Interested in improving your classroom skills and better managing your classroom? Want to branch out into new areas of expertise and enrich your students' experiences?
Taught by successful practitioners, our workshops are:
Affordable
Workshops are designed to minimize the cost for teachers seeking certification/recertification. Courses are $540. (Taken during the FSC academic year, one course would cost approximately $720.)
Convenient
Aligned with the curriculum delivered to students on campus, our workshops are conveniently available online with sessions beginning weekly.
Multi-purpose
Our courses are designed to help you strengthen your delivery methods as well as your content knowledge.
Approved by Department of Education
Our workshops are approved by the State of Florida Department of Education for use by teachers holding a valid Florida teaching certificate or temporary certificate.
Course Descriptions
All courses described below are approved by the State of Florida Department of Education for the recertification of teachers holding a valid Florida Teaching Certificate. However, it is your responsibility to determine which workshops meet your recertification requirements.
More about Certification Requirements »
EDU 1107 Foundations of Education I (Introduction to Education & Human Development and Learning)
Four hours. An introduction to the study of public and nonpublic education systems, past and present, in the United States and in other countries. Emphasis on problems, issues and trends in contemporary American education as viewed from historical, sociological, psychological, and economic perspectives will be examined. This course will also include comprehensive classroom management and human development and learning.
EDU 2210 Foundations in Special Education
Two hours. This is a major requirement that included Florida Exceptional Student Education Competencies K-12 as required by the Florida Department of Education. A study of the various exceptionalities found among children in public and private school, including the history, characteristics, etiology, terminology, incidence, eligibility guidelines and issues related to assessment, behavior management, and academic programming. Field-based activities are required in this course.
EDU 2235 Technology Infused Teaching, and Educational Assessments and Measurements
Four hours. Students in this course explore technology infused teaching, and educational assessment and measurements, in the broad context of educational foundations and learning theories. A clinical experience is a major component of the course.
EDU 2240 Teaching Language Arts Level I
Four hours. Preprofessional teachers will master the theoretical and practical foundations for teaching the six language arts within the context of a culturally diverse and technologically complex environment. They will engage in cooperative analysis of classroom presentations, develop teaching strategies and master the teaching vocabulary of the language arts as well as integrating technology in the development of their lesson plans.
EDU 3279 Foundations of ESOL I
Four hours. Planning, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate methods and unique experiences to meet the needs of children who speak a language other than English. Characteristic of second language learner. Second language acquisition processes, and oral language development. Discussions of major trends in ESOL teaching, as well as appropriate resources in ESOL methodologies. Exploration of various social contexts that maximize language and literacy development for second language learners such as collaborative groups and teacher-student conferencing. Focus on instructional strategies that effective teachers use to promote literacy development in all students.
EDU 3333 Foundations of Education III (Classroom Instructional Strategies and Classroom Management)
Two hours. An introduction to the study of public and nonpublic education systems emphasizing the philosophical foundations of education trends in contemporary American education, education psychology, and an emphasis on classroom instructional strategies and classroom management.
EDU 3339 Elementary Math Methods I
Four hours. In this course the student will use 21st century technology tools to promote the engaged teaching and learning of concepts in elementary mathematics. The emphasis will be on the real number system and its subsystems, relating these systems to basic concepts of algebra and geometry.
EDU 3343 Children's Literature and Developmental Literacy
Four hours. Preprofessional teachers will master the theoretical and practical foundations for teaching the Language Arts and developmental literacy within the context of a culturally diverse and technologically complex environment. They will apply these concepts in a laboratory school setting.
EDU 3347 - Teaching Language Arts II
Two hours. Preprofessional teachers will master theoretical and practical foundations for teaching the Language Arts within the context of a culturally diverse and technologically complex environment. They will apply these concepts in a laboratory setting.
EDU 3360 Teaching Elementary Reading Methods I and Examining Trends
Four hours. Materials and practice in teaching reading. History or reading; reading skill foundations; phonics; emergent-procedures and word recognition. Students will participate in planning and lesson presentations. An in-field reading lesson teaching experience is required.
