Chapter 505-2 CERTIFICATION
Rule 505-2-.01 Georgia Educator Certification
(1) | Summary: State certification terminology and requirements vary widely between states and are often confusing to many applicants. Some states use the term "licensure" while others use "certification." The same title, such as "provisional," may be used in a number of states, but with different definitions and requirements. Many applicants assume that "reciprocity" means an automatic "even trade" for an out-of-state certificate, but that is rarely the case. Georgia reciprocity applies to initial certification. Once an educator holds certification in Georgia, the educator must meet Georgia requirements to add a field, upgrade the level and maintain certification. The certification system used in the State of Georgia is the responsibility of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and published on the GaPSC web site at https://www.gapsc.com/Commission/Rules/home.aspx. |
(2) | Definitions.
|
(3) | GaPSC Members. The eighteen (18) members of the GaPSC are responsible for establishing and administering rules and standards for the preparation, certification and discipline of Georgia school personnel. Members are appointed by the governor and include nine (9) classroom teachers, two (2) administrators, two (2) higher education faculty, two (2) local Board of Education members and three (3) business and community leaders. |
(4) | Legal
Authority. Georgia law, O.C.G.A.
2-2-200, stipulates that "The
Professional Standards Commission shall provide, by regulation, for certifying
and classifying all certificated professional personnel employed in the public
schools of this state. No such personnel shall be employed in the public
schools of this state unless they hold certificates issued by the commission
certifying their qualifications and classification in accordance with such
regulations."
|
(5) | Charter System or Charter School Educators. Georgia charter system or charter school educators may, or may not, be required to hold state certification depending on the policy outlined in the specific charter. Charter system or charter school educators who meet the criteria outlined in Section (4)(b) above are, however, required to hold a Clearance Certificate. See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.42 CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE. |
(6) | Strategic Waiver System. Strategic Waiver systems may, or may not, be required to hold state certification depending on the policy outlined in the contract. Educators employed by these systems who meet the criteria outlined in Section (4)(b) above are, however, required to hold a Clearance Certificate. See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.42 CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE. |
(7) | Private School Educators. Georgia private school educators may, or may not, be required to hold state certification depending on the local school policy. |
(8) | Substitute Teachers. Substitute teachers in Georgia are not required to hold state certification. See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.20 SUBSTITUTE TEACHING. |
(9) | NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Georgia is an active member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). As such, Georgia has signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement (commonly referred to as reciprocity) with all 49 other states, the District of Columbia and other NASDTEC jurisdictions. Information on how the Interstate Agreement may apply is found in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.21 CERTIFICATION BY INTERSTATE RECIPROCITY. Georgia also participates in the NASDTEC National Clearinghouse and reports state disciplinary actions imposed against certificate holders to this national database. Additional information on the Interstate Agreement and the Clearinghouse may be found on the web at www.nasdtec.org. |
(10) | Background Check Requirement. A state criminal background check is required for a Pre-Service certificate and verified by the GaPSC as outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.03. Although state and federal criminal background checks are not part of the certification process in Georgia other than as required for a Pre-Service certificate, FBI background checks (fingerprint) are required for professional employment in Georgia public, private, waiver, strategic waiver system, charter system or charter schools. Georgia criminal background checks are also required every five (5) years for certificate renewal and affirmed by the employing school or school system. |
(11) | Educator Responsibility. It is the responsibility of the individual educator to meet all requirements and to obtain and maintain a valid Georgia educator certificate or license. If rules change that impact an educator's certification, it is the responsibility of the educator to apply to the commission by submission of a new application requesting evaluation under the new rule. Certification issued based on a rule revision shall not be issued prior to the effective date of the revised rule. |
(12) | Tiered Certification.
Georgia participates in a tiered teacher certification system. Tiered teacher
certification is envisioned as a means of improving student learning by
recognizing the unique developmental needs of teachers at every career stage
and by encouraging and supporting continuous teacher growth. It is designed to
provide support to new teachers and those preparing to become teachers, and to
establish a fair and equitable environment for growth for practicing teachers.
Tiered certification also creates career advancement opportunities for teachers
aspiring to assume leadership responsibilities and contribute to school
improvement efforts while remaining in the classroom.
|
(13) | Routes to Certification. An explanation of the various routes to Georgia certification may be found on the GaPSC web site at www.gapsc.com. |
Rule 505-2-.02 Classification
(1) | Summary: Certification is classified according to category, title,
type, field and level. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)
has authorized the issuance of certificates under the following classification
system:
|
(2) | Categories. Certificates are grouped under two (2) major
categories based upon requirements needed for continued certification. The
categories are: Renewable and Non-Renewable.
|
(3) | Titles. Certificate titles
identify the subcategories of certificates. There are thirteen (13) titles.
|
(4) | Types. Certification types identify eleven (11) school personnel
functions: adjunct, clearance, educational interpreter, leadership, Montessori,
non-instructional aide, paraprofessional, permit, service, support personnel,
and teaching.
|
(5) | Fields. Fields identify the specific teaching subject, service function or leadership function authorized by the certificate. Georgia certificate fields are listed on the GaPSC web site at www.gapsc.com. |
(6) | Level. Levels are assigned
to Georgia educator certificates based on the degree(s) an educator holds
subject to the commission's determined equivalent. Certificates may be assigned
one or both of the following types of levels:
|
Rule 505-2-.03 Pre-Service Teaching Certificate
(1) | Summary. The Pre-Service teaching certificate is part of Georgia's
tiered teacher certification system and provides a statewide structure to
organize procedures related to pre-service teachers once admitted to certain
state-approved educator preparation programs. Such procedures are designed to:
|
(2) | Requirements. To qualify for the Pre-Service certificate, an
applicant must:
|
(3) | Validity. The
Pre-Service certificate is valid for five (5) years, with the following
exceptions:
|
(4) | In-Field Statement. Pre-Service certificate holders are in-field to participate in supervised field experience, clinical practice, student teaching, or residency work consistent with the grade levels of certification sought. Individuals holding valid Georgia certificates or Permits in teaching fields are also in-field to participate in these activities. These experiences provide certificate holders with an intensive and extensive culminating activity. Certificate holders are immersed in the learning community and provided opportunities to develop and demonstrate competence in the professional roles for which they are preparing. Holding a Pre-Service certificate, even upon successful completion of an educator preparation program, does not automatically result in movement to the Induction tier in the tiered certification system. |
Rule 505-2-.04 Induction Certificate
(1) | Summary: The Induction certificate is part of Georgia's tiered teacher certification system that provides a statewide structure for the professional development of early career educators and educators new to the state of Georgia and assures the effectiveness of these educators by: (a) confirming an individual has met the minimum requirements for becoming an educator in Georgia; (b) providing a structure of support for early career educators (early career educator is defined as one who is new to the profession with fewer than three [3] years of experience); and (c) requiring individuals to meet certain requirements before attaining a professional certificate. |
(2) | Five (5)-Year Induction
Requirements.
|
(3) | One (1)-Year
Induction Requirements.
|
(4) | Three (3)-Year Induction
Requirements.
|
(5) | Adding a new field.
|
(6) | Conversion.
|
(7) | Exceptions.
|
(8) | Restrictions.
|
Rule 505-2-.05 Professional Certificate
(1) | Summary: The Professional certificate is part of Georgia's tiered teacher certification system and provides a statewide structure to ensure that classroom teachers meet minimum requirements and satisfy state teacher effectiveness requirements as defined in the state teacher evaluation system. The Professional certificate is also issued in service and leadership fields to educators meeting professional requirements as outlined in the individual field rules. Georgia issues two (2) types of renewable Professional certificates: Standard and Performance-Based. |
(2) | Professional Requirements.
|
(3) | Non-Renewable Professional Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.09 NON-RENEWABLE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE). |
(4) | Renewal.
|
(5) | Restrictions.
|
(6) | Validity.
|
Rule 505-2-.06 Advanced Professional Certificate
(1) | Purpose. The Advanced Professional certificate is a renewable certificate that is part of Georgia's tiered teacher certification system and provides a statewide structure to recognize expert classroom practice and professional growth resulting in higher levels of student learning. |
(2) | Requirements. The Advanced Professional certificate is issued to
educators holding a valid Georgia professional teaching certificate meeting the
requirements outlined below.
|
(3) | Renewal.
|
(4) | Validity
|
Rule 505-2-.07 Lead Professional Certificate
(1) | Purpose. The Lead Professional certificate is part of Georgia's tiered teacher certification system and provides a statewide structure to promote, support, and expand opportunities for teacher leadership in grades P-12 to improve effective classroom practice resulting in higher levels of student learning. |
(2) | Requirements. The Lead
Professional certificate is a renewable certificate issued to educators holding
a valid, professional Georgia teaching certificate and meeting the requirements
outlined below:
|
(3) | Renewal.
|
(4) | Validity.
|
Rule 505-2-.08 Provisional Certificate
(1) | Summary: This rule outlines the requirements and procedures for issuance of a Provisional certificate, which allows individuals holding this certificate and meeting entry requirements to teach up to three years while completing requirements for professional certification. |
(2) | Provisional Requirements.
|
(3) | Additional Certificate Titles Issued in the Field.
|
(4) | Conversion to an Induction or
Professional Certificate.
|
(5) | Certificate Upgrade.
|
(6) | Validity.
|
(7) | Restrictions.
|
Rule 505-2-.09 Non-Renewable Professional Certificate
(1) | Summary: The Non-Renewable certificate allows individuals to become employed under certain conditions while completing certification requirements. |
(2) | Requirements. The Non-Renewable Professional certificate may be
issued at the request of an employing local unit of administration (LUA) to
individuals in the following scenarios:
|
(3) | Fields of
Issuance.
|
(4) | Restrictions.
|
(5) | Conversion. Specific requirements that must be completed to convert the Non-Renewable Professional certificate to renewable professional status will be printed on the certificate and outlined in correspondence accompanying the certificate. Additional information may be found on the GaPSC web site at www.gapsc.com. |
(6) | Renewal.
|
Rule 505-2-.10 Permit
(1) | Summary. The permit is a certificate designed for individuals who qualify to teach in specific fields based on a combination of work experience, specified educational requirements and assessment(s). Permitted personnel include individuals with fluency in a language other than English; performing artists from the fields of art, dance, drama and music; Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps (JROTC) personnel; and teachers and leaders from business, government, military, or other professions. |
(2) | Fields of Issuance. The
following Permit fields are offered:
|
(3) | Career and Technical Specializations.
|
(4) | Engineering and Technology.
|
(5) | Foreign Language.
|
(6) | Healthcare Science.
|
(7) | Junior Reserve Officer's Training
Corps (JROTC).
|
(8) | Performing Arts: Art, Dance, Drama
and Music.
|
(9) | Superintendent.
|
(10) | Conversion to Professional.
|
(11) | Endorsements. Permit holders are not eligible to add endorsement fields, with the following exceptions: permit holders in foreign language fields may add the ESOL endorsement; permit holders in Drama and Audio/Video Technology & Film may add the Dramatic Writing micro-endorsement; permit holders in teaching fields, with the exception of JROTC, may add the Online Teaching endorsement. Information on the endorsement requirements may be found in the appropriate endorsement rules. |
(12) | Professional Learning.
|
(13) | Exceptions.
|
(14) | Restrictions.
|
(15) | Validity. The initial
permit is valid for three (3) years and may be extended for multiple five
(5)-year cycles upon completion of specific requirements outlined in
correspondence accompanying the Permit and "Satisfactory," "Proficient" or
"Exemplary" performance evaluations on the statewide evaluation instrument.
|
(16) | Grandfathering. All valid permits issued prior to the effective date of this rule shall continue in effect and be extended, as long as there is no break in the validity period, based on completion of the requirements in existence at the time the permit was issued. If the permit is allowed to expire, all requirements in effect for the new permit must be satisfied at the time of application. |
Rule 505-2-.11 International Exchange Certificate
(1) | Summary: The International Exchange Certificate is a time-limited certificate designed to allow eligible educators with J-1 Exchange Visitor Visas from other countries to come to the United States to teach in Georgia schools. The certificate is non-renewable and is only issued for teaching fields. The intent of this certificate is to provide a cultural exchange (not necessarily a physical teacher exchange between two countries) for Georgia students and international teachers. Should the educator choose to continue teaching in Georgia beyond the expiration of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, all requirements for the Induction, Professional or Non-Renewable Professional certificate must be satisfied. |
(2) | Requirements.
|
(3) | Application
Requirements.
|
(4) | Mentoring Requirements.
|
(5) | Reissuance or Conversion.
|
Rule 505-2-.12 Life Certificate
(1) | Background and Issuance. Life certificates were issued prior to July 1, 1974, to educators eligible under requirements in place at that time. Life certificates remain in effect, but any new field added after that date will hold a non-life title. However, if all certificate fields have the Life certificate title, new endorsements may continue to be added with the Life title. After the first non-Life title certificate is issued, all new endorsements will be added as a non-Life certificate. |
(2) | Validity. Once issued, the life status remains in effect without any renewal requirements and will be renewed automatically by the GaPSC prior to the end validity date listed on the certificate. |
(3) | To Upgrade the Level (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE). Life certificates may be upgraded to higher certificate levels without altering the validity period of the life certificate. |
(4) | Academic Content Concentrations. Holders of Life certificates in the Special Education fields, if assigned as the teacher of record in core academic content concentrations, must meet content concentration requirements as outlined in the appropriate GaPSC rule. |
Rule 505-2-.13 Waiver Certificate
(1) | Purpose. A Waiver certificate may be issued at the request of a Georgia local unit of administration (LUA), and at the discretion of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC), to individuals who have not satisfied all certification requirements and/or educators with two unremediated, unsatisfactory, needs development or ineffective evaluators. The GaPSC will review the completed application and, if approved, a one (1)-year Non-Renewable Waiver certificate will be issued. |
(2) | Eligibility Requirements.
|
(3) | Application Requirements.
|
(4) | Validity. The Waiver certificate is issued for a maximum validity period of one (1)- year and may not be renewed. |
(5) | Highly Qualified Status. An individual holding a Waiver certificate does not satisfy Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) In-Field requirements as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015. For complete ESSA In-Field requirements, including assessment, please contact the Georgia Department of Education at www.gadoe.org. |
Rule 505-2-.14 Endorsements
(1) | Purpose. In addition to full-field certificates, Georgia educators may be issued endorsements in specific areas to recognize additional expertise. In some areas, the endorsement is required in order to be considered in-field in a designated area, while in other cases the endorsement is not required but simply strengthens and enhances competency levels. At the same time, some endorsements authorize the educator to work in the designated area only at the grade level and subject matter of the base certificate while other endorsements authorize work in all subjects at specific grade levels. Specific information is found in the in-field statement in each endorsement rule. |
(2) | Base Certificate Requirements. Each endorsement rule indicates which type of base certificate field (teaching, service or leadership) must be held to add the endorsement. A few endorsements may be added to more than one (1) certificate type, as specified by the appropriate endorsement rule. Endorsements added to service or leadership certificates are not considered the equivalent of a teaching certificate for purposes of adding a teaching certificate by the test-in option as described in paragraph (1)(a)2 of GaPSC Rule 505-2-.34 ADD A FIELD. |
(3) | Requirements. Endorsements
may be initially issued as Standard Professional, Advanced Professional, Lead
Professional, Non-Renewable Professional or Induction certificates depending on
base certificate title, unless otherwise stated in the appropriate endorsement
field rule.
|
(4) | Validity.
|
Rule 505-2-.15 Adjunct License
(1) | Purpose. The Adjunct License is a type of certification document
for the individual with:
|
(2) | Requirements. To be eligible for the Adjunct license, the
applicant must be employed by a Georgia local unit of administration (LUA) or
contracted to serve students in low incidence fields and the request for
issuance of the license must be submitted electronically to the GaPSC by the
employing LUA utilizing procedures found on the GaPSC web site at
www.gapsc.org.
|
(3) | Validity.
|
(4) | In-field Statement. It is the responsibility of the LUA to assure that Adjunct License holders are assigned only within the subject field(s) associated with the license. |
Rule 505-2-.16 Educational Interpreter License
(1) | Background.
|
(2) | Purpose. The requirements described herein provide the expectations for acquiring and maintaining the Georgia Educational Interpreter License. This license will aid in the identification of the most qualified Educational interpreters, while also enforcing state standards for Educational Interpreters. The Educational Interpreter License assures that individuals functioning as interpreters in schools meet the requirements outlined by the GaPSC. The interpreter participates as a team member in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and should know and understand the IEP goals and objectives. It is the responsibility of the LUA to assure that personnel who provide educational interpreting services, regardless of job title, hold the Educational Interpreter License. |
(3) | Initial Licensure
Requirements:
|
(4) | Non-Renewable Licensure
Requirements:
|
(5) | RID and EIPA. Information on RID may be accessed at http://rid.org. Information on the EIPA may be accessed at http://www.classroominterpreting.org/home.asp. |
(6) | Special Georgia Requirements. The applicant is not required to satisfy any Special Georgia Requirements other than the standards of conduct; |
(7) | Validity.
|
(8) | Renewal.
|
(9) | In-Field
Statement.
|
Rule 505-2-.17 Non-Instructional Aide License
(1) | Purpose. A Non-Instructional Aide takes no independent actions, has no decision-making authority regarding instructional matters, and performs only routine tasks assigned by personnel with higher certification. |
(2) |
Requirements.
|
(3) |
Validity.
|
(4) | Renewal.
|
(5) | In-Field Statement. Non-instructional aides are in-field to perform duties as defined in paragraph (1) above. |
Rule 505-2-.18 Paraprofessional License
(1) | Summary: On January 8, 2002, federal legislation known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) established mandatory federal guidelines for the hiring of paraprofessionals in specified school settings. These guidelines are found in Section 1119 of the federal legislation, with each local unit of administration (LUA) is responsible for ensuring that all applicable federal requirements are met. While the federal hiring requirements apply only to designated paraprofessional positions, all Georgia Paraprofessionals must hold a valid state license issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). |
(2) | Requirements.
|
(3) | Non-Renewable License
Requirements.
|
(4) | Renewal.
|
(5) | Validity.
|
(6) | In-Field Statement. Paraprofessional licenses are not issued with specific field designations. Individuals with a Paraprofessional license, as well as individuals who hold a valid renewable professional certificate in any teaching, service, or leadership field, are in-field to perform assigned paraprofessional responsibilities in grades P-12. Individuals holding professional certification will not be issued Paraprofessional licensure. |
Rule 505-2-.19 Support Personnel License
(1) | Purpose. The Support Personnel license is a type of license for
individuals who serve in positions of leadership over support functions in the
local unit of administration (LUA). Such positions include but are not limited
to: finance, transportation, public relations, personnel, staff development,
facilities, planning, evaluation, research, assessment and technology
coordination.
|
(2) | Requirements.
|
(3) | Validity.
|
(4) | Renewal. The Support Personnel license may be renewed upon meeting the PLP requirements for renewal, as specified by the LUA. |
(5) | Salary. Salaries for Support Personnel license holders are determined by the LUA. |
(6) | In-Field Statement. Support Personnel license holders are in-field to perform duties as specified for the position by the LUA. |
Rule 505-2-.20 Substitute Teaching
(1) | Definitions.
|
(2) | Requirements.
|
Rule 505-2-.21 Certification by Interstate Reciprocity
(1) | Summary: Reciprocity is a term commonly used when individuals certified in one state or jurisdiction seeks certification in another. Unfortunately, many individuals assume the term guarantees that they will automatically receive a professional certificate in the new state without having to satisfy any additional requirements. This is not always the case, since each receiving state may impose special state requirements, which must be met within a specified period of time. |
(2) | NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) offers member states the opportunity to participate in the Interstate Agreement, which governs the details of interstate reciprocity. This agreement enables a state to review the preparation and certification standards of all other states and jurisdictions for specific certificate types (teacher, administrator, support and CTAE). Each state may then sign the agreement with other state certificate types that meet its own minimum standards for preparation and certification. Some states may choose not to sign with another state because of significant differences in standards. Others may sign with another state to accept their teaching certificates, but to not accept their leadership or support certificates. Specific information on the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, including which states have signed with other states and in what certificate areas, may be found on the NASDTEC website at www.nasdtec.org. |
(3) | Requirements. An
out-of-state educator meeting the requirements outlined below may qualify for a
Georgia educator certificate. An out-of-state educator is defined as an
individual who holds or has held a professional certificate issued by another
state, country or jurisdiction that has signed the NASDTEC Interstate
Agreement. An out-of-state educator is not an individual who has completed
clinical practice in a Georgia school as part of a state-approved educator
preparation program or used experience on a Georgia non-professional
certificate to obtain professional certification in another state. An
out-of-state professional certificate is defined as an educator certificate for
which the individual has met all requirements in the state or jurisdiction of
issuance. If employment or experience is required for issuance of an
out-of-state professional certificate, a letter of eligibility for a
professional certificate will be accepted as long as the only outstanding
requirements are employment and/or experience.
|
(4) | Comparability. The Georgia
certificate to be issued must be comparable to the certificate held in the
other state or jurisdiction.
|
(5) | Certification Level. The level assigned to a certificate indicates the highest degree level recognized by the GaPSC that has been awarded to the certificate holder. Georgia does not issue a certificate level based on college hours beyond a degree. Example: A Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study or Masters + does not lead to a higher certificate level. Certificate levels seldom mean the same among different states; therefore, the level is not considered part of the Interstate Agreement. Information on initial Georgia certificate levels is found in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.02 CLASSIFICATION. |
(6) | Educational Leadership. Georgia has modified portions of the Interstate Agreement (Reciprocity) procedures for the field of Educational Leadership. Please see GaPSC Rule 505-2-.153 EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP. Educators working in Georgia schools who choose to attend non-GaPSC-approved leadership programs will not be processed under full reciprocity procedures. Georgia educators who attend non-GaPSC-approved leadership programs will not be eligible for Professional Educational Leadership certificates. |
(7) | Restrictions.
