Credits: 42
CIP Code: 131210

Overview

The Post-Baccalaureate Certification Program in Elementary Education does not lead to a degree. This program is for individuals who already have earned an undergraduate degree. Students usually have a variety of undergraduate academic backgrounds. Some students already have many of the courses they need for eligibility for certification in the area in which they chose to teach, while others may have almost none. For this reason, each student's program is highly individualized and is determined in consultation with the Coordinator of the Program after admission. Applicants should contact the Department Chair regarding preparation for certification through this program.

In addition to successful completion of Post-Baccalaureate Certification program requirements, the State of Georgia is the agency that certifies teachers. Certification for teaching in the State of Georgia currently requires passing scores determined by the State and denotes exemptions on the GACE Basic Skills assessments and relevant content examinations. Students should contact the Department of Curriculum and Instruction to receive a copy of most recent approved state certification requirements. In order to be recommended for certification by Clark Atlanta University, students must be admitted to this program in the School of Education.

Program Objectives

Graduates of the Post-Baccalaureate Program in Elementary Education will:

1. Prepare candidates to attain broad knowledge in liberal arts, mathematics, and the natural and social sciences commensurate with content standards of national professional organizations.
2. Train candidates to hone their dispositions, critical thinking skills, and knowledge of psychomotor, cognitive and affective domains.
3. Introduce candidates to authentic theoretical models of best practices based on research in teaching and learning for P-5 classrooms.
4. Prepare candidates to engage in critical reflective practices using their pre-professional experiences.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the Post-Baccalaureate Program in Elementary Education requires the following:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
2. Submission of at least two (2) letters of recommendation: 1) Must be from a professor in the applicant's most recent degree program; and 2) should be from applicant's current or former supervisor or employer or from a program alumnus and/or community education stakeholder.
3. Documentation of national background check results consistent with teacher certification requirements; and
4. Evidence of personal liability insurance prior to placement for all field experiences.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students pursuing the Post-Baccalaureate Program in Elementary Education will:

1. Utilize a strong theoretical knowledge base of liberal arts, mathematics, and the natural and social sciences to prepare lesson plans.
2. Utilize high levels of critical thinking proficiency for working with diverse learners, their families, and communities.
3. Practice appropriate dispositions which support academic achievement of diverse learners.
4. Apply content knowledge and pedagogical and cultural competence in diverse field settings.
5. Use insights and reflections from pre-professional experiences that validate emerging professional development.

Program Completion Requirements

In addition to the General Degree Requirements as published in this Catalog and those specified by the School of Education, students pursuing the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Elementary Education must complete the following course requirements:

¹

Precludes the student taking any other courses or maintaining employment.

Participation in a weekly seminar is required.

Students seeking teacher certification must pass or be exempt from all relevant examinations required for certification by the State of Georgia. The opportunity to participate in Field Experience and Clinical Practice and therefore to finish the program depends on the candidate’s ability to satisfy criminal background check requirements. Because programs in the Department of Curriculum must be responsive to state certification requirements, students should contact the department to receive a copy of the most recently approved program.

Early Childhood Education, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

¹

May be completed at the graduate level and must be completed in residence.

²

Precludes the student taking any other courses or maintaining employment.