ACADEMICS

Take your learning to the classroom. Gain experience in multiple grade levels and classrooms. Develop your teaching practice with the guidance of high-quality mentors in our partner schools.

All teacher candidates will gain experience in the following grade bands before student teaching:

• Pre-K-Kindergarten
• 1st grade-3rd grade
• 4th grade-5th gradeK-5 Special Education (Inclusion)

We are excited to help you begin your journey!

Dr. Kit Carson
Chair, Dept. of Teacher Education, Humanities & Fine Arts
Professor, Teacher Education
Director, Field Placement
Field Placement Supervisor
Building 100, Room 217
Work: 678-623-1310
Cell: 912-592-9501 (Text)

Narrative and Biography

Dr. Kit Carson is the Department Chair of Atlanta Metropolitan State College's Teacher Education Preparation Program (EPP) and is a tenured Professor. Dr. Carson is a retired veteran of foreign wars and has worked in higher education for over 25 years.

In terms of scholarship of teaching, Dr. Carson has taught a myriad of courses related to educational and teaching issues. He is comfortable teaching face-to-face and online courses in both synchronous and asynchronous modalities. He designs his courses to meet the Quality Matters (QM) standards for online course quality. He is a 2020 recipient of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) teaching, learning and leadership award.

Kristin Lewis
Assistant Professor for Teacher Education
School of Arts and Sciences
Building 100 / Room 216
Office: 404-756-4707

Narrative and Biography

Kristin Lewis is an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education and part of the team developing the new bachelor's program in Elementary and Special Education. She brings over 20 years of combined experience in classroom instruction and instructional leadership, with expertise in improving instruction through best practices, constructive feedback, and creative lesson design.

Before joining AMSC, Kristin served as a Clinical Supervisor and Instructor at Kennesaw State University, where she supported teacher candidates in translating theory into practice. She began her career in the Bronx, New York, as part of the NYC Teaching Fellows program, an experience that shaped her passion for strong mentorship and the preparation of future teachers. With extensive experience in Title I schools, Kristin is dedicated to preparing teachers to serve diverse learners through innovation and high expectations.

Joyce Cho
Instructor, Teacher Education Program

Narrative and Biography

Joyce Cho is an instructor in the Teaching Education Program with a passion for shaping the next generation of educators. A certified reading specialist and licensed K-12 teacher, Joyce brings a wealth of expertise to her students, holding additional certifications in mathematics and an ESOL endorsement.

Her teaching career began in DeKalb County as a first-grade teacher, then expanded internationally with five years in South Korea, where she worked with both elementary students and adult learners. This experience deepened her commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive classrooms and sparked her passion for teaching adults.

Joyce's mission is clear: to prepare excellent, confident teachers who will inspire and support young learners at the elementary level. Known for her approachable and creative teaching style, she blends practical strategies with a passion for education, ensuring future teachers leave her program ready to make a lasting impact.

ELE/SPED Cohorts begin every August.

All ELE/SPED students follow the same plan of study. The course schedule may vary depending on the track (traditional or para).

Download the ELE/SPED Degree Plan

Are you a qualified paraprofessional in one of our partner school districts listed below? Do you want to become a certified teacher?

Overview

Recognition of Prior Experience:

The para-to-teacher track acknowledges the valuable experience paraprofessionals bring to the teaching profession, often allowing for a more streamlined and relevant pathway to certification. Using a portfolio system, some of your "prior learning" experiences may be eligible for course credit. This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The para-to-teacher track, also known as the paraeducator-to-teacher pathway, is designed to help paraprofessionals (also known as teacher aides, teacher assistants, or paraeducators) transition into fully certified teaching roles. This track leverages their existing experience and familiarity with the classroom environment.

The Para-to-Teacher track leads to a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education (ELE/SPED). With this degree, graduates can complete the GACE tests in Elementary Education and Special Education (P-5) to gain initial certification from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Admissions Requirements (Qualification Requirements)

• Apply to Atlanta Metropolitan State College
• Apply to the ELE/SPED Program
• Proof of successful completion of Georgia Education Ethics Assessment Minimum GPA of 2.50
• PSC Pre-Service Certificate (Completed during the admissions process)
• Completion of 60 semester credit hours that are applicable to program degree plan of study, including the completion of all courses in Area A1 (ENGL 1101, ENGL 1102), A2 (Math) and Area F (EDUC 2110, EDUC2120, EDUC 2130), with grades of C or better upon entering the program.

1. Experience as a Paraprofessional:
   Initial Role: Individuals start their careers as paraprofessionals, assisting licensed teachers with instructional support, classroom management, and other educational tasks.
   Gaining Classroom Experience: During their time as paraprofessionals, they gain valuable hands-on experience working with students and understanding the dynamics of the classroom.
2. Educational Advancement:
   • Associate's degree: Many paraprofessionals begin with an associate's degree or some college coursework. This serves as a foundation for further education.
   • Bachelor's Degree: To become a certified teacher, paraprofessionals typically need to earn a bachelor's degree. ATLM will offer a bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education (dual certification). ATLM offers flexible options, such as online, evening and weekend classes, to accommodate working professionals. In addition, ATLM is one of the most affordable State Colleges in the Georgia University System.

