Tift College of Education

Undergraduate Initial Teacher Certification

Initial Teacher Certification-Only at the Undergraduate Level

Non-degree, initial certification-only students are those students who have previously been awarded a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college or university in a major other than teacher education and plan to complete a teacher education undergraduate program of study at Mercer University in order so that they might be eligible to apply for a renewable Georgia teaching certificate at Level 4. Initial certification-only programs are similar to the degree programs; however, students in the initial certification-only programs are classified as "non-degree seeking."  

Early Childhood/Special Education

The Early Childhood/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

Middle Grades Education

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

Secondary Education

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. >

 

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

In order to be admitted to the Early Childhood/Special Education and Middle Grades Education initial certification-only programs, students must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Courses necessary for meeting state certification requirements will be determined after a review of transcripts of all undergraduate work by the appropriate program coordinator/advisor. After initial certification-only students are admitted to the program, they should begin the process of seeking admission to the Teacher Education Program. 

DAY FIELD EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

Field experience is an integral part of the Teacher Preparation Program. Each candidate is expected to complete a sequentially planned series of field experiences in diverse settings, and meet cluster requirements of their individual program plan. Field experiences are coordinated through the Office of Field Placement.

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