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General Information

Educator Preparation Institute

Okaloosa - Walton College's Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) provides an accelerated path to teacher certification in the State of Florida. This fast-track program is approved by the Florida Department of Education and is the only such program in the two county area. The EPI, which builds on OWC's longstanding commitment to teacher education, is one of several statewide initiatives designed to train individuals to fill the estimated state-wide need for 30,000 new teachers.

Courses are offered through flexible and convenient scheduling options including distance learning, weekend and evening sessions, and blended classes which combine some traditional meetings with independent assignments. The full program may be completed in just two semesters. Capitalizing on OWC's lowest tuition rates in the state, the EPI program presents a low-cost route to teacher certification.

Baccalaureate Degree
+ EPI Program Certificate
+ Appropriate state certification exams
+ Completed state certification application
= Florida Professional Teacher Certification

How does the EPI Work?

  • Coursework builds on the subject area knowledge of your baccalaureate degree with pedagogical content and teaching methodology
  • Content is designed to prepare you for the professional knowledge exam required for Florida Teacher Certification
  • Completion of the OWC Educator Preparation Certificate satisfies the professional coursework required for Florida Teacher Certification

How does the EPI Differ from the Traditional Education Program?

  • It's faster!
    You can complete in 2 semesters without the additional semester of student teaching
  • It's less expensive!
    Total tuition is $1,234.34 + total estimated cost of books at $275; typical cost for education coursework at a university is at least $3,232 plus book cost of approximately $100 per course
  • It's more flexible!
    Classes are offered in weekend, blended and distance learning formats

EPI Content: The Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAP)

EPI students will demonstrate mastery of the 12 Florida Educator Accomplished Practices

  1. Assessment
  2. Communication
  3. Continuous Improvement
  4. Critical Thinking
  5. Diversity
  6. Ethics
  7. Human Development and Learning
  8. Knowledge of Subject Matter
  9. Learning Environments
  10. Planning
  11. Role of the teacher
  12. Technology

For Information and Advisor Appointments:
Program Information: Penny Cox (850) 729-5322
Admissions and Student Services: Janice Buchanan (850) 729-4901