Program and Certification Options
There are many program options for college graduates who wish to achieve initial teacher certification. Programs may be offered by colleges and universities, both public and private, by Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs), and by school systems. All programs must be approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. See Routes to Certification and Degrees for a table displaying the types of programs and providers. The major categories of programs include the following:
A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
These programs are designed for potential teachers who have undergraduate degrees in subjects not related to teaching or have degrees that did not include teacher preparation classes. These programs are good choices for newly graduated non-education majors and career changers and enable MAT completers to start teaching at a higher salary level.
A Post-Baccalaureate (Post-Bac) or Non-Degree Program
A Post-Bac program leads to certification but does not include a degree. Many USG institutions offer post-bac programs.
The Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (Georgia TAPP)
Georgia TAPP is a classroom-based teacher preparation option for individuals who have the basic qualification to teach but have not completed a teacher preparation program. TAPP programs are offered by various providers and require employment in a school system.
Non-Renewable Test-Out Options
Under specific situations, qualified candidates with a PSC-accepted college degree, passing scores on the appropriate GACE assessments and a current job offer may obtain a Non-Renewable Certificate and complete additional program requirements through the Professional Standards Commission.
Certification Options
In addition to choosing a teacher preparation program, you should carefully examine the certification options available to you through different programs and different program providers. Complete information on certification options can be found at the website of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, the state agency responsible for establishing the certification/licensure process. The information below is intended as a summary only.
Clear Renewable Certificates
Regardless of the program you choose, your ultimate goal is to obtain a Clear Renewable Certificate. The Clear Renewable Certificate indicates that all professional requirements for certification in the field have been met. This Certificate is transportable to other school systems and to most other states. The Certificate can be renewed every five years based on satisfaction completion of specified hours of professional learning or college credit. TCC Tidbit: College graduates who earn a Master’s degree--such as an M.A.T.-- along with a recommendation for Clear Renewable Certification, can begin their teaching careers at a T-5 certification level, which provides a higher salary on the state teaching salary scale. Remember that many school systems provide a supplement over and beyond the state teaching salary scale.
Intern and Non-Renewable Certificates
Many teacher preparation programs, including many programs offered by University System of Georgia institutions, allow you to obtain an Intern or Non-Renewable teaching certificate and begin teaching while you are in the program. There are certain conditions that apply if you choose to obtain Intern or Non-Renewable Certification:
- These Certificates are awarded only at the request of an employing school system.
- These Certificates generally identify additional requirements to be completed within the validity date of the Certificate.
- These Certificates are time-limited; you must complete program requirements within a certain time period to receive a Clear Renewable Certificate.
- These Certificates are not transportable to other school systems.