1. Certification Division
Recent Certification Changes
MyPSC Account
Simplifying Certification

2. Certification Rule Changes
Unsatisfactory Evaluations &Renewals
“An individual who has received two unsatisfactory annual evaluations within the previous five year period pursuant to Code Section  shall not be entitled to a renewable certificate prior to demonstrating that such performance deficiency has been satisfactorily addressed, but such an individual may apply to the commission for a non-renewable certificate.” O.C.G.A

3. Certification Rule Changes
Unsatisfactory Evaluations and Renewals
“An individual who receives two
un-remediated, unsatisfactory annual evaluations may request a 1-year Waiver certificate. The PSC will review the completed application and, if approved, a 1-year non-renewable Waiver certificate will be provided.”

4. Certification Rule Changes
Unsatisfactory Evaluations and Renewals
Educator must sign the application verifying an understanding that unless satisfactory remediation is completed during the 1-year waiver validity period, a clear renewable certificate will not be issued.

5. Certification Rule Changes
Unsatisfactory Evaluations and Renewals
Superintendent (or Designee) must sign to attest:
1. A Professional Development Plan will be implemented; and
2.The educator will not be issued a clear renewable certificate unless satisfactory performance is determined and a verification form signed by the superintendent.

6. Renewal Requirements Modified
HB 1307 Georgia Legislation provides
“from July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2015, no professional learning requirements shall be required for certificate renewal for clear renewable certificates for certificated personnel or for certificate renewal for paraprofessionals”.

7. Renewal Requirements Modified
HB 1307:
Temporarily suspends the PLU requirement for purposes of certificate renewal
Does not mean all professional learning is being suspended

8. Renewal Requirements Modified

9. Renewal Requirements Modified
The purpose of the legislation is provide flexibility and to assist educators during the budget crisis so that they would not have to pay for PLU credit to renew certificate.
It applies to clear renewable certificates that expire from June 30, 2011-June 30, 2015.

10. Renewal Requirements Modified
The certificate holders may be employed or unemployed.
Outstanding requirements other than PLUs must be completed such as Criminal Record Check.

11. Leadership Rule RULE INITIATED 9/9/10 Add Leadership Certification:
Georgia educators must complete a Educational Leadership Performance-Based Program
Presently no out-of-state Educational Leadership Performance-Based programs have been approved

12. Leadership Rule
NL “Pre-Service” certificate will not be issued after 12/15/10
NPL issued to educators in a leadership position at the request of the employer. PSC issues with the understanding that the educator is enrolled in a Leadership Performance-Based GaPSC approved program.
NPL is not issued for an educator in a leadership “role”.

13. Leadership Rule
Out-of-State educators never certified in Ga.who hold a Leadership certificate with 3 or more years of successful experience are eligible for a Leadership certificate (L).
Out-of-State educators who hold a Leadership certificate with less than 3 years of experience must complete a Performance-Based Leadership program.

14. Leadership Rule Leadership Certification & Upgrade:
Educators who hold an existing Georgia Leadership
certificate may:
1. Complete an out-of-state or in-state program if the institution meets the quality standards specified in the Educator Upgrade rule, or
2. Georgia-approved Educational Leadership Performance-based program.

15. Upgrade Rule Upgrade Options:
There are two options for advanced degree programs from which educators can select:
1. In-Field programs (advance in an existing certification field held by the educator)
2. New Field programs ( advance in a certification field not held by the educator)

16. Upgrade Rule Advanced Degree (s) Essential Requirements:
Options 1 and 2 both require the advanced degree to be in one of Georgia’s certification fields
Option 2 requires that the appropriate Georgia content assessment must be passed
(Fields that do not have a content assessment developed/specified will not require the assessment)

17. Upgrade Rule Increased quality control of Out-of-State institutions
-- NCATE / TEAC accreditation
-- Carnegie Research Classification (VH/H) 17

18. Upgrade Rule Educator Responsibilities
Determine if institution satisfies quality standards (PSC will post a list of institutions that satisfy quality standards)
PSC Procedure
PSC plans to require prior approval for out-of-state programs

