According to GaPSC, about 40 percent of new teachers leave the profession within five years. Koballa said that it is difficult to determine the effects the new certification system will have on teacher salaries and on pursuing higher education. GaPSC has said the state will continue to use certification levels to determine placement on the salary schedule. "We don't know how long this will continue," Koballa said.

  The new certification rules were developed over a 12 month period by a task force representing educators, the board of regents and government agencies. GaPSC published the new rules earlier this spring. After a comment period, a revised version was adopted which became effective July 1.

  The intent of the new tiered certification, according to GaPSC, is to bring together a number of system innovations at one time. The organization says innovations include development of induction standards, changes that will professionalize professional learning, create a tie-in to the new statewide teacher evaluation system (TKES) and finally include measures to strengthen teacher preparation. "Bringing together multiple system innovations at one time in indeed a worthy goal," according to Koballa. "But time will tell if the new tiered certification makes a positive difference in student learning."

  Here is a brief description of the new tiers from GaPSC. Click here for a more detailed explanation of the new system as well as other rule changes.   

1. Pre-Service: This tier is intended for educator candidates completing field experiences or student teaching in Georgia schools. It will require enrollment in an initial certification preparation program, successful federal and state background checks, and completion of the new Georgia Educator Ethics Exam.  

2. Induction: This tier is intended for teachers with fewer than 3 years of experience within the last 5 years. It is also issued in some service certificate fields, such as Media Specialist and School Counseling. There are multiple pathways to Induction certification, and each has specific qualifications. The pathways are designed to address the needs of

those completing a traditional educator preparation program in Georgia, those completing an educator preparation program in another state, early career educators who are certified in another state and those who have begun teaching before completing an educator preparation program. The Induction certificate replaces the formerly used Non-Renewable Non-Professional and GaTAPP certificates. It is also issued to many people who would have qualified for an initial Clear Renewable or Technical Specialist certificate under the former system.

3. Professional: The new Professional certificates are either Performance-Based or Standard. Both types of Professional certificate require at least 3 years of experience within the last 5 years and a Professional level passing score on the GACE content

exam. Performance-Based Professional certificates are for those teachers who have been evaluated for at least two years on the statewide Teacher Keys Effectiveness System (TKES) and for leaders who have completed a Georgia performance-based certification program. Standard Professional certificates are issued in all service fields, as well as to leaders who have not completed a performance-based program (those who hold field 704) and to teachers who do not have the TKES evaluations required for the

Performance-Based Professional certificate. For example, teachers working in private schools or in positions outside of the classroom are not evaluated on TKES and therefore will be issued a Standard Professional certificate.

4. Advanced/Lead Professional: The fourth tier includes two different certificates: Advanced Professional and Lead Professional. Both of these certificates are designed for classroom teachers, and both require a minimum of 5 years of experience, with 3 years on the TKES system. The Advanced Professional certificate is for teachers who

demonstrate expert classroom practice, evidenced by Exemplary performance ratings and advanced education or NBPTS certification. The Lead Professional certificate is for teachers who are leaders of their peers. It will also require Exemplary performance ratings; other qualifications include holding certification in Teacher Leadership or an

endorsement in Teacher Leader, Coaching, or Teacher Support Specialist and a passing score on the GACE Teacher Leadership content assessment. These certificates will not be issued until July 1, 2015, or later.

  On July 1, 2014, all valid Clear Renewable teaching and service certificates were converted to Standard Professional certificates. Non-Renewable certificates remained unchanged.