Alternative Route to Teaching – Educator Prep Institute

Black male student, black male teacher
College of Education

Educator Prep Institutes are designed for baccalaureate degree holders to become certified teachers.  If you have a non-education Bachelor’s degree or are a career changer considering an alternative route —  become a quality educator!  The College of Education at SPC has the perfect state-approved program for you.

St. Petersburg College’s (SPC) Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) is a three-semester program which leads to Florida’s Professional Educator’s Certificate. Anyone with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher is eligible for entry to the EPI Program. The EPI Program leads to certification in many educational areas:

Our EPI Program is financial aid eligible.  SPC’s next EPI start group is Summer/May 2018.  Meet with Dr. Michael Poulin and Miriam Larrea at the Open House.

Dr. Michael Poulin, Educator Prep Institute
Dr. Michael Poulin, EPI Coordinator

Admission Requirements for EPI

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least a 2.5 GPA. Applicants must be able to provide official transcripts as evidence of the degree.
  • Have the knowledge and academic background to teach in the selected subject area. Applicants should visit the Florida Department of Education website to check the competencies and skills required for the selected subject area.
  • Be able to demonstrate a clear disposition to teach.
  • Be able to perform required field experience during the school day.
  • Pass the Subject Area exam and General Knowledge Test prior to entering the program.
  • Valid FLDOE Official Statement of Status of Eligibility

The EPI is an evening program with daytime teaching requirements during the second and third terms. All EPI courses are “blended”, meaning the course content will be delivered both on campus and online. Although coursework involves online components,  EPI is not an online program. On-campus class times may require one or two nights a week (Mon.-Thur.) beginning at 6:00 p.m. and ending between 8 and 9:00 p.m. Online modules may be completed at any computer  (24/7) during the time frames specified by the instructor.

In addition to the educational coursework, EPI students are placed in elementary, middle or secondary schools (based on certification area) for practical teaching experience. Our students complete a 60-hour practicum experience in the fall semester and a 10-week full internship in the Spring.

If you have any questions or would like additional info, please contact Dr. Michael Poulin, EPI Coordinator at Poulin.michael@spcollege.edu or 727-791-2788 OR Miriam Larrea at Larrea.Miriam@spcollege.edu or 727-791-2521.

If you would like more detailed information, please join us at our upcoming EPI Info Session:
Educator Preparation Institute
Information Session

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Clearwater Campus – ES – Room 111

2465 Drew St., Clearwater

Register at:  http://web.spcollege.edu/survey/25544