Cottage School

Professional Development

Professional Development Opportunities

Please bookmark this page and check back often for opportunities to earn PLU credits, join peers in educational seminars, and learn more about The Cottage School’s mission and services by joining us for a Professional Luncheon. Please select the Schedule link for the dates of the 2008-09 Professional Luncheons. For a complete listing of offerings, please view our brochure: After School for Credit, Enrichment, and Ancillary Programs

Test Out of the In-Tech Requirement!

Teacher Certification Program

The One Year Supervised Practicum (OYSP). Uncertified teachers can take this test out route to renewable certification.

The Cottage School One-Year Supervised Practicum Program

The one-year supervised practicum is for individuals getting certification through the test-out option in order to place a highly-qualified teacher in each classroom. An individual getting certification through this option should hold a degree or closely related degree in the field and have successfully meet the requirements for GACE Basic Skills (scores or proof of exemption see below), GACE Subject Area (previously Praxis I and Praxis II) and the GACE Professional Pedagogy assessment (previously Praxis PLT), PRAXIS scores if already taken and passed will apply. The supervised practicum involves observation and participation in and teaching of one’s content area under the guidance and supervision of a qualified mentor and program supervisor. The beginning teacher receives a five-year non-renewable certificate and must begin the one-year practicum as soon as he/she is hired by the school system.

Does the Applicant Meet the Criteria?

• Beginning Teachers admitted hold a degree or closely related degree in the field in which they seek certification and have the minimum GPA requirements set by the PSC (2.5 in all college-level work completed within the last ten years). http://www.gapsc.com/application/majorsandfields.pdf
• Beginning Teachers admitted have criminal background clearance.
• Beginning Teachers admitted have passed the PSC’s required basic skills test or provided documentation of exemption. Exemption scores are as follows:
  SAT exemption: minimum combined verbal and mathematics scores totaling 1000
  GRE exemption: minimum combined verbal and quantitative scores totaling 1030
  ACT exemption: minimum combined English and mathematics scores totaling 43
• Beginning Teachers admitted have passed the GACE subject area content assessment required for your certification field. For tests required see http://www.gapsc.com/TeacherTesting/PassingScores.asp
• Beginning Teachers admitted have passed the GACE Professional Pedagogy Assessment. It is the only pedagogy test which the PSC accepts to support this Approved Practicum Route to Georgia teacher certification. If you do not pass this test before requesting your test-based certification, you will be required to complete an approved program at a college or other approved provider in order to be recommended for full renewable certification.
• Beginning Teachers admitted, have been offered a full-time teaching position in a participating Georgia School.You will be part of a 3-person support team, including a school-based mentor, a building administrator, and a Cottage School supervisor.

Cost $3000 to $3750 depending on distance from Roswell. Contact Dawn Ferrigno for additional information or an application dawnf@cottageschool.org or 678-250-5106.

Professional Luncheons Schedule  2009-10 School Year

The CottageSchool staff has hosted Professional Luncheons during the past several years. These luncheons are intended to introduce local professionals to our innovative and successful school program. They also offer an opportunity for our guests to become acquainted with each other. TCS parents provide and serve an elegant lunch, and our students conduct informative campus tours.

We are continuing this tradition during the 2009-10 school year. The dates of the luncheons are listed to the left. Whether you are visiting us for the first time or have joined us previously at a luncheon, we welcome you! Please RSVP to Vinette at 770/641-8688 with the date you would like to attend. We look forward to your joining us! vinetteg@cottageschool.org