Expanding the Pool of Teachers Policy
Georgia offers an alternate route with streamlined preparation that meets the immediate needs of new teachers.
The Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP) is typically offered in two phases. Phase 1 provides new teachers with a brief introduction to teaching offered in an 80-hour summer course called the Essentials of Effective Teaching. In the first year of teaching, new teachers will participate in six seminars (3 each semester). Seminars are based on a teacher's identified needs and interests. In the second year, teachers are required to complete four seminars.
Georgia is commended for both the length of its alternate route program and its coursework requirements, which offer the flexibility and content that new teachers need to succeed in the classroom, without being overly burdensome.
In phase 2, all GaTAPP candidates are assigned a three-person support team, including a school-based mentor and a school-based administrator.
The GaTAPP program is a two-year program providing full certification upon completion. If necessary, some teachers may be required to complete a third year prior to receiving certification.
Offer opportunities to practice teach.
While Georgia is commended for offering high-quality mentoring support to new alternate route teachers, the state may want to consider providing its candidates with a practice-teaching opportunity prior to their placement in the classroom.
Georgia recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis.