Undergraduate Initial Teacher Certification

The Elementary/Special Education certificate program is designed for individuals who would like to be certified to teach children from K to 5th grade. Successful completion of the program and passing scores on the appropriate GACE Content Assessments lead to eligibility for initial certification. 

Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to: 

•Understand the young child from a holistic perspective with an emphasis upon the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains – as well as the child's environment

•Understand various curriculum models and best practices

•Construct and implement an integrated, developmentally appropriate curriculum for all areas of a child's development, including cognitive, emotional, social, and physical

•Demonstrate competency in developing and implementing a wide variety of diagnostic and assessment techniques and strategies

•Integrate technological advances into the curriculum  

Program Delivery Model 

The program is offered in a flexible format, which includes evening and online classes. Students are also required to participate in field experiences, which are during the day. Evening face-face classes meet one evening a week; some course-work may be offered in a hybrid classroom or online format. Online coursework will be in Canvas, Mercer’s course management system. Students typically register for two courses per eight-week session. Locations where the program is offered include: 
 

• Atlanta
• Douglas County
• Henry County
• Macon

The Middle Grades Education certificate program is designed for individuals who wish to be certified to teach children in Middle Level grades. Successful completion of the program and passing scores on the appropriate GACE Content Assessments lead to eligibility for initial certification. 

Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to: 

•Understand of the middle school philosophy and concept and knowledge of the characteristics of an effective middle school 

•Understand of middle school students and the uniqueness and diversity (age, ability, gender, special needs, etc.) exhibited by that group of students, and the ability and skills to meet the needs of the diversity exhibited in today's middle schools 

•Effectively plan, organize, implement, and assess curricular models that meet the unique needs of middle level students

•Effectively collaborate with families, community, and other partners

Program Delivery Model 

The program is offered in a flexible format, which includes evening and online classes. Students are also required to participate in field experiences, which are during the day. Evening face-face classes meet one evening a week; some course-work may be offered in a hybrid classroom or online format. Online coursework will be in Canvas, Mercer’s course management system. Students typically register for two courses per eight-week session. Locations where the program is offered include: 
 

• Henry County
• Douglas County
• Macon

In collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts - Traditional, day Macon degree-seeking students can add the secondary education certification to their majors in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, History, Physics, and Political Science. Students must meet the requirements for a degree in the relevant major and any additional courses required for certification. Learn more about this program, admissions requirements and application process. >