Teacher Immersion Program (TIP)
Program Overview
Whether you are a career-changer with a passion for teaching or a current teacher seeking to meet Florida State certification requirements, FGCU’s Teacher Immersion Program offers a unique and effective way for you to meet your professional goals.
Advantages of a state-approved Educator Preparation Institute
- Upon completion of the TIP program, you will be qualified to receive a 5-year Professional Educator’s Certificate from the Florida Department of Education.
- Certification through a state-approved program means greater portability relative to other certification routes, and certification is recognized by states which have teacher certification reciprocity with Florida.
- TIP completers will find their skills more marketable in a competitive job market.
- FLDOE Statute requires EPI programs such as TIP to include a Reading Endorsement for students within the following subject areas: Elementary Education K-6, Prekindergarten/Primary Education Age 3-GR3, English 5-9, English 6-12, English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) K-12, Reading K-12.
The TIP Internship
- TIP allows candidates who may have limited or no teaching experience to spend time in a real K-12 classroom, developing lesson plans, working with students and assuming actual classroom responsibilities.
- TIP provides opportunity to work with a highly-qualified internship supervisor and a cooperating teacher in a local school district.
- TIP provides an excellent way for beginning teachers to make contacts in the local schools.
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Application Process
Toggle More InfoApplication Process
- Apply to FGCU as a Post-Bac Non-Degree Seeking Student ($30 fee). Indicate “Teacher Immersion Program” on the form. This can be done at this FGCU website: https://apply.fgcu.edu/
- Submission of official transcripts from a Baccalaureate program or U.S. equivalent degree from an accredited institution with a 2.75 GPA or above. All transcripts and proof of degree must be in English; international applicants must submit original language transcripts and a certified English translation.
- Submission of an approved Statement of Eligibility from the FLDOE. If you obtained your Temporary Teaching Certificate, then you may submit this in place of your Statement of Eligibility.
- International applicants from countries where English is not the official language, are required to submit official English proficiency scores: TOEFL exam (minimum score of 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet based) or IELTS exam (minimum score of 6.5).
- Submit all documents to the Office of Graduate Studies. Admitted students must provide proof of residency and immunization status.
- To contact the Office of Graduate Studies, call 239-745-GRAD or via email at graduate@fgcu.edu To contact Student Health Services, call 239-590-1254.
TIP consists of 8-10 graduate-level courses.
The entire application packet should be complete by the following admission deadlines:
- Fall admission – Application deadline is July 1.
- Spring admission - Application deadline is October 15.
- Summer admission - Application deadline is March 15.
Send all admissions documents to:
Florida Gulf Coast University
ATTN: Office of Graduate Studies
10501 FGCU Blvd. South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565 -
TIP Completion Requirements
Toggle More InfoThe following criteria will be used to determine successful completion of the Teacher Immersion Program.
TIP Completion Requirements
- Successful completion of all TIP coursework with a minimum grade of a B in each course.
- Passing scores on all required FTCE Exams before registering for the TIP internship.
- Obtain an approved Statement of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education before registering for the TIP internship.
- Acceptable rating on all Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs).
- Successful completion of the TIP Internship.
TIP Final Completion Steps
- Complete the TIP Program Completion Survey.
- Complete the TIP Program Completion Application [.doc - 19KB]
After the completion application is complete, the TIP Coordinator will:
- review your file
- submit your Program Completion Verification (CT 133 form) to the Florida Department of Education
- mail a copy of the CT 133 form to you for your records
- authorize the FGCU Office of the Registrar to include the EPI Completion documentation on your official FGCU transcript
* After this process has been completed, you may apply for your Professional Certificate when you are hired for a professional teaching position or you may contact the Florida Department of Education and apply for your certificate independently. Please note FDOE may need at least 4-6 weeks to process your Program Completion Verification. Please also note the FGCU Office of the Registrar may require at least 4-6 weeks to include the EPI Completion note on your official FGCU transcript. Please verify this has been added to your transcript on Gulfline before ordering your official transcript.
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TIP Courses
Toggle More InfoFLDOE Statute requires EPI programs such as TIP to include a Reading Endorsement for students within the following subject areas: Elementary Education K-6, Prekindergarten/Primary Education Age 3-GR3, English 5-9, English 6-12, English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) K-12, Reading K-12. You will take all 10 courses. If your subject area is different than what is listed, you do not need to take RED 6946 and RED 6540 – you will have 8 courses.
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Internships
Toggle More InfoInternship Application
Everyone registering for EDG 5944 TIP Practicum must complete an online application.
Internship Schedule
The TIP Practicum, EDG 5944, includes a 15 day internship in a school (PreK-12). As a TIP intern, you must:
- Complete your internship in the grade level/subject area consistent with the primary certification area specified on your Statement of Eligibility.
- Be prepared to take off work for these 15 days.
See attached Schedule
Professional Education Exam
If you have not done so, you will need to take the Professional Educator Exam and submit your passing scores to the TIP Director before the end of this semester. As with your other FTEC exams, you may register at http://www.fl.nesinc.com. Please be sure to submit your score to the TIP Coordinator by the date specified on your Program of Study.
Registration & File Check
To be eligible for your internship experience, the following documentation must be on file in our office prior to Internship Registration. We will register you for EDG 5944 after a file check is completed.
