TAPP Overview

In an effort to address the shortage of certified classroom teachers and in accordance with the provisions of HB 1187, Clayton County Public Schools has submitted and received approval from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission to offer a comprehensive Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (TAPP). Targeting highly qualified college graduates who wish to begin a teaching career while earning clear, renewable Georgia certification, this program is practical, field-based, and designed to develop proficient teachers in a timely and economically feasible manner.  The same rigorous standards as that of a traditional teacher-training program are the foundations for this competency-based program. 

The 1 - 3-year program consists of a minimum of 400 hours of instruction that will include over 100 hours of field-based, individualized instruction from trained mentors and content specialists.  The program of study is based on the research and guiding principles of Charlotte Danielson's Enhancing Professional Practices: A Framework for Teaching, the INTASC Standards, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and Georgia Teacher Evaluation Program Criteria for instructional excellence. In addition to formal course study, the candidates will participate in timely, topic-centered classes each semester and will be given opportunities for varied field experiences to ensure exposure to diverse student populations at every level of their certification. Candidates will document progress in a portfolio of their work and exemplary work of their students aligned with Danielson's four domains and twenty-four components Teacher-candidates receiving certification through Clayton County Public Schools' Teacher Alternative Preparation Program will receive quality educational instruction, maximum job-embedded support, and will be well-prepared to assist students in becoming "life-long learners."

TAPP Endorsements

We are currently recruiting TAPP candidates in the following content areas: Special Education, Math (6-12), Science (6-12) and Foreign Language (Spanish and French). Should data indicate that we will need TAPP candidates in other areas, we will begin accepting other areas at that time and will update our website to reflect those changes.

TAPP ( Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy )

Our PSC approved Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (TAPP) Program is a rigorous program that involves:
	strong mentoring support at the local and system level
	practicum experiences
	a portfolio assessment program that leads to a clear, renewable certificate
Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (TAPP) candidates must provide the following documentation:
	Passing scores on Praxis I, GACE Basic Skills Test or exemption scores
	Passing scores on the content test(s) (Praxis II or GACE) in the area in which you seek certification
	Attendance at a TAPP informational meeting

All meetings begin promptly and late arrivers will not be admitted.

All sessions, unless otherwise specified, are conducted at:
The S. Truett Cathy Professional Learning Center
1087 Battle Creek Road
Jonesboro, Georgia  30236
Map to the S. Truett Cathy Professional Learning Center

Other TAPP Information

Candidate Information Sheet

Courses of Interest and GACE