Educator Preparation Institute (EPI)

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:   Second Annual CFCC University Center Education Symposium “Balancing the Equation for Success” Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Free Information Session for Education Programs Building 41, Room 108, Ocala Campus Tuesday, July 15, 4-5:30 p.m. Learn how you can earn your Bachelor’s degree in Education here in Ocala. Interested in an Associates in Science Degree in Early Childhood Education? Applications are being accepted for the Fall term Alternative Certification Program Cohort 14, which is expected to start in November 2008.  Please contact Cheryl Lonon, EPI Coordinator, Ext 1597, or email lononc@cf.edu for more information.

The CFCC Educator Preparation Institute offers high quality competency-based alternative teacher preparation, professional development, and training for substitute teachers and paraprofessionals.

The Alternative Certification Program (ACP) is an alternative way to obtain Florida Teacher Certification.  Participants must have a bachelor’s degree or above in an area other than Education.  The program uses a state-approved collaborative community college model for competency-based teacher certification. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, participants are eligible to apply for Florida teacher certification.  This is a limited-access program, highly condensed and intensive.

Application information is distributed by the Coordinator and/or the Student Development Advisor at required information sessions.  These are held on a scheduled basis.  Call CFCC, (352) 854-2322, Extension 1597 or email lononc@cf.edu for dates and times of information sessions.

What are the requirements for acceptance to and completion of ACP?

1. Must have a bachelor’s degree in an area other than Education
2. Must obtain and submit an Official Statement of Status of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education. 
   
   Contact:
   Department of Education www.fldoe.org/edcert, and
   
   
   Contact the certification specialist for the county in which you plan to teach:
   
           Dianna Thompson, Marion County Personnel Office –
              Certification (352) 671-7781
           Gail Grimm or Elaine Feigel, Citrus County Personnel Office –
              Certification (352) 726-1931
           Candy Dean, Levy County Personnel Office –
              Certification (352) 486-5231 Ext. 232
   
3. Must complete FDLE fingerprinting and FBI background check
4. Must pass the General Knowledge certification exam
5. Must pass the Professional Education certification exam
6. Must pass 21 institutional credit hours included within Alternative Certification  Program (see Course Topics)
7. Must complete classroom observations
8. Must teach lessons demonstrating Florida Educator Accomplished Practices
9. Must develop a portfolio demonstrating Florida Educator Accomplished Practices.
   

Classes:

Cost:

Textbooks are loaned to students and returned at the end of each course

Some financial aid may be available to school system employees through grant funding as available.