Program Details

TIP Helps You Become a Teacher!

TIP prepares qualified and quality teachers for grades K-12 who will assume full time classroom responsibilities in counties in Southwest Florida.  The TIP Program will develop candidates’ knowledge and skill relative to lesson planning, classroom management, best instructional practices, literacy strategies for content areas, and more, in a state-approved educator preparation institute.  In addition to meeting all state teacher certification requirements, program completers will earn nine (9) graduate credits that may be applied toward a master’s degree, depending on the program.  Check with the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies for more information.

The Program

The Teacher Immersion Program (TIP) is designed to prepare teachers for grades K-12.   Participating candidates will have opportunities to develop their own best practices and classroom management strategies; study reading and writing theory and research; learn instructional strategies; serve an internship; and create an electronic portfolio.

TIP participants will have the following schedule for entry in fall:  two classes in Fall 2010, two classes in Spring 2011, two classes in Summer 2011, and three classes in Fall 2011 (includes the internship and portfolio).

Please visit the Course Schedule page for updated information on the fall cohort.

Costs

The program cost is approximately $4,500, which includes state and local fees of about $720.00 (current fees are subject to change).  For those who qualify for grant funding, before taking each of the three graduate courses, you will need to pay the fees (about $220.00 per grad course) directly to the FGCU Cashier.  There is also an annual $10 fee for university ID.  Out-of-state students should contact the TIP office for fee information.  Students may be eligible for low cost student loans during the spring term only (based on 6 graduate credit hours).  Some students may qualify for grant-funded aid during the program.  Please note that program costs are subject to change without notice, depending on current tuition rates and fees.

FGCU presently has a U.S. Department of Education grant that will pay tuition for participants in high need areas, including elementary, science, mathematics, English, Special Education, ESOL, foreign languages, social studies, and the arts.  Participants who are career changers with degrees in any area, or who are new graduates with degrees in one of the above areas and who are willing to commit to teaching in Lee or Hendry County for three years may be eligible for full program tuition support.  Students are responsible for payment of fees as outlined above, purchasing textbooks and Live Text software for coursework, plus various supplies.

Additional Costs:

FL Teacher Certification Exams (1st registration) - General Knowledge Test: $130.00; Subject Area Exam:  $200.00; Professional Education Test: $150.00.  FL Department of Education Statement of Status of Eligibility:  $75.00 per subject area.

FGCU Graduate Admissions Application:  $30.00.  For more information, call 239-590-7988.

Graduate Credit

Participants in the program will be enrolled in nine (9) hours of graduate credit in Education coursework that may be transferred into FGCU graduate programs toward a master’s degree, depending on the program.  Check with the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies for more information.

Criteria for Full Admission to the Teacher Immersion Program

Full acceptance to the program requires:

1. A passing score on all four sections of the CLAST (prior to 7/1/02) or the FTCE  General Knowledge Test.  Register for all four sections of this test at http://www.fl.nesinc.com.  You may also download study guides/practice tests from that site as well (see “Preparation Information” on left side menu).  When you register for a state exam, please indicate that FGCU should receive a copy of your score report to expedite getting the scores to us.

2. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, documented by official transcripts from all colleges attended.

3. An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher.

4. A Statement of Status of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education - at this website http://www.fldoe.org/edcert.  Click on Steps to Certification and then Apply Here.  Follow the links, create an account, and answer the questions.  You will send in a fee ($75.00) and arrange to send your official college transcripts to the FL Bureau of Educator Certification at the FL Department of Education.  They will evaluate your transcripts and provide you with a Statement listing what you need to do to obtain a Professional Educator’s Certificate.  When you receive your Statement, please fax it to the attention of Susan Kohler at 239-590-1277, along with a cover sheet directing it to my attention.

5. A completed application form, including official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work, two letters recommending applicant for teaching; and a 250+ word essay as to why you want to become a teacher.

Applicants may not begin the Teacher Immersion Program (TIP) until they present a passing score on all four sections of the CLAST (taken prior to 7/1/02) or the FTCE General Knowledge Test ($130.00).  Participants who do not comply with this requirement will not be accepted into the program.  Register to take the FTCE exams at www.fl.nesinc.com.

During the Program:  The subject area exam specific to the applicant’s bachelor’s degree  major or area of teaching interest must be passed before entering the final unit of study in TIP.  Register for the subject area exam at http://www.fl.nesinc.com.  ($200.00)  Participants interested in teaching in areas outside their bachelor’s degrees are encouraged to take the subject area exam as soon as possible.  NCLB prohibits schools from hiring teachers who are not “highly qualified” in their subject areas.  To obtain a study guide, I would recommend that you visit your local bookstore, library or go to www.Amazon.com and type in “FTCE Study Guides.”  Many study guides are available for purchase.  You may also check with our office to see if we have what you need in our lending library.  Contact me at skohler@fgcu.edu or 239-590-7806.

Exit Requirements:

Students receiving (TIP) EPI Certificates of Completion will have completed the following:

APPLYING to the Teacher Immersion Program

Application process:

  • Apply for a Statement of Status of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education at www.fldoe.org/edcert.  ($75.00)  Follow the “Steps to Certification.”  Fax us a copy of that Statement when you receive it (FAX: 239-590-1277, Attn: Susan Kohler).
  • Complete the one-page application for TIP, including the minimum 250 word essay;
  • Provide official undergraduate and graduate transcripts (GPA must be 2.75 or higher to qualify);
  • Provide two letters of recommendation describing your potential to be a successful teacher of moral and ethical character.  All letters must contain an original signature and all contact information;
  • Provide a 250+ word essay regarding your interest in teaching.
  • Provide passing results from all subsections of the FTCE General Knowledge Test ($130.00) or CLAST prior to 7/1/02; and
  • Fax results of FTCE Subject Area Exam ($200.00), if already taken to 239-590-1277 and direct it to the attention of Susan Kohler.  Register to take the test at www.fl.nesinc.com.

FGCU Entry Requirements:

  • Complete FGCU non-degree application form and return it to the university graduate admissions office with $30 application fee.  If you are already in the FGCU system, you will need to complete a new non-degree form, but as a former FGCU student you will not need to pay the fee.  The forms may be found at this website: http://www.fgcu.edu/graduate/nondegree.html.
  • Include proof of residency and immunization with your non-degree application, if you are not currently in the FGCU system.  You may visit the Student Health Center to take care of immunizations - 590-7966.

All applicants are advised that in order to complete the program, they must complete school-based fieldwork (observations) and a 15-day internship.  Schools are required by law to do background checks and will not permit the placement of interns with criminal records.  The TIP Program reserves the right to deny program admission to any applicant if it appears that applicant is unlikely to be able to complete the program due to a criminal record, thus inhibiting his or her ability to complete the internship requirement.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact Susan Kohler, TIP Coordinator, at 239-590-7806 or skohler@fgcu.edu.  Fax number:  239-590-1277.