• Temporary Instructor Training
• Associate in Science in Instructional Services Technology (Instructional Paraprofessional program)
• Educator Preparation Institute (alternative pathways to teacher certification)
• Teacher Recertification Courses and Endorsements

Temporary Instructor Training

The Center for Professional Development of the School of Education offers courses in Temporary Instructor Training, Associate in Science in Instructional Services Technology (instructional paraprofessional program), Educator Preparation Institute (EPI- alternative pathways to teacher certification), teacher certification and recertification courses, and endorsements. Our programs are designed with the working student in mind. Hallmarks of the courses are: flexible scheduling, competency-based coursework, and research-based best practices.

Federal legislation in the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act requires that districts hire only “highly qualified” substitute teachers. In collaboration with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), the SOE developed a one credit course, EDG 2311, that complies with F. S. 1012.35. The course includes the following: knowledge of district policies and procedures addressing school safety and security protocols, educational liability laws, ethics, and professional responsibilities.

• 1012.35 Substitute teachers.—
• (1) Each district school board shall adopt rules prescribing the compensation of, and the procedure for employment of, substitute teachers. (a) The procedure for employment must include, but is not limited to, the filing of a complete set of fingerprints as required in s.1012.32; documentation of a minimum education level of a high school diploma or equivalent, and completion of an initial orientation and training program in district policies and procedures addressing school safety and security procedures, educational liability laws, professional responsibilities and ethics. (b) Candidates who have no prior teaching experience, as determined by the employing school district, must complete an additional training program that includes classroom management skills and instructional strategies.

Current requirements:

1. 60 credits or more with a 2.5 or higher GPA
2. Three references
3. Fingerprinting and background clearance conducted by M-DCPS
4. Drug test through M-DCPS
5. Essay demonstrating English writing proficiency
6. “C” or higher in EDG2311 or exemption
7. Beginning July 1, 2009- passing score on all four subtests of the General Knowledge Test (GKT)

M-DCPS Temporary Instructor employment application requirements include:

1. A signed and dated application for Employment (FM3164)
2. The Restricted Personal Data form
3. Two reference evaluation forms and telephone numbers for reference from current employer/supervisor
4. Official transcripts evidencing 60 or more credits from an accredited college or university
5. Completed Form DHS I-9
6. An essay/comprehensive writing sample
7. Completed drug test analysis

Courses:

• EDG2311- Substitute Training- REQUIRED
• EDG2301- General Teaching Skills for Temporary Instructors- STRONGLY SUGGESTED
• EDG2413- Effective Classroom Management for Temporary Instructors- STRONGLY SUGGESTED
• EEX2010- Teaching Exceptional Children for Temporary Instructors- STRONGLY SUGGESTED

Associate in Science in Instructional Services Technology (AS-IST) -Instructional Paraprofessional Program

The program trains students to become “highly qualified” K-12 paraprofessionals, instructional coordinators, teacher aides, or substitute teachers in public and private educational institutions, as well as supplemental education to those already working in the field. Program competencies in the areas of mathematics, science, exceptional student education, classroom management, technology, behavior management, human growth and development, principles of language acquisition, and literacy development prepare paraprofessionals to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively support and extend instruction and services, thereby increasing student learning.

Requirements for Admission to the Program: You must be fully admitted to MDC, pass the College Placement Test (CPT), and successfully complete an interview with a program advisor.

Program Completion: Upon successful completion of the program’s 63 credits, students who receive an AS-IST may also obtain an AA degree through appropriate course selection with their academic advisor.

Educator Preparation Institute (EPI)

The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) is an intensive competency-based alternative pathway to teacher certification in an accelerated mode. The program is designed for non-education majors who have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to become “highly qualified” teachers and obtain professional state certificate. Programs address high-need subject areas and specializations such as: Exceptional Student Education (K-12), Mathematics Education (6-12), Science Education (6-12), and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (K-12).

