Teacher Preparation
Students who wish to pursue a career as a primary or secondary school teacher can do so in one of two ways: teacher certification or alternate certification. Teacher certification requires students to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in an educational program and to earn a passing score on all sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination. The alternate certification requires students who have a Bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than education to demonstrate mastery of outcomes within a competency-based program and to earn a passing score on all sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination.
Associate in Arts Early Childhood Education Degree Pathway, Elementary Education Degree Pathway, Physical Education Degree Pathway and Secondary Education Degree Pathway
These degree pathways are designed for the student who plans to transfer to a Florida public university as a junior to complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree in education. If the degree pathway transfers to a limited-access program, you are responsible for completing the specific requirements of the institution to which you will transfer as completion of this degree pathway does not guarantee admission to an upper division limited-access program. If you are planning to attend a college other than UCF, and need specific transfer information, meet with a Student Success Coach to review your transfer plans and check the transfer institution catalog for specific degree requirements. Students are strongly encouraged to take electives that relate to their intended bachelors degree program.
The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) provides a competency-based program that offers an individual with a Bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than education the preparation to become a classroom teacher in Florida. Participants who demonstrate mastery of the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and present passing scores or exemptions on all sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Exams will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. Program acceptance is required for participation in the EPI.
Program Requirements
To be considered for enrollment in the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program, participants must possess a Bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited institution, have a 2.5 overall grade point average in the individual's major field of study, and a Statement of Status of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) that reads "You are eligible for a Florida Educator's Certificate". Participants cannot begin EPI coursework until a valid Statement of Eligibility has been submitted to the EPI office. If the Statement of Eligibility expires while the participant is enrolled in the EPI program, the participant will not be permitted to continue taking EPI courses until a copy of the renewed valid eligibility statement is provided to the EPI office.
For further admission information and enrollment session dates, please visit the EPI Website at valenciacollege.edu/epi.
Educator Preparation Institute Program Description
The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program at Valencia College is designed for individuals who want to teach in Florida's K-12 classrooms, but hold a bachelor's degree in an area other than education. This alternative certification program fulfills the Professional Education Competence Program and Professional Preparation Coursework requirements necessary for earning a Florida Professional Educator's Certificate.
Educator Preparation Institute Program Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 from a regionally accredited college or university
- Possess a valid and current Statement of Status of Eligibility or Temporary Teaching Certificate from the Florida Department of Education stating they are eligible to teach
- Apply and be accepted first at Valencia College and then the EPI Program
Completers must:
- Pass each course in the program with a grade of C or higher; or have commensurate credit from another accredited institution for substitution
- Complete a portfolio of artifacts demonstrating a grade of B or higher on each artifact documenting the Florida Educators Accomplished Practices in their subject area of eligibility
- Take and pass Florida Teacher Certification Examinations in General Knowledge, Subject Area, and Professional Education or meet waiver requirements
Program Outcomes
1. Create an equitable, student-centered learning environment.
2. Apply knowledge of core content and pedagogy to set goals and objectives for K-12 student learning.
3. Use the continuous improvement model in the instructional cycle.
4. Develop advocacy skills that promote student and teacher growth and well-being.
5. Demonstrate clear and proficient communication skills for varied audiences.
6. Fulfill the legal obligations to students, the public, and the education profession.
EPI Reading Endorsement Program:
| EDG 2413 | STUDENT-CENTERED CLASSROOM LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS | 3 |
| EDF 2051 | TEACHING AND LEARNING THEORY | 3 |
| RED 3042 | INTRODUCTION OF READING AND CONTENT FOR K-12 | 3 |
| RED 4352 | DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT FOR LITERACY | 3 |
| EDF 2291 | INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES | 3 |
| EDF 3609 | SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION | 3 |
| EDF 3940 | CLINICAL FIELD EXPERIENCE IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION | 3 |
| RED 3940 | EPI CLINICAL FIELD EXPERIENCE IN READING | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 24 |
EPI Non-Reading Endorsement Requirements:
| EDG 2413 | STUDENT-CENTERED CLASSROOM LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS | 3 |
| EDF 2051 | TEACHING AND LEARNING THEORY | 3 |
| RED 3042 | INTRODUCTION OF READING AND CONTENT FOR K-12 | 3 |
| EDF 3430 | MEASUREMENT, EVALUATION, AND ASSESSMENT IN EDUCATION | 3 |
| EDF 2291 | INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES | 3 |
| EDF 3609 | SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION | 3 |
| EEX 3084 | DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION OF EXCEPTIONAL AND DIVERSE STUDENTS | 3 |
| EDF 3940 | CLINICAL FIELD EXPERIENCE IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 24 |
Most of Valencia’s courses meet the requirements of teachers seeking recertification. These courses are offered in a variety of delivery modes (face-to-face, online, mixed-mode, etc.) on each Valencia campus. Please visit https://valenciacollege.edu/academics/programs/educator-preparation-institute/teacher-recertification.php for general information or email epi@valenciacollege.edu to receive pertinent recertification and Valencia-related admissions/residency and registration details.
Registration for teacher recertification courses starts at the beginning of registration for returning students and continues until the class begins, provided no other pre-determined registration deadline is designated and space is available. Registration, through the student ATLAS system, is available according to the dates listed in the Academic Calendar in the online official catalog. Students may register in an Atlas Access Lab on any campus or from any remote location that provides Internet access.
Students enrolling for the first time must complete the online Valencia Application for Admission and pay the $35 non-refundable, non-transferable fee. The application must be submitted electronically at valenciacollege.edu/admissions by the application deadline. A residency form must also be submitted to determine Florida residency eligibility for tuition purposes.
Returning students who have not attended Valencia within the past two years are required to complete the online Valencia Application for Admission and pay the $35 non-refundable, non-transferable fee. The application must be submitted electronically at valenciacollege.edu/admissions by the application deadline. A residency form must also be submitted to determine Florida residency eligibility for tuition purposes. Please refer to https://valenciacollege.edu/academics/programs/educator-preparation-institute/teacher-recertification.php, for more details and contact information.
