Become a certified teacher in Georgia.
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) lists 70 schools providing teacher certification programs. Most teachers complete a state-approved educator program, an approved alternative route or already hold a certificate from another state. Two types of certificates are issued to teachers: an initial certificate with requirements to be fulfilled and a renewable certificate that is valid for five years. Praxis skills and knowledge tests are required to become certified to teach in Georgia.
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia's (UGA) College of Education graduates the most certified teachers in the state each year, according to the university's website. The college, founded in 1908, offers 20 programs of study toward a Bachelor of Science in education, 25 master's programs and 39 doctoral degrees. Many areas of specialty in education, such as early-childhood education and English education, are in high demand at UGA and require prospective students to meet specific requirements before being accepted to the programs. After completing coursework and passing a background check, prospective teachers apply for a student teaching assignment to receive hands-on training before becoming certified. The College of Education occupies several buildings on the University of Georgia's 605-acre campus located in Athens.
University of Georgia
G-3 Aderhold Hall
Athens, GA 30602
706-542-6446
coe.uga.edu
Columbus State University
At Columbus State University, prospective teachers complete coursework at the College of Education and Health Professions (COEHP) in one of 20 undergraduate or 24 graduate programs. Approximately 2,500 students enroll in COEHP courses each semester, as of 2008, with 2,000 being undergraduates. Bachelor's degree programs include early-childhood education, middle-grades education and secondary education with a content-area focus such as chemistry or history. Alternative routes to certification at Columbus State University include post-baccalaureate teacher certification and the Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (TAPP), which is a two-year program for those holding a bachelor's degree. Columbus State University was established in 1958 and is located 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, near the border of Alabama.
Columbus State University
4225 University Avenue
Columbus, GA 31907
706-568-2212
coe.colstate.edu
Georgia State University
The College of Education (COE) at Georgia State University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees as well as education specialist and non-degree certification programs. Undergraduate degrees are available through the departments of early childhood education, middle-secondary education, instructional technology and kinesiology and health. Campus housing options at Georgia State University include 4.2-acre University Commons, 325-student Freshman Hall and The Lofts for 450 residents.
Georgia State University
30 Pryor Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-651-2525
education.gsu.edu
Mercer University
Mercer University's Tift College of Education offers experience-oriented programs that emphasize technology along with effective teaching methods, according to the school's website. Tift College has programs of study for undergraduate, graduate and professional students seeking teacher certification for all grade levels. Mercer University is a private institution with 8,000 students enrolled in courses on campuses in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah.
Mercer University
Tift College of Education
1400 Coleman Avenue
Macon, GA 31207
912-752-2575
mercer.edu
Tags: State University, College Education, Columbus State, Columbus State University, Georgia State
