About the M.A.T. in Elementary & Secondary Education: FL Educator Preparation Institute
A career in elementary and secondary education is as rewarding as it is in-demand. Our elementary and secondary program: Florida Educator Preparation Institute will prepare you for roles working with children, adolescents, and young adults in a variety of educational settings.
National Louis University’s Florida state-approved Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program is embedded in the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Elementary and Secondary Education Alternative Program. This wrap-around program, the M.A.T. degree with the EPI, provides an alternative pathway to teacher certification in grades K-12 for non-education majors and those seeking to change careers who hold a bachelor’s degree.
Our rigorous M.A.T. curriculum, paired with extended field-based experiences, prepares candidates to teach with confidence and effectiveness. In addition to completing the required coursework, candidates will engage in preparation seminars for the Florida Teacher Certification Exams (FTCE) that are required to earn a Florida Professional Educator Certificate in their selected subject area. Candidates explore instructional methods specific to elementary and secondary-aged students and various content areas, learn how to design, deliver, and assess engaging instruction, and hone technology-forward teaching practices to meet every learner's needs.
The top five benefits to candidates are:
- Master of Arts in Teaching Degree (M.A.T.)
- Florida Professional Educator Certificate through the Florida Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) embedded in the program
- Florida Reading Endorsement
- Progress toward Florida ESOL Requirement (3 semester hours)
- Earn 3 semester hours in methods for teaching students with disabilities
The M.A.T. in Elementary and Secondary Education Alternative Program: Florida EPI degree program is completed in 15 months and comprises five terms, each of which is 10 weeks. The program is offered online with weekly synchronous virtual class sessions. The practicum and student teaching are embedded throughout each term of the program. The program is designed so that candidates can continue working while enrolled in the program.
- Elementary Education MAT Alternative Florida Program Curriculum
- Secondary Education MAT Alternative Florida Program Curriculum
Follow these steps:
- First, apply to the Bureau of Educator Certification within the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) for a Statement of Status of Eligibility (SOE) online.
- An applicant may not begin the EPI program until they have a Statement of Status of Eligibility that indicates the candidate is eligible for the subject listed on their SOE. A copy of the SOE must be submitted to NLU as part of their application to the program.
- Second, apply to National Louis University’s MAT in Elementary and Secondary Education Alternative Program: Florida EPI
- After the SOE is obtained, potential candidates can apply to the program here.
This program offers two tracks in the MAT in Elementary and Secondary Education Alternative Program. Both tracks are designed for candidates with baccalaureate degrees seeking the Florida Professional Educator Certification through the Educator Preparation Institute.
- Classes begin in July 2023
- The program includes 35 semester hours of coursework
- Practicum and Student Teaching are included
- Prepares students for the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (3)
- General Knowledge Test
- Professional Education Test
- Subject Area Test
- The MAT degree and EPI completion are achieved simultaneously
- Competitive tuition rates
- Federal Financial Aid available (based on student’s eligibility)
Questions? Call 813-397-2122 or email pkramer6@nl.edu
