Published: May 24, 2006 02:17 pm      

Silas Dye first in state to gain teacher certification through EPI program

Silas Dye of Jasper has always dreamed of becoming a teacher. Although he had a temporary certificate to teach Physical Education at the Hamilton County Middle School, he still needed certification to be a full-fledged classroom teacher.

Dye began working toward his teaching certification through the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) at North Florida Community College (NFCC) in August 2002, after receiving a temporary certificate with conditions.

“I was given three years (to complete certification) with the stipulation of taking many courses and tests,” he said.

Early this year, Dye was the first in Florida to receive his Professional Certificate by completing an EPI program. According to the Department of Education, Dye was first of an initial group of five to receive certificates through state EPIs. The other four students were from Indian River Community College.

“It is an honor to be the first in the state to receive my certification through the EPI program,” Dye said. “I found the program very rewarding. It was a good experience and I learned a lot through the course of the certification. I liked all of the instructors, but in particular I enjoyed Cheryl Brinson, Dr. Mantzanas and Bucky Christmas."

"If you are seeking to become a teacher and need your certification, this is a good route to take,” Dye added.

Currently Dye is a physical education teacher for grades K-6 at Hamilton County Central School. He said that his favorite part of teaching is “The joy of teaching students something that is valuable.”

Dye and his wife, Christie, have two children, Christian Dye and Alexis Owens.

The Florida legislature created EPIs and community colleges throughout the state established the programs in 2004 to meet the need for more K-12 classroom teachers. The programs include professional development for current teachers, training for substitute teachers and paraprofessional instruction. EPIs also provide an alternate route to certification for mid-career professionals and college graduates who are not education majors, but who want to enter the classroom.

NFCC is now accepting applications for upcoming EPI courses. For more information contact Dr. Phillip Mantzanas at 850-973-1305 or email mantzanast@nfcc.edu.