Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 505-2-.45

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through October 29, 2024

Rule 505-2-.45 - Montessori Certificate

(1)Summary: Montessori education has over 100 years of history and is practiced in more than 500 public schools across the United States. Both child-centered and highly structured, Montessori education has been shown to increase student achievement while reducing the impact of economic inequity. The Montessori certificate is part of a modified tiered teacher certification system that provides a statewide structure to recognize Montessori teachers, and ensure students in Montessori classrooms have access to fully-implemented Montessori education.

(2)Definitions.

(a) Montessori Accreditation Counsel for Teacher Education (MACTE) is the international standard setting and accrediting body for Montessori teacher education. The Montessori teacher education program, not the college, school, department, or other administrative unit of the institution, receives MACTE accreditation. MACTE is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA) and is recognized by the United States Department of Education (ED).

(b) Acceptable Montessori credentials:

1. Professional certificate issued by another state, country or jurisdiction that has signed the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement.

2. Montessori certificate or credential issued by a MACTE-accredited education program provider.

3. Verification letter from a MACTE-accredited program documenting credential level, teacher education program, and date of completion.

4. Letter of Equivalency is issued to an individual by a MACTE-accredited teacher education program and verified by MACTE, confirming after a review of the candidate's transcripts and records that the individual's Montessori teaching credential is equivalent to the credential offered by the MACTE-accredited program issuing the letter. A letter of equivalency may be submitted by a Montessori teacher whose credential was earned before the Montessori teacher education program was accredited.

(3)Montessori Fields.

(a) Infant Toddler (ages birth - 3)

(b) Preschool- K (ages 2 1/2 - 6)

(c) Elementary I Grades 1^st- 3^rd (ages 6 - 9)

(d) Elementary I- II Grades 1^st - 6^th (ages 6 - 12)

(e) Secondary I Grades 7^th - 9^th (ages 12 - 15)

1. Secondary I Language Arts & Social Studies

2. Secondary I Science & Mathematics

(f) Secondary I - II Grades 7^th- 12^th (ages 12 - 18)

1. Secondary II English

2. Secondary II Social Studies

3. Secondary II Science

4. Secondary II Mathematics

(4)Provisional Requirements (For Individuals Transitioning to a Career in Montessori Education).

(a) Issuance.

1. Hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution.

2. Pass the GACE content assessment.

3. Pass the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment.

4. Meet Standards of Conduct.

5. Have the employing Georgia local unit of administration request the certificate according to procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES.

6. The Provisional certificate is valid for three (3) years with the following exceptions:

(i) Provisional certificates will be issued for one (1) year pending verification of enrollment into a MACTE-accredited Montessori teacher preparation program leading to certification in the Provisional certification field held by the individual. Once enrolled in a MACTE-accredited program, the certificate may be extended for two additional years if requested by the employing local unit of administration (LUA) and following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES.

(I) Individuals who are not enrolled in a MACTE-accredited Montessori teacher preparation program after the initial one-year validity period may be issued a certificate for an additional year upon the request of the employing local unit of administration (LUA). In order to qualify for the remaining year of eligibility, an individual must be enrolled in an approved program. Once enrolled in a MACTE-accredited program, the certificate may be extended for a third year if requested by the employing local unit of administration and following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES. Should an individual not be enrolled by the third year, a waiver certificate must be requested by the employing local unit of administration (LUA).

(b) Conversion.

1. Complete a MACTE-accredited Montessori teacher preparation program in the field of issuance;

2. Meet the following Special Georgia Requirements:

(i) Satisfy the Special Education requirement with a grade of B or better.

(ii) Have passed the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment.

(iii) Meet Standards of Conduct.

3. Earn three years of successful experience while holding the Provisional certificate.

(i) If less than three years of experience is earned at the time all other conversion requirements are met, the individual may convert to the Five (5)-Year Induction certificate.

4. Have the certificate requested by the employing Georgia local unit of administration following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES.

(5)Induction Requirements.

(a) Five (5)-Year Induction (For Individuals Lacking Experience to Qualify for Professional).

1. Issuance.

(i) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution.

(ii) Complete a MACTE-accredited program and submit verification of the credential or letter of equivalency from the preparation program.

(iii) Pass or exempt the GACE content assessment.

(iv) Have passed the GACE Educator Ethics Assessment.

(v) Satisfy the Special Education requirement with a grade of B or better.

(I) Individuals applying by reciprocity may be issued the certificate and must complete the requirement in order to convert the certificate.

(vi) Have less than three (3) years of successful experience as outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.25 EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS.

(vii) Apply following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES.

2. Conversion.

(i) Earn three (3) years of successful experience while holding the Induction certificate, as outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE.

(I) For individuals applying based on reciprocity, meet the following requirements:

A. Satisfy the Special Education requirement with a grade of B or better.

B. Meet Standards of Conduct.

(ii) Apply for conversion following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES.

(b) Three (3)-Year Induction (Teaching Out-of-Field):

1. Issuance.

(i) Hold a valid Five (5)-Year traditional or Montessori Induction certificate in any teaching field at the bachelor's level or higher.

(ii) Meet Standards of Conduct.

(iii) Have the certificate requested by the employing Georgia local unit of administration following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES

2. Conversion.

(i) Complete a MACTE-accredited program and submit verification of the credential or letter of equivalency from the preparation program.

(ii) Pass the GACE content assessment.

(iii) Satisfy the Special Education requirement with a grade of B or better.

(iv) Meet Standards of Conduct.

