Rule 505-2-.11 - International Exchange Certificate(1)Summary: The International Exchange Certificate is a time-limited certificate designed to allow eligible educators with J-1 Exchange Visitor Visas from other countries to come to the United States to teach in Georgia schools. The certificate is non-renewable and is only issued for teaching fields. The intent of this certificate is to provide a cultural exchange (not necessarily a physical teacher exchange between two countries) for Georgia students and international teachers. Should the educator choose to continue teaching in Georgia beyond the expiration of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, all requirements for the Induction, Professional or Non-Renewable Professional certificate must be satisfied.(2)Requirements.(a) Meet the following requirements: 1. Hold primary citizenship outside of the United States and are actively participating in an authorized Exchange Visitor Program.2. Hold the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.3. Hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution, or equivalent of a bachelor's degree or higher as accepted through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.29 EVALUATION OF CREDIT EARNED OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.4. Hold an educator credential equivalent to a professional certificate from the home country in a teaching field comparable to those recognized in Georgia.5. Pass the GACE Educator Ethics Assessment.6. Demonstrate proficiency in English as determined by the local unit of administration (LUA).7. Meet Standards of Conduct.(3)Application Requirements.(a) The Application for Certification must be submitted with the following: 2. GaPSC-accepted credential report (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.29 EVALUATION OF CREDIT EARNED OUTSIDE OF THE U.S).3. Photocopy of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.5. Have the certificate requested by the employing Georgia local unit of administration (LUA) following procedures outlined in Rule 505-2-.27 Certification Application Procedures.(4)Mentoring Requirements.(a) The LUA shall establish an Induction Plan collaboratively with the international exchange teacher in order to support professional learning. The plan will familiarize the international exchange teacher with district's and/or school's teaching and learning goals, identified developmental needs, prior preparation and experiences, and assessment results to drive professional learning.(5)Reissuance or Conversion.(a) An educator holding an International Exchange certificate who completes one exchange teacher experience with an authorized Exchange Visitor Program in Georgia and returns home for a minimum of one (1) year may qualify for one additional International Exchange certificate at the request of a Georgia LUA. To be eligible for the second exchange teacher experience, the educator must meet eligibility requirements outlined in paragraph (2) above.(b) An educator remaining in Georgia to continue teaching beyond the expiration of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa must meet all requirements for the Induction, Professional or Non-Renewable Professional certificate.(c) An International Exchange Certificate cannot be issued to an educator previously certified in Georgia with any title or type of certificate other than the International Exchange Certificate.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 505-2-.11
O.C.G.A. 20-2-200.
Original Rule entitled "Permitted Personnel" adopted. F. Dec. 18, 1991; eff. Jan. 7, 1992.Amended: Rule retitled "Permitted Personnel Alternatives." F. Apr. 6, 1992; eff. July 1, 1992, as specified by the Agency.Repealed: New Rule entitled "Validity Periods and Dating of Certificates" adopted. F. Dec. 16, 1992; eff. July 1, 1993, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. Apr. 29, 1994; eff. July 1, 1994, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. Dec. 9, 1998; eff. Jan. 1, 1999, as specified by the Agency.Repealed: New Rule entitled "Paraprofessionals" adopted. F. Feb. 20, 2004; eff. Mar. 15, 2004, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. June 23, 2005; eff. July 15, 2005, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. Aug. 3, 2006, eff. Sept. 1, 2006, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. Sept. 16, 2008; eff. Oct. 15, 2008, as specified by the Agency.Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 7, 2010; eff. July 15, 2010, as specified by the Agency.Repealed: New Rule entitled "International Exchange Certificate" adopted. F. Jun. 11, 2014; eff. July 1, 2014, as specified by the Agency.Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 11, 2020; eff. July 1, 2020, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. Dec. 11, 2020; eff. Jan. 1, 2021, as specified by the Agency.