Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 20, 2024
(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:
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(2)
Categories. Certificates are grouped under two (2) major
categories based upon requirements needed for continued certification. The
categories are: Renewable and Non-Renewable.
(a) Renewable certificate validity varies by
title and type. During the validity period, the educator must satisfy renewal
requirements outlined in GaPSC Rule
505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS and/or
any additional requirements outlined in the rule appropriate to the certificate
title and type.
(b) Non-Renewable
certificates are valid from one (1) to five (5) years, depending on the title
and outstanding requirements for certification.
(3)
Titles. Certificate titles
identify the subcategories of certificates. There are thirteen (13) titles.
(a) Standard Professional: The Standard
Professional certificate is a Georgia professional certificate title issued to
educators with teaching, service and leadership certificate types employed by a
Georgia local unit of administration (LUA). Certificate issuance is based upon
completion of all requirements for professional certification and applicable
Special Georgia Requirements. Standard Professional certificates are identified
by the code letters "SR" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE).
1. The Standard Professional teaching
certificate title indicates that all requirements for professional teaching
certification have been met, including applicable Special Georgia Requirements.
The Standard Professional teaching certificate is issued to educators who are
employed by a Georgia LUA but have not met performance evaluation requirements
on the state annual summative performance evaluation or are not evaluated on
the statewide evaluation system. Educators holding the Standard Professional
teaching certificate who are not evaluated on the statewide evaluation system
are evaluated by a school, district or agency approved evaluation
system.
2. The Standard
Professional leadership certificate title indicates that all requirements for
professional leadership certification have been met, including applicable
Special Georgia Requirements. The Standard Professional leadership certificate
is issued to Georgia educators completing GaPSC-approved educator preparation
programs prior to September 30, 2009. The certificate is also issued to
educators applying by reciprocity who meet requirements outlined in GaPSC Rule
505-2-.153 EDUCATIONAL
LEADERSHIP.
3. The Standard
Professional service certificate title indicates that all requirements for
professional certification in a service field have been met, including
applicable Special Georgia Requirements.
(b) Performance-Based Professional: The
Performance-Based Professional certificate is a Georgia professional
certificate title issued to educators with teaching and leadership certificate
types employed by a Georgia LUA. Certificate issuance is based upon completion
of all requirements for professional certification, including applicable
Special Georgia Requirements. Performance-Based Professional certificates are
identified by the code letters "PR" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE).
1. The Performance-Based Professional
teaching certificate is part of Georgia's tiered teacher certification system
and issued to educators who are employed by a Georgia LUA and evaluated on the
statewide evaluation system.
2. The
Performance-Based Professional leadership certificate is issued to educators
who have completed GaPSC-approved educator preparation performance-based
leadership programs and met applicable Special Georgia Requirements.
3. Performance-Based certificates issued to
educators as a result of a classroom performance-based evaluation system known
as the Teacher Performance Assessment Instrument (TPAI) discontinued in 1990
will have the certificate title converted to the Standard Professional
certificate on the effective date of this rule. After meeting Performance-Based
certificate requirements outlined in GaPSC Rule
505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE,
these educators will qualify for a Performance-Based Professional
certificate.
(c)
Advanced Professional: The Advanced Professional certificate title is part of
Georgia's tiered teacher certification system and recognizes teachers with
expert classroom practice and professional growth resulting in higher levels of
student learning. The Advanced Professional certificate is issued to educators
employed by a Georgia LUA. Certificate issuance is based upon completion of all
requirements for Advanced Professional certification and applicable Special
Georgia Requirements. Advanced Professional certificates are identified by the
code letters "AP" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.06 ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL
CERTIFICATE).
(d) Lead
Professional: The Lead Professional certificate title is part of Georgia's
tiered teacher certification system and recognizes qualified teachers who
promote, support and expand opportunities for teacher leadership in grades P-12
to improve effective classroom practice resulting in higher levels of student
learning. The Lead Professional certificate is issued to educators employed by
a Georgia LUA. Certificate issuance is based upon completion of all
requirements for Lead Professional certification and applicable Special Georgia
Requirements. Lead Professional certificates are identified by the code letters
"LP" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.07 LEAD PROFESSIONAL
CERTIFICATE).
