Educator Preparation Institute (EPI)
Welcome to the MDC Educator Preparation Institute – your gateway to becoming an exceptional educator and shaping the future of our classrooms. We understand the pivotal role educators play in nurturing young minds and fostering lifelong learning.
The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) is an intensive competency-based alternative pathway to teacher certification. Through an accelerated program, individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-Education major can satisfy the requirements for a professional teaching certificate in the State of Florida.
EPI is a seven-course (21 credits) program that can be completed in less than one year. Classes are offered in blended format: Fridays (online) and Saturdays (face-to-face). The program adheres to rigorous standards and includes 110 hours of clinical experience.
Join us in this transformative journey. Immerse yourself in our tailored programs, collaborate with experienced educators, and engage in hands-on learning that will prepare you to excel in the classroom. Are you ready to embark on a path that shapes not just your career, but the lives of countless students? Take the first step with the MDC Educator Preparation Institute. Let's inspire, educate, and create a brighter future together. Your calling awaits.
EPI's students will:
Learn how to teach by working alongside a highly trained, supportive mentor teacher.
- Engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to fast-track your transition into the teaching profession, tailored specifically for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field.
- Develop a deep understanding of educational theories, pedagogical strategies, and classroom management skills to effectively address the diverse needs of today’s students.
- Learn to integrate the latest instructional technologies and inclusive teaching practices into your pedagogy, ensuring all students have access to high-quality education.
- Participate in hands-on classroom experiences through internships and student teaching assignments, providing real-world teaching exposure under the guidance of experienced educators.
- Receive personalized mentorship from seasoned teachers and faculty, offering support and feedback throughout their educational journey.
- Join a community of peers, fostering a network of future educators committed to sharing best practices and continuous learning.
- Gain the qualifications and confidence needed to become a certified teacher, equipped with the skills to create supportive, engaging, and equitable learning environments.
- Cultivate a lifelong commitment to professional learning and excellence in education, preparing yourself to be an innovative, reflective practitioner.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Educator Preparation Institute, individuals need to:
- Hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Obtain a statement of Status of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) stating "You are Eligible".
- Attend an EPI Orientation Session.
- Submit a College Application online at Admissions Info.
- Submit Proof of Residency online at Florida Residency and Tuition Fees.