Overview:
In response to the ongoing teacher shortage in Georgia, Georgia State University's College of Education & Human Development (CEHD) has joined forces with four school districts in the state.
In response to the ongoing teacher shortage in Georgia, Georgia State University’s College of Education & Human Development (CEHD) has joined forces with four school districts in the state.
The initiative, known as the Pathways to Teacher Credentialing Project, aims to alleviate the teacher shortage by preparing and retaining educators in the critical areas in the following metro area districts: Atlanta Public Schools, Gwinnett County Public Schools, the Newton County School System, and Rockdale County Public Schools.
According to a press release from Georgia State, provisionally licensed teachers currently in the classroom and paraprofessionals with bachelor’s degrees in the partner districts will be able to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. This advanced degree program is designed to equip them with the qualifications to become certified teachers of record.
Concurrently, licensed and certified classroom teachers will pursue a Master of Education degree, enhancing their skills and facilitating career advancement.
Over three years, the CEHD will actively support the professional development of 270 educators participating in the Pathways to Teacher Credentialing Project. The initiative addresses the immediate need for qualified teachers and seeks to create a stable workforce within these districts.
All participants in the program commit to teaching in their respective districts for a specified period following graduation.
The project leverages the success of the CEHD alumni, with approximately 95 percent choosing to stay in the metro Atlanta area for their careers. An impressive 87 percent are still working in high-needs schools three years after graduation, highlighting the effectiveness of the college’s teacher education programs in retaining talent.
Financial support for the Pathways to Teacher credentialing Project comes from various sources, including contributions from Georgia State University, the four partner school districts, federal- and state-level TEACH Grants, and The Goizueta Foundation.
“The quality of a child’s teacher has a tremendous impact on their learning,” emphasized Laura May, CEHD Associate Dean and Project Director. “We’re excited to see multiple stakeholders come together to support this meaningful, long-term professional development program.”