|
Rule 505-2-.22 Certification by State-Approved Program
(1) | Summary: State-approved programs are professional education programs based on established state standards and delivered as traditional or non-traditional routes to certification. Such programs, usually provided by colleges/universities, school systems, Regional Educational Services Agencies (RESAs), or collaborative arrangements between any of these agencies, must be approved by the appropriate state agency in order to verify completion of certification programs. Program standards and requirements are based on preparation necessary to obtain a certificate, and state-approved programs may or may not require a specific degree. Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)-approved programs include those that result in certificates as well as endorsements. A listing of GaPSC-approved programs may be found on the GaPSC web site at www.gapsc.com. Information concerning program approval standards and procedures may be found HERE. |
(2) | Out-of-State Programs. The
GaPSC may certify individuals who have completed state-approved educator
preparation programs in any state under the following conditions:
|
(3) | In-State Programs. GaPSC-approved programs shall include all course work specified in Special Georgia Requirements, outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.24 SPECIAL GEORGIA REQUIREMENTS. However, the GACE content assessment is not considered part of the approved program, but is a separate state requirement for certification. GaPSC-approved program providers may verify approved program completion for an individual who has completed all program requirements, to include the Special Georgia Requirements, and the GACE content assessment as long as the assessment was attempted. If a GaPSC-approved provider verifies program completion with attempting but not passing the assessment, the individual will not be eligible for any certificate unless requested by an employing Georgia local unit of administration (LUA). Upon such a request, a One (1)-year Induction certificate may be issued. |
(4) | Out-of-Country Programs. The GaPSC may certify individual who have completed the equivalent of a state-approved educator preparation program outside the United States. The program must be in a field recognized by the GaPSC, and include clinical practice / student teaching. Individuals for certification who have attended colleges or universities outside the United States must provide the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) with a detailed course-by-course credential report of college-level credit completed as outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.29 EVALUATION OF CREDIT EARNED OUTSIDE OF THE U.S. |
(5) | Advanced Degrees. In order to qualify for a certificate level upgrade, an individual must complete an advanced degree program that meets specific quality standards outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE. These standards apply to all advanced degree programs, even those that are state-approved. |
(6) | Educational Leadership.
|
(7) | Resources. GaPSC-approved programs for all fields are listed on the GaPSC web site HERE. |
Rule 505-2-.23 Requirements Letter
(1) | Summary.
|
(2) | Validity.
|
Rule 505-2-.24 Special Georgia Requirements
(1) | Summary: All individuals applying for certification in Georgia shall satisfy certain Special Georgia Requirements. These requirements are in the areas of: content knowledge; standards of conduct; special education; ethics assessments; and content pedagogy assessments. Special Georgia Requirements, with the exception of the standards of conduct, do not apply to individuals holding Georgia Life certificates. |
(2) | Content
Knowledge Assessment(s). An individual applying for certification in
Georgia must pass or meet exemption criteria for content knowledge
assessment(s) appropriate to the field of certification and/or any other
assessment(s) as required by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission
(GaPSC) (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.26 CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE
ASSESSMENTS). GACE content assessments have two passing levels: Induction and
Professional. All passing scores earned on GACE assessments will be treated as
Professional level scores even if the official score report reflects an
Induction level score. As of October 15, 2011, Georgia educators who complete
out-of-state programs and/or pass out-of-state assessments leading to
certification in a new field in another state must pass the appropriate GACE
content assessment for Georgia certification in the new field.
|
(3) | Standards of Conduct. An individual applying for certification in Georgia must comply with the ethical standards of the profession. An FBI background check (fingerprint) is required for employment in Georgia public schools and a Georgia criminal history check is required every five (5) years for certificate renewal. In addition, individuals applying for certification must respond to background check questions on the application form. Individuals applying for or already holding certification who violate standards of conduct may be subject to a GaPSC investigation, which could involve certificate denial, suspension or revocation (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.30 REFERRAL TO EDUCATOR ETHICS DIVISION). |
(4) | Special Education. Any individual certified in a teaching or leadership field, and the service fields of Media Specialist and School Counseling, or holders of permit certificates shall complete coursework approved by the GaPSC (three [3] semester hours of college credit with a grade of "B" or better or five [5] Georgia professional learning units satisfied through a Georgia public school system or RESA) in the identification and education of children who have special educational needs). Holding valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification will satisfy the special education requirement. Initial Professional or Induction Georgia certificates based on interstate reciprocity may be issued prior to completion of this requirement; however, the course must be satisfied as part of requirements to renew or convert the certificate. The grade requirement of "B" or better is effective July 1, 2019, for courses completed on or after that date. |
(5) | Ethics Assessment.
|
(6) | Out-of-State Experience Exemption. Veteran out-of-state educators moving into Georgia may be eligible to exempt all Special Georgia Requirements except the Standards of Conduct. To be eligible, the applicant must hold a valid out-of-state certificate and have a minimum of five (5) full years of successful education experience as defined in section (5) of GaPSC Rule 505-2-.25 EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS. |
Rule 505-2-.25 Experience Requirements
(1) | Summary: Work experience as
an educator or in another occupation may be required as a qualification for
certification in the following situations:
|
(2) | Verification of Experience. The GaPSC shall verify satisfactory experience for certification purposes. Employing local units of administration (LUAs) are responsible for verifying and evaluating satisfactory experience for salary purposes in accordance with State Board of Education rules. |
(3) | Successful Educator Experience.
|
(4) | Occupational Experience.
|
(5) | Out-of-State Experience
Exemption.
|
Rule 505-2-.26 Certification and Licensure Assessments
(1) | Summary: This rule outlines specific assessment requirements for obtaining certification. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) administers through a testing supplier educator assessments required for certification. As of September 1, 2006, the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of EducatorsT (GACE) is the state-approved educator certification assessment program in Georgia. GACE assessments include Program Admission, Content, Standards-based assessment of knowledge of the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators and Paraprofessional assessments. All GACE assessments are aligned with state-approved educator preparation program standards, national standards, and the state standards for the P-12 curriculum. Information about the GACE program is available at www.gapsc.com. In addition to the GACE, there are other state-accepted content assessments for certain foreign language and career and technical specializations. |
(2) | Program Admission
Assessment.
|
(3) | Content
Assessment.
|
(4) | Educator Ethics Assessments.
|
(5) | Paraprofessional Assessment.
|
(6) | Educational Leadership Assessment.
|
(7) | Career and Technical
Specializations.
|
(8) | Foreign Language Assessment.
|
(9) | Educational Interpreter Performance
Assessment (EIPA).
|
(10) | Content Exemption Criteria.
|
(11) | Previous State-Approved
Assessments.
|
(12) | Duplicate Score Reports.
|
(13) | Every
Student Succeeds Acts (ESSA) In-Field Assessment Requirements.
|
Rule 505-2-.27 Certification Application Procedures
(1) | Summary: This rule outlines the requirements and procedures to apply for Georgia certification and licensure. |
(2) | General
Procedures.
|
(3) | Complete Application
Packets. Submission of complete application packets will significantly
speed the application processing. It is the responsibility of the applicant to
ensure that complete packets are submitted. The application is considered
complete when all required, signed documentation and fees have been received.
