If you wish to pursue your education to become a Georgia teacher while working in the school system, the Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (TAPP) is for you. This is perfect if you are changing careers, or wish to work in a high-need field such as special education, foreign language, science or math.
Interested in learning about the traditional approach? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Georgia.
USC Rossier Master of Arts in Teaching Online — No GRE *
Fordham University’s online Master of Science in Teaching
Fordham University’s online Master of Science in Teaching program prepares students for NY state initial teaching licensure in grades 1 to 6. Complete in two years—bachelor’s degree required to apply.
Once you are in the TAPP, you will have an Individualized Induction Plan (IIP) drawn up with a mentor teacher, determining areas in which you need further education and/or experience. This includes meeting coursework requirements to meet the Georgia Special Requirements in special education.
Prior to enrollment in TAPP, you must attain a job at a participating Georgia school system. Here, you will be given teaching responsibilities that meet with your qualifications, and which you will perform under a Non-Renewable Certificate.
During the TAPP program, you must have a minimum of one year of mentoring/coaching internship/induction experience, which occurs while you are working under your Non-Renewable Certificate as a teacher of record. A second or third year is possible during the TAPP program, as needed or recommended by your mentor. Once you have completed the TAPP program, you will be issued a Clear Renewable Certificate.
The school for which you plan to work will conduct a criminal history background check prior to employment. Depending upon your school’s policies, this may be an FBI/fingerprinting background check or a Georgia criminal history check. Information on how to fulfill this requirement will be provided to you by the school system. Usually your employing school system will pay all costs associated with this background check.
For more information on the TAPP program, contact a participating Georgia school system provider.