Fort Valley State University

If you’re an in-service teacher looking for additional education or a young person dreaming of becoming a teacher, then Fort Valley State University’s College of Education has four new programs to meet your needs. The university has received developmental approval for two new degree programs and two certification programs from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission – the state’s teacher licensing board. The commission approved the Agriculture Education 6-12, post baccalaureate program, the Special Education /Early Childhood Education P-5, bachelor’s degree program, the Middle Grades Education 4-8, post baccalaureate program, and the School Counselor Education P-12, program.

“We’re going to several recruitment fairs in the state, and talking to prospective candidates,” said Dr. Judy Carter, dean of the College of Education. “We’re recruiting in-service teachers for the new post-baccalaureate and graduate degree programs and high school students for the bachelor’s programs.”
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission is responsible for the preparation and conduct of educators, as well as the development and administration of their certification and testing.

Furthermore, the GAPSC investigates, advises and monitors all cases associated with educator discipline. When the GAPSC grants developmental approval to teacher-education programs within the state, it means that the degree program meets each of the eight Georgia 2000 Standards. These standards are the same as NCATE standards and include candidates demonstrating content, pedagogical and professional knowledge, and that a professional education unit has an assessment system to collect data on its students.

The department has hired additional personnel to meet the influx of new students they expect for the new programs. Dr. Jerry Mobley will serve as the interim chair of the school counselor education program; Dr. Violet Johnson will be coordinator of the special education /early childhood program, Dr. Eleanor Sikes will continue serving as interim director of the middle grades education program and Dr. Curtis Borne coordinates the agriculture education program.

“These new programs are definitely going to increase our enrollment,” said Carter. “The preparation for the candidates in the program will also help improve our image.”

For more information, or to find out how to apply, contact Carter at (478) 825-6365