Georgia Preschool Teacher Requirements

<h2 id="section---InformationOnBecomingAPreschoolTeacherInGeorgia">Information on Becoming a Preschool Teacher in Georgia</h2> <p>Typically, preschool teachers work with students who are younger than five years old. These teachers have a number of different responsibilities, but they must first meet a list of requirements before they are able to begin teaching in the state. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> A Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, Certification/License</td></tr> <tr><td> Exams Required </td><td> GACE, Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment - Program Exit, edTPA</td></tr> <tr><td> Certification Renewal Period </td><td> 5 Years</td></tr> <tr><td> Mean Salary for Preschool Teachers in Georgia (2018) </td><td> $30,910*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth for Preschool Teachers Nationally (2016-2026) </td><td> 10%*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3> <p>Preschool teachers work with young students to teach them a number of different things, such as basic motor skills, how to write, identification of shapes and colors, and knowledge of numbers. Teachers are also responsible for a number of different tasks, such as creating lessons and activities, cleaning the classroom, monitoring students and recording the progress that they make, and communicating with other staff members and parents. These teachers may also need to attend parent teacher conferences or open houses for the school that they are employed through. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationRequirements">Education Requirements</h3> <p>For all those wishing to become preschool teachers in Georgia, the first step is to obtain a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. Many of the available academic pathways include a teacher preparation program that is completed throughout the process of earning a bachelor's degree. When choosing an academic path for college, it is important to check and be sure that the one you select will lead to an initial educator certification. Lastly, it is required that students complete and pass a course in identifying and educating exceptional children. </p> <h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3> <p>The next step in obtaining a teacher's license in the state of Georgia is to complete the required exams, of which there are three. The first exam is the GACE Program Admission Assessment, which is a basic skills test for core subjects such as reading, writing, and math. The second exam is the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment - Program Exit test. This test is designed to evaluate the participant's knowledge of the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators. The last exam is the edTPA, which is a state-approved content pedagogy assessment. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSNext">What's Next?</h3> <p>After a student has completed their necessary education, along with passing the required exams listed above, it is time to apply for an initial teacher's certification. The application can be found on the Georgia Professional Standards Commission website, and supporting documentation will need to be attached with the application. The supporting documentation includes official college transcripts from all schools the applicant has attended, the Employer Assurance Form, and the Verification of Lawful Presence Documentation file. The Verification of Lawful Presence Documentation must be an affidavit that has been notarized. </p> <h3 id="section---LicenseRenewal">License Renewal</h3> <p>In order for teachers to maintain their credentials in the state of Georgia, it is necessary to renew their teacher's licenses. The first requirement is that teachers are employed in a Georgia LUA at the time that the renewal is to take place. Secondly, teachers must have a minimum of one year of experience and complete a criminal background check. Teachers must also engage in professional learning on a continuing basis, in addition to setting written Professional Learning Goals (PLGs) and making progress that is deemed to be acceptable. For more information on renewal requirements or the renewal process, visit the Georgia Professional Standards Commission website.</p>