teach in a K-12 classroom within nine months.

The program provides the necessary training for participants to become highly effective certified teachers. In addition to being prepared to take the Florida Teacher Certification Exams, those who successfully complete the EPI Program and achieve passing scores on the required exams will receive their five-year Professional Teaching Certificate.

Adults looking for a career change, including displaced workers, U.S. veterans and mothers entering the work force are encouraged to enter the program.

• Possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Complete a Seminole State Application for Admission
• Submit to fingerprinting and a background check
• Obtain a Statement of Status of Eligibility for certification from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE)
• Complete an EPI admission application
• Interview with the EPI program coordinator prior to acceptance into the program

The following must be completed and presented with the EPI application (the EPI application will be completed as part of the EPI admission interview):

• A copy of the Seminole State Application for Admission
• Statement of Status of Eligibility (issued after you apply to FLDOE for certification) 
• Official unopened college transcript(s)
• Security clearance/fingerprinting for a background check through the school district

For more information about the EPI Program, contact:

Gina Fontana, Ed. D.
EPI Director
J-008D
407.708.2673

Did you know?

Elementary Education majors can continue toward their bachelor's degree by taking courses offered by UCF's College of Education on Seminole State's Sanford/Lake Mary Campus.