EDU 4407 Elementary Social Studies Methods II
Four hours. The content, materials, skills, and evaluation procedures in teaching social studies will be examined and emphasized.
EDU 4409 Elementary Science Methods III
Four hours. The content, materials, methods and practices in the teaching of science will be examined and emphasized. The understanding of the scientific processes and how to teach these to children will be presented with each of the sciences.
EDU 4454 Special Methods in Education
Four hours. This course is designed to prepare for teaching in the secondary subject areas of Biology, Mathematics, English, Social Sciences, Foreign Languages, Art, Music, and Physical Education using a variety of research-based techniques, materials (including instructional technology), and teaching strategies. Special emphasis is given to the research based on effective teaching behaviors.
EDU 4457 Reading & Writing in the Content Area
Two hours. This course will focus on ways in which reading, writing, speaking, and listening are developed and used in the content areas in conjunction with the strategies and skills appropriate to the developmental levels and attitude typical of secondary school students. The course will involve lesson planning and design as well as group presentation, discussion, and critique.
EDU 4460 Teaching Reading Methods II (Reading Diagnosis and Intervention)
Two hours. Material and practice in teaching reading, history of reading, reading skill foundations, phonics, emergent procedures, word recognition, reading assessment, diagnosis, and interventions are examined. Students will participate in planning, lesson presentations, and reading assessment and diagnosis.
EDU 4478 ESOL II – Applied Linguistics
Four hours. The structure of the English language will be surveyed identifying areas that cause problems for non-native speakers. The various sources of these problems will be identified, including interferences, acquisition strategies, and inherent complexity. Because the class is designed for K-12 ESOL teachers, it will focus on the sound system, vocabulary system, and the grammatical system as they apply to students. In addition to practical information concerning the structure of English, participants will learn various principles of second language acquisition and apply those principles to the teaching of English as a second language. ESOL Endorsement only.
PED 3365 K-12 Instructional Methods for PE Teachers
Four hours. Elementary and secondary school curriculum and lesson planning, teaching methods, class management and control. Clinical experiences in both elementary and secondary school settings required.
Frequently Asked Questions
COURSEWORK
Will I need to purchase a textbook?
You will be notified via email two weeks prior to the starting date of the workshop if you need to purchase a textbook or course packet through the online FSC bookstore.
When are students required to have all their work completed?
During the summer sessions submission of all course assignments is due by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Monday after the workshop is complete, and by Saturday at midnight during the fall and spring sessions.
REGISTRATION & WITHDRAWAL
Can I register online?
Yes. All students must register for teacher workshops via the online application.
Who do I contact if I have admissions questions?
Contact Donna Davis at 863.680.4958 or by e-mailing tws@flsouthern.edu.
How do I cancel my registration, withdraw or receive a refund?
You may cancel registration for a teacher workshop class no later than the Wednesday prior to the course starting date and be eligible to receive full reimbursement.
Students may cancel their registration by submitting a written request to the Office of the Registrar, sfeierbacher@flsouthern.edu or fax your request to 863.680.4565 to the attention of Shirley Feierbacher. Please include the course title and dates which the class is scheduled to meet in your withdrawal information/correspondence.
Failure to withdraw from the course by the days listed above (Wednesday prior to the course start date to avoid academic and financial penalty; Wednesday during the course to avoid academic penalty, but still responsible for the workshop fee) will result in a letter grade of "F" and the student will be responsible for course fees. Again, you may withdraw from the course by Wednesday during the week of the Workshop with written notification (via email to the course instructor and Shirley Feierbacher at sfeierbacher@flsouthern.edu. However, there will be no refund for the course and a grade of "W" will be assigned.
Failure to pay course fees does not withdraw you from the course. Unless you withdraw from the course as described above, you will be charged for the course and liable for the fees.
