Traditional Certification (Tiered Certification – GaPSC)

Who is it for?

Teachers with fewer than 3 years of experience within the last five years, and some Service certificate holders.

Qualifications:

All applicants must be employed to receive certification; otherwise, they may receive a Certificate of Eligibility (except for Pathway 4).

Pathway 1: In-State Traditional Program

For those who completed a traditional educator preparation program in Georgia:

• Approved Program Recommendation
• Induction level passing score or higher on GACE content exam
• Completion of Ethics exam
• Exceptional Child course

Pathway 2: Out-of-State Program with GA Student Teaching

For those who have completed a traditional preparation program out-of-state but completed student teaching in Georgia:

• Exact requirements for Pathway 1

Pathway 3: Out-of-State Program or Educators

For those who have completed all parts of an educator preparation program out-of-state or out-of-state educators who do not qualify for Professional certification:

• Approved Program Recommendation or Out-of-State certificate
• Induction level passing score or higher on GACE content exam
• Completion of Ethics exam
• Exceptional Child course NOT required for an initial certificate

Pathway 4: Non-Program Completers (Replaces NNT)

For those who have not completed a program:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Induction or higher passing score on the GACE content exam
• Completion of Ethics exam

Tier 3: Standard Professional

Who is it for?

Teachers with at least three years of experience and no more than one unsatisfactory evaluation within the last five years.

• Out-of-State educators may exempt GACE with 5 out of the last 5 years of experience
• Out-of-State educators who need to pass GACE are not eligible for a Non-Renewable certificate

Alternative Certification (GaTAPP/TFA)

Requirements for Non-Certified Hires Seeking a GA Educator Certificate:

All certification requirements must be completed within three years.

• Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5
• Achieve a passing score on the GACE content assessment for the area/subject taught
• Complete the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment – Program Entry (350) within 30 days of the hire date

Pathways:

1. Enroll in a state-approved teacher preparation program leading to certification for the position hired
2. Enroll in an APS-approved Alternative Certification Program (Metro RESA’s GaTAPP or Teach For America)

Important Note:

Once entered into this pathway, candidates cannot opt for the Non-Certification pathway due to the investment APS makes in supporting candidates in obtaining professional certificates.

Permits (GaPSC)

The GaPSC permit is a type of renewable certificate designed for individuals who qualify to teach in specific fields based on a combination of work experience, specified educational requirements, and assessments.

Click here to review the GaPSC requirements for each PERMIT field.

Permitted Personnel Include:

• World languages
• Performing artists from the fields of art, dance, drama, or music
• Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (JROTC) personnel
• Retired teachers
• Teachers and leaders from business, government, military, or other professions

Key Points:

• Permits are issued at the request of the Atlanta Public School System once employed.

• Specific requirements are outlined for each permit type under the specified rule number:

• World Language (Foreign Language): 505-2-.10 (7)
• Performing Artists: Art, Dance, Drama, and Music: 505-2-.10 (8)
• Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (JROTC): 505-2.10 (9)
• Retired Teachers: 505-2.10 (10)
• Educational Leadership: Superintendent: 505-2.10 (11)
• Career and Technical Specializations: 505-2.10 (12)
• Engineering and Technology: 505-2.10 (13)
• Healthcare Science: 505-2.10 (14)

Requirements for Non-Certified Hires:

To maintain employment as a non-certified hire who does not seek a GA educator certificate issued by the GaPSC, the following are required:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5
• Have an academic major or a passing score on the GACE content assessment for the area/subjects taught
• Complete the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment – Program Entry (350) within 30 days of hire date (more info)
• Obtain a GaPSC Clearance Certificate indicating completion of a background check, issued upon employment with APS

Program Requirements:

1. Complete a year-long APS Induction, Empowering Teachers Program, which includes:
   • PD Coursework and Seminars
   • Clinical Supervision & Support (job-embedded)
   • Culminating Assessment
2. Receive positive performance observations and evaluations
3. Meet annual PD requirements each year of ongoing employment.