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PLCP

Professional Learning Certification Program (PLCP)

The Professional Learning Certification Program...

 

  • ...is a FLDOE-approved program of Charlotte County Public Schools that provides a pathway for teachers with a Temporary Teaching Certificate (non-renewable) to upgrade to a Professional Educator Certificate.
     
  • ...is an optional pathway to certification. It is a competency-based training that prepares high-quality teachers while on the job at Charlotte County Public Schools. 
     
  • ...creates an opportunity for teachers to obtain their Professional Certificate at an affordable rate within a manageable timeframe of 1-2 years. 

 

 

A teacher smiles at the camera while working at her desk in a classroom.

About the Program

  • The requirements outlined below are mandated by Florida Statute 1012.56(8) and the CCPS Professional Learning Department:

    • Be employed in a full-time K-12 instructional position within Charlotte County Public Schools
    • Be a “teacher of record” for a group of K-12 students
    • Have a state-issued Temporary Teaching Certificate that expires on June 30, 2026, or thereafter
    • Register for the program (for the 2025-2026 school year) between March 3 and April 15, 2025
    • Provide your FLDOE Statement of Status of Eligibilty 
    • Provide any FTCE testing results 

  • At $825, the non-refundable program fee covers all costs associated with the online professional preparation coursework. This represents significant savings compared to traditional university pathways. This payment is due in full after registration. 

  • No. You must pay the non-refundable $825 fee in full between July 1, 2025 and August 1, 2025. 

  • It takes between 1 to 2 years for most participants complete the program. 

  • If you are unsure if this program is right for you, please contact a Professional Learning Specialist at pdc@yourcharlotteschool.net. It is important that you include the following information in your email:

    1. Copy of your most current FLDOE Statement of Status of Eligibility
    2. Copy of any FTCE testing results (passed or failed)

  • No. It is important that you remain employed in an instructional position within Charlotte County Public Schools until you have met all program requirements. Your $825 fee cannot be refunded if you exit the program. You would need to re-start the program in a new district if you leave pre-maturely. 

Upcoming Informational Meetings

March Meetings

 

 

Monday, March 3, 2025
Time: 2:30PM
Location: Virtual 

Meeting Link

Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Time: 3:30PM
Location: Virtual 

Meeting Link

Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Time: 4:30PM
Location: Virtual 

Meeting Link

 

Program Components

There are 6 major components to the Professional Learning Certification Program. Following registration, a District Mentor will develop an Individual Success Plan for each participant. 

  • Competency-based Tasks provide participants the opportunity to demonstrate acquisition of the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPS). A self-evaluation of the FEAPS is used to set professional goals. Competency is determined by two administrative observations of classroom teaching using the Marzano Framework for Teachers Evaluation.

  • PLCP participants are required to demonstrate competence in instructional strategies to support English Language Learners. Participants will complete the 60 hour online course, ESOL Methods of Teaching. In order to obtain an ESOL Endorsement, four additional courses will be made available at no cost.

  • PLCP participants are required to demonstrate competence in reading methods and strategies. Participants will complete two 60 hour online courses: Reading Competency 1 Foundations of Reading & Reading Competency 2 Application of Evidence-based Reading Practices. In order to obtain a Reading Endorsement, three additional courses will be made available at no cost.

  • PLCP participants will complete nine online courses for a total of 185 professional hours. Topics include Instructional Practices, Exceptional Student Education, Assessment, Learning Theory, Ed Tech, Student Advocacy & Legal, Professional Practices, Classroom Management, and Designing Lesson Plans. Coursework in the program is paced at approximately 5 hours per week.

  • PLCP participants must pass all FTCE certification exams as required by FLDOE. This includes passing scores on your content specific exam, all four subtests within the Florida General Knowledge Exam & the Professional Education Test. In some instances, waivers or exemptions may apply.

  • PLCP participants will be assigned a District Mentor to guide them through the PLCP process and verify the completion of components to the HR Certification Specialist. A School Mentor who has completed the Clinical Educator Training will provide guidance and support on competency based tasks at the building level along with the school principal and instructional coaches.