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There are several routes you may take to obtain a Georgia teaching certificate in the field of Elementary Education.Â
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If you hold a Georgia level 4 or higher professional or Five (5)-Year Induction teaching certificate:Â
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You may add the field of Elementary Education (P-5) to your existing certificate by completing a state-approved certification program in Elementary Education and passing the GACE assessment in Elementary Education.Â
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Please note that Georgia educators may not add the field of Elementary Education, unlike many other teaching fields, to their certificate simply by passing the GACE content assessment in the field.Â
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If you have never been professionally certified in GA but hold a professional teaching certificate in another state in Elementary Education or a comparable field:Â
You may apply for initial Georgia certification through interstate reciprocity. If you have not passed an acceptable content assessment in this field, you may be required to pass the appropriate GACE assessment. Please submit your application materials in order to determine which additional requirements, if any, you will be required to fulfill to obtain Georgia certification in this field.Â
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If you do not hold a professional teaching certificate in Elementary Education in any state:Â
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You must complete a state-approved educator preparation program, including a student teaching internship, in Elementary Education and pass the GACE assessment in Elementary Education. You may choose to complete a program in Georgia or another state. For a list of Georgia approved programs in this field, please click here.Â
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You may be able to qualify for a Provisional certificate before you have completed an approved program. This certificate is considered non-professional and is only valid for 3 years. Because this certificate can only be issued at the request of an employing Georgia school or school system, you must be hired to teach in this field in order to qualify for a Provisional certificate. In addition, you must meet the following requirements:Â
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- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a _GaPSC-accepted accredited institution.Â