GaTAPP

What is GaTAPP?

Georgia Teacher Academy of Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP) is an alternative certification program offered for individuals who desire to become educators and already have an existing degree in a field other than education. The program is not intended to replace traditional college teaching programs, but is an alternative pathway to obtain teacher certification for those who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, but have not completed an educator preparation course of study.

Program Overview

GaTAPP provides two program pathways: Clear Renewable Teaching Certificate and Technical Specialist Teaching Certificate.

All program paths involve structured supervision and coaching by a team of qualified mentors and coaches called the Candidate Support Team (CST), comprised of a school-based administrator, a school-based mentor/coach, and TCSG GaTAPP supervisor, and a content specialist (if not the mentor). The CST assesses the level of knowledge, skills, and credentials with which a transition teacher enters the program and determines the appropriate path for the teacher candidate to take in order to meet 24 teaching competencies.

Through continuous monitoring and assessment of the transition teacher’s performance in the classroom, the CST provides recommendations for advancement or retention in the program. Upon meeting all the required teacher competencies, including the Georgia Special Requirements and a minimum of 18 months of mentoring/coaching, transition teachers are recommended by the CST for Georgia Clear Renewable Certification or the Technical Specialist Teaching Certificate. (This is a change of the length of program from minimum of one year to 18 months.)

Candidates will be required to take a variety of courses/seminars. At a minimum, candidates must complete a two-week Essentials of Effective Teaching course during the summer (usually July) and two online courses during the first year of the program. In addition, Saturday seminars will be required for each candidate. Additional courses may be required at the cost of the TAPP candidate, depending on PSC regulations and the candidate’s academic transcript(s):

• Elementary teachers must take or have taken content specific courses prior to starting the TAPP pedagogy program; these courses may be taken at Wiregrass if needed.
• SpEd teachers receive extra training specific to the field, which is reflected in the tuition.
• Middle Grades teachers will complete extra training on adolescent learners as well.

Orientation and Individual Counseling to include:

• Planning of instructional courses such as Essentials of Effective Teaching, online courses, seminars and so forth
• Individual assessment of teacher candidate’s content background
• Development of individualized professional learning plan (PLP) for each teacher candidate, including scheduling of any required Georgia Special Requirement classes
• Assignment by a 3-4 person support team, including a TCSG GaTAPP supervisor, a school-based mentor, a school-based administrator, and a content specialist (if not the mentor)
• Assistance with appropriate path certification applications
  

Minimum of 18 Months of Mentoring/Coaching Internship/Induction to include:

• GaTAPP training is offered in a hybrid format. Though some trainings are offered online using WebEx, candidates must be prepared to come to campus for the two week Essentials course in July and at least one Saturday a month. More information will be provided on the first day of Essentials in July.
• Intense mentoring and coaching by the CST
• Seminars and/or other professional learning opportunities during the internship
• Completion of course work required to meet Georgia Special Requirements including the identification and education of children and youth with special needs. The teaching of reading (and writing – middle grades only) and the integration of technology in the classroom are met through content standards requirements
• Collection of evidence for electronic achievement portfolio
• Assessment by teacher candidate’s support team using Danielson’s Framework for Teaching
• Recommendation for certification, continuation in the program beyond 18 months, or termination from the program. NOTE: Candidates must allow 18 months to complete this program
• Ensuring all certificate requirements are complete prior to the end of the program, including but not limited to: EPIC, GACE Assessments, and so forth

***Program and GaPSC policies and requirements are subject to change. The most current information will be provided on the first day of Essentials in mid-July of each year.***

For all program inquiries and specific questions regarding the application process, please contact: