Education
As a teacher, you can make a difference in the lives of children and teens, helping to shape them into productive adults. Employment opportunities for teachers on the Treasure Coast are excellent, especially in the high-demand fields of math, science, ESE and bilingual education.
Testimonials
'Best online Bachelor's Degree—Elementary Education'
- onlineschoolsreport.com
Once You Complete the Program
Associate in Arts Degree students may focus on teaching elementary or exceptional education students, high school students or physical education during their first two years at IRSC after which they may continue their education with a Bachelor’s Degree program at IRSC or another college or university. Those looking to gain immediate employment may find opportunities to teach at the preschool level or serve as teaching assistants. Many Associate Degree students simultaneously earn technical certifications, arming them with additional, respected industry credentials upon graduation.
Students graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree may focus on elementary age children, teaching basic academic, social or other formative skills in a public or private school. Others choose to teach students in one or more subjects— such as English, mathematics or social studies—or teach occupational, career and technical, or developmental education subjects in a private or public school at the middle-school or high-school level.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Learn about IRSC Education programs by joining us on the second Thursday of each month, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Upcoming information sessions:
Associate in Arts
Complete your first two years of college at IRSC, and you’re guaranteed the right to transfer as a junior to a Bachelor’s Degree program at a Florida public university—or continue in a Bachelor’s Degree program at IRSC. For course descriptions, see the College Catalog.
Early Childhood Education A.S.
Gain management and technical skills in many high-demand career fields, with the option to continue toward a Bachelor’s Degree at IRSC. For course descriptions, see the College Catalog.
Technical (College Credit) Certificates
Earn valuable Technical (College Credit) Certificates at the same time you’re completing an A.S. Degree—get double the value and additional credentials by completing these blocks of courses. For course descriptions, see the College Catalog.
Bachelor's of Science
Increase your earning power, and build on your Associate Degree with more than twenty 2+2 Bachelor’s Degree options at IRSC.
Note: Effective January, 2022, IRSC is no longer accepting applicants for Secondary Mathematics, Middle Grades Science and Secondary Biology Baccalaureate programs.
Contact the lead professor for more information:
- Emily Renschler, Elementary Education, erenschl@irsc.edu
- Dr. Kim Zgonc, Exceptional Student Education, kzgonc@irsc.edu
- Dr. Robin Zide, Middle Grades Math, rzide@irsc.edu
- Molly Lalla, Educator Preparation Institute, mlalla@irsc.edu
Career Training
Student enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs build increasingly sophisticated skills in 150-hour modules. For course descriptions, see the College Catalog.
Educator Preparation Institute
The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) at IRSC provides a fast track to a teaching career for anyone who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in a field other than education. You can complete the program in less than a year with convenient day, evening and online classes. And, you’ll be well-prepared to become a highly qualified teacher with professional state certification.
IRSC is involved with the recruitment and education of teachers for Treasure Coast classrooms, and the EPI was developed to combat the teacher shortage. Certifications are available in all subject disciplines with a special emphasis on attracting teachers in math, science and Exceptional Student Education (ESE). Adults ready for a career change, displaced workers, U.S. veterans and mothers entering the workforce are especially encouraged to enter the program.
For course descriptions, see the College Catalog.
EPI Admissions Requirements
Complete the IRSC application for admission.
You must hold a Bachelor's Degree to submit this application; $30 application fee is required.
On the Application Profile, complete the fields as follows:
- Academic Level = Bachelor
- Program of Study = E.P.I. - Educator Preparation Institute Certificate
- Anticipated Start = Select the semester that you intend to begin taking classes.
- Campus = Select the preferred campus to receive advisement and other services.
- Student Type = Select the type that best matches you.
Complete the EPI Student Data Form and submit to Molly Lalla at mlalla@irsc.edu.
Apply to the Florida Department of Education for a Statement of Status of Eligibility and submit a copy to Molly Lalla at mlalla@irsc.edu. This statement must show you as eligible for a temporary certificate before you can be admitted into the EPI program.
To obtain a Statement of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education, apply online at http://www.fldoe.org/edcert or contact the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), Bureau of Educator Certification at edcert@fldoe.org to have an application mailed to you. You may also obtain an application from a local school district office.
To obtain a temporary certificate, choose only one subject area and pay the fee directly to FLDOE; be sure to submit official transcripts (directly from the institutions or in a sealed envelope) from ALL postsecondary institutions to the FLDOE.