(e) Life: The Life
certificate title was issued prior to July 1, 1974, to educators eligible under
requirements in place at that time. Once issued, the life status remains in
effect for an unlimited time for the fields in which it was issued.
Applications for higher certificate levels (upgrades) do not alter the life
status for fields previously issued. No new life certificates shall be issued
nor shall any new fields be added to life certificate holders with the life
title. Life certificates are identified by the code letter "D" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.12 LIFE CERTIFICATE).
(f) Retired Educator: The Retired Educator
certificate is issued to retired Georgia educators who have previously held
renewable, professional educator certification. Retired Educator certificates
are identified by the code letters "R" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.44 RETIRED EDUCATOR
CERTIFICATE).
(g) Pre-Service: The
Pre-Service certificate title is part of Georgia's tiered teacher certification
system and recognizes candidates enrolled in GaPSC-approved educator
preparation programs, and participating in field and clinical experiences in
Georgia schools. Pre-Service certificates are identified by the code letters
"PS" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.03 PRE-SERVICE TEACHING
CERTIFICATE).
(h) Induction: The
Induction certificate title is part of Georgia's tiered teacher certification
system and 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. Certificate issuance is based upon
completion of all requirements for Induction certification and applicable
Special Georgia Requirements. Induction certificates are identified by the code
letter "IN" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.04 INDUCTION
CERTIFICATE).
(i) Military Support
Certificate: The Military Support certificate is issued to eligible
transitioning military veterans and military spouses, allowing completion of
certification requirements on a modified timeline. Military Support
certificates are identified by the letter "M" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.46 MILITARY SUPPORT
CERTIFICATE).
(j) Non-Renewable
Professional: The Non-Renewable Professional certificate title is issued to
educators at the request of a Georgia LUA under several different circumstances
as outlined in the Non-Renewable Professional rule. Non-Renewable Professional
certificates are identified by the code letter "N" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.09 NON-RENEWABLE PROFESSIONAL
CERTIFICATE).
(k) Provisional: The
Provisional certificate is issued to individuals who have satisfied the minimum
job-entry level requirements for a specific field. Provisional certificates are
identified by the code letter "B" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.08 PROVISIONAL
CERTIFICATE).
(l) International
Exchange: The International Exchange certificate title is issued at the request
of an employing Georgia LUA to educators certified in other countries who wish
to teach in Georgia schools for up to three (3) years. The certificate cannot
be renewed or extended. International Exchange certificates are identified by
the code letter "X" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.11 INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE
CERTIFICATE).
(m) Waiver: The
Waiver certificate title is issued at the request of an employing Georgia LUA
and at the discretion of the GaPSC to educators who have not satisfied all
certification requirements. Valid for a one (1)-year period, the Waiver
certificate is non-renewable. Waiver certificates are identified by the code
letter "W" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.13 WAIVER
CERTIFICATE).
(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.
(a) Adjunct License: The
Adjunct license is issued at the request of an employing Georgia LUA to
individuals with specific knowledge, skills and experience in an engineering,
medical, dental, pharmaceutical, veterinarian, legal, accounting or arts
profession, or any other professional position approved by the GaPSC or who
have instructional experience in a branch of the U.S. military (except for
JROTC), or in a GaPSC-accepted accredited college or university. Holders of
this certificate are eligible to provide instruction for up to but no more than
fifty (50) percent of the school day in specific subjects in grades 6-12 only.
These licenses are issued for one (1)-year period and are renewable. These
licenses are identified by the letter "J" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.15 ADJUNCT LICENSE).
(b) Clearance Certificate: The Clearance
certificate is issued at the request of the employing Georgia LUA to educators
who satisfactorily complete fingerprint and criminal background check
requirements and do not have a certificate that is currently under
investigation by the GaPSC or revoked or suspended in Georgia or any other
state. All educators employed by a Georgia LUA must hold a Clearance
Certificate. See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.42 CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE, for
the definition of educator as it applies to this certificate. There are no
academic requirements necessary to qualify for this certificate. All holders of
this certificate are subject to the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators. These
certificates are identified by the letter "C" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.42 CLEARANCE
CERTIFICATE).
