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Dr. Maday Leon (far right) with students
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.