Incomplete packets will result in the transaction case being placed on hold for
a period of up to ninety (90) days, awaiting receipt of the remaining
documents. If the complete packet is not received by the GaPSC during that time
period, the transaction case will be closed. To reopen a closed case, an
applicant is required to submit a new Application for Certification completed
with the current date, as well as any appropriate updated documents. Documents
previously submitted to the GaPSC remain on file even if a case is closed.
|
(4) | Application Status. Application forms and supporting documents received by the GaPSC will be electronically scanned and indexed. Once that is completed, applicants may monitor the receipt of materials and the status of the certification transaction through their MyPSC account at mypsc.gapsc.org. |
Rule 505-2-.28 Certification Fees
(1) | Requirements.
|
Rule 505-2-.29 Evaluation Of Credit Earned Outside Of The U.S
(1) | Foreign Credential Reports. Applicants for certification who have attended colleges or universities outside the United States must provide the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) with a detailed course-by-course credential report of college-level credit completed. These "foreign credential reports" must be independent reviews prepared by GaPSC-recognized agencies, and include English translation of such information as course titles, grade, semester hours earned, U.S. equivalency of degree earned, course-by-course evaluations, etc. In addition, if the equivalent of a GaPSC-approved educator preparation program was completed, this must also be documented in the report. These agencies are private enterprises who charge a fee for their services. Regardless of the agency selected, should the report not be sufficiently detailed for our purpose further information will be requested. The GaPSC reserves the right to review and accept or reject any information contained in a report. |
(2) | Memoranda of Understanding. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) shall be accepted as the foreign credential evaluation for foreign evaluators as long as all eligibility requirements for the International Exchange Certificate specified in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.11 INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE CERTIFICATE have been met. Such MOU must be recommended by the State Superintendent of the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and the Executive Secretary of the GaPSC and furthermore, such MOU must be approved by both the State Board and the GaPSC. |
(3) | U.S. Territories, Possessions, or Commonwealths. Applicants who have completed course work at colleges or universities located in U.S. territories, possessions or commonwealths must submit "foreign credential reports." However, if the territories, possessions or commonwealths have signed the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement, certification by Interstate Reciprocity may be applicable See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.21 CERTIFICATION BY INTERSTATE RECIPROCITY. |
(4) | Exceptions. If the courses/degrees earned outside of the U.S. are unrelated to the educator certification transaction being requested and subsequent degree(s) have been received from GaPSC-accepted accredited U.S. colleges or universities, submission of the "foreign credential report" is optional. However, applicants are encouraged to provide the report as it may affect later certification application decisions. |
(5) | Expense. Any expense incurred for obtaining a credential report from a credentialing agency is the responsibility of the applicant. |
(6) | Submission. The completed "foreign credential report" must be submitted to the GaPSC as outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION PROCEDURES. |
(7) | Acceptable Credential Review Agencies. There is no single regulatory agency that approves U.S. foreign credential review agencies. The GaPSC will only accept reports from agencies identified on the GaPSC web site at www.gapsc.com. You may click on the link to access contact information. As fees and procedures vary from agency to agency, it is suggested that you contact the organizations of your choice for additional information on the specific services and charges. |
Rule 505-2-.30 Referral to Educator Ethics Division
(1) | Purpose. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) Educator Ethics Division is responsible for administering the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators. This code defines the professional behavior of educators and serves as a guide to standards and ethical conduct generally accepted by the educational profession. |
(2) | Procedures.
|
(3) | Disciplinary Action. If a referral and the subsequent investigation lead to disciplinary action by the GaPSC, the following types of discipline may occur: revocation; denial; suspension; reprimand; warning; or monitoring. In addition, following due process procedures, the results of all disciplinary actions are submitted to the National Clearinghouse, a centralized database of disciplinary actions taken against educator certificate holders by all fifty (50) states and Washington, D.C. The Clearinghouse is operated by the National Associate of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) and all states may access this database during their state certificate application process. |
(4) | Resources. Additional information on the GaPSC Educator Ethics Division, the Code of Ethics for Educators and the investigative process is posted on the GaPSC web site at www.gapsc.com. |
Rule 505-2-.31 GaPSC-Accepted Accreditation for Certification Purposes
(1) | Purpose. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) recognizes only those colleges and universities that have attained accreditation from specific, GaPSC-accepted accreditation agencies as a minimum qualitative standard. Additional accreditation requirements apply to colleges and universities at which educators earn degrees in order to upgrade their certificates (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE). Accreditation may also be required of P-12 schools and early care centers in order for certified educator experience earned in those settings to be considered for certification purposes (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.25 EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS). |
(2) | Acceptable
Postsecondary Accrediting Organizations.
|
(3) | Acceptable P-12 Accrediting Organizations.
|
(4) | Acceptable Early Care
Accrediting Organizations.
|
(5) | Accreditation Requirements. In order to be accepted for
certification purposes in Georgia, degrees and educator preparation programs
must be completed at a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution that held
acceptable accreditation at the time the individual was admitted to the
program.
|
(6) | Validation of Non-Accredited
Degrees. Validation of a bachelor's degree from non GaPSC-accepted
institutions must be accomplished by completing course work at a GaPSC-accepted
accredited graduate school. Also, a degree from a currently accepted accredited
institution must be validated if it was earned at a time when that institution
was not accredited.
|
Rule 505-2-.32 Validity Periods and Dating of Certificates
(1) | Summary: This rule outlines the requirements and procedures for determining the validity period, effective date and issue date of certificates and licensure. |
(2) | Validity
Periods. Certificate fields are issued with specific validity periods
depending upon the type and title (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.02 CLASSIFICATION).
|
(3) | Effective Date.
The effective date of a certificate level or field is governed by employment,
the category of certificate and the date the complete application package is
received by the GaPSC. The effective date may also be based on the GaPSC fiscal
year or academic school year, which is July 1 through June 30.
|
(4) | Expiration Dates. The
expiration date of all certificates, with the exception of Waiver certificates,
is June 30 of the final year of validity. The final year of validity is
determined by adding the number of years of validity to the calendar year of
the effective date of the certificate. For example, a five (5)-year certificate
with an effective date of December 10, 2014, would expire on June 30, 2019. A
five (5)-year certificate with an effective date of January 1, 2015, would
expire on June 30, 2020.
|
Rule 505-2-.33 Certificate Upgrade
(1) | Summary: Educator certificate level upgrade requirements will lead educators to complete advanced degree programs closely aligned with their fields of certification, with institutions and programs meeting specified levels of accreditation, state approval, or quality assurances. A grandfathering timeline is included to maintain the certificate level of currently certified educators and to protect the interests of certified educators currently enrolled in advanced degree programs. This rule applies only to the process of upgrading an existing certificate for a Georgia Educator. See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.01 GEORGIA EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION for the definition of Georgia Educator. For the purposes of issuing an initial Georgia certificate or permit the criteria specified in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.02 CLASSIFICATION applies. |
(2) | Requirements. Valid level four (4) or higher Georgia teaching,
service or leadership certificates with the following titles may be upgraded:
Standard Professional, Performance-Based Professional, Advanced Professional,
Lead Professional, Life or Induction. See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.02 CLASSIFICATION for
information related to upgrades of certificate levels one (1) and two (2). A
certificate level upgrade may be earned by successfully completing an eligible
advanced degree program from an eligible institution of higher education. There
are two types of eligible advanced degree programs: In-Field programs and New
Field programs. Higher education institution eligibility requirements follow
each option.
|
(3) | Exceptions.
|
(4) | Eligibility Requirements.
Educators holding a Georgia level four (4) or higher Non-Renewable
Professional, Permit or Provisional certificate are not eligible to upgrade
until conversion to the renewable Professional certificate (or for the
Provisional certificate, conversion to a five (5) year Induction certificate).
