2025-2026 Catalog and Student Handbook 
  
    Jun 29, 2025  
2025-2026 Catalog and Student Handbook

Educator Preparation Institute


Program Code: 9994

Through the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI), the College provides quality training for both current and future educators.

The St. Johns River State College Educator Preparation Institute program was established to provide three types of educator preparation:

  • Professional development instruction to assist in-service teachers in improving classroom instruction and in meeting certification requirements
  • Instruction to assist potential and existing substitute teachers in performing their duties
  • Instruction for baccalaureate degree holders to become certified teachers through competency-based alternative certification programs.

Alternative Teacher Certification:


The EPI’s alternative teacher certification prepares non-education bachelor’s degree holders for teacher certification.

The EPI alternative teacher certification program consists of eight courses and two field experiences for a total of 24 credits:

Notes:


RED 4844   Reading Practicum (1 credit) will be considered as a required course in the program of study if you are seeking certification in one of these areas: Elementary Education (K-6), Exceptional Student Education (K-12), Pre-K/Primary Education, English 5-9, or English 6-12. 

Eligibility for the Professional Teaching Certificate


These 24 credits are typically completed in as little as 12 months. All 24 credits are offered each semester (fall, spring, and summer) online. Upon completion of the 24 credits and receipt of successful scores on the Florida Teacher Certification Exams, participants will be eligible for the professional teaching certificate.

Alternative Teacher Certification Admissions:


To be admitted into the Educator Preparation Institute alternative teacher certification program, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

  • Possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Obtain a Statement of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education
  • Receive a passing score on the General Knowledge Exam and Subject Area Exam and have attempted the General Knowledge Test; a master’s degree can be used to satisfy the General Knowledge Test
  • Submit to finger printing for background check
  • Possess the disposition suitable for becoming a teacher
  • Be of good moral character
  • Be competent and capable of performing the duties, functions, and responsibilities of an educator
  • Interview with teacher education coordinator or dean prior to acceptance into the program.

Enrollment in the Educator Preparation Institute alternative teacher certification program is limited. When the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces available in the program, student selection will be objectively based on a point system as established by a committee.

It is the participant’s responsibility to furnish all required documents. All registration dates and times are publicized well in advance of the beginning of the term. Participants should complete all admission requirements prior to that time. Participants must officially register each term. Registration is not complete until all fees have been paid and the student has received a validated invoice.

All admission requirements must be sent to the Department of Teacher Education, EPI alternative teacher certification program. Upon admission to the EPI alternative teacher certification program, participants will be given instructions for online registration.

For more information about the Educator Preparation Institute at SJR State, please call (386) 312-4242.