What is GaTAPP? 
Georgia Teacher Academy of Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP) is an alternative certification program offered for individuals who desire to become educators and already have an existing degree in a field other than education. The program is not intended to replace traditional college teaching programs but is an alternative pathway to obtain teacher certification for those who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher but have not completed an educator preparation course of study.
Program Overview
GaTAPP provides two program pathways: Clear Renewable Teaching Certificate and Technical Specialist Teaching Certificate.
All program paths involve structured supervision and coaching by a team of qualified mentors and coaches called the Candidate Support Team (CST), comprised of a school-based administrator, a school-based mentor/coach, and TCSG GaTAPP supervisor, and a content specialist (if not the mentor). The CST assesses the level of knowledge, skills, and credentials with which a transition teacher enters the program and determines the appropriate path for the teacher candidate to take in order to meet 24 teaching competencies.
Through continuous monitoring and assessment of the transition teacher’s performance in the classroom, the CST provides recommendations for advancement or retention in the program. Upon meeting all the required teacher competencies, including the Georgia Special Requirements and a minimum of 18 months of mentoring/coaching, transition teachers are recommended by the CST for Georgia Clear Renewable Certification or the Technical Specialist Teaching Certificate. (This is a change of the length of program from minimum of one year to 18 months.)
Candidates will be required to take a variety of courses/seminars. At a minimum, candidates must complete a two-week Essentials of Effective Teaching course during the summer (usually July) and two online courses during the first year of the program. In addition, Saturday seminars will be required for each candidate. Additional courses may be required at the cost of the TAPP candidate, depending on PSC regulations and the candidate’s academic transcript(s):
- Elementary teachers must take or have taken content specific courses prior to starting the TAPP pedagogy program; these courses may be taken at Wiregrass if needed.
- SpEd teachers receive extra training specific to the field, which is reflected in the tuition.
- Middle Grades teachers will complete extra training on adolescent learners as well.
Orientation and Individual Counseling to include:
- Planning of instructional courses such as Essentials of Effective Teaching, online courses, seminars and so forth
- Individual assessment of teacher candidate’s content background
- Development of individualized professional learning plan (PLP) for each teacher candidate, including scheduling of any required Georgia Special Requirement classes
- Assignment by a 3–4-person support team, including a TCSG GaTAPP supervisor, a school-based mentor, a school-based administrator, and a content specialist (if not the mentor)
- Assistance with appropriate path certification applications
Minimum of 18 Months of Mentoring/Coaching Internship/Induction to include:
- GaTAPP training is offered in a hybrid format. Though some trainings are offered online using WebEx, candidates must be prepared to come to campus for the two-week Essentials course in July and at least one Saturday a month. More information will be provided on the first day of Essentials in July.
- Intense mentoring and coaching by the CST
- Seminars and/or other professional learning opportunities during the internship
- Completion of course work required to meet Georgia Special Requirements including the identification and education of children and youth with special needs. The teaching of reading (and writing – middle grades only) and the integration of technology in the classroom are met through content standards requirements
- Collection of evidence for electronic achievement portfolio
- Assessment by teacher candidate’s support team using Danielson’s Framework for Teaching
- Recommendation for certification, continuation in the program beyond 18 months, or termination from the program. NOTE: Candidates must allow 18 months to complete this program
- Ensuring all certificate requirements are complete prior to the end of the program, including but not limited to: EPIC, GACE Assessments, and so forth
***Program and GaPSC policies and requirements are subject to change. The most current information will be provided on the first day of Essentials in mid-July of each year.***
For all program inquiries and specific questions regarding the application process, please contact:
Joy Ellenberg
GaTAPP Candidate Support Specialist
Valdosta Campus
Cox Hall, Room 542
O: (229) 333-2100 ext. 1367
joy.ellenberg@wiregrass.edu
GaTAPP Mission
To provide the necessary training for individuals that will equip them with the knowledge and skills that will assist them in becoming highly effective teachers.
To develop professional educators who possess the interpersonal skills and demonstrate the professional knowledge, skills and dispositions, and professionalism to become effective practitioners in a variety of settings. TCSG professional education preparation and development programs commit to educating and supporting teachers so that they demonstrate:
Knowledge of Teaching and Learning: Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to plan for and teach those subjects to students. They command a range of instructional techniques, planning and organizing instruction and integrating technology to meet learning goals. Teachers understand and use a range of formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous development of all learners.
Equity and Diversity: Teachers support the intellectual, social, physical and personal development of all students. They treat students equitably, adjusting practice as appropriate on the basis of observation and knowledge of their students.
Professionalism: Teachers recognize, participate in, and contribute to the teaching profession. They reflect about their practice, learn from experience, and become knowledgeable and contributing members of the learning community.
