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Endorsement

Please click below for the July 16, 2018 recorded Webinar and PowerPoint.

Program overview

First District RESA has earned GaPSC approval to offer both the ESOL and Gifted Endorsement Programs, aligned with Georgia Professional Standards Commission rules that result in ESOL/Gifted Endorsement added to a teaching certificate.  The gifted series of four courses prepares teachers to identify the gifted learner, plan challenging instruction to meet their needs, explain the evaluation process under Georgia rules, and analyze program options for the gifted. The ESOL series of three courses prepares educators to demonstrate competency in addressing the instructional, language, and cultural needs of students whose first language is not English in the Georgia Public Schools.  

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Potential candidates for the ESOL/Gifted Endorsement should understand that the rigor of the program is expected to be equivalent to a graduate degree program.  The syllabus for each of the courses should be reviewed by each potential candidate prior to application.  

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The series of courses includes:

Gifted Endorsement

  1. Characteristics of the Gifted

  2. Assessment of the Gifted

  3. Curriculum and Program Development for Gifted

  4. Methods and Materials for Teaching the Gifted

ESOL Endorsement

  1. Methods and Materials in TESOL

  2. Cultural Issues in TESOL

  3. Applied Linguistics in TESOL

 

Each course requires 50 contact hours and successful completion of all coursework.  Courses are offered in a blended model, which allows participants the flexibility of an online format blended with face-to-face sessions that promote interaction and reflection.

Course Enrollment/Cohorts

There is a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 18 candidates per course for both ESOL and Gifted courses. Districts wishing to offer a cohort should contact FDRESA.

Blended Courses

Each course requires 50 contact hours; 20 hours face-to-face, 20 hours online and 10 hours field experience. Each course will last a minimum of eight weeks. Principals will assist the candidate in releasing him/her in time to begin face-to-face classes on time. Online coursework is be completed weekly.

Attendance and Submission of Assignments

Endorsement candidates are expected to attend all sessions; arriving on time and staying until the end of the class. Excessive absences, tardiness, or leaving early will result in a candidate being dropped from the program.

   

All assignments must be completed and submitted to the instructor by the applicable deadline.  To earn credit for the course, all assignments must be completed by the course end date.

Online Learning Platform (Canvas)

First District RESA utilizes an online learning platform (Canvas) for submission of assignments and other course requirements.  You will receive an email invitation from Canvas prior to the beginning of each course.

Verification of First District RESA as your Endorsement Provider

You will receive an email from the GaPSC during your first course of the endorsement asking you to verify First District RESA as your provider. You must complete this verification in order to receive your endorsement at the end of the program. Your First District RESA student id number is your teaching certificate number.

Completion of Endorsement

All endorsement requirements must be completed within a two year period from time of enrollment in the first course.

Withdrawal from Endorsement

Candidates who desire to withdraw from the endorsement program must notify their instructor in writing using the candidate withdrawal form. Refunds for endorsement courses will not be made after the first class meeting.

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