How to Enroll

Requirements

In order to be considered for enrollment in the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program, an applicant must possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 from a regionally accredited institution and preferably have a passing score or master's degree exemption on the General Knowledge Test. An applicant must also possess a Statement of Status of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) stating "You are Eligible for a Florida Educator's Certificate." The FL DOE application process takes approximately 60 days; please plan accordingly.

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Contact UsFrequently Asked Questions
Enrollment RequirementsEnrollment StepsEPI Program Enrollment Session

An applicant cannot begin EPI coursework until a valid Statement of Eligibility has been submitted to our office. If the Statement of Eligibility expires while enrolled in the EPI program, the student will not be permitted to continue taking courses until it has been renewed and documentation provided to the EPI office.

If an applicant is NOT eligible per the FL DOE, the statement will list any necessary requirements that must be fulfilled in order to be found eligible, and an applicant will not be admitted to the EPI program.

Questions

Do you have additional questions?
Schedule a call or an online meeting with an EPI advisor now.

Learn More
Steps to Enroll
Steps
1. Complete a Valencia Admission Application ($35 fee payment required) online. Please choose the application for Credit Programs (we are a non-degree education program option).
2. Please send your official, sealed transcripts to:
Valencia College - EPI
Admissions and Records Office
PO Box 3028
Orlando, Florida 32802-3028 OR
Official, electronic transcripts should be sent from the degree-awarding institution to Transcripts@valenciacollege.edu
3. After notification of college admission, set-up your student Atlas account portal and email, then supply proof of residency documents. An applicant does not need the application, residency information, and application fee when attending the Enrollment/Information session.  
4. Attend a Mandatory Enrollment Session.
To register for a Zoom virtual group enrollment session or to request an individual enrollment session, contact Ellen Costello, 407-582-5473, or email ecostello1@valenciacollege.edu.

Note: Dates and times are subject to change, please check the main EPI webpage for updates.

Download a copy of the  EPI handbook.

Mode Date Start Date End Date Term
Zoom Wed., 9/4/24 5:30pm 7:00pm Spring 2025
Zoom Wed., 10/2/24 5:30pm 7:00pm Spring 2025
Zoom Wed., 10/30/24 5:30pm 7:00pm Spring 2025
Zoom Wed., 12/4/24 5:30pm 7:00pm Spring 2025

5. In your Atlas account, apply to the EPI program by selecting "Students" in the left navigation column, then go to "Student Forms" and "Applications" and select "Educator Preparation Institute Application for Admission
screenshot of admission application
Applicants will need the following documents for upload when completing the EPI application:

  • An official, valid, and current FL DOE Statement of Status of Eligibility
  • An official, valid, and current FL DOE Temporary Teaching Certificate, if applicable
  • Official Florida Teacher Certification Examination results for the General Knowledge Tests, Subject Area Exam, and/or the
  • Professional Education Test, if available when applying
  • A brief written, biographical statement that addresses the following questions:
    1. Why do you want to be a teacher?
    2. What experiences have you had with educators that have influenced your motivations to be a teacher?
    3. What qualities and skills do you possess that would help you become an excellent teacher? This may include information about effective oral and written communication, positive attitudes, appreciation and value for diversity, collaboration skills, problem-solving skills, and social emotional intelligence.

All EPI program application forms should be completed by the approximate program deadlines below:

Note: A late registration fee ($50) will be applied if registering after the college's payment deadline. Once a course begins, late registration is not available. All EPI courses are limited to space available.

** Note: application date deadlines are approximate. The EPI program application deadlines are about two weeks prior to the  college's payment deadlines each semester.

Enrollment Term Application Deadline**
Fall Semester August 1
Spring Semester December 1
Summer Semester April 1

6. After review of all required application and transcript documentation, applicants will receive an email from the EPI program regarding admission status via Atlas student email. Students are reminded to include their VID in communication with the EPI office and use their Atlas student email for FERPA security.

Do you have additional questions? Schedule a call or an online meeting with the EPI Department now.

EPI Program Enrollment Session

The EPI Program SPRING Enrollment Session on Wednesday, December 4 is an online, virtual meeting via Zoom. We're excited to host the session from 5:30pm - 7:30pm (or earlier if the Question & Answer portion moves quickly).

For this enrollment session to count for program admission, interested individuals should be present for the full PowerPoint presentation. After attending the Enrollment Session, those who attended the full presentation will be emailed access to the PowerPoint and helpful documents.

Register Now

Please register by following the link below. Thank you for your interest in the EPI program at Valencia College, and we look forward to meeting you soon.

When: Wed., Dec. 4, 2024, 5:30 p.m.

Register