Program Entrance Requirements for Clear Renewable Teaching Certificates
Prior to admission in GaTAPP, a candidate must meet ALL of the following:
- Secure a job offer as a teacher with local school system
- Earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
- Not completed student teaching in undergraduate or graduate work
- Not previously held a Clear Renewable Teaching or Technical Specialist Certificate
- Passed the appropriate content GACE and have a bachelor’s degree or higher with a major, or equivalent, in the teaching field for which the individual is seeking Clear Renewable certification. GACE content scores are accepted at induction level for admission. If changes in this come from PSC during your time in program, you may be subject to passing at the professional level before completing the program
Important note for SpEd candidates: The content GACE for SpEd candidates in grades K-8 is either: 087 – Special Education: Reading, English Language Arts, and Social Studies OR 088: Special Education – Mathematics and Science. Candidates must pass the content areas test for which they will be teaching. Candidates may take both tests to be Highly Qualified in all areas
Special Education General Curriculum (081 and 082) is not a content assessment. SpEd candidates must also pass either Special Education General Curriculum (081 and 082) or Special Education Adaptive Curriculum (083 and 084) to complete GaTAPP. SpEd Candidates teaching at the high school level need to pass a content exam in at least 1 area for which they teach before completing the program.
- Passed the GACE Educator Ethics Exam (sign up through mypsc.gapsc.org)
- Maintained a GPA of 2.5 or higher on undergraduate degree. *Please note: Exceptions may be made upon completion of a waiver for candidates with a 2.2-2.49 GPA to be placed on a waiting list. However, no exceptions can be made for early childhood (elementary) education nor special education*
- Provided official copies of transcripts of all colleges and universities attended
- Obtained a Georgia Criminal History Report and Fingerprinting with your local school system
- Assume financial responsibility for all tuition and other related costs associated with certification. Tuition and fees are non-refundable. The annual fees cover tuition for all trainings and seminars at Wiregrass, course and program related materials, books, and the Supervisor who will visit to conduct observations and meetings.
Program Entrance Requirements for Technical Specialist Teaching Certificates
Prior to admission in GaTAPP, a candidate must meet ALL of the above EXCEPT following:
- Earned an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in the teaching field for which seeking certification
- Have a passing score on the appropriate professional or industrial assessment as noted in Certification Rule 505-2-.96 Trade & Industrial Ed or Rule 505-2-.70 Healthcare Science Technology Ed for fields in which certification is being sought. If a GACE content exam is available in the teaching field, the GACE content must be taken and passed. GACE content scores are accepted at induction level for admission. If changes in this come from PSC during your time in program, you may be subject to passing at the professional level before completing the program
Admission requirements are also found in the Professional Standards Rule 505-3-.05 Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP).
***Program and GaPSC policies and requirements are subject to change. The most current information will be provided on the first day of Essentials in mid-July of each year.***
Elementary Certification
Elementary Education Certification Only Program
For teachers certified in other area(s) but wanting to add ECE certification, only taking the GACE Content for Early Childhood is no longer an option. Our GaTAPP ECCE Technical Certificate of Credit (GEC1), along with our GaTAPP ECE Certification Only Program, fulfills all requirements determined by GaPSC.
Want to add Early Childhood Education/Elementary to your teaching certificate?
- Must be currently certified teacher in Georgia
- Must be in an Elementary teacher position; will complete certification while teaching
- Pass GACE 001 and 002 at induction level or higher
- Will take 27 semester credit hours of ECCE courses at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College over the course of a year – available online
- Will complete Saturday Seminars as required (in TAPP portion of program)
- Will receive supervised visits in your Elementary classroom
- This program meets Georgia Professional Standards Commission certification requirements
For more information, email Joy Ellenberg at joy.ellenberg@wiregrass.edu).
How to Apply for the GaTAPP ECE/Elementary Education Add-On Program
- Complete and submit GaTAPP online application
- Provide OFFICIAL copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended – mail or escript email to Joy Ellenberg)
- Provide copy of GACE 001 and 002 Score Reports
- Provide copy of current resume
- Provide two (2) Letters of Professional Reference (from someone other than a relative)
- Provide a copy of your current teaching certificate
Send all documentation to:
TCSG at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
c/o Joy Ellenberg, GaTAPP Support Services
4089 Val Tech Road
Valdosta, GA 31302
Escripts may be addressed to: joy.ellenberg@wiregrass.edu
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Joy Ellenberg, GaTAPP Support Services at 229-333-2100 ext. 1367 or email joy.ellenberg@wiregrass.edu.
***Program and GaPSC policies and requirements are subject to change. The most current information will be provided on the first day of training of the GaTAPP portion each year.***
