CFK receives final approvals and opens “Pre-req Bootcamp” for new bachelor’s degree in Exceptional Student Education

CFK receives final approvals and opens “Pre-req Bootcamp” for new bachelor’s degree in Exceptional Student Education 

KEY WEST, FL, July 10, 2023— The College of the Florida Keys recently received final approvals from its accrediting agency and the State of Florida to launch its new Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education (BS-ESE). Both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Florida Department of Education sent formal notification of final approvals at the end of June for CFK’s fourth baccalaureate degree program.

About the BS-ESE: 

The BS-ESE provides an opportunity for aspiring educators to become Florida certified teachers ready to fill teaching positions locally and beyond. Through coursework and field experience, the curriculum trains and educates individuals to assist and empower children with disabilities who need specially designed instruction and related services. Graduates of the program will be eligible to earn a Florida Professional Teacher Certification in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) with Reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsements.

The College’s BS-ESE was born through collaboration with Monroe County School District (MCSD) to help meet the need for credentialed K-12 teachers in the Florida Keys. Through their Grow Our Own initiative, MSCD is encouraging their paraprofessionals to pursue this opportunity and will provide tuition support for eligible individuals.

CFK’s BS-ESE follows a 2+2 model, in which a student first earns an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree or equivalent from CFK or another accredited institution before applying to the bachelor’s degree program to complete two years of upper-level courses.

BS-ESE Pre-req Bootcamp: 

To help students seeking to start the new BS-ESE in the fall, the College is offering a “Pre-req Bootcamp.” Students will be able to quickly complete one or two courses that are required for admission in the BS-ESE program. The courses are Introduction to the Teaching Profession (EDF 2005) and Introduction to Special Education (EEX2010). Classes for the bootcamp run July 31 through August 8 and will use technology to provide access to individuals throughout the Keys. Students have the option of attending classes in person on the Key West Campus or virtually during scheduled class meeting times. Field work associated with each course will be completed outside of classes.

Visit the College’s website at cfk.edu/education/bs-ese to learn more about the BS-ESE program and how to apply to the bachelor’s degree program as well as the Pre-req Bootcamp. For assistance, contact Marissa Owens, CFK Director of Recruitment, at [email protected] or 305-809-3207.

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