Teach Like a Packer

Participant Requirements:

• Must be hired by the district as a teacher of record with a provisional teaching certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission
• Must hold a bachelor's degree in some field other than education
• Agrees to enroll in one of the below Alternative Certification Programs upon hiring
  • Southwest Georgia RESA https://www.swresa.org/gatapp
  • Wiregrass Georgia Technical College GaTAPP Program  https://www.wiregrass.edu/academics/gatapp
• Agrees to complete the program in a maximum of two (2) years
• Agrees to set checkpoints with Principal and Human Resources and understands that If not on track for completion at January checkpoints, will be ineligible for contract renewal
• Agrees to terms that if participants decide during the program to change to a Master of Arts in Teaching program, they will owe the district back the program fees already paid

District Requirements:

• District agrees to pay all program fees upfront
• Human Resources Department will provide support and regular monitoring for each candidate
• Principal will work with candidate to ensure support provided for balancing job duties and program requirements

Participant Requirements (District Employed):

• Must be employed by the Colquitt County School District or as an ESS employee of the Colquitt County School District and not hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Must have been employed by the district for a minimum of two years.
• Must complete an application with Human Resources and Employee Relations for program acceptance.
• Must provide a letter of recommendation from a principal or department head with the application.
• Must agree to seek an education degree in elementary, middle, or secondary education (excludes physical education).
• Participants will be responsible for paying tuition and fees upfront.
• Reimbursement will be provided after participants:
  • Successfully complete their each semester or quarter,
  • Submit term transcripts showing grades,
  • Submit a summary of tuition and fees charges and payments, including any loans or grants applied.
• Maximum reimbursement rates:
  • $182 per credit hour.
  • $500 per semester for fees.
• Reimbursement will only cover costs not funded by state or federal grants or scholarships. Proof of FAFSA submission is required.
• Reimbursement amounts are tiered based on final grades for individual courses:
  • A: 100% reimbursement
  • B: 85% reimbursement
  • C: 70% reimbursement

Participant Requirements (ESS):

• Must be hired by the Colquitt County School District in a teaching position after completing their bachelor’s degree in education in elementary, middle or secondary education (excludes physical education) while employed with ESS in the Colquitt County School District.
• Must provide a letter of recommendation from a principal or department head with the application. 
• Participants will be responsible for paying tuition and fees upfront while employed with ESS in the District for the degree they are seeking.
• Reimbursement will be provided after participants:
  • Successfully complete their program of study;
  • Have obtained their teaching certification through GaPSC;
  • Been offered and approved by the Board of Education for a teaching position in the District; 
  • Submits a summary of tuition and fees paid, including those charges covered by loans or grants, while in program and employed by ESS in the District;
  • Submits a copy of their official transcripts
• Participants will be reimbursed for all eligible tuition and fees in one payment within the first semester of employment in the District, dependent on the successful submission of documents.  
• Maximum reimbursement rates:
  • $182 per credit hour.
  • $500 per semester for fees.
• Reimbursement will only cover costs not funded by state or federal grants or scholarships.  Proof of FAFSA submission is required.
• Reimbursement amounts are tiered based on final grades for individual courses:
  • A: 100% reimbursement
  • B: 85% reimbursement
  • C: 70% reimbursement

District Requirements:

• Reimbursement will be processed only after the participant meets all requirements, including certification and contract signing.
• Reimbursement will not count toward TRS or other retirement programs and will not be subject to payroll taxes (e.g., Medicare, federal or state taxes, or other elected benefit contributions).
• Maximum reimbursement rates remain:
  • $182 per credit hour.
  • $500 per semester for fees.
• Tuition reimbursement will be calculated per class and credit hour based on final grades, while fees will be reimbursed per semester/quarter based on the college or university program fee structure.
• The district guarantees an interview for open teaching positions upon program completion for District Employees in the Tuition Reimbursement program. 
• ESS employees hired by the district after meeting all of the program requirements will be reimbursed during the first semester of their employment with the district. 
• Human Resources will provide ongoing support and monitoring for participants.
• Principals or supervisors will collaborate with candidates to ensure they have support in balancing job responsibilities and program requirements.

Complete Interest Application for Tuition Reimbursement

Georgia Educator Ethics (360) Course – Any employee participating in one of the above programs will be eligible to have the cost of the Georgia Educator Ethics Course covered by the district. The cost is $30 per test.

GACE Test Preparation – GACE preparation course will be offered Fall and Spring for employees needing to take the GACE. Information will be announced as dates and times are determined.

Examples of Options to a Bachelor's Degree in Education:

• Southern Regional Technical College Associate Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education
  • Articulation Agreements with Albany State University and Thomas University for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education
  • SRTC https://southernregional.edu/transfer-agreements
• Albany State University
  • https://www.asurams.edu/academic-affairs/college-of-business-education-professional-studies/school-of-education/teacher-education/index.php
• Thomas University https://www.thomasu.edu/majors/bachelor-degrees/education-degrees/education-bachelor-degrees/
• Valdosta State University
  • https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/education/teacher-education/
  • Offers a fully online elementary education degree
• Gordon Sate College Para to Teacher Program
  • Online program for current paraprofessionals
  • Leads to a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education
  • Must complete what essentially equals an associates degree prior to starting the education program. Can be completed with Gordon or transferred in.
  • Program begins every Fall and takes two years to complete.
  • https://www.gordonstate.edu/academics/school-education/elementary-special-education/parapro-to-teacher-education-program/index.html