Find Out How to Get Your Teacher Certification at SCF

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has scheduled information sessions about its Educator Preparation Institute (EPI). The program is for anyone with at least a bachelor's degree in a noneducation major or teachers with temporary certificates who need professional certification.

The free information sessions, which last about one hour, will be offered on the following dates:

Lakewood Ranch 1/17 Wednesday 6 p.m. CIT Building Room 214

Venice 1/31 Wednesday 6 p.m. Building 800 Room 838

Lakewood Ranch 2/15 Thursday 6 p.m. CIT Building Room 216

Venice 3/1 Thursday 6 p.m. Building 800 Room 838

Lakewood Ranch 3/22 Thursday 6 p.m. CIT Building Room 214

Campus locations: Venice: 8000 S. Tamiami Trail; Lakewood Ranch: 7131 Professional Pkwy. E.

Participants will learn about the application process, the courses, how long they take to complete and what it takes to become certified to teach.

After finishing all courses in the EPI program and passing required state and college exams, participants will be eligible for the Florida Department of Education's professional teaching certificate. EPI offers blended evening classes, as well as online classes, that allow working professionals to participate. The cost for the EPI program is $2,700.

Applications are available at SCF.edu/TeacherEd. For more information, contact Araceli Cumbo, coordinator, at 941-408-1481 or cumboa@SCF.edu.