Georgia Professional Standards Commission Meeting Report - February 2025

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) met virtually Feb. 12 and 13. Most of the meeting was devoted to updates provided by Executive Secretary Jody Barrow and previews of rule changes that will be formally considered during the March meeting.

New GaPSC Executive Secretary

Late last year, Gov. Brian Kemp named Dr. Joseph (Jody) Barrow as the new Executive Secretary of the GaPSC. Barrow previously served as a Georgia teacher, principal, and superintendent. Immediately prior to his appointment, Barrow served as the Deputy Director of the Georgia School Superintendents Association (GSSA). PAGE congratulates Dr. Barrow on his appointment and looks forward to continuing to work with him, GaPSC staff, and commission members. 

Executive Secretary Update

Barrow provided a brief legislative and budget update before reviewing recent presentations GaPSC staff had conducted at various events.

Barrow then reported that the Georgia Early Literacy Act required educator preparation programs to submit evidence to the GaPSC confirming implementation of the new Foundations of Reading, Literacy, and Language standards. According to the commission's review of these submissions, 55 of 67 providers (82%) met all expectations.

Rules

The following two rules were initiated last month and will be considered for approval at the March meeting:

505-2-.46 MILITARY SUPPORT CERTIFICATE

505-3-.06 PEDAGOGY-ONLY PROGRAM

Ethics

The commission approved all recommendations for cases on the agenda.

Educator Preparation & Certification

The commission granted developmental approval for an educator preparation program at Emmanuel University.

Next Meeting The next committee meetings are virtual on March 12. The next commission meeting is virtual on March 13  The full calendar of 2024-2025 GaPSC meetings can be found HERE.The next committee meetings are virtual on Dec. 11.