(v) Apply following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES.

(c) One (1)-Year Induction (Issued to Individuals Who Have Met All Requirements For the Five (5)-Year Induction Certificate but Have Not Passed the Content Exam).

1. Issuance.

(i) Issued to individuals meeting all requirements for the Five (5)-Year Induction certificate with the exception of the GACE content assessment.

(ii) Have passed the GACE Educator Ethics Assessment.

(iii) Must be requested by the employing Georgia local unit of administration following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES.

2. Conversion

(i) Pass or exempt the required GACE content assessment.

(ii) Apply following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES.

(d) The Standard Professional certificate or Performance-Based Montessori certificate will be issued based on meeting experience requirements outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE.

(e) The Induction Montessori certificate is not issued for service fields (See GaPSC Rules 505-2-.140 -.149) or leadership fields (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.153 EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP).

(6)Professional Requirements (For Individuals with Three or More Years of Educator Experience).

(a) Issuance.

1. Hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution.

2. Complete a MACTE-accredited program and submit verification of the credential or letter of equivalency from the preparation program.

3. Pass or exempt the required GACE content assessment.

4. Satisfy the Special Education requirement with a grade of B or better.

(i) Individuals applying by reciprocity may be issued the certificate and must complete the requirement in order to convert the certificate.

5. Have a minimum of three (3) years of successful experience as outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-25 EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS.

6. Meet Standards of Conduct.

7. Apply for certification following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES.

(b) Renewal.

1. Meet requirements outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS.

2. Meet Standards of Conduct.

3. For individuals who received certification based on reciprocity must satisfy the Special Education requirement with a grade of B or better.

4. Apply for certification following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES.

(c) The Standard Professional certificate or Performance-Based Montessori certificate will be issued based on meeting experience requirements outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE.

(7)Non-Renewable Requirements.

(a) One (1)-Year Non-Renewable Professional Montessori Certificate may be issued at the request of a Georgia local unit of administration to an individual who holds an expired Georgia Professional Montessori certificate but has not met standard renewal requirements outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS.

(b) One (1)-Year Non-Renewable Professional Montessori Certificate may be issued request of a Georgia local unit of administration to an individual who meets requirements for the Professional certificate but have not passed the content exam.

(c) Three (3)-year Non-Renewable Professional Issued to individuals who hold a valid professional (non-Montessori) certificate and are assigned to teach out-of-field.

1. Issuance.

(i) Hold a valid Five (5)-Year Professional certificate.

(ii) Have the certificate requested by the employing Georgia local unit of administration following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES.

2. Conversion.

(i) Complete a MACTE-accredited program and submit verification of the credential or letter of equivalency from the preparation program.

(ii) Attain a passing score on the GACE content assessment.

(iii) Satisfy the Special Education requirement with a grade of B or better.

(iv) Meet Standards of Conduct.

(v) Apply for certification following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES.

3. The Standard Professional certificate or Performance-Based certificate will be issued based on meeting experience requirements outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE.

(8)To Add the Field (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.34 ADD A FIELD).

(a) To add a Montessori teaching certificate to a Professional certificate, an individual must meet the following:

1. Hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a GaPSC accepted accredited institution.

2. Complete a MACTE-accredited program and submit verification of the credential or letter of equivalency from the preparation program.

3. Pass the GACE Educator Ethics Assessment.

4. Satisfy the Special Education requirement with a grade of B or better.

5. Meet Standards of Conduct.

6. Apply for conversion following procedures outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION APPLICATION, MyPSC AND TEST ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES.

(9)Implementation.

(a) Individuals currently employed in a public Montessori classroom must hold a valid Montessori certificate by July 1, 2021.

(b) A legacy period is provided to protect individuals currently employed in Georgia public Montessori classrooms prior to the initial effective date of the rule. In order to qualify for Montessori certification under this legacy provision, individuals must meet the following conditions prior to July 1, 2018:

1. Employed in a public Montessori classroom while holding an acceptable GaPSC certificate.

2. Earned one or more years of satisfactory Montessori teaching experience in a Georgia public school, as outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.25 EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS.

3. Completed a Montessori diploma program outlined by the employing school system and submit verification from the employing school system at the time of application.

(c) Legacy Montessori teachers will not be required to complete a MACTE-accredited program but must meet all other eligibility requirements.

(d) Qualifying individuals currently employed in a private Montessori classroom are eligible for the Montessori certificate. Experience earned to convert from an Induction Montessori to the Professional Montessori certificate must be earned from a school holding acceptable GaPSC-accreditation as outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.25 EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS.

(10)Additional Certificate Titles Issued in the Field.

(a) International Exchange Certificate (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.11 INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE CERTIFICATE).

(b) Retired Educator (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.44 RETIRED EDUCATOR).

(11)To Upgrade the Level (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE).

(12)In-Field Statement (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.40 IN-FIELD ASSIGNMENT). An individual holding the Montessori certificate is in-field to teach in the field and age group of issuance in a Montessori classroom. Holding the Montessori certificate is not in-field to teach in a traditional (non-Montessori) classroom.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 505-2-.45

Authority O.C.G.A. § 20-2-200.

Original Rule entitled "Montessori Certificate" adopted. F. June 5, 2018; eff. July 1, 2018, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: F. Sep. 24, 2019; eff. Oct. 15, 2019, as specified by the Agency.

Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 13, 2019; eff. Jan. 1, 2020, as specified by the Agency.

Amended: 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.

Amended: F. June 10, 2022; eff. July 1, 2022, as specified by the Agency.