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Alternative Certification Program (ACP)

Program Description

Welcome to the Alternative Certification Program (ACP), formerly known as the Professional Development Certification Program (PDCP) for the Pasco County School District. ACP is a rigorous 2 year program designed to develop quality teachers by offering professional education preparation via online and face to face learning and mentor support to newly hired educators with subject area expertise. By choosing this program as a means of alternative certification, you are committing to successfully completing classroom and school-based assignments, devoting a substantial amount of personal and professional time to your program work, and making a long-term investment in your career as an educator.

Program Components

Online, self-paced tasks through the state portal
Attend and Complete “Transition into Teaching” Course
Attend and Complete “Serving Every Student” Course (completion of Transition into Teaching course required)
Complete required Reading coursework which varies by certification area (See Reading Requirements below)
Complete ESOL Category 1 course online. See MyPGS to enroll. The courses are listed below, you only need to complete 1 of the 5 options for ACP:
- ESOL Language and Literacy
- ESOL Curriculum
- ESOL Assessment
- ESOL Methods
- ESOL Culture
Take and pass the Subject Area, General Knowledge, and Professional Education exams.

*Reading Requirements

If you are certified in Elementary Ed K-6, PreK-Primary Grade 3, ESE K-12, English 5-9, English 6-12 you will need Reading Competency courses 1-5 OR the FTCE Reading K-12 exam. Exam only available through 6/30/2024.

If you are certified in any other subject area, you will need the Reading Competency 1 and 2 OR the FTCE Reading K-12 exam.

Participant Qualifications

Be a full time, K-12 classroom teacher with Pasco County Schools or have a District issued CTE certificate.
Hold a temporary teaching certificate from the Florida Department of Education.
Have at least two years remaining on temporary certificate.