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EPI COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

The Education Preparation Institute (EPI) prepares persons with a bachelor degree in a discipline other than education to become eligible to apply for a Professional Florida Teaching Certificate.  The program is designed to be completed in six to eight months and involves successful completion of seven courses and a minimum of 30 hours of Field Experience (observation/student teaching in a local private or public classroom under the supervision of a certified teacher). EPI courses are held during evenings and/or weekends with some on-line instruction. Courses are held on HCC's Brandon, Dale Mabry, and Regent campuses.

A candidate must earn a grade of C or higher for the seven courses and two Field Experiences listed below;

  • EPI 0001 Classroom Management (3 credit hours)
  • EPI 0002 Instructional Strategies (3 credit hours)
  • EPI 0003 Technology (3 credit hours)
  • EPI 0004 The Teaching and Learning Process (3 credit hours)
  • EPI 0010 Research-Based Practices in Reading (3 credit hours)
  • EPI 0020 Professional Foundations (2 credit hours)
  • EPI 0030 Diversity (2 credit hours)
  • EPI 0940 Field Experience 1 (1 credit hour)*
  • EPI 0945 Field Experience 2 (1 credit hour)*

*Field Experience requires you to complete a minimum of 30 hours of observation and supervised teaching practice in an approved local public or private school during the time you are enrolled in the EPI program.  

Other requirements that must be satisfied to complete the program are 1) participation in three Field Experience meetings and one Personal Professional Development Plan (PPDP) meeting; and 2) an exit interview with the Program Director. Date, time and location for the Field Experience meetings and PPDP meeting will be listed on the class schedule.

Course costs are based on the standard fee per credit hour charged by Hillsborough Community College. Please check the HCC website (hccfl.edu) for current rates. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

The EPI Office is located on the Brandon Campus of Hillsborough Community College - 10414 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa, Florida 33619. Office hours are Monday through Thursday - 8:00 until 7:00 pm and Friday - 8 am until 4:30 pm. Office closures are dictated by Hillsborough Community College's calendar.

EPI is currently accepting qualified applicants into the program. Call (813) 253-7983 to set up an appointment for an interview today!!!