How to Apply to the EPI Program
Is your calling to inspire future generations? Join the vision to make a difference in a child's life. Seminole State's Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) offers alternative certification and professional development.The EPI program helps baccalaureate degree holders (outside the education field) earn their Florida Professional Certification to teach in a K-12 classroom within nine months.
The program provides the necessary training for participants to become highly effective, certified teachers. In addition to being prepared to take the Florida Teacher Certification exams, those who successfully complete the EPI program and achieve passing scores on the required exams will receive their five-year Professional Teaching Certificate.
Follow these steps to become an EPI student at Seminole State. If you have any questions regarding the admission process for the EPI program, please email Dr. Gina Fontana or call 407.708.2877.
Steps to Enroll
Prospective students must
- Have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Attend an EPI information session on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus.
- Obtain a printed application during an information session, by emailing Dr. Gina Fontana or by calling 407.708.2877.
- Obtain a Statement of Status of Eligibility for certification from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). It must state that you are eligible to teach.
Please review the EPI Frequently Asked Questions for additional information concerning eligibility requirements. - Submit a completed Seminole State Application for Admission and the EPI application to Dr. Fontana. The EPI application can be completed during the information session if you already have a letter of eligibility that states you are eligible to teach.
- Submit Statement of Status of Eligibility to Dr. Fontana.
- Submit official unopened college transcript(s). Financial aid will be delayed until your transcript has been received and evaluated.
- Submit to fingerprinting and a background check.
- Turn in security clearance to Dr. Fontana.
Approximately two business days after your residency has been approved and the college has processed your application you will receive two emails with your Seminole State Account login information and a password reset link.
If you have questions, please visit the MySeminoleState Help page or call 407.708.2000.
Complete a Financial Aid application
If you have not already applied for financial aid, do so as soon as possible through the FAFSA website. Seminole State's six-digit FAFSA code is 001520. It typically takes four to six weeks to determine your eligibility. Additional information may be requested if you are chosen for verification, so please continue to check the To-Do List in your MySeminoleState Student Center in case additional documentation is needed.
Financial Aid is available for students who qualify. For more information, please contact:
Sarah Bono
Financial Aid Specialist
Sanford/Lake Mary Campus, Room A-100S
407.708.2883
Meet with your Advisor
Schedule an appointment with your advisor for course selection assistance to help register for classes.
You can schedule an appointment using the SignMeUp calendar application for your assigned advisor.
Register for classes
During your advising appointment, you will also register for classes.
Accept your Financial Aid and defer fees, or pay for your classes
Log into your MySeminoleState account and review the "Student Center" to determine your fees and payment due date.
- If you are paying for your classes out-of-pocket, payments can be made through MySeminoleState or at any campus Cashiers/Business Office.
- If you are receiving financial aid, you must accept or decline your award and electronically sign a fee deferment every semester. Review instruction on how to defer or pay fees.
Purchase your textbooks
Seminole State bookstores are located on the Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, and Sanford/Lake Mary campuses. If you have financial aid, please check the Financial Aid Dates and Deadlines to determine when bookstore charges begin and end.
Get your student ID
Visit Blue & Gold Card Services for locations and hours to obtain your student ID. Please wait one hour after you register to pick you your card. A government-issued ID must be presented.
Pick up your parking decal
You can obtain a parking pass from the Cashiers Office on any campus. Please bring your Blue & Gold Card with you.
Log into your student email
Office 365 is the College's official student email system. Once you have registered and paid for classes (and created your personal MySeminoleState account), your student email account will be available within 48 business hours. This email account is the only account the College will send messages to, so please check your email regularly. View instructions on how to log in and change your password.