The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) is an Accelerated Certification Program designed to increase the numbers of certified teachers. The EPI program will produce more qualified teachers to enter the workforce in public and private schools in the State of Florida. EPI will assist the school districts in our service area by offering an opportunity for non-education majors who have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to become highly qualified teachers and obtain professional state certification. To address the teacher shortage, Miami Dade College has been awarded a State Grant for the recruitment of individuals with non-education bachelor-degrees for participation in a certification program based on strategic and critical thinking related to instruction. The Educator Preparation Institute will motivate and prepare adults who have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an area other than education to become certified teachers for the State of Florida. Participants will embark on a teaching career in high-need subject areas and specializations such as mathematics (middle and high school), science (middle and high school), reading (K-12), exceptional student education (ESE) (K-12), and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (K-12).

The total cost of finishing the EPI program is approximately $1,450.00 for an in-state student ($68.94 per credit), excluding textbooks. Please note that the EPI program must be completed in its entirety for the student to gain any academic benefit from it. If a student fails to complete any of the four modules, they will not be certified. The classes are held at the InterAmerican campus on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and meet on alternate weekends. The program takes approximately two semesters (8 months) to complete.

Adults looking for a career change, including displaced workers, U.S. veterans, and mothers entering the workforce can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

This program offers an opportunity for non-education majors who have a minimum of an acceptable bachelor’s degree to become highly qualified teachers and obtain professional certification.

For additional information, please contact:

Victoria Florit
Director-EPI,
Tel: (305) 237-6188
Email: epi-succeed@mdc.edu