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The Elementary Education Paraprofessional and Career Changer Pathway is a program leading to a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and initial certification in Elementary Education, grades pre-kindergarten through 5th grade (P-5).
This program is 100% online and is designed to meet the needs of paraprofessionals and career changers. If you are interested in this program, please contact us for a transcript evaluation. There may be some prerequisite courses needed if you do not currently hold an associate’s degree from a University System of Georgia (USG) institution and/or your bachelor’s degree is from a field other than education.
The cohort-based program begins each fall (August). Students will complete 4-5 classes per semester. The program meets all Georgia Professional Standards Commission rules and requirements for initial certification, including field experiences and grade band requirements (K-1, 2-3, and 4-5).
**Please note this program fulfills the requirements for certification established by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, but not necessarily for any other state. More information can be found at the Out of State Students webpage.**
Students applying for the Special Education program should meet the following requirements:
Bachelor of Science in Education
Education Center
Rachel Abbott, Ph.D., CHES
rachel.abbott@gsw.edu
Thelma Sexton, Ed.D.
thelma.sexton@gsw.edu
Ready to take your education to the next level?
The Elementary Education program requires the completion of a concentration in Reading and Mathematics. The Elementary Education professional sequence enables students to develop understanding and abilities that are essential for teaching young students.
| Required Language Arts Courses | |
|---|---|
| EDRG 3020 | Language Arts |
| EDRG 3160 | Strategies of Teaching Early Literacy |
| EDRG 3280 | Literature for Children |
| EDRG 3260 | Strategies of Teaching Intermediate Literature |
| Required Mathematics Courses | |
| EDEC 3100 | Elementary Education Math Methods |
| MATH 2008 | Foundations of Numbers & Operations |
| MATH 3002 | Geometry for Teachers |
| MATH 3003 | Probability & Statistics for Teachers |
| MATH 4490 | History & Philosophy of Math |
This program allowed me to have the flexibility of being able to continue working and attend classes. It was a dream opportunity that allowed me to further my education and build a career that I loved.