Advanced/Lead Professional

The fourth tier includes two different certificates designed for classroom teachers: Advanced Professional and Lead Professional. The Advanced Professional certificate is for teachers who demonstrate expert classroom practice and the Lead Professional certificate is for teachers who are leaders of their peers. It is important to note that the Lead Professional certificate is completely distinct from the Educational Leadership certificate. Lead Professional certificate holders are classroom teachers who fulfill leadership roles such as mentoring Induction teachers, whereas Educational Leadership certificate holders serve in administrative positions such as Principal or Superintendent.

Advanced Professional

Requirements for the Advanced Professional certificate include:

  • At least 10 years of acceptable educator experience, at least 3 of which must have been earned on a Georgia certificate within the last 5 years. Educator experience should be documented on the Experience Verification Form;
  • Meet Georgia’s Standards of Conduct;
  • One of the following:
    • Advanced degree in a teaching field held by the educator beyond the initial preparation program;
    • Certificate in Curriculum & Instruction or Instructional Technology;
    • NBPTS certification.

Lead Professional

Requirements for the Lead Professional certificate include:

  • A valid Advanced Professional certificate or at least 5 years of acceptable educator experience, at least 3 of which must have been earned on a Georgia certificate within the last 5 years. Educator experience should be documented on the Experience Verification Form;
  • One of the following:
    • Teacher Leadership certification;
    • Advanced degree in a teaching field beyond the initial preparation program and a Teacher Leader, Coaching, or Teacher Support & Coaching endorsement;
    • Certificate in Curriculum & Instruction or Instructional Technology and a Teacher Leader, Coaching, or Teacher Support & Coaching endorsement;
    • NBPTS certification and a Teacher Leader, Coaching, or Teacher Support & Coaching endorsement.
  • Receive ratings of satisfactory, proficient, or exemplary on the annual summative performance evaluation while holding a Georgia professional teaching certificate;
  • Passing score on the GACE Teacher Leadership assessment;

Validity

Advanced and Lead Professional certificates are valid for 5 years. For renewal requirements, please click here.

How to Apply

Once you meet the qualifications for an Advanced or Lead Professional certificate, please submit documentation of the specific requirements indicated above. Instructions on how to apply may be found here.