FIELD-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS for GaTAPP to receive approval to offer Nontraditional paths to Professional teacher certification in eligible fields, a GaPSC-approved educator preparation provider ensuring candidates meet field-specific requirements.
Birth/Kindergarten Education (ages 0-5)
Elementary Education (grades P-5)
Admission Requirements:
There is no degree or major clearly aligned to the content standards in birth through kindergarten or elementary education; therefore, candidates in these teaching fields must have a passing score on the state approved content assessment for birth through kindergarten or elementary education at program admission and are subject to additional coursework to meet standards.
Additional Program Content Requirements:
Candidates must meet the standards explained in GaPSC Educator Preparation Rule 505-3-.13 birth through kindergarten education or GaPSC Educator Preparation Rule 505-3-.14 elementary education (P-5).
Middle Grades Education (grades 4-8)
Admission Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree, higher with a major, or a concentration in at least one of the following teaching fields: Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics, Science, or Social Science, or a transcript assessment confirming successful completion of fifteen (15) semester hours in upper-level coursework (typically junior or senior level courses) in one of the above-mentioned teaching fields; or
- A passing score on the Georgia state-approved content assessment in the teaching field if admitted with a degree in a related field or experience that displays knowledge and skills in the content area
2. Additional Program Content Requirements:
- Prior to completion of the preparation path and recommendation for Professional certification, in addition to meeting all requirements of rule 505-3-.05 GEORGIA TEACHER ACADEMY FOR PREPARATION AND PEDAGOGY (GaTAPP) and GaPSC requirements, candidates must pass the appropriate Georgia state approved content assessment
- Middle Grade completers must demonstrate an understanding of young adolescent development
Secondary Education (grades 6-12)
1. Admission Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree, higher with a major in the assigned teaching field, or successful completion of twenty-one (21) semester hours in upper-level coursework (typically junior or senior level courses) in the assigned teaching field; or
- A passing score on the Georgia state-approved content assessment in the teaching field if admitted with a degree in a related field or experience that demonstrates knowledge and skills in the content area
2. Additional Program Content Requirements:
- Prior to completion of the preparation path and recommendation for Professional certificate, in addition to meeting all requirements of rule 505-3-.05 GEORGIA TEACHER ACADEMY FOR PREPARATION AND PEDAGOGY (GaTAPP) and GaPSC requirements, candidates must pass the appropriate Georgia state approved content assessment
P-12 Certification Fields Excluding Special Education
1. Admission Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree, higher with a major in the assigned teaching field, or successful completion of twenty-one (21) semester hours in upper-level coursework (typically junior or senior level courses) in the assigned teaching field; or
- A passing score on the Georgia state-approved content assessment in the teaching field if admitted with degree in a related field or experience that demonstrates knowledge and skills in the content area
2. Additional Program Content Requirements:
- Prior to completion of the preparation path and recommendation for Professional certification, in addition to meeting all requirements of rule 505-3-.05 GEORGIA TEACHER ACADEMY FOR PREPARATION AND PEDAGOGY (GaTAPP) and GaPSC requirements, candidates must pass the appropriate Georgia state approved content assessment
P-12 Special Education Fields
Planning for Professional certification in Special Education is subject to certain state and federal requirements. Although there is no related degree that provides the content knowledge required for certification in Special Education; therefore, additional admission requirements and coursework are required for program completion.
To receive approval to offer Nontraditional paths to certification in Special Education a GaPSC-approved EPP must:
Describe in the approval application how candidates will meet the special education content standards defined in the appropriate GaPSC Preparation Rules listed below in items (a)-(g) and meet all standards and requirements stated in this rule:
- 505-3-.54 SPECIAL EDUCATION ADAPTED CURRICULUM PROGRAM
- 505-3-.55 SPECIAL EDUCATION GENERAL CURRICULUM PROGRAM
- 505-3-.56 SPECIAL EDUCATION GENERAL CURRICULUM ELEMENTARY
EDUCATION (P-5) PROGRAM
- 505-3-.57 SPECIAL EDUCATION DEAF EDUCATION PROGRAM
- 505-3-.58 SPECIAL EDUCATION PHYSICAL AND HEALTH DISABILITIES PROGRAM
- 505-3-.59 SPECIAL EDUCATION PRESCHOOL (AGES 3-5); and
- 505-3-.60 SPECIAL EDUCATION VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS PROGRAM