19. 19 COLLEGE NCATE TEAC CARNEGIE CLASS APPROVED PROGRAMS 3-15/3-19
Argosy University no
American Intercontinental University
Ashford University/Rio Salado College
Cambridge College
candidate
yes
Capella University
Central Michigan University
Drexel University
RU/H
Eastern Michigan University
Fielding Graduate University
George Washington University
Grand Canyon University
Kaplan University
Liberty University
Lesley University
Lincoln Memorial University
National University
Nova Southeastern University
University of Phoenix
University of West Alabama
University of West Florida
Walden University
Western Governor's University 19

20. MyPSC Account GaPSC is paperless as of January 2, 2010
Eliminated the need to print and mail certificates/correspondence to educators.
Educators can update their personal profile, pay fees and view/print certification information from the website.
The GAPSC, in collaboration with DOE, is responsible for the implementation of NCLB particularly the “Highly Qualified” teacher program
We utilize data from many sources, our Certification records, the tri-annual CPI reports and the Student Records
Assist schools in ensuring that all students, including the poor and minority students have access and equitable opportunities to highly qualified instruction.
These measures include teachers’ instructional experience, ability to meet the diverse learning needs, and classroom size 20

21. What Does MyPSC Offer? MyPSC is accessible from the GaPSC website.
Educators have 24-hour access to their account information.
Secure login to GaPSC online environment.
Educators create and maintain their own account information.
PSC sends electronic notifications to the educator when updates have been made to their files.
The GAPSC, in collaboration with DOE, is responsible for the implementation of NCLB particularly the “Highly Qualified” teacher program
We utilize data from many sources, our Certification records, the tri-annual CPI reports and the Student Records
Assist schools in ensuring that all students, including the poor and minority students have access and equitable opportunities to highly qualified instruction.
These measures include teachers’ instructional experience, ability to meet the diverse learning needs, and classroom size 21

22. Impact of going paperless
Over 90% reduction in PSC postage cost
Initial spike in helpdesk calls and that
are now beginning to decrease
Improved efficiency of the certification division
due to less printing and mailing 22

23. Key Things To Know
A data file is being created for HR Directors to access through the .org account to provide a list of employees who have or need to establish a MyPSC Account.
Until the data file is created for the information.

24. Key Things To Know
If an educator is not registered for a MyPSC account, it will delay the certification process
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU ALWAYS USE THE APPLICATION REVISED APRIL 2009 AND THE EDUCATOR INCLUDES THEIR ADDRESS

25. Certification
PSC CONTACT INFORMATION
For school system certification issues only: 
For educator use
For computer issues with

26. Certification Updates
OTHER THINGS WORTH
MENTIONING

27. PSC Operating Procedures
Due to budget and staff reductions, the PSC must modify its standard operating procedures.
We will no longer be able to assist "walk-in" visitors.
Call Center will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Please direct questions to We regret any inconvenience.

28. Simplify Certification
GaPSC is initiating a study of certification rules/regulations/processes.
The GOAL is to reduce the complexity associated with certification.
Local support is necessary!
Input and support from Human Resource Directors and staff are ESSENTIAL!!!

29. Simplify Certification
Initial Meeting was held on July 14th and 15th with HR Directors and PSC staff
“Brainstorming” to generate ideas to reduce the complexity associated with rules and procedures
GaPSC/HR State Committee

30. Simplify Certification
PSC is initiating the following changes:
1. Move GaTAPP paths certificates under the Intern Teacher (IT) certificate.
The provider determines the path and enters specific designation in website;
2. Bring back Broad Field Social Science a Secondary Field;
3. Adjust to allow approved system staff to view communications sent to employees

31. Simplify Certification
Suggested changes:
Reduce the number of certificate titles and select names that are easy to comprehend
Increase the number of certificates that can be issued through gapsc.org website
Special Ga. Requirement: System determines how to satisfy the requirement (ex. Exceptional Child)
Add low incidence fields (vision, drama, etc) through GACE/experience.

32. Simplify Certification
Continued suggested changes:
5. Mirror choice in Expresslane with the application for certification
6. Reduce Paperwork duplication
7. Establish PSC-approved levels of
independent certification management