TEACHER EDUCATION

Begin or advance your career as a teacher or principal. Educators are in demand on the Treasure Coast, especially in math, science, exceptional student education and bilingual education.

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THE RIVER HAS…

A 100% job placement rate for Bachelor of Science in Education graduates
The best online bachelor’s degree in elementary education
Dozens of scholarships available for education majors

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Associate in Arts

Associate’s Degree

Take the courses you need to qualify as a teaching assistant in public or private high schools. Or, after you complete your associate’s degree, you can continue in a bachelor’s degree program at ��Ƶ or another Florida public university — which will prepare you to teach at the high school level.

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with Reading and ESOL Endorsements

Bachelor’s Degree

Location: Online

This program includes multiple field experience requirements in Florida schools.

Description: Help children build a foundation that will help them become successful in their futures. This program will prepare you to teach elementary school students with a focus on literacy and learning English as a second language.

Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education with Reading and ESOL Endorsements

Bachelor’s Degree

Location: Online

Learn how to help every child succeed in the classroom. This program prepares you to work with students in grades K-12 who have various learning needs, with a focus on literacy and learning English as a second language.

Funding is available for paraprofessionals or teacher’s assistants in this program through the .

Educator Preparation Institute

Certificates of Professional Preparation

Is EPI Right for Me?

Already Teaching on a Temporary Certificate

In many cases, EPI is not required. Verify requirements on your Statement of Eligibility (SOE) and with your district certification specialist or EPI lead Professor Lalla.

Have a Non‑Education Bachelor’s Degree

EPI is the standard route. You’ll complete professional education competencies, FTCE exams, and a mentored practicum.

Finishing AA or Changing Careers

If you do not yet hold a bachelor’s, consider ��Ƶ’s B.S. in Elementary Education or ESE. EPI is for bachelor’s degree holders.

Note: If your employer does not offer an Educator Competence/Employer Program, EPI can meet the professional preparation requirement.

How the EPI Works

Program Components

Professional education coursework (7 or 10 courses, based on SOE/subject area)
Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE): General Knowledge (GK), Professional Education (PEd), and Subject Area Examination (SAE)
Mentored EPI Practicum with portfolio demonstrating the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs)

Typical Timeline

Obtain a Statement of Eligibility (SOE) showing “Eligible” for your subject area
Apply to ��Ƶ as a EPI student and upon acceptance complete onboarding
Begin coursework and schedule FTCE exams at appropriate milestones
Complete the EPI Practicum with portfolio
Submit documentation to FLDOE to upgrade to a Professional Certificate

Admission & Eligibility

Eligibility Checklist

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
SOE indicating subject area eligibility (may require passing an FTCE Subject Area Exam)
Professional dispositions and availability for practicum

Looking Ahead…

A Level 2 background screening will be required later in the program for school/district placement. We mention it here so applicants are aware early: those with prior issues that may prevent clearance could face challenges progressing through the program.

How to Apply

Complete an ��Ƶ application, selecting EPI as your program.
Email your SOE and completed data form to .
Begin coursework; track FEAPs evidence for the practicum portfolio.

What to Expect to Learn in the EPI

Note: EPI course count varies (7 or 10) by subject area and SOE requirements.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement

Two Autism Endorsement courses are offered each semester. All courses are delivered online and facilitated by an instructor who guides course activities, assignments, and communication.

Course Schedule

Fall Courses

EEX 4603 — Positive Behavior Support
EEX 4232 — Identification and Assessment of Students with Autism

Spring Courses

EEX 4094 — Educating Students with Autism
EEX 4760 — Assistive Technology for Students with Autism

How to Register

Registration is completed online through ��Ƶ. Students should apply as a baccalaureate-level, nondegree-seeking student using one of the following program codes:

H0010: Nondegree, employment-related
H0020: Nondegree, personal use

Use the registration checklist below to prepare the required application materials. All admission documents must be received before the applicable registration deadline.

Registration Checklist

1. Complete the Application for Admission

Complete the ��Ƶ Application for Admission and submit your Statement of Residency online.

Applications may be submitted before the semester in which you plan to enroll. Review ��Ƶ’s residency requirements to determine whether you qualify as a Florida resident for tuition purposes.

2. Submit Your Teaching Certificate and Transcripts

Provide the following documents:

A copy of your Florida Professional Educator Certificate or Temporary Certificate
A copy of your college transcripts

Documents may be scanned and emailed to Hadeel Mustafa.

3. Pay the Application Fee

Students enrolling in baccalaureate-level courses must pay a one-time, nonrefundable $30 application fee.

The fee may be submitted online with the Application for Admission.

Program Costs

Current baccalaureate-level tuition for Florida residents is $117.10 per credit hour. Each course is three credit hours.

Additional expenses include:

A $15 distance learning fee per course
Four required textbooks for the complete endorsement program

Tuition, fees, and textbook costs are subject to change.

Need Assistance?

For questions about the application or registration process, contact Hadeel Mustafa.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement program at ��Ƶ.

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What Alumni Say
“The program was perfect for students like me. I was working two jobs, and my wife, Lindsey, and I had recently welcomed our first daughter.”
Brennan Murphy ’23, B.S.
Exceptional Student Education

NEXT STEPS

APPLY TO THE RIVER

Discover what’s possible at ��Ƶ. When you’re ready, our simple application process is here to help you take the next step.

Start Your Application

PAYING FOR COLLEGE

We’re here to help you understand your options. From financial aid to scholarships and affordable tuition, The River is committed to making college accessible for everyone.

Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

VISIT CAMPUS

Experience the energy of campus life for yourself. Schedule a tour to explore our facilities, meet students and staff, and discover what makes The River an incredible place to learn and grow.

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