Post-Baccalaureate Certificate In World Language Teacher Certification

The World Language Teacher Graduate Certificate is for individuals who hold a university undergraduate or graduate degree (with a GPA higher than 2.50) to return for the preparation required to be recommended for clear and renewable certification (grades kindergarten through 12^th-grade) to the Georgia Performance Standards Commission (GaPSC) to teach a world language (Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Korean).

GSU World Languages and Cultures M.A. students may use nine credits from their program (FORL 6128 and electives FORL 8125 and FORL 8126), leaving only 9-12 more credits needed to be recommended for a renewable certificate.

This program is grounded in educational theory, research and best teaching practices, integrating principles of social justice and equity. Throughout the program, students take specialized education and content courses and gain practical experience in kindergarten through 12th grade. Faculty support teacher candidates in planning, instruction, assessment and reflection with colleagues, faculty and partner schools who are committed to excellence in education.

This program also includes the option of pursuing a Dual Language Immersion endorsement for individuals with an interest in teaching elementary school courses (typically math, science and social science) in the target language with additional coursework.

For individuals seeking a Masters degree with teaching certification, the 30 credit Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) in World Languages Education program affords program graduates the opportunity to explore multidisciplinary teaching with the possibility of an endorsement (ESOL, DLI, Urban Education) or to deepen their mastery of the target language. The World Language Teacher Graduate Certificate is embedded in the 30 credit MIS in World Languages Education. Thus, the MIS leads to a teaching degree with a clear and renewable (T5) induction certificate in the state of Georgia with a step advance on the pay scale above the (T4) certification only.

Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health professions, etc.) may require additional approval from separate licensing boards, depending on the state. Students who live or plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.

When applying to the World Language Teacher Certification; Graduate Certificate program, you will need to submit several documents for review.

• Online Application
• Application Fee of $50
• Successful completion of GACE Foreign Language content exam or ACTFL OPI
• Resume (upload with the application)
• Goal Statement (upload with application – statement should describe interest in teaching and background experiences in the target language use –study abroad, family connections, travel, or favorite coursework)
• Two Letters of Recommendation (identify your recommenders on the application); (a) academic professional letter, (b) a letter from someone who can evaluate the applicant’s personal qualifications, experience, and background in light of the potential to work successfully with students at the P-12 levels or (c) a letter from a current work supervisor (if applicable)
• Official Transcript(s): minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA required for admission
  • submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended either electronically to gradapplytranscripts@gsu.edu or by mailing directly to Georgia State University | Office of Graduate Admissions | P.O. Box 4018 Atlanta, GA 30302

If you do not already meet certification requirements in Georgia, you will also need to complete the following prior to program admission:

• Georgia Educator Ethics – Program Entry (350)
• GACE Program Admission Assessment

You may exempt this test if you have received appropriate minimum scores on the ACT/GRE/or SAT. — For exemption score details, click here.

View information and how to register for the GACE Program Admission Assessment and the Georgia Educator Ethics-Program Entry.

View the World Languages Teacher Graduate Certificate Program Advising Check Sheet.

Not all programs are available to residents in all states. Please check the institution's State Authorization and Professional Licensure website(s) to ensure you reside in an authorized state.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges