Prospective EPI Participants will need a non-education bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or recognized college or university to be eligible for the EPI program.
Questions to ask yourself before you start the program:
· What age level do you want to teach?
· What subject do you want to teach?
After participant has answered the questions, begin the process of preparing to take a subject area test.
Registration and FTCE testing information on Subject Area, General Knowledge and Professional Ed test located at http://www.fl.nesinc.com/
Steps to Enroll
1. Apply online at the Polk State College website www.polk.edu select "Current Students" on the green navigation bar and then select the "Admission" button on the right. Designate EPI as your program. Only list the college from which participant received bachelor’s degree.
2. Request Official unopened transcripts showing earned Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or univeristy be sent to Registrar’s Office at PSC within 30 days after applying (graduating college transcript only).
3. Bring two forms of proof of residency to Student Services at Winter Haven or Lakeland Campus.
Residency Forms Include:
Florida Drivers license
Florida vehicle tag registration or Florida Voter ID
If you have questions contact Student Services at 863-297-1010 Ext. 5219.
4. Register for the first class/course online at www.polk.edu. Select “Current Students" on the green navigation bar and then select the "Passport" button on the right. Enter Student ID and PIN in the appropriate fields.
Student ID: Enter your Student ID or social security number
PIN: Use the pin mailed to you or month and year of your birth (MMYY)
5. Log into PAL (E-Learning) course website at http://elearning.polk.edu about 48 hours after registering for the first class. Enter your username and password in the appropriate fields.
Default username: firstname.lastname.mmdd (month and day of your birth)
Default password: Student ID
6. Apply to receive initial Florida Teacher Certification at the Florida Department of Education website http://www.fldoe.org/edcert/steps.asp and provide documentation/transcripts as requested.
7. Pick up course books at the mandatory New Student Orientation. The cost of the books is included in the tuition price.
8. Bring any paperwork/forms/documents already obtained to the new student orientation. Examples:
Statement of Eligibility from the State Department of Education
Score reports on FTCE test taken
Proof of fingerprinting
Temporary teaching certificate if already teaching
Principal's Evaluation if already teaching
9. Attend New Student Orientation (Mandatory). Date and time are posted on EPI website homepage at www.polk.edu/epi.
10. Begin fingerprint process: Contact Support Services at the Polk County School district, 1430 Highway 60 E., Bartow, Fl 33830. Phone: (863) 519-3672 for an appointment to be fingerprinted and receive a fingerprint badge. The cost is $57.25. Participants must be fingerprinted and have passed the subject area test to begin field experience in K-12 public or accredited private schools.