Georgia TAPP

 
 
 
 

Become a Certified Teacher Through an Alternative Pathway at SWGA RESA

The Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP) is an alternative certification program

for individuals who want to become certified teachers in Georgia without completing a traditional teacher

preparation program.

GaTAPP is designed for professionals who are transitioning into education from another career and have

secured a teaching position with a Georgia-accredited school system. Candidates earn their teaching

certification while serving as full-time classroom teachers.

About the Program

The program begins with the Essentials of Effective Teaching Course, which equips new teachers with the

foundational skills needed for success in the classroom. Throughout the program, candidates develop the

knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions required to earn a Georgia Professional Teaching Certificate.

Most candidates complete the program within 12–24 months, depending on their certification area.

Is GaTAPP Right for You?

GaTAPP is designed for individuals who:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university

  • Want to transition into teaching from another career

  •  Have not completed a teacher preparation program

  •  Have never held a clear, renewable (Professional) Georgia teaching certificate

  •  Have secured a teaching position with a Georgia-accredited school system

Program Highlights

Job-embedded while teaching full-time

  •  12–24 month program (varies by certification area)

  •  Face-to-face instruction and personalized support

  •  Summer Essentials of Effective Teaching Course

  •  Monthly Saturday seminars

  •  Additional required professional learning

  •  Individual coaching throughout the program


Admission Requirements

Application packets must be submitted by the employing school system.

  • Applicants must:

    •  Secure a teaching position with a local school system within the SWGA RESA service area.

    • Hold a conferred bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

      • For Career & Technical Specialization and Healthcare Science certification fields, hold a

        conferred associate’s degree (or higher) in a related field.

    • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 on the bachelor’s degree (or higher) used for admission.

      • GPA waivers are available for eligible candidates.

    • Pass the appropriate GACE Content Assessment for the desired certification field and teaching

      assignment.

    • Complete the 351 GACE® Ethics for Teachers

    • Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

      Important: Admission requirements may vary by certification field. Some certification areas have additional education, testing, or experience requirements. Contact SWGA RESA to discuss your eligibility before applying.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re interested in becoming a certified teacher through GaTAPP, contact SWGA RESA for application

information and upcoming program dates. Our team is here to guide you through the certification process and

support you every step of the way.

For more information about GaTAPP, please contact:

Janna Beanblossom | GaTAPP Director | jbeanblossom@swresa.org

Jennifer Majors | GaTAPP Registrar | jmajors@swresa.org