The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) provides two educational avenues, the alternative certification program and professional development courses.

Alternative Certification
 
Are you interested in teaching in the State of Florida and currently possess a 4-year degree? The Alternative Certification Programmay be for you. It is an exciting way to begin your teaching career.

The Alternative Certificate Program is a State of Florida approved program designed to assist professionals with non-education bachelor, master, or doctorate degrees prepare to become a highly qualified teacher and to obtain professional state certification.  This program is comprised of seven courses that can be completed in as few as three semesters or in less than a year. Curriculum for the alternative certification program addresses current topics related to the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices. These courses are offered at convenient times to accommodate the working individual and are financial aid eligible.

Lake City Community College is able to offer a unique scholarship opportunity to those who received their education in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math or related) field and are interested in teaching in math or science.  The NOYCE Scholarship is a competitive program designed to recruit math and science teachers.  Funded by The National Science Foundation, Lake City Community College was the only community college in the nation to receive this prestigious grant.  This $7,000.00 grant will be awarded to 15 EPI alternative certification participants per year who have a baccalaureate degree or higher in a stem area and agree to teach math or science for three years.  There are competitive requirements such as having a 3.0 GPA.  When enrolling in the EPI Program participants are given $2,000.00.  Upon becoming a completer of the program they will be awarded another $2,000.00.  After completion of three years of service teaching in a math or science field they will receive the remaining $3,000.00.  

Click here for more information on the $7000 NOYCE Scholarship
(Sponsored by the National Science Foundation)

Other financial aid may be available. Visit the LCCC Financial aid webpage for additional information.

Professional Development

The Educator Preparation Institute offers a variety of professional development classes. Some professional development classes are offered for non-credit but can be used toward teacher recertification. Others are offered for college credit. These classes are offered on an as needed basis. Check our flyer for current information. Some of the classes offered include FCTE  (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) review classes, ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) classes, and Reading Endorsement classes.