The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) held its monthly meeting Dec. 10, 2020.
New Commissioner
Abigail Coggin, a member of the Newton County Board of Education, was introduced as the newest commissioner.
Ethics Division
The Commission recommended a suspension of 20 days for a counselor accused of encouraging students to hit a fellow student. An educator was accused of having a sexual relationship with a young woman who dropped out of school but later re-enrolled in a virtual GED program. It appears the relationship began after the young woman, who is over the age of 18, dropped out but may have continued after she re-enrolled. The educator claims he did not know that the young woman re-enrolled. After deliberation, the Commission found no probable cause to sanction the educator’s certificate.
Educator Preparation Division
The Commission granted the following actions:
Developmental approval for the Educator Preparation Provider and the Elementary Education (P-5) Baccalaureate Program, and the Reading Endorsement at Andrew College.
Continuing approval for the Educator Preparation Provider and the following educator preparation programs at Brenau University:
Autism Endorsement
Biology (6-12); MAT degree
Chemistry (6-12); MAT degree
Elementary Education (P-5); Baccalaureate and MAT degree
English (6-12); MAT degree
ESOL Endorsement
History (6-12); MAT degree
K-5 Mathematics Endorsement
K-5 Science Endorsement
Mathematics (6-12); MAT degree
Middle Grades (4-8); MAT degree
Music (P-12); Baccalaureate degree
Physics (6-12); MAT degree
Reading Endorsement
Special Ed General Curriculum (P-12); Consultative; MAT degree
Continuing approval of the Chemistry (6-12); Baccalaureate degree program at Georgia Gwinnett College Developmental approval of the School Counseling (P-12); Master's degree program at Thomas University Continuing approval for the ESOL and Music (P-12); Certification-only and MAT degree programs at Valdosta State University Developmental Approval of the Online Teaching Endorsement at Coastal Plains RESA
December GaPSC Meeting The next GaPSC meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2021.
by Leonard Williams
PAGE Staff Attorney