Elementary Teacher Education Program Gets a Nod of Approval

AVON PARK, Fla. — Jan. 9, 2026 — South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education (BSETE) was recently granted reaccreditation from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). Continuing accreditation has been granted through Dec. 31, 2032 – for seven years, the maximum number of years allowed.

SFSC emphasizes the importance of accreditation for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in Florida. Prospective educators are encouraged to ensure that the institution they choose is approved and accredited by the FLDOE, as this directly impacts teacher certification eligibility.

“At SFSC, our graduates can be confident that their degrees are fully recognized and validated by the FLDOE,” said Dr. Maday Leon, Elementary Teacher Education lead instructor. “Unfortunately, some students from other institutions discover—only after applying for teacher certification—that their programs did not meet all state requirements. This can result in licensure denial and the need to complete additional coursework.”

SFSC’s bachelor’s program in Elementary Teacher Education is designed to meet all state standards and includes embedded English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Reading endorsements. As a result, graduates enter the profession fully credentialed and do not need to return to complete additional endorsement courses.

“Our goal is to ensure that SFSC graduates are not only well-prepared for today’s classrooms but are also credentialed without barriers,” said Dr. James Hawker, SFSC dean of arts and sciences. “By embedding required endorsements directly into the program, we remove unnecessary obstacles and allow our graduates to begin their teaching careers with confidence.”

This comprehensive preparation allows SFSC graduates to apply for teacher certification without delays and renew their teaching certificates every five years, ensuring a smooth transition from college to classroom.

The BSETE program was initially granted accreditation in 2014. In 2013, the need for teachers in elementary schools in Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto counties became clear, as positions opened up through teacher retirements and the growth of school enrollments. After getting the final stamp of approval from the FLDOE to add the degree program, SFSC admitted its first class of 12 students in fall term 2014.

For more information about SFSC’s Elementary Teacher Education Program, visit southflorida.edu or contact Dr. Leon at 863-784-7154.

Jan. 2, 2026 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation will host its ninth annual Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout sponsored by Jarrett Ford at Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club in Sebring with qualifying days taking place on Thursday, Jan. 15, and Friday, Jan. 16 from 11:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 17 from 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. The Golf Shootout for the top 12 finalists will take place at the 18th hole on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m.

The $10K Putt Challenge will also be available for golfers on the same days as the Shootout for Thursday and Friday, but Saturday qualifiers can putt from 7:30-9:30 a.m. with a Final Qualifier at 10 a.m. to narrow down the competition to one finalist proceeding to putt for $10,000 on the 18th hole at 4:45 p.m.

Proceeds from the Golf Shootout and Putt Challenge benefit SFSC Athletics. SFSC fields four athletic teams: women’s volleyball, women’s cross country, men’s baseball, and women’s softball.

“As we approach our annual Million Dollar Shootout event, now combined with our Putting Challenge, we continue to be extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from our incredible sponsors, the SFSC Foundation and their outstanding staff, and of course, each and every one of our participants that have made this event over the years what it is,” said Rick Hitt, SFSC athletic director and head baseball coach. “We look forward to this year‘s event with great anticipation, and appreciate the time and effort that is put in by so many to continue to make this one-of-a-kind event a success.”

Amateur adult golfers are eligible to participate in the Shootout and Putt Challenge to compete for $1 million and $10,000 respectively, provided through Hole in One International. If no one sinks a hole-in-one in the Million Dollar Shootout, the closest shots to the hole will win prizes. First place will receive $750, second place will receive $500, third will receive $250, and fourth will receive a pro shop gift card from Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club. Golfers can purchase a bag of 10 balls for $10 for the Shootout and a bag of three balls for $10 for the Putt Challenge. Participants may purchase an unlimited number of bags. Register for the Golf Shootout and Putt Challenge during qualifying days at the Sun ‘n Lake Driving Range in Sebring.

“The Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout has truly become a community tradition that showcases the best of what we can accomplish together,” said Emily Dabolt, executive director for institutional advancement at SFSC. “Every dollar raised goes directly to SFSC Athletics, funding scholarships, equipment, and facilities that make a real difference in our student-athletes’ lives. We’re grateful for the incredible partnership we have with local businesses and community members who make events like this possible.”

For more information about the Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout and $10K Putt Challenge, contact the SFSC Foundation at 863-453-3133 or foundation@southflorida.edu.

ABOUT THE SFSC FOUNDATION

The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation enhances community awareness of the College, solicits and accepts gifts, receives bequests, and manages and helps to appreciate cash gifts or non-cash gifts donated to the SFSC Foundation. Such contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Funds received by the SFSC Foundation are distributed to endeavors that benefit the College and subsidize its students, staff, and programs. The SFSC Foundation offers scholarships and provides funding to maintain educational facilities.