Early Childhood Education
A candidate seeking Early Childhood Certification-only must hold a minimum of a master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field other than early childhood education or an undergraduate degree in education. The department chair evaluates a candidate’s transcript and outlines a program of study necessary for the candidate to be recommended for ECE certification. A minimum of 15 hours of course work, unless approved by the department chair, must be completed at Piedmont College (This does not include the clinical practice block). The candidate must maintain a GPA of 3.0 on all coursework completed for certification, with not more than one grade of “C.” The candidate must also pass the GACE Program Admissions Assessments (or file exemption). Students in certification-only programs must successfully pass the appropriate GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators) test(s) in order to be recommended for certification. Completion of requirements for Certification Only does not lead to a degree.
Secondary Education
Certification only is an option (not a program) for Broadfield Science, English, history, and mathematics and may be requested by a prospective candidate who holds a master degree from an accredited institution and prefers not to pursue an additional masters degree while seeking certification for grades 6-12 in one of the fields offered at Piedmont College. The applicant’s transcript is reviewed by the adviser in the intended field of certification. A proposed program of study is designed to ensure depth in the content field, as well as meeting all requirements prescribed in the field of education, including an apprenticeship or internship. The proposed program is reviewed by the department chair and, if approved, serves as the advisement sheet for that candidate. All other procedures and requirements of the School of Education and the college apply. Students in certification-only programs must successfully pass the appropriate GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators) test(s) in order to be recommended for certification. Completion of this program does not lead to a degree in education.
Middle Grades Education
A candidate seeking Middle Grades Certification-only (4-8) must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a PSC-accepted accredited institution. The candidate must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in all coursework completed for certification, with not more than one grade of “C,” and must pass the appropriate GACE test(s) as a prerequisite for certification. The candidate must complete the graduate admission to teacher education process, including passing the GACE Program Admissions Assessments as a prerequisite for student teaching or internship. In order for Piedmont College to recommend certification, at least 27 semester hours must be taken at Piedmont College. When appropriate, Piedmont College will accept Professional Learning Unit (PLU) credits, teaching internship, and/or other experiences in lieu of similar college credit courses for post-baccalaureate candidates. Transfer credits 10 years or older are not accepted. Completion of requirements for certification-only does not lead to a degree. Completion of the program leads to recommendation for a Georgia induction certificate in middle grades education. Students in certification-only programs must successfully pass the appropriate GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators) content test(s) in order to be recommended for certification.
Special Education
Certification only is an option (not a program) that may be requested by a prospective candidate who holds a master’s degree from an accredited institution and prefers not to pursue an additional master’s degree while seeking certification in Special Education, general curriculum. The applicant’s transcript is reviewed by the advisor in the applicant’s intended field of certification. A proposed program of study is designed to provide depth of knowledge as well as applied experiences in the form of practica, student teaching, or internships. A minimum of 15 semester hours must be taken at Piedmont College. The proposed program is reviewed by the department chair and, if approved, serves as the advisement sheet for that candidate. All other procedures and requirements of the school of education and the college apply. Students in certification-only programs must successfully pass the appropriate GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators) test(s) in order to be recommended for certification. Completion of this program does not lead to a degree in special education.
Music Education
A candidate seeking Music Certification-Only must hold a minimum of a master’s degree in music from an accredited institution. The music department chair evaluates a candidate’s transcript and outlines a program of study necessary for the candidate to be recommended for certification in music (B-12) in the State of Georgia. When appropriate, staff development units, teaching internship, and/or other experiences will be accepted in lieu of the same or similar college courses completed at other institutions. The candidate must maintain a GPA of 3.0 on all coursework completed for certification, earning no more than one grade of “C” during the course of study. The candidate must also complete the admission to teacher education process (unless a valid Georgia certificate is held) and pass the GACE Program Admissions Assessment (or demonstrate exemption) as a prerequisite to apprentice teaching or internship. Students in certification-only programs must successfully pass the appropriate GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators) content test(s) in order to be recommended for certification. Completion of this program does not lead to a degree in music education.
Drama Education
Certification-only is an option (not a program) that may be requested by a prospective candidate who holds a master’s degree from an accredited institution and prefers not to pursue an additional master’s degree while seeking certification in drama education, general curriculum. The applicant’s transcript is reviewed by the advisor in the applicant’s intended field of certification. A proposed program of study is designed to provide depth of knowledge as well as applied experiences in the form of practica, student teaching, or internships. The proposed program is reviewed by the department chair and music education coordinator and, if approved, serves as the advisement sheet for that candidate. All other procedures and requirements of the School of Education and the college apply. Students in certification- only programs must successfully pass the appropriate GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators) content assessments in order to be recommended for certification. Completion of this program does not lead to a degree in drama education.
Instructional Technology
Georgia educators who hold professional teacher certification may wish to pursue a six-course sequence (18 credits) in order to obtain Certification in Instructional Technology. Applicants must hold the minimum of a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
School Leadership
Educators who hold professional educator certification in Georgia (who have three or more years of teaching experience) and who demonstrate disposition for school leadership, and who successfully complete requirements for certification (24 credits – 12 credits beyond the Ed.S. degree in Curriculum and Instruction), are eligible for recommendation for Tier I educational leadership certification. Candidates must hold the Education Specialist degree (Ed.S.) or the equivalent.