Initial issuance of the Non-Renewable Professional, Induction, Provisional, and
Permit certificates will be as specified in GaPSC Rule
505-2-.02 CLASSIFICATION.
|
Rule 505-2-.34 Add a Field
(1) | Summary: This rule outlines the requirements and procedures for adding teaching, service and leadership fields to Professional and Induction certification. |
(2) | Adding a Teaching Field.
|
(3) | Adding a Service Field.
|
(4) | Adding a Leadership Field.
|
(5) | Adding Endorsements.
|
(6) | Adding a Field and
Upgrading.
|
(7) | Restrictions.
|
Rule 505-2-.35 Voluntary Field Deletion
(1) | Purpose. Georgia educators may hold a number of different certificate types in a variety of fields. Holding multiple fields enables the educator to be assigned in-field in a variety of subjects, thereby providing increased flexibility for both job opportunities and assignments. However, the holder of a valid Georgia certificate may request the voluntary deletion of any certificate based on the procedures outlined in this rule. |
(2) | Procedures.
|
(3) | Certificate Level.
|
(4) | Restoration
of Deleted Fields. Any certificate field voluntarily deleted under the
provisions of this rule will be restored only under the following conditions:
|
(5) | Resources. Specific application procedures as outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION PROCEDURES and document requirements may be found on the GaPSC web site at www.gapsc.com. |
Rule 505-2-.36 Renewal Requirements
(1) | Summary. Georgia's renewable certificates are the Standard Professional, Performance-Based Professional, Advanced Professional, Lead Professional and Life certificates. Renewable licenses are Adjunct, Educational Interpreter, Non-Instructional Aide, Paraprofessional and Support Personnel. These certificates and licenses are valid for a five (5)-year period (except for the Life certificate), during which time the requirements outlined below must be met unless the most recent certificate or license issued is exempt from professional learning as outlined in section (8)(a) below. |
(2) | Educators who work in schools,
agencies, or other education organizations in Georgia.
|
(3) | Educators who are not employed in
schools, agencies, or other education organizations in Georgia.
|
(4) | Criminal Record Check.
|
(5) | Renewal Cycle.
|
(6) | Renewal Application Process.
|
(7) | Restrictions.
|
(8) | Renewal Credit Exemption.
|
(9) | Retired Georgia Educators.
|
Rule 505-2-.37 Certificate Extension for Active Military Duty
(1) | Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to provide a mechanism for certified personnel to receive an extension of the validity period of a certificate when called to active military duty. |
(2) | Requirements.
|
Rule 505-2-.38 Certificate Correction
(1) | Educator Responsibility. It is the responsibility of the individual educator to maintain an accurate, valid Georgia certificate. |
(2) | Correction
Procedures.
|
Rule 505-2-.39 Certification Appeal
(1) | Summary. This rule creates a formalized system of tiered reviews
that allows individuals to appeal certification decisions resulting from a
staff analysis of application documentation. The decision at each tier is based
solely on review of an individual's written appeal. There are two (2) tiers of
appeal, which include:
|
(2) | Appeal Procedures.
|
Rule 505-2-.40 In-Field Assignment
(1) | Purpose. The assignment of educators to positions for which they have been prepared and certified (in-field) is essential for providing the best possible educational programs for the children and youth of Georgia. It is the responsibility of the local unit of administration (LUA) to assure that personnel assigned to certificated positions hold appropriate Georgia certification and are assigned only within the field (subject area) and grade level associated with the certificate held for each assignment during the school day. |
(2) | Certification/Curriculum Assignment Polices (CAPS). All Georgia state-approved curriculum courses have been reviewed jointly by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) to determine the certificates which are considered in-field for each approved course. This information is available through the Certification/Curriculum Assignment Policies (CAPS) found on the GaPSC web site at www.gapsc.com. |
(3) | Endorsements. Endorsements recognize additional expertise that supplements base certificates and enables the holder to be assigned in-field in these additional endorsement areas. Specific information on endorsements is found in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.14 ENDORSEMENTS. |
(4) | Areas Not Requiring Specific
Certificates. Several areas of assignment do not require a specific
field in order to meet in-field requirements, although a certificate in some
field is required. These fields include:
|
(5) | Areas Not Requiring Any Certificate. For areas in which the GaPSC does not issue or require a specific certificate, LUAs may employ individuals without certification. Individuals who serve in positions of leadership over support functions in the local unit of administration must be appropriately certified. If a certificate is held in any field, the individual can be listed on the Georgia Department of Education Certified Personnel Information (CPI) Report. |
(6) | Pre-Kindergarten Programs. Pre-kindergarten regular education programs are administered by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (See http://decal.ga.gov/Prek/Teachers.aspx). |
(7) | Discontinued Certificate Fields. Pre-existing certificate fields for permits and Career, Technical and Agricultural Education no longer issued by the GaPSC will continue to be valid and renewable. For certificate types discontinued on July 1, 2014, all requirements outlined at the time of issuance must be completed within the designated validity period. If all requirements are not completed by the expiration date, policies established by the current rules must be met. In-field educational services authorized by all certificates must meet guidelines established by current rules and the Certification/Curriculum Assignment Policies (CAPS) found on the GaPSC web site at www.gapsc.com. |
Rule 505-2-.41 Privacy of Information
(1) | Background. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law regarding an individual's right to privacy; the Buckley/Pell amendment (Privacy Act) sets extensive guidelines for the release and subsequent use of information from post-secondary education records. |
(2) | Procedures.
|
Rule 505-2-.42 Clearance Certificate
(1) | Summary. The Clearance certificate verifies that an individual
employed in Georgia has successfully completed fingerprint and criminal
background check requirements and has no convictions of any felony; any crime
involving moral turpitude; any other criminal offense involving the
manufacture, distribution, trafficking, sale or possession of a controlled
substance or marijuana; or any sexual offense; and does not have a certificate
or license that is currently revoked or suspended in Georgia or any other
state. There are no academic requirements necessary to qualify for this
certificate and it does not authorize the holder to be considered in-field for
any position or allow experience earned while holding the certificate to be
used toward certification. Employees of charter schools and charter systems
must hold a Clearance certificate even if not required to hold any other
certification. All holders of this certificate are subject to the Georgia Code
of Ethics for Educators (See GaPSC Rule
505-6-.01 THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR
EDUCATORS).
|
(2) | Requirements.
|
(3) | Classification.
|
(4) | Implementation.
|
(5) | Validity.
|
(6) | Reporting Procedures.
|
(7) | In-Field Statement (See
GaPSC Rule
505-2-.40 IN-FIELD ASSIGNMENT).
|
Rule 505-2-.43 Annual Performance Evaluation
(1) | Purpose. Georgia Code 20-2-210 requires that all personnel employed by local units of administration (LUAs) shall have their performance reviewed annually. The purpose of this rule is to define the process for reporting "Unsatisfactory," "Ineffective" and "Needs Development" annual performance evaluations for certificated personnel; the process for reporting successful completion of remediation plans; and the effect of two (2) or more unremediated "Unsatisfactory," "Ineffective" or "Needs Development" annual performance evaluations in a five (5)-year period on certification eligibility, issuance and renewal. |
(2) | Definitions.
|
(3) | Requirements.
|
(4) | Renewable Certificate
Holders. An educator holding a Renewable license or certificate who has
received two (2) or more unremediated unsatisfactory performance evaluations in
the preceding five (5)-year certificate validity period will not be eligible
for renewal.
