Program Overview

Our Alternative Certification Program (ACP) is designed to help non-education majors transition into teaching, with a focus on high quality professional learning and positive student impact.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Full-time Instructional Position: You must be hired as a full-time teacher at a district school or approved charter school, serving as the teacher of record.

• Temporary Teaching Certificate: You must hold or be eligible for a Florida Temporary Teaching Certificate.

• At least 2 years remaining on your Temporary Certificate

• ACP Application: Attend an in-person ACP information/enrollment session, complete, and submit enorllment paperwork.

Program Components

• Online, self-paced tasks through the state portal
• Attend in-person courses:
  • Classroom Management (course 5944)
  • Facilitating Classroom Success (course 5943)
  • Transition into Teaching (course 5427)
  • Serving Every Student (course 5428)
• Complete required Reading coursework which varies by certification area (See Reading Requirements below)
• Complete ESOL Category 1 course online
• Complete Youth Mental Health First Aid (course 5359)
• Take and pass the Subject Area, General Knowledge, and Professional Education exams.

 

*Reading Requirements

If you are certified in Elementary Ed K-6, PreK-Primary Grade 3, ESE K-12, English 5-9, English 6-12 you will need Reading Competency courses 1-5. 

If you are certified in any other subject area, you will need the Reading Competency 1 and 2. 

Click here to watch an overview video

Resources and Materials

• Florida Tracking System for PDCP website 
• Florida Teacher Certification Examination website
• Florida Educator Accomplished Practices

Exam Resources

• Study.com
• 240 Tutoring For a 50% off discount email dvarcard@pasco.k12.fl.us
• Quizlet

For more information regarding ACP, email Danielle Varcardipone at dvarcard@pasco.k12.fl.us