   The typical costs for the program (if all the core 2-year requirements are met) are:

   • Tuition for the junior year - $4,743.00 plus textbooks (if required)
   • Tuition for the senior year - $4,743.00
   • Total cost for the program = $9,486.00
   • Online and Hybrid Programs: ATLM will provide online or hybrid (combination of online and in-person) programs to make it easier for paraprofessionals to complete their degrees while continuing to work.
4. Field Experiences and Student Teaching:
   • Practicum and Observation: While working towards their degree, paraprofessionals participate in practicum experiences, where they observe and assist in classrooms under the supervision of experienced teachers. Paraprofessionals must be able to work in all elementary grade bands for a certain number of field experience hours. The paraprofessional and Principal enter into an agreement that offers flexibility in obtaining the required grade band hours.
   • Student Teaching: Like traditional teacher education programs, the para-to-teacher track includes a period of student teaching, where paraprofessionals take on the full responsibility of a classroom teacher for a set period, often one semester.
5. Certification and Licensure:
   • State Licensure Exams: Aspiring teachers must pass Georgia licensure exams for elementary education and special education.
   • Background Checks: Background checks and fingerprinting are usually required as part of the certification process.
6. Support and Mentorship:
   • Mentorship Programs: Many para-to-teacher programs include mentorship components, pairing candidates with experienced teachers who provide guidance and support throughout the transition process.
   • Professional Development: Continuous professional development opportunities are often available to help new teachers enhance their skills and stay updated on educational best practices.
7. Employment Opportunities:
   • Career Advancement: Successfully transitioning from a paraprofessional to a certified teacher can open further career advancement opportunities, including roles in educational leadership or specialized instructional areas. Not to mention, a higher salary and more retirement money as well.

Key Components

• Recognition of Prior Experience: The para-to-teacher track acknowledges the valuable experience paraprofessionals bring to the teaching profession, often allowing for a more streamlined and relevant pathway to certification. Using a portfolio system, some of your "prior learning" experiences may be eligible for course credit. This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Flexible Learning Options: ATLM's program is designed to accommodate the schedules of working paraprofessionals, offering flexible class times and delivery methods.
• Focus on Practical Skills: Emphasis is placed on practical, hands-on teaching skills, leveraging the candidate's existing experience in the classroom.

This pathway provides a meaningful and practical route for paraprofessionals to advance their careers and become fully licensed teachers, contributing to the education system with their enhanced skills and firsthand classroom experience.

Course work will be designed to accommodate the working professional. We are still developing this key component.

Email us at ele-sped@atlm.edu for more information.

Overview

Traditional teacher education programs typically follow a structured pathway designed to prepare individuals for a career in teaching. Here is a general outline of the traditional track:

1. Undergraduate Education:
   • Bachelor's Degree: ATLM's program offers certification in Elementary and Special Education (K-5).
   • General Education Courses: These courses cover a broad range of subjects to provide a well-rounded education.
   • Professional Education Courses: These courses focus on teaching methods, educational psychology, classroom management, and curriculum development.
2. Field Experiences:
   • Hours: Students spend time actively involved in the assigned classroom. Students work with their mentor teacher in a classroom setting to gain insights into effective teaching practices. Students start this process during their first semester.
   • Practicum: This is a more hands-on experience where students assist in the classroom and gradually take on more teaching responsibilities under the supervision of a mentor teacher.
3. Student Teaching:
   • Full-time Teaching Internship: Usually lasting one semester, student teaching is an immersive experience where the student teacher takes on the full responsibilities of a classroom teacher for a six-week period, with guidance and evaluation from a mentor teacher and a university supervisor.
4. Certification:
   • State Licensure Exams: Aspiring teachers must pass the Georgia certification exams in elementary and special education.
   • Background Checks: Background checks and fingerprinting is part of the certification process.

Key Components

• Mentorship and Support: Throughout their training, aspiring teachers typically receive support and mentorship from experienced educators.
• Focus on Reflective Practice: ATLM's teacher education program places an emphasis on the importance of reflective practice, encouraging future teachers to continuously assess and improve their teaching strategies.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: ATLM's teacher education program often includes training on cultural competence, inclusive teaching practices, and strategies for supporting diverse learners.

This traditional pathway is designed to ensure that new teachers are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the classroom and provide high-quality education to their students. The ATLM teacher education program provides more than twice the amount of classroom practical experience in contrast to most teacher education programs.

Email us at ele-sped@atlm.edu for more information.