Common Challenges in Teacher Certification in Georgia
| by Hannah Sparling
Do you have dreams of building a teaching career in Georgia, but then you start thinking about the process of actually earning your certification, and those dreams turn into nightmares? Maybe you’re worried about your certification exams or choosing the right Educator Preparation Program (or finding a way to pay for it). Maybe you’re just unsure about the process and where to start.
Whatever the case, you are not alone. Many aspiring teachers in Georgia face similar hurdles, and it’s completely natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. In this post, we’ll explore common challenges in the Georgia teacher certification process and, most importantly, how you can overcome them.
Myth vs. Fact: What You Really Need to Know
Let’s start by debunking some common myths about teacher certification in Georgia.
Myth: ‘Anyone with a Bachelor’s Degree Can Teach Without State Approval’
Fact: While it’s true you don’t necessarily need an education degree to start teaching, you do need state approval, and it’s not a free-for-all.
Georgia offers a provisional certificate for career changers transitioning into education. With a provisional certificate, you can teach in a Georgia school for up to 3 years while completing your Educator Preparation Program. From there, you can earn an induction certificate and then a professional certificate.
Myth: ‘Certification Is the Same for Everyone’
Fact: Teacher certification is not one-size-fits-all. Requirements vary based on your educational background, the subject and grade level you want to teach, and whether you’re coming from another state.
At a very high level, Georgia offers a traditional path to certification (for people who earn a bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited college or university) and an alternative path (for people who have a bachelor’s degree in something other than education and want to transition into teaching).
Myth: ‘edTPA Is Required’
Fact: While the edTPA was once a requirement, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission removed it in 2020 as a mandatory assessment for certification. The move was intended to make it easier and less costly for teachers to get certified in Georgia.
Common Certification Challenges Aspiring Teachers Face in Georgia
Here are some of the most common obstacles for aspiring teachers in Georgia.
Confusion Over Pathways & Timelines
With multiple routes to certification, you may feel unsure about finding the best path for you. The traditional four-year degree, post-baccalaureate programs, and alternative routes each have different timelines, costs, and requirements. If you’re not sure where to start, it can lead to delays and frustration.
Rigorous Assessment Requirements
The Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) are designed to be rigorous, testing both your content knowledge and your understanding of professional pedagogy. Preparing for and passing these high-stakes tests is a significant challenge for many candidates.
Finding the Right EPP
Especially for career changers, finding the right Educator Preparation Program can be a hurdle to teacher certification. There are many options, but they offer different styles (online versus in-person, for example), timelines, accreditations, and levels of rigor, support, and flexibility. Tuition cost also varies from program to program, which can be a significant factor for aspiring teachers.
How to Overcome Georgia’s Certification Challenges
While these challenges are real, they are far from insurmountable. With the right strategies and support, you can successfully navigate your path to becoming a certified teacher in the Peach State.
Clarify Your Path First
Before you do anything else, spend a little time understanding the different Georgia teacher certification pathways. Visit the GaPSC website and explore the options. Consider your background: Do you have a bachelor’s degree? Is it in education? Are you changing careers? From there, you can identify the most efficient route and program.
Prepare Strategically for the GACE
Use official GACE study guides, practice tests, and preparation courses. Identify your areas of weakness so you can focus your efforts where they’re most needed. Some Educator Preparation Programs, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, integrate test prep support into their curriculum to help ensure you’re ready for exam day.
Leverage Flexible, Efficient Programs
If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, an alternative certification program can be a fast and flexible option. Online programs offer the ability to balance your studies with work and family commitments. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program, for example, can be completed in as little as 9 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common reasons teachers face certification delays in Georgia?
The most common delays stem from confusion over certification pathways, difficulty passing the GACE exams, and incomplete applications. Staying organized, preparing thoroughly for tests, and seeking guidance from your Educator Preparation Program can help you avoid these pitfalls.
Can I become a teacher in Georgia without a degree in education?
Yes! Georgia offers several alternative certification routes for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject. These pathways are designed to help career changers transition into the teaching profession.
What financial help or low-cost options exist?
Many school districts offer tuition support or reimbursement for Educator Preparation Programs. Some EPPs, like Moreland University, also provide interest-free monthly payment plans to make tuition more manageable. Additionally, you can research state-level grants or scholarships, particularly for those entering high-need fields like special education or STEM.
Are the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) difficult?
The GACE exams are designed to be challenging to ensure teachers are well-prepared for the classroom. However, with strategic preparation and the right study resources, they are certainly passable. Success often depends on the quality of your preparation.
What are common myths about becoming a certified teacher in Georgia?
Common myths include the idea that anyone with a bachelor’s degree can teach without certification, that the process is the same for everyone, and that the edTPA is still a statewide requirement. In reality, state approval is always necessary, pathways are varied, and the edTPA is no longer mandatory.
Become a certified Georgia teacher in as little as 9 months with Moreland University. Our TEACH-NOW program is 100% online with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.
Apply for free (takes about 15 minutes), and you’ll hear back within 2 business days.
