Georgia Teacher Certification
Georgia offers a fulfilling career path for aspiring educators. The state values the contributions of teachers and provides competitive salaries and benefits packages to attract and retain talented individuals in the profession. By becoming a teacher in Georgia, you can make a positive impact on the lives of students, contribute to their academic and personal growth, and play a vital role in shaping the future generation.
Georgia’s education system encourages collaboration among educators and provides a diverse student population to work with. Georgia’s commitment to quality education ensures that teachers have access to necessary resources and support, creating an environment conducive to effective teaching. By becoming a teacher in Georgia, you can contribute to the betterment of society by empowering students with knowledge and skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Moreland University offers both a 9-month teacher preparation program and 12-month master’s programs in education.
You can pursue these while teaching under a provisional license.
Contents
I. Georgia Professional Standards Commission
II. How to Become a Certified Teacher in Georgia
a. The traditional pathway
b. The alternative pathway
III. Requirements for Teacher Certification in Georgia
IV. Steps to Get a Teaching Degree in Georgia
V. Testing Requirements for Teacher Certification in Georgia
VI. Why Choose Moreland University
Georgia Professional Standards Commission
As an aspiring teacher in Georgia, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) is an invaluable resource that can guide you through the teacher certification process. The GaPSC provides comprehensive information on the steps to become a certified teacher, including examination requirements and more. They oversee education data and monitor student performance for the vast number of students and educators in Georgia.
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission serves as the governing body responsible for granting teacher certification. Aspiring teachers must submit their teacher certificate applications to the GaPSC for review and approval. The GaPSC
website is a valuable tool for candidates, offering a wealth of information on how to become a certified educator in Georgia. It provides details on various pathways to teacher certification and instructions on how to apply.
You can also find information on Georgia educator preparation institute programs like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW if you are pursuing an alternative pathway to teacher certification in Georgia.
How to Become a Certified Teacher in Georgia
In general, there are two routes available to obtain your educator certification in Georgia and begin teaching in the classroom.
The Traditional Pathway
Regardless of whether you hold a bachelor’s degree, the traditional path to becoming a teacher involves two routes.
Earn a bachelor’s degree in education.
-OR-
Complete a master’s degree to secure initial licensure/certification.
You’ll likely also need:
- A passing score, if applicable, on the content assessment for the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE)
- A passing score on the Georgia Educator Ethics
Assessment - To satisfy course requirements for identifying and
educating exceptional children
The Alternative Pathway
The alternative route to teacher certification in Georgia is designed for individuals who aspire to become teachers and and have already obtained a bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year university in the United States in a field outside of education.
Unlike traditional pathways, these career changers do not need to pursue another bachelor’s degree in education to enter the teaching profession. Instead, they have the option to enroll in a teacher preparation program like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW, which can be completed in as little as nine months. Alternatively, they can pursue a master’s degree in education within a twelve-month timeframe to meet the eligibility requirements for teacher certification. Select requirements for pursuing an alternative teaching pathway may include:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A passing score on the GACE content assessment (if
applicable) - Completion of the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment
Moreland University’s “Guide to Teacher Certification in Georgia” offers a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in Georgia.
Access the downloadable guide at no cost here.
Requirements for Teacher Certification in Georgia
Requirements for educator certification in Georgia can be found on the Georgia Professional Standards Commissions (GaPSC) website. There, you’ll find the specific requirements you need to meet before being eligible for a state of Georgia teacher certification.
Some of the requirements to become a certified teacher in Georgia include:
A bachelor’s degree equivalent to a U.S. 4-year degree.
Passing scores on the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) exams relevant to the chosen teaching field.
Complete a background check.
Meet any additional requirements set by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).
Obtain a passing score on the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment.
Steps to Get a Teaching Degree in Georgia
Embarking on a journey to become a teacher in Georgia involves following a series of steps and meeting specific requirements. From earning a bachelor’s degree to completing a teacher preparation program and passing certification exams, these steps outline the path towards obtaining a teaching degree in Georgia.
- Research and choose which grade/subject you’d like to teach.
- Complete a teacher preparation program, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW online teacher preparation
program. - Pass the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Exams.
- Apply for certification: Submit your application for teacher certification to the GaPSC.
- Complete all requirements for teacher certification.
- Complete required fingerprinting and background screening.
- Earn your teacher certification.
Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) Requirements:
Upon enrollment to the TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certification Program, Moreland University will notify the GaPSC that you are a member of the TEACH-NOW program.
If you have a foreign bachelor’s degree, please confirm that you have used an evaluation service approved by the GaPSC.
Steps
Step 1: Claim Program in the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).
Step 2: Apply for Pre-Service Certificate + Pass the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE).
Step 3: Apply for Georgia teacher certification.
Testing Requirements for Teacher Certification in Georgia
The Georgia Assessments for the Certificate of Educators (GACE) is the assessment system that the state of Georgia uses to qualify for certification.
For most subject areas, passing the appropriate GACE assessment is required. The certification area will determine the assessment required. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission accepts Praxis exam scores taken before September 1, 2006, but currently, only the field of Speech and Language Pathology considers the Praxis exam as a content assessment. GACE scores do not expire, and retaking assessments is unlikely if the GaPSC has them on file.
Exams and requirements differ depending on grade level and desired subject area. To find out which exams and requirements are unique to your career path, contact a Moreland admissions representative: Call us at 1 (844) 283-2246 or email us at admissions@moreland.edu.
Why Choose Moreland University
At Moreland University, learning is a collaborative effort. Our experienced faculty members provide guidance and support throughout the teacher certification journey. We are committed to providing our students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
At the heart of fostering a passion for teaching lies a deep understanding of the evolving demands of the profession and taking proactive steps to address them. As pioneers in online global teacher education, we have consistently embraced innovation. Our unique and activity-based cohort model sets us apart, enabling candidates to engage in collaborative learning, not only with instructors but also with fellow aspiring educators, empowering them to gain valuable insights and experiences from one another.
The cost of teacher certification in Georgia can vary depending on your chosen program and institution, but at Moreland University, we strive to provide all our candidates with affordable and accessible education. We offer competitive tuition rates to help make our programs more accessible to all aspiring educators, and you won’t pay extra fees for materials or additional resources.
Flexible and Convenient Learning
In addition to our teacher preparation program, we also offer 12-month master’s in education degree programs for those looking to advance their careers in education. Our program provides candidates with a deeper understanding of educational theory and research and practical skills in curriculum development and assessment.
By completing the TEACH-NOW program, you earn 24 graduate credits towards a master’s degree. TEACH-NOW graduates are welcome to return to Moreland at any time to complete the additional coursework to earn a full master’s in education degree.
Our Accreditations & Partnerships
Moreland University partners with these key organizations to support educators in Georgia.
Learn more about accreditations and partners!
Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
With the help of Moreland University, you can earn your teaching certification quickly and start making a positive difference in the lives of students in Georgia.
Obtaining your teacher certification in Georgia is a straightforward process that opens doors to a rewarding career in education. By following the steps outlined above and fulfilling the necessary application requirements, you can embark on a path towards becoming a certified teacher.
With a strong commitment to education and a passion for shaping the minds of the future, getting your teacher certification in Georgia is your gateway to making a lasting impact in the lives of students.
