The GGC School of Education was recognized as an outstanding educational preparation provider last week following high marks of equity and excellence in their program.
The award was given by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation in coordination with the 2023 Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement, according to information provided by the school.
“The Frank Murray Leadership Award recognizes GGC and the School of Education as a teacher education preparation program leader,” Dr. Pamela Smith with GGC said. “This distinction demonstrates our strong alignment with the GGC mission for student success and innovative learning experiences.”
The award is given to those schools that demonstrate evidence and data trends to achieve CAEP accreditation with no stipulations or areas for improvement. Institutions selected for the recognition also traditionally advance equity measures and promote excellence in educator preparation by using self-study procedures and evidence-based reporting.
Those procedures and reporting assure quality and support “continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 learning,” officials said.
Students usually participate in multiple field placements and a year-long teaching experience. During that time, instructors are paired with other teachers and mentors who can support their growth outside the classroom. This training is completed before instructors become first-year teachers.
“The partnership allows us to collaborate with strong mentor teachers who dedicate their time and talents to build tomorrow's teachers and leaders,” Smith said. “Moreover, GCPS leaders and administrators work with the SOE leadership to advise and propose strategies for continuous improvement. Together, we take on the task of building effective teachers for Georgia.”
The Teacher Quality Partnership Grant also furthered the goals of GGC by creating candidates for areas that are traditionally harder to staff, such as special education, math and English for speakers of other languages.
