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:

• Must be employed by the district and not hold a bachelor's degree.
• Must complete an application with Human Resources and Employee Relations for program acceptance.
• Must agree to seek an education degree in elementary, middle, or secondary education (excludes physical education).
• Employees must pay for courses upfront and submit documentation for reimbursement.
  • Maximum reimbursement rate per credit hour of $182 and a maximum fee reimbursement per semester of $500
• Reimbursement is only for costs not covered by a state or federal grant or scholarship program. All participants will have to submit proof of completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Reimbursement will be tiered on individual academic course grades each semester:
  • A= 100%
  • B = 85%
  • C = 70%
• Proof of course completion (final grades) and tuition & fee payment will be submitted each semester to Human Resources and Employee Relations for verification and processing each semester/quarter.

District Requirements:

• District will process reimbursement payments as follows:
  • The payment to the individual will be processed in the month preceding the end of the term or quarter, provided all documentation is submitted in a timely manner
  • Reimbursement payments will not count toward TRS or other retirement programs and will not be subject to payroll taxes (Medicare, Federal or State Taxes, or other elected benefit contributions)
• The maximum reimbursement rate per credit hour is $182, and the maximum fee reimbursement per semester is $500. Reimbursement for the tuition rate will be done per class and credit hour based on final grades. Reimbursement for fees will be done per semester/quarter based on the college or university program fee structure. 
• Upon program completion, the employee is guaranteed an interview for open teaching positions in the district.
• Human Resources will provide support and regular monitoring for each candidate.
• Principal or supervisor will work with candidate to ensure support provided for balancing job duties 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