The following topics were discussed during the Georgia Professional Standards Commission's ("GaPSC") monthly meeting in January 2016:
|
|
Ethics Division
If one is interested in petitioning to obtain certification after a Revocation or Denial, she should contact the GaPSC directly. After inquiry, the GaPSC will send a letter outlining the steps to take and any documents that should be submitted to support the petition.
The GaPSC typically issues Reprimands or Denials for convicted felons who are attempting to enter the education profession for the first time.
The Commission denied certification to an applicant who was convicted of prostitution 30 or so years ago. The applicant had not had any recent criminal issues and was previously cleared to work with children by another state agency.
Abandonment of Contract
Between December of 2014 and December of 2015, the GaPSC received 29 complaints alleging abandonment of contract. Of those 29 complaints, the Commission sanctioned only five certificates.
The GaPSC will not sanction an educator's certificate for abandonment of contract if:
- The educator submitted her resignation before June 1, for the upcoming school year; or
- The educator resigned after June 1, and provided at least two weeks' notice for a documented promotion within the education profession; or
- The educator resigned after June 1, and provided at least two weeks' notice due to a severe illness within the family that requires the educator's full-time care and attention; or
- The educator resigned after June 1, and provided at least two weeks' notice due to a move for a spousal transfer that requires an "unreasonable commute" to and from work. What is or isn't an "unreasonable commute" is determined by the Commission on a case-by-case basis.
Systems are encouraged to work with educators who seek release from their contracts whenever possible; educators are encouraged to honor their contracts whenever possible.
Regarding abandonment of contract cases, the Commission's primary concern is the impact an educator leaving during the school year has on students.
|
|
Certification and Educator Preparation Divisions
The Commission approved Developmental Approval of the Tier 1 Educational Leadership educator preparation programs at Albany State University, Augusta University, Columbus State University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, Nova Southeastern University, University of Georgia, University of West Georgia and Valdosta State University.
Developmental Approval was granted to the Mathematics (6-12; Initial; Baccalaureate) and Media Specialist (P-12; Initial; Ed.S.) educator preparation programs at Valdosta State University (VSU). In addition, the Commission granted Continuing Approval to dozens of educator preparation programs at VSU. |