- Signed Program of Study on file in the TIP office
- Status of Eligibility stating you ARE eligible for a Temporary Certificate
- Verification of passing scores on the
- GKT
- Subject Area Exam
- Professional Educator Exam
Fingerprinting
All Interns must be fingerprinted in the county in which they will complete their internship. Once you receive your placement, follow the attached directions to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. Please note you may be required to present your Social Security card and driver’s license at the time of fingerprinting.
- Charlotte County Requirements [.pdf - 53 KB]
- Collier County Requirements [.pdf - 297 KB]
- Lee County Requirements [.pdf - 24 KB]
Student Teaching Liability Insurance
The University and the local school districts require that interns (who are not teachers of record) purchase an inexpensive liability policy that covers you through the full period of your internship.
You must provide us with a copy of the letter or card provided by the insurer to verify your compliance with this regulation. Please submit verification to your EDG 5944 TIP Practicum professor.
Purchasing a student membership in the Florida Education Association (FEA), you will provide you with the coverage you need for your Internship. The student membership is $25.00.
- Florida Education Association (FEA) Insurance [.pdf - 1,077 KB]
What Is Student Teaching Liability?
Student teaching liability insurance is a form of professional insurance that provides financial protection in civil legal matters. The average policy benefit is 1 to 2 million dollars and covers a variety of issues, including libel, negligence, student injury, failure to educate and grading or personnel disputes.
If any of these Items are missing, your Internship may be canceled.
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Pathways to Certification
Toggle More InfoPathways offered through Florida Gulf Coast University
This describes Alternatives to degree programs for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in an area outside of education who are interested in becoming teachers. All courses are offered at the graduate-level, making it possible to apply some of them to a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at FGCU. The following link is to Frequently Asked Questions regarding Alternative Certification answered by the Florida Department of Education: Florida Department of Education FAQs about Alternative Certification
There are three paths to teacher certification available through FGCU:
Course-by-Course
FGCU offers five graduate courses approved by the State of Florida for teacher certification. FGCU also offers a state-approved special methods course for students seeking secondary certification. Students who successfully complete these courses and meet the three state certification exam requirements may be eligible for a temporary teaching certificate upon being hired in a full-time teaching position.
Application Process:
Prospective students must submit an application to the Office of Graduate Admissions as a post-Baccalaureate non-degree seeking student/Teacher Certification. Upon acceptance to FGCU, students can contact our office for assistance in registering for certification courses.
Teacher Immersion Program (TIP)
TIP is a state approved program that qualifies completers for a 5 year Professional Teaching Certificate. This program is competency-based and meets all Florida Educator Accomplished Practices. A special feature of this program is a practicum course that includes 15 day intensive internship in a K-12 classroom.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Statement of Eligibility for a Temporary Certificate from the Florida Department of Education
- Passing score on all four sections of the General Knowledge Test
- Passing score on the Subject Area Exam
- GPA of 2.75 or above
- Three letters of recommendation from professionals
- Application Process
Application Process:
Prospective students must submit an application to the Office of Graduate Admissions as a post-Baccalaureate non-degree seeking student/Teacher Certification/TIP. Upon acceptance to FGCU, students will work with a faculty advisor to develop a program of study.
Teacher Credential Certificate (TCC)
The post-baccalaureate Teacher Credential Certificate (TCC) program is designed for students with baccalaureate degrees in fields other than education, who seek to meet the licensure/certification requirements for a Florida Educator’s Certificate. FGCU offers six undergraduate courses approved by the State of Florida for TCC. Individual completing the program meet all of the coursework requirements specified on a Florida Statement of Eligibility for educator certification. Teaching practicum and Florida Teacher Certification Exam requirements are not addressed in the program, and must be completed prior to applying for a Professional Educator’s Certificate from the Florida Department of Education.
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TIP Tuition Assistance
Toggle More InfoApplying for Financial Aid
- Complete all necessary requirements through the Office of Financial Aid. Notify the Office of Financial Aid that you are seeking Teacher Certification at the Graduate level.
- Take a minimum of two qualifying courses per semester.
- Contact your TIP Advisor to start the Financial Aid process.
- Be sure to notify your advisor when planning your program of study that you will be applying for financial aid.
Financial Aid is available for the following courses (not all courses in the program qualify for Financial Aid).
Core Courses:
Course
EDF 6215 Learning Principles
EDG 6356 Instructional Models & Strategies
EDF 5443 Measurement & Evaluation for Teachers
EDF 5259 Classroom Management and Organization
RED 5147L Developmental Reading
One Methods Course (Secondary Education Applicants Only):
Course
LAE 6325 Language Arts Methods
MAE 6336 Math Methods
SCE 6366 Science Methods 6-12
SSE 6326 Social Studies Methods 6-12
FGCU Foundation Scholarships
Schulze Future Teacher Scholarships (Post-baccalaureate) – $11,400 scholarship award that covers tuition into the Teacher Immersion Program (TIP), a graduate-level teacher education program in the College of Education. Interested students should contact Dr. Cynthia Martelli, TIP coordinator in the College of Education.
- Requirements: Practical, competent knowledge in a STEM subject. Applicants must be accepted to the TIP program and passed a Subject Area Exam (SAE) in a STEM subject area to be considered.
- Preferred Requirements: STEM baccalaureate or master degree, career in the discipline, now wishing to pursue teaching.
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FDOE Links and Information
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Questions?
Dr. Cynthia Martelli
Merwin Hall #253
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, Florida 33965
