Education - Special Education (B.S.Ed.)

The School of Education offers three B.S.Ed. programs that lead to certification in Elementary Education, Middle Grades Education, and Special Education.

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

The B.S. degree in Elementary Education prepares students to teach grades preschool through five, and includes two endorsements: Reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). The program utilizes an integrated approach to curriculum design and delivery that addresses the needs of all learners. Through a combination of academic and field-based learning, the program encourages the development of caring, competent and collaborative teachers who are committed to helping all students reach their highest potential. Each semester, GGC Elementary Education majors will undertake field experiences in diverse settings in the Gwinnett County Public Schools in preschool through grade five to ensure that they are prepared to teach in a variety of settings. During the final year, students will participate in a year-long student teaching experience and complete a leadership seminar. Refer to the GGC website for the most up-to-date program plan.

Bachelor of Science - Middle Grades Education

The B.S. degree in Middle Grades Education with a concentrations in Social Science and English Language Arts and Math and Science prepares students to teach grades four through eight and includes endorsements for Reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).  The program utilizes an integrated approach to curriculum design and delivery that addresses the needs of all learners.  Through a combination of academic and field-based learning, the program encourages the development of caring, competent and collaborative teachers who are committed to helping all students reach their highest potential.  Each semester, GGC Middle Grades Education majors will undertake field experiences in diverse settings in public schools to ensure that they are prepared to teach in a variety of settings.  During the final year of the program, students will participate in a year-long teaching experience and complete a leadership seminar.

 

Bachelor of Science - Special Education

Through a combination of virtual classroom and field-based learning, GGC’s online Special Education program gives future educators an opportunity to acquire the necessary assessment, instructional, and consultation skills for working effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse children and/or adolescents who have special educational needs. The goal of the program is the development of informed, professional, and dedicated educators to address the full spectrum of educational needs for this population. In addition, students will learn about accessible instructional materials, assistive technology, curriculum access and alignment, classroom designs for success, behavior management, autism education, and family/community engagement. Graduates will be prepared to work with students with special needs in preschool settings through grade 12. During the final year, students will participate in a year-long student teaching experience and complete a leadership seminar. 

 

Teacher Certification Programs

The School of Education works collaboratively with the Schools of Liberal Arts and Science and Technology to offer programs leading the certification to teach grades six through twelve in six disciplinary content areas: biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, and political science. Each B.S. or B.A, program includes a major in the appropriate disciplinary area plus professional preparation to teach in a Georgia secondary school.During the final year, students will participate in a year-long student teaching experience and complete a leadership seminar.  Refer to the GGC website for the most up-to-date program plan.

Admission to the Educator Preparation Programs

To be eligible to apply for admission, students must:

1. Declare a pre-major in one of the following: 

• Elementary Education (certification to teach grades Preschool - 5) 
• Middle Grades Education (certification to teach grades 4-8)
• Special Education (certification to teach grades Preschool - 12) 
• Biology Teacher Certification (certification to teach grades 6 - 12) 
• Chemistry Teacher Certification (certification to teach grades 6 - 12)
• Math Teacher Certification (certification to teach grades 6 - 12) 
• English Teacher Certification (certification to teach grades 6 - 12) 
• History Teacher Certification (certification to teach grades 6 - 12) 
• Political Science Teacher Certification (certification to teach grades 6 - 12

2.  Have an overall GPA of 2.5 or better.

3  .Be in good academic standing at Georgia Gwinnett College. This means that the applicant should not be on academic warning or academic probation. 

4.  Have passing scores on the GACE Program Admission Assessment or have official exempting SAT scores on file at GGC. The passing score requirement is as follows:

For SAT Score Reports dated prior to 7/1/19:

• 1000 on Verbal/Critical Reading, and Math, OR
• 1000 on Evidence based Reading/Writing and Math
• For recentering SAT® scores prior to April, 1995, click here.  

For Score Reports dated on or after 7/1/19: 1080 on Evidence based Reading/Writing AND Math.

5.  Earn a grade of C or better in EDUC 2110, EDUC 2120, and EDUC 2130 (or have approved course substitutions) by the end of the semester prior to beginning the program.

6.  Receive satisfactory ratings on pre-professional practices and behavior assessments in EDUC 2110, EDUC 2120 and/or EDUC 2130 or submit a recommendation form completed by  an instructor at a previous college. 

7.  Receive a satisfactory performance rating on an oral presentation in EDUC 2110,  EDUC 2120  and/or EDUC 2130 or complete an admission interview with a faculty mentor.

Educator Preparation Outcomes

The School of Education is committed to preparing teachers who ensure that students reach high levels of achievement. GGC graduates are caring, competent, analytical, collaborative, and adaptive. Research supports the central role of each of these domains in fostering student achievement. Each of these domains is operationally defined by a set of specific learning outcomes which are expected of candidates in all programs.

Domain 1: Interpersonal Expertise

1.1 Candidates foster environments that reflect ethical behavior, respect, kindness, safety, and care.
1.2 Candidates create culturally inclusive learning environments that capitalize on the developmental characteristics and life experiences of learners.

Domain 2: Content and Pedagogical Expertise

2.1 Candidates know the content they are expected to teach and engage in ongoing learning opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in order to provide all learners with engaging curriculum and learning experiences based on local and state standards.
2.2 Candidates utilize a variety of content appropriate instructional strategies which include communicating effective and descriptive feedback to maximize learning for all students.
2.3 Candidates seamlessly integrate technology into the design, delivery, and assessments of learning environments and experiences.
2.4 Candidates manage learning environments and collaborate with learners to make appropriate adjustments and to set goals for their own learning.

Domain 3: Assessment and Analytical Expertise

3.1 Candidates assess student learning using appropriate assessment tools.
3.2 Candidates organize, analyze, and interpret assessment data from multiple sources, which guiding learners in examining their own thinking and learning as well as the performance of others.
3.3 Candidates’ instructional decisions are data-driven.

Domain 4: Leadership Expertise

4.1 Candidates assume leadership roles in classrooms and other school/community environments.
4.2 Candidates collaborate effectively with peers, school personnel, families, and community members.

Domain 5: Adaptive Expertise

5.1 Candidates exhibit routine and adaptive expertise for teaching.

*required prior to admission to Educator Preparation

• PHED 1101 Choices for Life (1) Credit Hours
• Additional Physical Education (2) Credit Hours

Formal Admission to Educator Preparation Required

• Elective (3) Credit Hours