There are thirty Non-Traditional Educator Preparation Providers across the state of Georgia approved to offer programs that lead to certification. Regional education service agencies (RESAs), school systems, technical colleges, and Georgia-based non-profits provide alternative pathways to both initial teacher and leadership certification. Many also offer a wide selection of endorsements that enhance an educator’s professional knowledge and skills while adding value to his/her current certificate.

Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy, GaTAPP, is Georgia’s only alternative route to initial teacher certification. Designed for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher but have not yet completed a teacher preparation program, these programs can be a good fit for career-changers as well as recent graduates from bachelor’s degree programs.

Georgia Alternative Preparation for Educational Leadership programs offer job embedded pathways for candidates seeking Tier I and or Tier II Leadership certification. Designed for educators who are looking for a certification-only (non-degree) pathway, these programs instruct, guide, and support employed leaders helping them build the confidence, skills, and presence needed to lead.

Alternative preparation is defined as a post-baccalaureate program designed for individuals who have not prepared as teachers or leaders in a traditional preparation program. These preparation programs, which lead to an Educator Preparation Provider’s verification of meeting requirements for Georgia certification, but not a degree, recognize candidates’ earlier academic preparation and life experiences.

In order to earn and maintain GaPSC approval, non-traditional preparation programs must provide evidence of meeting the GaPSC approval standards and requirements described in applicable Educator Preparation Rules.