1. Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy
Michelle Pitts - TAPP Coordinator
Lynn Ridgeway- TAPP Field Supervisor
Jim Isenberg- TAPP Field Supervisor
Debbie Collins- TAPP Field Supervisor
Christi Peterman- TAPP Field Supervisor
Joni Hurt- TAPP Administrative Assistant
All Questions to:

2. TAPP
An alternative certification route for individuals who did not complete teacher certification requirements as part of their degree program.

3. TAPP
Utilized by the state of Georgia to address teacher shortage issues or to fill high need areas.
Enables individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher to earn teacher certification.
Offered by various program providers throughout Georgia.

4. TAPP
Supervised internship/induction program with the goal of producing proficient teachers.
Two-year comprehensive program

5. TAPP Successes
We have many candidates who have been nominated and/or selected as school or system “Teacher of the Year.”
Some have continued to become Administrators.
Griffin RESA has 119 candidates currently participating in our program.

6. TAPP Eligibility Requirements
Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree
Passing score for GACE I (Program Admission)
Or exempt with test scores (verbal/math):
SAT: 1000
ACT: 43
GRE: 1030
Passing score for GACE II
Content Assessment
Secure a teaching position with a SACS Accredited school (Southern Association of College and Schools)

7. TAPP Fees $4500 for Year I ($375 per month)
$1600 for Year II ($ per month)
* Payroll deducted in Monthly Installments
*These are FY 15 fees and are subject to change for next year. (Non-member system and Private school fees are different.)

8. Payroll Deduction of Fees
The systems have agreed to provide payroll deduction of fees. The system will pay the cost upfront then deduct the cost from the employee’s monthly paycheck.
Example for Year I fees: $375 per month will be deducted for 12 months.
Example for Year II fees: $133 per month will be deducted for 12 months.

9. Thank you to our member systems
This agreement with the systems will help alleviate the financial hardship on TAPP candidates.
If a candidate withdraws from TAPP, he/she will be responsible for repayment to the system.

10. Griffin RESA TAPP Services
Butts
Henry
Lamar
Newton
Pike
Spalding
Upson
Fayette

11. Approved Certification Areas: Secondary Education (6-12)
English
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Business, Technology, Family/Consumer Science

12. Approved Certification Areas: Middle Grades (4-8)
Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Science
Reading

13. Additional Certification Areas
Early Childhood Certification
Foreign Language Music, Art, Health/Physical Education
Special Education General Curriculum Special Education Adaptive Curriculum
CTAE

14. Completion Requirements
Proficient Portfolio
Proficient Observations by the TAPP Coordinator or Field Supervisor
Proficient Observations by the building level Administrator
Completion of required coursework.
Passing scores on GAPSC Ethics and edTPA Assessments
Attend monthly TAPP seminars

15. Required Coursework
Identification of the Exceptional Child – (P-12 in all areas)
The Teaching of Reading (P-12) – (Only elementary, middle, and special education)
Additional seminars held monthly by TAPP Coordinator

16. Griffin RESA Thank you for your interest in TAPP.
Thank you to the Human Resource Directors from our member school systems for their presence and participation in tonight’s information session.

17. Conclusion
Comments from Dr. Stephanie Gordy, Executive Director, Griffin RESA.
Comments from Human Resource Directors.
General questions from the audience.
Please hold specific, individual questions for discussions with the HR Directors or TAPP Coordinator.

18. For more information www.griffinresa.net www.gapsc.com