Okaloosa-Walton College Educator Preparation Institute

What is EPI? The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) is an alternative, fast-track route to Florida Teacher Certification Baccalaureate Degree + EPI Program Certificate + Appropriate state certification exams + Completed state certification application = Florida Professional Teacher Certification!

How does the EPI Work? Coursework builds on the subject area knowledge of your baccalaureate degree with pedagogical content and teaching methodology Content is designed to prepare you for the professional knowledge exam required for Florida Teacher Certification Completion of the OWC Educator Preparation Certificate satisfies the professional coursework required for Florida Teacher Certification

How does the EPI Differ from the Traditional Education Program? It’s faster! You can complete in 2 semesters (5-6 months) without the additional semester of student teaching It’s less expensive! Total tuition is $1, total estimated cost of books at $350; typical cost for education coursework at the university is at least $3,232 plus book cost of approximately $100 per course It’s more flexible ! Classes are offered in weekend, blended and distance learning formats

EPI Content: The Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAP) EPI students will demonstrate mastery of the 12 Florida Educator Accomplished Practices These competencies are introduced and explored in EPI courses Mastery of these competencies will be evaluated as a part of coursework.

FEAP Competencies 1. Assessment 9. Learning Environments 2. Communication 10. Planning 3. Continuous Improvement 11. Role of the Teacher 4. Critical Thinking 12. Technology 5. Diversity 6. Ethics 7. Human Development and Learning 8. Knowledge of Subject Matter

What Courses Are Required? 7 Content Courses  EPI 001 Classroom Management (45 hrs.= 3 EPI Credits)  EPI 002 Instructional Strategies (45 hrs.= 3 EPI Credits)  EPI 003 Technology (45 hrs.= 3 EPI Credits)  EPI 004 The Teaching & Learning Process (45 hrs.= 3 EPI Credits)  EPI 010 Research-Based Reading (45 hrs.= 3 EPI Credits)  EPI 020 Professional Foundations (30 hrs.= 2 EPI Credits)  EPI 030 Diversity (30 hrs.= 2 EPI Credits) 2 Field Experience Courses  EPI 0940 Professional Foundations (15 hrs.= 1 EPI Credit )  EPI 0945 Diversity (15 hrs.= 1 EPI Credit ) Total EPI Credits= 21

What Does the Program Cost? Each EPI Credit is $66.78*  Each 45 hour class is 3 EPI credits = $  Each 30 hour class is 2 EPI credits = $  Each 15 hour class is 1 EPI credit = $66.78 Total Tuition Cost for EPI = $ 1, Textbooks are purchased separately at an estimated cost of $350 for the entire program * tuition costs. Tuition costs for subject to change. A $30 lab fee is assessed for EPI 0003 Technology

What are the Program Entry Requirements? 1. Complete all OWC admissions and enrollment requirements 2. Obtain an Official Statement of Status of Eligibility to teach in Florida.   State of Florida requires official transcripts.

Program Entry Requirements-Cont’d. 3. Agree to complete, through a school district, a Level 2 screening that is submitted to the FDLE and FBI. You are responsible for contacting the district and arranging to complete the fingerprinting process 3. Begin taking the Florida Teacher Certification Exams (either General Knowledge or Subject Area)

Florida Teacher Certification Exam Information Exam Dates July 26, 2008 Sept. 13, 2008 October 25, 2008 Cost $25.00 per test (Additional charge for late registration and supplemental registration) Registration Deadlines 6/6/08 7/25/08 9/5/08

Requirements to Receive EPI Completion Certificate from OWC Pass the Florida Teacher Certification (FTCE) General Knowledge Exam Pass the FTCE Subject Area Exam Successfully Complete 21 EPI Credits (“C” or higher grade in each course) Pass the FTCE Professional Education Exam

Is Anything Else Needed to Obtain the Professional Certificate? Submit proof of a Level 2 screening to the FLDOE, Teacher Certification Department Complete all required paperwork for the State of Florida Teacher Certification Department: No additional practice teaching is required!

The Admissions Process Returning Students-(those who have taken classes in the past at OWC) Update any information, i.e, name change, address or phone number change with Enrollment Services New Students Complete an OWC Admission/Residency form On-line— and link to admissions or Educator Preparation Institute section (Paper forms are also in your packet) Complete a Supplemental EPI Admission Application Form (On-line or peach form in your packet)

Verification of Bachelor’s Degree Request an official copy of your transcript from the college where your baccalaureate degree was conferred. A cummulative GPA must be posted on the transcript. Admission requirement is a GPI of 2.5 or higher.  The transcript needs to be sent directly from the college to Ms. Janice Buchanan, Okaloosa-Walton College,100 College Blvd, Niceville, FL 32578

Financial Aid Financial Aid is approved for EPI Possible avenues for financial aid: Federal Financial Aid (PELL)-ends Aug VA Benefits Troops to Teachers (1-888-FLTROOP or ) Also available for spouses For Military Spouses: New DOL/DOD Military Spouse Career Advancement Project (contact Airman/Family Readiness center (850) Other sources (community scholarships, OWC foundation, employers, etc.)

OWC Information Contacts Student Services Questions Janice Buchanan, Coordinator, Enrollment Services Phone: Program Questions Penny Cox, Coordinator, Educational Services Phone: