Educator Pathways at APS
Traditional
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
- Pathway 2: Out-of-State Program with GA Student Teaching
- Pathway 3: Out-of-State Program or Educators
- Pathway 4: Non-Program Completers (Replaces NNT)
- Tier 3: Standard Professional
Pathway 1: In-State Traditional Program
Pathway 2: Out-of-State Program with GA Student Teaching
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)
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.
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Out-of-State educators may exempt GACE with 5 out of the last 5 years of experience
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Out-of-State educators who need to pass GACE are not eligible for a Non-Renewable certificate
Alternative
Alternative Certification (GaTAPP/TFA)
Requirements for Non-Certified Hires Seeking a GA Educator Certificate:
All certification requirements must be completed within three years.
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Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5
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Achieve a passing score on the GACE content assessment for the area/subject taught
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Complete the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment - 351 GACE Ethics for Teachers within 30 days of hire date.
Pathways:
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Enroll in a state-approved teacher preparation program leading to certification for the position hired
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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)
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.
Review the GaPSC requirements for each PERMIT field.
Permitted Personnel Include:
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World languages
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Performing artists from the fields of art, dance, drama, or music
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Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (JROTC) personnel
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Retired teachers
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Teachers and leaders from business, government, military, or other professions
Key Points:
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Permits are issued upon request by the Atlanta Public School System once employed.
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Specific requirements are outlined for each permit type under the specified rule number:
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World Language (Foreign Language): 505-2-.10 (7)
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Performing Artists: Art, Dance, Drama, and Music: 505-2-.10 (8)
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Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC): 505-2.10 (9)
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Retired Teachers: 505-2.10 (10)
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Educational Leadership: Superintendent: 505-2.10 (11)
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Career and Technical Specializations: 505-2.10 (12)
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Engineering and Technology: 505-2.10 (13)
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Healthcare Science: 505-2.10 (14)
No Certification (APS)
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:
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Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5
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Have an academic major or a passing score on the GACE content assessment for the area/subjects taught
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Complete the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment - 351 GACE Ethics for Teachers within 30 days of hire date.
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Obtain a GaPSC Clearance Certificate indicating completion of a background check, issued upon employment with APS
Program Requirements:
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Complete a year-long APS Induction, Empowering Teachers Program, which includes:
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PD Coursework and Seminars
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Clinical Supervision & Support (job-embedded)
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Culminating Assessment
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Receive positive performance observations and evaluations
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Meet annual PD requirements each year of ongoing employment.