Educator Preparation Institute (EPI)

Approved by the Florida Department of Education, the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) provides an alternate route to Florida teacher certification. The EPI program fulfills the Professional Education Competence Program and Professional Preparation Coursework requirements necessary for earning a five-year Florida Professional Educator's Certificate and Reading Endorsement. The EPI program is designed for individuals who currently hold a non-education major baccalaureate or higher degree to prepare them for employment as teachers in the state of Florida. A Certificate of Completion shall be awarded upon successful completion of the EPI required courses with a grade of "C" or higher, demonstrated mastery of the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and passing scores on all sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Exams. A minimum of 25 percent of the program must be earned in residence at PHSC. A cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.5 must be achieved in the program courses by graduation.