Georgia Professional Standards Commission Meeting Report - June 2026

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) held virtual committee meetings June 10 and a full commission meeting June 11.

Executive Secretary Update

GaPSC Executive Secretary Jody Barrow reported the literacy coaching endorsement taskforce has been meeting to implement measures from HB 1193, the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026. A taskforce has also begun working on possible revisions to Tier 1 and Tier 2 certifications. The work of both groups will be presented to the full commission for review.

Barrow also noted the GaPSC and other agencies have developed a FAQ to provide guidance on SB 150 and the Return-to-Work program.

Rules

Several rules changes were previewed. Formal action to initiate these rules will take place at future GaPSC meetings.

Educator Preparation & Certification

The commission granted Continuing Approval to the following educator preparation programs (EPPs):

Metro RESA

• Alt Prep for Educational Leadership Tier I (P-12) [Certification-only]

• Alt Prep for Educational Leadership Tier II (P-12) [Certification-only]

• Coaching Endorsement

• Dyslexia Endorsement

• ESOL Endorsement

• Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation & Pedagogy (GaTAPP)

• Gifted In-Field Endorsement

• Intervention Specialist Endorsement

• K-5 Math Endorsement

• K-5 Science Endorsement

• Multi-Tiered System of Supports Facilitator Endorsement

• One Year Elementary Certification-only Program

• Online Teaching Endorsement

• Reading Endorsement

• STEM Education Endorsement

• Teacher Leader Endorsement

A progress report addressing all areas for improvement cited during the Spring 2026 Continuing Approval Review is due Dec. 10, 2026.

North Georgia RESA

• Coaching Endorsement

• Dyslexia Endorsement

• ESOL Endorsement

• Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation & Pedagogy (GaTAPP)

• Gifted In-Field Endorsement

• One Year Elementary Certification-only Program

• Online Teaching Endorsement

• Reading Endorsement

A progress report addressing the Areas for Improvement (AFIs) cited during the Spring 2026 Continuing Approval Review is due June 10, 2027.

Reinhardt University

• Biology Education (6-12) [Baccalaureate degree]

• Dyslexia Endorsement

• Elementary Education (P-5) [Baccalaureate degree; Master’s of Arts in Teaching degree]

• English Education (6-12) [Baccalaureate degree]

• History Education (6-12) [Baccalaureate degree]

• Middle Grades Education (4-8) - Language Arts, Math, Reading, Science, Social science [Baccalaureate degree]

• Music Education (P-12) [Baccalaureate degree]

• Pedagogy-only Program (4-8, 6-12, P-12) [Certification-only; Master’s of Arts in Teaching degree]

• Reading Endorsement

• Secondary Mathematics Education (6-12) [Baccalaureate degree]

A progress report addressing the Areas for Improvement (AFIs) cited during the Spring 2026 Continuing Approval Review is due Sept. 10, 2026.

The commission granted Developmental Approval to the following EPPs:

Morehouse College

• Health and Physical Education (P-12) [Baccalaureate degree]

• History Education (6-12) [Baccalaureate degree]

• Science Education (6-12) [Baccalaureate degree]



University of North Georgia

• Special Education General Curriculum (P-12) [Baccalaureate degree; Master’s of Arts in Teaching degree]

Mercer University

• Urban Education Endorsement

West Georgia RESA

• K-5 Mathematics Endorsement

The commission also granted Albany State University its requested one-year deferral of the Spring 2028 Continuing Approval Review to Fall 2029.

Full Committee Report

Ethics

The Educator Ethics Review Committee (EERC) consent agenda was approved with no cases pulled for discussion.

During the EERC meeting, the committee discussed a case in which a parapro tried to restrain a disruptive student. The student became violent, threatened to harm other students. The parapro pressed the school panic button. The parapro was accused of pushing, pulling/dragging the student, and placing his arms around the student’s neck. At least two videos of the incident exist. The parapro resigned. The GaPSC determined there was probable cause for a suspension of five days.

Next Meeting The next committee meetings are virtual July 8, 2026. The next commission meeting is virtual July 9, 2026. The full calendar of 2025-2026 GaPSC meetings can be found HERE.