(c) Educational
Interpreter License: The Educational Interpreter license is issued to
individuals who serve as sign language interpreters in schools. It is the
responsibility of the Georgia LUA to assure that personnel who provide
educational interpreting services, regardless of job title, hold the
Educational Interpreter License. The Educational Interpreter License has no
assigned level. These licenses are identified by the letters "EI" (See GaPSC
Rule 505-2-16 EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER LICENSE).
(d) Leadership Certificate: The Leadership
certificate is issued in fields that prepare an educator to administer or
supervise a Georgia LUA, school, or school program. These certificates are
identified by the letter "L" (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-153 EDUCATIONAL
LEADERSHIP).
(e) Montessori
Certificate: The Montessori certificate is issued to eligible individuals who
teach in Georgia public or private Montessori classrooms. The Montessori
certificate is issued in Age Levels identified on the certificate. (See GaPSC
Rule 505-2-.45
MONTESSORI CERTIFICATE).
(f)
Non-Instructional Aide license: The Non-Instructional Aide license is issued to
eligible individuals hired to perform routine non-instructional tasks. The
Non-Instructional Aide license has no assigned level. These licenses are
identified by the letters "AIDE" (See Rule GaPSC Rule
505-2-.17 NON-INSTRUCTIONAL AIDE
LICENSE).
(g) Paraprofessional
license: The Paraprofessional license is issued to eligible individuals hired
as Paraprofessionals. The Paraprofessional license has no assigned level. These
licenses are identified by the letters "PARA" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.18 PARAPROFESSIONAL
LICENSE).
(h) Permit: The Permit is
issued at the request of an employing Georgia LUA to individuals with specific
experience in the teaching fields of performing arts (art, music, dance, and
drama), foreign language, JROTC, CTAE Specializations, Engineering and
Technology, Healthcare Science, and the position of superintendent. These
certificates are identified by the letter "P" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.10 PERMIT).
(i) Service certificate: The Service
certificate is issued in fields that prepare an individual to provide support
services to students, school personnel, and school operations. These
certificates are identified by the letter "S" (See GaPSC Rules
505-2-.140 AUDIOLOGY to
505-2-.149 TEACHER
LEADERSHIP).
(j) Support Personnel
license: The Support Personnel license is issued at the request of an employing
Georgia LUA to individuals who serve in positions of leadership over support
functions in the LUA. Such positions include but are not limited to: finance,
transportation, public relations, personnel, staff development, facilities,
planning, evaluation, research, assessment, and technology coordination. The
Support Personnel license has no assigned level. These licenses are identified
by the letters "SP" (See GaPSC Rule
505-2-.19 SUPPORT PERSONNEL
LICENSE).
(k) Teaching certificate:
The teaching certificate is issued in fields that prepare an educator to teach
the subject matter offered as a part of the school curriculum. These
certificates are identified by the letter "T";
1. Technical Specialist teaching certificates
were issued to eligible educators in the Career, Technical and Agricultural
Education (CTAE) areas of Trade and Industrial Education and Healthcare Science
Technology Education prior to the effective date of this rule. These
certificates were identified by the letters "TS" but were converted to "T"
certificates on the effective date of this rule.
(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:
(a) General Level: The general level assigned
to a certificate applies to all fields on that certificate, with the possible
exception of Educational Leadership fields, as described in part (b) below.
1. The general level is determined upon
initial issuance of a certificate based on the highest degree an educator has
been awarded by a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution, with the following
exception:
(i) A leadership degree that meets
the criteria outlined in part (b) below shall not be used to determine the
general level of a certificate.
2. Once an educator has been issued a
certificate that may be upgraded as outlined in GaPSC Rule
505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE, the
general level may only be increased according to the procedures outlined in
that rule.
3. Unless otherwise
noted, all references to the "level" of a certificate in GaPSC rules refer to
the general level.
4. College hours
beyond a degree are not used to assign the level, except as specifically noted
in section (c) below.
(b) Leader Level: A certificate may be
assigned a leader level in addition to a general level. The leader level only
applies to any Educational Leadership fields on that certificate. If the
general level of a certificate is higher than the leader level, the general
level supersedes the leader level for all fields, including any Educational
Leadership fields held.
