How to Add Mathematics to Teacher Certification in Georgia

eHow
June 11, 2011

A mid-career switch to teaching a different subject is a wise move for many teachers, particularly if they switch to high-need areas like math, science, foreign language or special education. First-year math and science teachers begin at fifth-year pay in Georgia, and all elementary math and science teachers receive a $1,000 annual bonus. As Georgia's need for teachers in these fields continues to grow, other incentives may be on the horizon, not to mention the value of job security that comes with holding multiple certifications. There are three routes to obtaining certification while concurrently teaching.

Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (TAPP)

Step 1
Verify eligibility for TAPP candidacy. TAPP requires a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution. Bachelor's degrees must pass the GACE basic skills assessment, but master's degrees or higher are exempt.

Candidates for math who are currently teachers of record must meet one of the following requirements for Highly Qualified teacher. For middle grades math, one of the following: (1) degree major in the concentration of the desired subject, (2) transcript confirming 15 successful semester hours in the concentration area for middle grades math or 21 hours for secondary math, or (3) a passing score on the GACE Mathematics Assessment.

Step 2
Complete the intern certificate. The intern certificate must be requested by the employing school system. To be eligible, teachers must demonstrate content knowledge through a degree major or coursework. The teacher will then undergo intensive mentoring by a certified math teacher.

Step 3
Complete the state-approved TAPP program. The mentor teacher and candidate support team oversee the teacher's completion of seminars, additional coursework and other requirements deemed necessary for certification.

Step 4
Receive Clear Renewable Certificate.

Non-Renewable Certificate-Based Options

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements. Eligible teachers hold expired or inactive Georgia educator certificates and wish to obtain temporary certificates in the same field(s), or hold Clear Renewable Georgia educator certificates and wish to obtain an additional temporary certificate in a different field.

Step 2
Obtain a non-renewable certificate. Additional requirements for certification will be prescribed on the certificate.

Step 3
Complete prescribed requirements within the certificate's validity period.

Step 4
Receive Clear Renewable Certificate.

Non-Renewable Test-Based Options

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements. There are two options for completing this path for mathematics certification, and only one circumstance must be met.

Step 2
Pass the GACE Basic Skills and GACE Mathematics Assessments. The employing school system requests the certificate, the applicant enters a state-approved program and completes requirements during the validity period for Clear Renewable Certification.

Step 3
Pass the GACE Basic Skills, GACE Mathematics and GACE Professional Pedagogy Assessments. The employing school system requests certification and the teacher completes a one-year supervised program and remaining requirements within the validity period for Clear Renewable Certification.

References
“Rome News-Tribune”; Science, Math Pay Boost OK'd for Georgia Teachers; AP; 2009
Georgia Professional Standards Commission: Alternative Routes
Georgia TAPP: Program Framework and Requirements