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Educator Recruitment, Development, & Retention

 

  Educator Recruitment, Development, & Retention  

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Educator Preparation


Eileen L. McDaniel, Chief, Bureau of Educator Recruitment, Development and Retention
Turlington Building, Suite 124
325 West Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400




Phone: 850-245-0562
Ensuring the preparation of quality teachers and other professional educators for the State of Florida is a fundamental component of the mission of the Florida Department of Education. The Office of Educator Preparation is charged with the responsibility of reviewing and approving initial educator preparation programs that lead to certification to teach in the State of Florida's schools. Public and private universities and colleges throughout the state have approved initial teacher preparation (ITP) programs. Many of Florida's state colleges, community colleges and several universities have state-approved Educator Preparation Institutes (EPIs) through which they deliver alternative certification programs for baccalaureate degree holders. Additionally, Florida offers state-approved educational leadership programs at various institutions.

Legislative Updates for Educator Preparation

House Bill (Rep. Spano) 863 Teacher Preparation and Accountability

Educator Preparation Programs Information

Initial Teacher Preparation Programs

Initial Teacher Preparation (ITP) Programs are educator preparation programs that require candidates to demonstrate mastery of subject area knowledge in one or more specific subject area(s), mastery of general knowledge, and mastery of professional preparation and education competence. ITP programs are offered at Florida postsecondary institutions and typically culminate in a bachelor's or master's degree. Completers of an ITP program are eligible for a Florida Professional Educator's Certification upon program completion.

State-Approved Alternative Certification Programs

Educator Preparation Institutes (EPI) are an alternative route to Florida Educator's Certification offered by Florida postsecondary institutions for baccalaureate degree holders. The EPI provides professional preparation and education competence for career-changers and recent college graduates who do not already possess a Florida Professional Educator's Certificate.

District Alternative Certification (DAC) Programs are a cohesive competency-based professional preparation alternative certification program offered by Florida public school districts by which the school district's instructional staff may satisfy the mastery of professional preparation and education competence requirements.

American Board

The American Board (ABCTE) is a alternative certification non-profit that certifies career changers, substitute teachers, para-professionals and out-of-field teachers. Founded in 2001 via a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the American Board's focus is building communities through education and employment.

Educational Leadership Programs

Educational Leadership Programs lead to initial certification in educational leadership for the purpose of preparing individuals to serve as school leaders who may aspire to the school principalship. These programs are offered by Florida postsecondary institutions and public school districts.

Additional Resources