The EPI offers a seven-course program (21 credits) that can be completed in as few as two semesters. The program adheres to rigorous standards and includes field experience. Please note: the EPI program must be completed in its entirety for certification. Classes are held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and meet on alternate weekends.

Program Components:

• Coursework- 4 modules (all 21 credits must be completed)
• Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) (all three sections: General Knowledge Test, Subject Area Examination, Professional Examination)
• Electronic LiveText Portfolio of Florida Educator Accomplished Practices
• Support Workshops
• Mentoring

Institutional Credit, Transfer Credit, and Certificate of Completion:
EPI courses earn “institutional credit.” This credit is recognized by the FLDOE only for the purpose of determining that all EPI program requirements have been met for the purpose of earning eligibility for teacher certification in Florida. While EPI course credit may be transferable to other EPI programs in Florida, it cannot be transferred to an associate’s, baccalaureate, or higher degree program.

Admissions Policy and Guidelines:

1. Acceptable bachelor’s degree or higher in non-education major
2. Full admission to Miami Dade College
3. Completed EPI application and EPI Agreement
4. Official college transcript where degree was conferred
5. Valid Official Statement of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education
6. Three letters of reference and telephone numbers for reference from current or former employer/ supervisor, professor, or colleague
7. Background clearance (see “Fingerprinting”)
8. Financial support (http://www.mdc.edu/financial_aid/ ) and Advisement information are available

Obtaining a Statement of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education:

1. You can apply on line at https://certify.doe.state.fl.us/onlineapp/login.asp, or
2. By mail: Contact the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Certification by e-mail at: edcert@fldoe.org to have an application mailed to you, or
3. By phone: Call the FLDOE, Florida Alternative Certification Program at: 1-800-445-6739.
4. Submit official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions.
5. The cost is $75.00 per subject for certification.

Applications may also be obtained from local school district offices.

Program Completion:

MDC SOE EPI Program will issue a certificate of completion (form CT 133) and MDC transcripts to the FLDOE only after all of the following requirements are satisfied:

1. Valid Statement of Status of Eligibility from FLDOE Bureau of Educator Certification showing eligibility for certification
2. Completion of each EPI course, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
3. Completed, documented field experience(s) appropriate to their individual educational plan
4. Live Text E-Portfolio indicating mastery of all required FEAPs for the declared age-level and subject area for certification
5. Passing scores on the FTCE (all three sections) with documentation sent to the EPI office
6. Satisfaction of all financial and programmatic obligations to MDC

Program Completion:

• Module 1: EPI0001- Classroom Management; EPI0002- Instructional Strategies;
  EPI0003- Technology; EPI0004- Teaching and Learning
• Module 2: EPI0010- Research Based Practices in Reading
• Module 3: EPI0020- Professional Foundations; EPI0940- Field Experience for Professional Foundations
• Module 4: EPI0030- Diversity; EPI0945- Field Experience for Diversity

Teacher Certification and Re-certification

The Center for Professional Development offers courses for inservice teachers for certification and re-certification. These courses are offered in weekend and accelerated models. In order to register, you must contact an SOE advisor. Note: all courses in the baccalaureate degree programs are also available to inservice teachers for recertification.

Courses

• EDG4045- Civic Engagement through Service Learning
• EDS4940- Clinical Supervision Practicum
• EEX2770- The Challenged Citizen in the Workplace
• EEX4614- Conflict Resolution
• ISC4535C- Research in the Sciences

Endorsements

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
  • TSL3241- Applied Linguistics
  • TSL3526C- Cultural Dimensions of ESOL
  • TSL4140C- TESOL Curriculum & Materials
  • TSL4340C- TESOL Methods
  • TSL4441C- TESOL Testing and Evaluation
• Gifted Endorsement
  • EGI4051- Nature and Needs of Gifted Students
  • EGI4230- Curriculum and Educational Strategies for the Gifted
  • EGI4246- Educating special Populations of Gifted Students
  • EGI4305- Theory and Development of Creativity
  • EGI4405- Guidance and Counseling of Gifted Students