1. A leader level is
assigned to the certificate of any educator who completed a leadership degree,
defined in O.C.G.A.
20-2-212as "a degree earned in
conjunction with completion of an educator leadership preparation program
approved by the Professional Standards Commission," unless the leadership
degree earned meets one of the following exemption criteria:
(i) The leadership degree was awarded prior
to July 1, 2010; or
(ii) The
educator enrolled in the leadership preparation program on or before April 1,
2009, and was awarded one of the following leadership degrees by the dates
indicated:
(I) A master's level [level five
(5)] leadership degree prior to July 1, 2012;
(II) An education specialist level [level six
(6)] leadership degree prior to July 1, 2013; or
(III) A doctoral level [level seven (7)]
leadership degree prior to July 1, 2014.
(iii) The leadership degree was not
recognized as GaPSC-accepted preparation for Educational Leadership
certification at the time that the educator initially received the General
certificate level.
2.
Once a leader level has been assigned to a certificate, it may only be
increased according to the procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule
505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE
UPGRADE.
(c) General
requirements for recognizing certificate levels of education below the
bachelor's degree level are:
1. Level One (1)
- completion of a high school diploma or the GED equivalent;
2. Level Two (2) - completion of an
associate's degree or one of the following options:
(i) Sixty (60) semester hours of acceptable
college credit. Note: For certification purposes, the phrase "acceptable
college credit" is defined as credits earned at an institution of higher
education that holds GaPSC-accepted accreditation with a grade of "C" or higher
for each course. Remedial courses, course work taken below the freshman level,
and audited courses are not acceptable;
(ii) A two (2)-year program consisting of a
minimum of two thousand (2,000) clock hours earned through a GaPSC-accepted
accredited post-secondary vocational/technical school in the field in which
certification is requested; or
(iii) A minimum of twenty-seven (27) semester
hours of acceptable college or university credit and a minimum of one thousand
(1,000) clock hours earned through a GaPSC-accepted accredited
vocational/technical school in the field in which certification is
requested.
(d) General requirements for recognizing
initial certificate levels of education at the bachelor's degree level or
higher are:
1. Level Four (4) - completion of
a bachelor's degree or the GaPSC's determined degree equivalent. A bachelor's
degree is the minimum degree requirement for teaching certification except for
Healthcare Science and selected Career and Technical Specializations and Fine
Arts Permit fields.
2. Level Five
(5) - completion of a master's degree or the GaPSC's determined degree
equivalent. A master's degree is the minimum degree requirement for service
fields and non-performance based leadership certification.
3. Level Six (6) - completion of an education
specialist degree or the GaPSC's determined degree equivalent as found on the
GaPSC website at
www.gapsc.com or completion
of a minimum of thirty-six (36) semester hours of course work required for a
level seven (7) doctoral degree and successful completion of the oral and/or
written comprehensive examinations or the institution's determined equivalent.
A specialist degree is the minimum degree requirement for performance-based
leadership certification; and
4.
Level Seven (7) - completion of a Ph.D., Ed.D. or the GaPSC's determined degree
equivalent;
(e)
Educators holding a valid level one (1) or two (2) certificate may qualify for
a certificate level change to the bachelor's degree level - level four (4) - by
earning a bachelor's degree that meets the requirements of GaPSC Rule
505-2-.31 GAPSC-ACCEPTED
ACCREDITATION; VALIDATION OF NON-ACCREDITED DEGREES. The procedures outlined in
GaPSC Rule
505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE do not
apply to educators holding level one (1) or two (2) certificates;
(f) The assignment of a certification level
to various degrees is contingent on a valid certificate field being held and
the degree being awarded on an official transcript from a GaPSC-accepted
accredited institution. Certificate levels that are assigned to various degrees
and majors may be found on the GaPSC website at
www.gapsc.com;
(g) Degrees with "doctoral," "doctorate" or
"master's" in the degree title are not automatically equivalent to a specific
degree level and may result in a determination ranging from level four (4) to
level seven (7). The agency commission is responsible for determining what
level is assigned to a specific degree; and
(h) The certificate level, as defined in
Georgia, is not a part of the National Association of State Directors of
Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement and,
therefore, does not transfer from state to state.
O.C.G.A. §
20-2-200.