|
(5) | Non-Renewable
Certificate Holders. An educator holding a Non-Renewable license or
certificate who has received two (2) or more unremediated unsatisfactory
performance evaluations during the validity period of the certificate shall not
be entitled to a Non-Renewable or Renewable license or certificate, with the
following exception:
|
(6) | Remediation by a New Employing
LUA. If an educator who has received one (1) or more unremediated
unsatisfactory annual performance evaluations during the current validity
period of his or her certificate is no longer employed by the reporting LUA, he
or she may gain employment in another LUA willing to assist with the
remediation process.
|
(7) | Privacy. All local school systems and charter schools are required to report all unsatisfactory ratings of all annual performance evaluations to the Professional Standards Commission. The Commission is authorized to release such data provided it cannot be personally identified to any currently or formerly certificated individual. |
(8) | Information Clearinghouse. The GaPSC shall maintain a central clearinghouse of information on Georgia educators receiving annual "Unsatisfactory," "Ineffective" or "Needs Development" performance evaluations and/or annual performance remediation. Each LUA is required to report this information to the GaPSC on or before June 30 of the academic year in which the evaluation or remediation occurred. The LUA superintendent or authorized official is responsible for ensuring that this information is provided in an accurate and timely manner, and shall attest to the completeness of reporting on or before June 30 of each academic year. If the information is not provided in an accurate and timely manner as established in this rule, the GaPSC reserves the right to report the superintendent or designee responsible for reporting performance to the Ethics Division. |
(9) | Correction of Reporting Errors. Erroneously reported unsatisfactory annual performance evaluations and/or remediation will be removed upon request from the reporting LUA using the procedures established by the GaPSC. |
Rule 505-2-.44 Retired Educator Certificate
(1) | Purpose. The Retired Educator certificate is a renewable certificate that allows retired Georgia educators to maintain certification for the purposes of substitute teaching or other educational activities for which GaPSC educator certification is not required but may be desirable. |
(2) | Requirements. The Retired Educator certificate may be issued to an
educator who meets the following requirements:
|
(3) | Validity.
|
(4) | Renewal.
|
(5) | In-Field Statement.
|
Rule 505-2-.45 Montessori Certificate
(1) | Summary: Montessori education has over 100 years of history and is practiced in more than 500 public schools across the United States. Both child-centered and highly structured, Montessori education has been shown to increase student achievement while reducing the impact of economic inequity. The Montessori certificate is part of a modified tiered teacher certification system that provides a statewide structure to recognize Montessori teachers, and ensure students in Montessori classrooms have access to fully-implemented Montessori education. |
(2) | Definitions.
|
(3) | Montessori Fields.
|
(4) | Provisional
Requirements (For Individuals Transitioning to a Career in Montessori
Education).
|
(5) | Induction Requirements.
|
(6) | Professional Requirements (For Individuals with Three or More
Years of Educator Experience).
|
(7) | Non-Renewable Requirements.
|
(8) | To Add the Field (See GaPSC
Rule
505-2-.34 ADD A FIELD).
|
(9) | Implementation.
|
(10) | Additional Certificate Titles Issued in the Field.
|
(11) | To Upgrade the Level (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE). |
(12) | In-Field Statement (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.40 IN-FIELD ASSIGNMENT). An individual holding the Montessori certificate is in-field to teach in the field and age group of issuance in a Montessori classroom. Holding the Montessori certificate is not in-field to teach in a traditional (non-Montessori) classroom. |
Rule 505-2-.46 Military Support Certificate
(1) | Summary: The Military Support certificate identifies and supports transitioning military veterans and their spouses, allowing completion of certification requirements on a modified timeline. Once requirements are met, the appropriate certification will be issued to the individual. |
(2) | Definitions.
|
(3) | Induction Requirements (See
Rule 505-2-.04
INDUCTION CERTIFICATE).
|
(4) | Provisional Certificate
Requirements (See Rule
505-2-.08 PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATE).
Individuals submitting documentation of meeting the veteran and military family
member definition or those enrolled in the Troops to Teachers program have a
modified timeline for completion of requirements:
|
(5) | Professional Requirements (See Rule
505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE).
|
(6) | Non-Renewable Requirements (See Rule
505-2-.09 NON-RENEWABLE PROFESSIONAL
CERTIFICATE).
|
(7) | Implementation.
|
(8) | Certificate Upgrade.
|
(9) | Conversion.
|
(10) | Validity.
|
(11) | Renewal.
|
(12) | Assessments.
|
(13) | Call to Active Duty.
|
(14) | In-Field Statement (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.40 IN-FIELD ASSIGNMENT).
|
Rule 505-2-.47 Reserved
Rule 505-2-.48 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.49 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.50 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.51 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.52 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.53 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.54 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.55 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.56 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.57 Teaching Fields
(1) | Summary: This rule lists the certification teaching fields offered in the state of Georgia to qualified individuals and outlines how to locate requirements and procedures to qualify for certification. |
(2) | Areas
of Specialization. The following teaching fields are offered:
|
(3) | Teaching Endorsements (See
GaPSC Rules 505-2-159 to
505-2-.191 ).
|
(4) | Provisional Certificate
(See GaPSC
505-2-.08 PROVISIONAL
CERTIFICATE).
|
(5) | Induction Certificate (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.04 INDUCTION CERTIFICATE).
|
(6) | Professional Certificate (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE).
|
(7) | Non-Renewable Professional Certificate (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.09 NON-RENEWABLE PROFESSIONAL
CERTIFICATE).
|
(8) | To Add a Field (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.34 ADD A FIELD).
|
(9) | To Upgrade the Level (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE). |
(10) | Renewal Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS). |
(11) | Additional Certificate Titles Issued for Teaching Fields.
|
(12) | Exceptions.
|
(13) | In-Field Statement. Individuals certified in teaching fields are in-field to teach specified Georgia curriculum courses in the grade levels identified by the teaching field. You may view individual in-field statements here. Each state-approved curriculum course, with specified certificate fields that are designated as in-field, may be found under Certification/Curriculum Assignment Policies (CAPs) on the GaPSC web site at www.gapsc.com. |
Rule 505-2-.58 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.59 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.60 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.61 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.62 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.63 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.64 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.65 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.66 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.67 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.68 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.69 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.70 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.71 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.72 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.73 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.74 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.75 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.76 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.77 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.78 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.79 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.80 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.81 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.82 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.83 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.84 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.85 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.86 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.87 Healthcare Science
(1) | Summary: This rule outlines the requirements and procedures for issuance of a teaching certificate in Healthcare Science P-12, which allows individuals certified in this field to provide students the opportunity to explore careers in healthcare. |
(2) | Provisional Requirements (For Individuals Transitioning to a
Career in Education).
|
(3) | Induction Requirements.
|
(4) | Professional Requirements (For individuals with Three or More
Years of Educator Experience).
|
(5) | Non-Renewable Professional Requirements.
|
(6) | Permit (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.10 PERMIT). |
(7) | To Add the
Field (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.34 ADD A FIELD).
|
(8) | Additional Certificate Titles
Issued in the Field.
|
(9) | To Upgrade the Level (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE). |
(10) | Renewal Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS). |
(11) | In-Field Statement (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.40 IN-FIELD ASSIGNMENT). Educators certified in Healthcare Science are in-field to teach specified Georgia curriculum courses in grades P-12. Each state-approved curriculum course, with specified certificate fields that are designated as in-field, may be found under Certification/Curriculum Assignment Policies (CAPS) on the GaPSC web site at www.gapsc.com. |
Rule 505-2-.88 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.89 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.90 Career and Technical Specializations
(1) | Summary: Career and Technical Specializations are one part of the larger area of education curriculum known as Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE). Career and Technical Specializations certification is based on a combination of occupational experience, industry licensing and assessments, and formal study. Upon the receipt of a Provisional certificate, the individual must affiliate with and complete a GaPSC-approved program offered as New Teacher Institute (NTI) or Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GATAPP) program in order to convert to the Induction or Professional certificate. |
(2) | Areas of Specialization. The following Career and Technical
Specializations are offered:
|
(3) | Provisional Requirements
(For Individuals Transitioning to a Career in Education).
