Attend an information session to learn more about the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) – a one year professional teacher certification program for professionals with a bachelor's degree (or higher). This event will be held on Thursday, June 14, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in room 2-304 of SPC’s EpiCenter location, 13805 58th St. N., Largo, 33760. Please RSVP online to attend or call Pat Roper at 727-791-2521.
Educator Preparation Institute - EPI Program
Have you always wanted to teach, love challenges and seek fulfillment in a new career? Then SPC's state-approved Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) is the program for you! The EPI is a sequential, three semester program that leads to Florida Professional Certification. The Institute is primarily for students with a non-education bachelor's degree or higher and a passion for knowledge and learning.
Class times, campuses and field experience
The EPI begins twice a year - Summer (May) and Fall (Aug). The program runs consecutively three terms: Summer, Fall, Spring or Fall, Spring, Fall. To enroll in the EPI, students must submit all admission documents by term priority dates:
- Summer – April 1st
- Fall – Aug. 1st
All EPI classes are blended containing evening and online coursework; however, the EPI is not an online program (see EPI Curriculum). Teacher candidates may meet once or twice a week in the evenings (6:00-9:00pm) and then complete online modules over the next few weeks of the term. EPI classes are offered at the Tarpon, Clearwater and St. Petersburg/Gibbs campuses based on enrollment.
Practical teaching is also an integral component of the EPI. Teacher candidates will complete a 60 hour Practicum term two of the EPI. Practicum requires at least one full day or two half days each week (7:00am - 4:30pm) over the course of the semester. During a teacher candidate's final semester a full day, eight week internship is required. SPC works with Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough Counties to secure Practicum and Internship assignments for all COE students.
For more information, please contact the EPI Office at (727) 791-2521 or email: brown.jill@spcollege.edu.
Program Accreditation
College of Education programs are approved by the Florida Department of Education. To learn more about COE's accreditation, visit COE Accreditation Information.