Certification Questions
Always check with your county licensing office to be sure that the courses you intend to take will meet your specific certification needs and requirements. It is your responsibility to determine which workshops meet your specific needs.
Polk County
Other counties:
You can also contact the Florida Department of Education.
Unsure? Don't hesitate to contact us.
Call Donna Davis, Coordinator of Teacher Certification and Special Programs at 863.680.4958 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or e-mail her at tws@flsouthern.edu.
CERTIFICATION/TRANSCRIPTS
Are courses offered by Florida Southern College accredited and meet teacher certification and recertification requirements in Florida? Yes, all courses are fully accredited and meet the Florida Department of Education requirements for teachers. All courses are conducted by professional educators with advanced degrees in education.
Do I have to earn a certain grade in a Teacher Workshop?
A grade of “C” or better must be earned in all professional education courses.
How do I verify my certification requirements?
To verify your individual certification requirements, please request a Letter of Eligibility from the State of Florida, Department of Education prior to registering for the teacher workshop(s). In your correspondence please provide them with the following information: Your Name; DOE # or Social Security #; Florida Southern College; the Course #; Title of Course; and Course Description. You may email the certification department at edcert@fldoe.org.
How do I request a transcript from Florida Southern College?
Download and print a transcript request form. Send the completed form, along with a $5.00 check to the Registrar’s Office at Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801-5698. If preferred, the forms may be faxed to 863.680.4565. Please call 863.680.4127 to verify your fax has been received and is legible. Transcripts will not be released until payment is received. Please allow 3-5 business days for transcript requests to be processed.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS & SUPPORT
What are the technical requirements for taking an online course with Florida Southern College,
See our online technical requirements. You may also access the following tutorials before enrolling in one of our courses.
When will technical support be provided for online students and faculty? Who do they contact?
Students needing assistance should first contact their instructor. If the problem cannot be resolved at the instructor level, students may contact the Help Desk at 863.680.4212. Technical support for online workshops will be offered by FSC’s Tech Buddies, during the summer, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – noon and 7 – 10 p.m.; Sunday 7 – 10 p.m.
For the fall and spring workshops, Tech Buddies will be available during the following times: Friday (first day of the workshop), 7 – 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – noon; Sunday, contact your instructor; Monday through Friday, 7 – 9 p.m.
How do I obtain my ID# if I have lost or misplaced it?
Please email tws@flsouthern.edu or call Donna Davis at 863.680.4958 and she will provide this for you.
How do I obtain a password and user ID# to log on to FSC's Portal?
Your password is provided to you on the Registration Confirmation email that is sent within 7-10 business days after you have applied for a workshop. If you need to request the password again, please do the following:
Email a request for a password to campusweb@flsouthern.edu. Please include the following:
-
Phone Number
-
Social Security Number
-
Birth Date
Your password will be returned by email within 24 hours.
COSTS & FINANCIAL AID
When will I be billed for the workshop and how do I go about paying for the course?
After submitting the online application you will receive an email stating that we received your application. Within 7-10 business days you will receive an email confirmation which includes your password and user ID# so that you can go on to the Portal and make payment for the workshop. VISA and MasterCard are accepted.
How can I cancel my registration?
You may cancel registration for a teacher workshop class no later than the Wednesday prior to the course starting date and be eligible to receive full reimbursement. See cancel my registration, withdraw or receive a refund for details »
Is Financial Aid available for Teacher Workshops?
Limited financial aid is available for teachers enrolling in workshops. Stafford Loans are federal student loans made directly available to college and university students. They may be subsidized by the U.S. Government or may be unsubsidized depending on the student's financial need. Federal regulations require eligible students to be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours or two classes. If interested in Financial Aid please complete the Teacher Workshop Financial Aid Form and return to us. For more information about the Stafford loan, please contact Roxanna Roadarmel.
The State of Florida offers Critical Teacher Shortage Tuition Reimbursement. For more information about State reimbursement, please visit Florida Student Financial Aid.