Published 2:57 pm Thursday, August 6, 2026 VALDOSTA — Wiregrass Georgia Technical College proudly welcomed Cohort 15 of the Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP) following the successful completion of the program’s Essentials of Effective Teaching training held July 6–17 on the college’s Valdosta Campus. Eight new teacher candidates from school systems across the Coastal Plains Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) officially began their journey toward earning renewable Georgia teaching certificates through the state’s premier alternative teacher certification program. Participants represent Lowndes County Schools, Colquitt County Schools, Valdosta City Schools, Ben Hill County Schools, and Scintilla Charter Academy. Designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field other than education, GaTAPP provides an alternative pathway into the teaching profession while candidates serve as full-time classroom teachers. Throughout the program, candidates receive intensive mentoring, classroom coaching, professional development, and individualized support from a Candidate Support Team while completing required coursework and demonstrating teaching competencies. The program includes a two-week summer Essentials course, ongoing seminars, and a minimum of 18 months of mentoring and coaching before candidates are recommended for Georgia certification. Wiregrass has served as an approved and accredited GaTAPP provider for more…
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