If you have a bachelor's degree in a non-education field but would like to teach, St. Petersburg College offers an Educator Preparation Institute with Reading Endorsement Certificate. This certificate is designed for those who want to teach in elementary education, Pre-K through Grade 3, or major in English Education.

This state-approved alternative teacher certification leads to a Florida Professional Certification so you can embark on a fulfilling first or second career.

Online classes

Classes are available online for all qualified candidates in the state of Florida.

Practicums and internship in Public Schools

Your curriculum for the Educator Preparation Institute Certificate with Reading Endorsement includes a 60-hour general classroom practicum, a 20-hour reading practicum and a full-day, 10-week internship in your final semester. You can complete these requirements in any school district in Florida.

Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) with Reading Endorsement Certificate with Financial Aid Eligibility

EPIR-CT
Effective Beginning Catalog Term: Summer 2022 (605)

The requirements shown below are valid beginning Summer 2022 (605), and may not reflect degree requirements for current students. Current students should visit My SPC and view My Learning Plan to see specific degree requirements for their effective term.

Program Summary

The Educator Preparation Institute Certificate is a state approved program that is offered fully online and leads to a Florida Professional Teaching Certification. The program includes a 60-hour practicum in the fall semester and a full-time 10-week internship in the final semester that can be completed in any school district in Florida. The EPI program begins in the summer, continues in the fall and finishes in the spring.

Graduation Requirements

A grade of “C” or higher is required in all EPI classes.

Graduation requirements include completing all above course requirements, demonstrating competency in the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs) at the pre-professional level, passing all sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE), a minimum 2.5 G.P.A. in all EPI coursework, and completing all School Based Hours.

Academic Pathways

The Academic Pathway is a tool for students that lists the following items:
  • the recommended order in which to take the program courses
  • suggested course when more than one option exists
  • which semester each course is typically offered
  • if the course has a prerequisite
  • courses that may lead to a certificate (if offered in the program)
VIEW THE RECOMMENDED ACADEMIC PATHWAY

Please verify the Academic Pathway lists your correct starting semester.

Program Leadership Information

Michael Poulin
Academic Chair
poulin.michael@spcollege.edu
727.791.2788
Dr. Heather Duncan
Dean, College of Education
duncan.heather@spcollege.edu

Florida CIP Code

5551399990 - EDUCATOR PREPARATION INST

Federal CIP Code

13.9999 - Education, Other.

Requirements for applicants seeking admission to SPC's Educator Preparation Institute Certificate with Reading Endorsement include:

  • A non-education, bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited college/university or other approved Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) institution
  • Passing score on the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) General Knowledge Test (GK) - all four sections
  • Passing score on respective Subject Area Exam (SAE)
  • Valid FLDOE Official Statement of Status of Eligibility
  • Computer literate