|
(4) | Induction Requirements (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.04 INDUCTION CERTIFICATE).
|
(5) | Professional Requirements.
|
(6) | Non-Renewable Professional Requirements.
|
(7) | Permit (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.10 PERMIT). |
(8) | To Add the
Field (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.34 ADD A FIELD).
|
(9) | To Upgrade the Level (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE). |
(10) | Renewal Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS). |
(11) | In-Field Statement. Individuals certified in Career and Technical Specializations are in-field to teach specified Georgia curriculum courses in grades 6-12. Each state-approved curriculum course, with specified certificate fields that are designated as in-field, may be found under Certification/Curriculum Assignment Policies (CAPs) on the GaPSC web site at www.gapsc.com. |
Rule 505-2-.91 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.92 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.93 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.94 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.95 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.96 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.97 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.98 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.99 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.100 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.101 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.102 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.103 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.104 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.105 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.106 Academic Content Concentrations
(1) | Purpose. To serve as a teacher of record in one of five (5)
academic content concentrations, Special Education teachers must have the
appropriate academic content concentrations designated on their Special
Education Certificate. These content concentrations are:
|
(2) | Cognitive Levels. Each of the academic content concentrations
shall be further designated at a specific cognitive level. The cognitive level
appropriate for the educator's certificate is based on information contained in
the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). The cognitive levels are:
|
(3) | Academic Content Concentrations. Special Education academic content concentrations with designated cognitive levels shall be listed on the Georgia educator certificate one time only, but shall apply to all appropriate Special Education fields that are also designated on the certificate. |
(4) | Approved Program Recommendation. GaPSC-approved program completers in designated Special Education fields will be recommended for the certificate with at least one academic content concentration at a designated cognitive level of 4-8. |
(5) | To Add Content
Concentrations.
|
(6) | In-Field Statement. Special Education teachers serving in a consultative role must have the appropriate base Special Education certificate issued as Consultative. To be in-field as a teacher of record for an academic content field, the educator's certificate must include the appropriate Special Education field and the appropriate Special Education academic content concentration issued at the appropriate cognitive level. The cognitive level appropriate for the educator's certificate is based on information contained in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). |
Rule 505-2-.107 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.108 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.109 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.110 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.111 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.112 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.113 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.114 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.115 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.116 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.117 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.118 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.119 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.120 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.121 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.122 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.123 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.124 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.125 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.126 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.127 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.128 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.129 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.130 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.131 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.132 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.133 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.134 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.135 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.136 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.137 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.138 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.139 Repealed and Reserved
Rule 505-2-.140 Audiology
(1) | Summary: This rule outlines the requirements and procedures for issuance of the service certificate in Audiology P-12, which allows individuals certified in this field to identify and treat hearing, balance, tinnitus, and other auditory disorders in students to promote student achievement. |
(2) | Professional Requirements
(See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE).
|
(3) | Non-Renewable Professional
Certificate (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.09 NON-RENEWABLE PROFESSIONAL
CERTIFICATE).
|
(4) | Additional Certificate Titles Issued in the Field.
|
(5) | To Add the Field
(See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.34 ADD A FIELD).
|
(6) | To Upgrade the Level (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE). |
(7) | Renewal
Requirements (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS).
|
(8) | In-Field Statement (See
GaPSC Rule
505-2-.40 IN-FIELD ASSIGNMENT).
|
Rule 505-2-.141 Curriculum and Instruction
(1) | Summary: This rule outlines the requirements and procedures for issuance of the service certificate in Curriculum and Instruction P-12, which allows individuals certified in this field to have enhanced knowledge and competency in curriculum, teaching, learning, and teacher education. |
(2) | Professional Requirements.
|
(3) | Non-Renewable Professional
Certificate (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.09 NON-RENEWABLE PROFESSIONAL
CERTIFICATE).
|
(4) | Additional Certificate Titles
Issued in the Field.
|
(5) | To Add the Field (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.34 ADD A FIELD).
|
(6) | To Upgrade the Level (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE). |
(7) | Renewal Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS). |
(8) | Restrictions.
|
(9) | In-Field Statement (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.40 IN-FIELD ASSIGNMENT). An
individual holding the Curriculum and Instruction certificate has strengthened
and enhanced competency levels to perform the following duties:
|
Rule 505-2-.142 Instructional Technology
(1) | Summary: This rule outlines the requirements and procedures for issuance of the service certificate in Instructional Technology P-12, which allows individuals certified in this field to provide instruction, training, and resources to students, teachers and administrators in order to facilitate the use of technology in the classroom to promote student achievement. |
(2) | Professional Requirements.
|
(3) | Non-Renewable Professional
Certificate (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.09 NON-RENEWABLE PROFESSIONAL
CERTIFICATE).
|
(4) | Additional Certificate Titles
Issued in the Field.
|
(5) | To Add the Field (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.34 ADD A FIELD).
|
(6) | To Upgrade the Level (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE). |
(7) | Renewal Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS). |
(8) | Restrictions.
|
(9) | In-Field Statement (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.40 IN-FIELD ASSIGNMENT). An
individual holding the Instructional Technology certificate has strengthened
and enhanced competency levels to include:
|
Rule 505-2-.143 Media Specialist
(1) | Summary: This rule outlines the requirements and procedures for issuance of the service certificate in Media Specialist P-12, which allows individuals certified in this field to collaborate, plan, and design with school personnel in areas such as information literacy and assessment, while also providing supplemental curriculum material to bridge the digital divide. |
(2) | Professional Certificate
Requirements (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE).
|
(3) | Provisional Certificate
Requirements (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.08 PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATE).
|
(4) | Non-Renewable Professional
Certificate (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.09 NON-RENEWABLE PROFESSIONAL
CERTIFICATE).
|
(5) | Additional Certificate Title Issued
in the Field.
|
(6) | To Add the Field
(See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.34 ADD A FIELD).
|
(7) | To Upgrade the Level (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE). |
(8) | Renewal Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS). |
(9) | In-Field
Statement (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.40 IN-FIELD ASSIGNMENT).
|
Rule 505-2-.144 School Counseling
(1) | Summary: This rule outlines the requirements and procedures for issuance of the service certificate in School Counseling P-12, which allows individuals certified in this field to assist students in the areas of academic achievement, career and social/emotional development, ensuring that a comprehensive counseling program is in place to promote student achievement. |
(2) | Professional Certificate
Requirements (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE;
current Georgia Educators see section (6)(a) below to add the field).
|
(3) | Provisional Certificate
Requirements (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.08 PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATE;
current Georgia Educators see section (4)(a) below for Non-Renewable
Certification).
|
(4) | Non-Renewable Professional
Certificate (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.09 NON-RENEWABLE PROFESSIONAL
CERTIFICATE).
|
(5) | Additional Certificate Title Issued
in the Field.
|
(6) | To Add the Field (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.34 ADD A FIELD).
|
(7) | To Upgrade the Level (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE). |
(8) | Renewal
Requirements (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS).
|
(9) | In-Field
Statement (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.40 IN-FIELD ASSIGNMENT).
|
Rule 505-2-.145 School Nutrition Director
(1) | Initial Certificate Requirements.
|