Future Teachers Academy
The Future Teachers Academy is a special program for students interested in becoming elementary school teachers in Osceola County. Through the program, students will complete an Associate in Arts from Valencia and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida. Upon successful completion of the program and upon meeting eligibility requirements, graduates from the program will be offered a teaching position by the School District of Osceola County.
Who is eligible to apply?
Currently, applications are being accepted from current high school seniors in Osceola County.
How do I apply?
The priority application deadline for current high school seniors is Friday, April 5, 2024. To apply, complete this online application. (Please note that the application has two required essays that you may want to prepare in advance before accessing the online application: 1) "In 300-500 words, please describe your favorite teacher and why this teacher is so memorable." and 2) "In 300-500 words, please explain why you want to be an elementary school teacher in Osceola County.")
What are the program expectations?
To participate in the program, students will enroll full-time at Valencia College beginning in Fall 2024. Participants will register for a cohort of classes that meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Upon completion of an Associate's degree, students will enroll full-time at UCF beginning in Fall 2026, and will complete student teaching and internship experiences in an Osceola County school. Students must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average throughout the program and must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
Is there a scholarship?
While at Valencia College, upon successful completion of each term with a minimum GPA of 2.5, students will earn a $200 scholarship for the subsequent term. For example, upon successful completion of the Fall 2023 term, students will earn a $200 scholarship toward the Spring 2024 term. While at UCF, students will earn a $2,500 stipend for the successful completion of the Internship I, and a $2,500 stipend for the successful completion of the Internship II.
Who can I contact with questions?
If you have questions about the Future Teachers Academy, please contact Dr. Landon Shephard, Dean of Learning Support at Valencia lshephard@valenciacollege.edu