Georgia opens doors to new teachers through new test-out option

Effective immediately, would-be teachers will only have to pass a series of tests instead of returning to college to obtain certification under new standards approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

TITLE: Test-out Option

HISTORY: Passed on February 12, 2004 by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

MOTIVATION: To open doors up to get the most qualified teachers into the classroom, and to meet federal requirements that each classroom have a “highly qualified” educator. In Georgia, that means a person must be certified and teaching in their area of expertise.

GRADE LEVELS AND/ OR SUBJECT AREA(S) COVERED:

All.

WHO OPERATES: State Professional Standards Commission.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER PROGRAM:

  • Bachelors Degree or higher (except vocational fields) from a PSC-accepted accredited college or university;
  • 2.5 GPA minimum (unless holding a masters degree or higher from a PSC-accepted accredited college or university OR accepted into an approved masters program OR admitted to a traditional approved educator preparation program);
  • PRAXIS I passed or exempted by SAT minimum 480 verbal and 520 mathematics OR GRE minimum 490 verbal and 540 quantitative OR ACT minimum 21 English and 22 mathematics;
  • PRAXIS II passed for field of certification (except for Special Education fields and those teaching fields which Georgia has not yet adopted PRAXIS II assessment);
  • Mentor assigned AND accepted into approved educator preparation program (Special Education fields only);
  • Employment in a Georgia school system.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

An individual will enter the classroom on a full five-year, nonrenewable license, and will be mentored for a year in a way determined by the district, which will include on-the-job training.

WHO EVALUATES:

After five years in the classroom, the teacher would need a recommendation from the school’s principal to keep their certification.

LENGTH OF TIME:

Five years (certification can become permanent after initial five years).

For more information visit: www.gapsc.com/TeacherCertification.asp

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