The following topics were discussed during the Georgia Professional Standards Commission’s (GaPSC) monthly meeting October 12-13, 2022:
New Commissioners
GaPSC Executive Secretary Matt Arthur introduced two new commissioners: Dr. Judi Wilson, a professor, and Ms. Vonda Woodall, a classroom teacher.
Ethics Division
The Commission sought to suspend the certificate of an educator for 10 days. The educator is accused of touching a student in an inappropriate sexual manner. The educator denies the allegation and provided more than 60 character references. The GaPSC recommended a one-year suspension for an educator accused of driving another educator who allegedly showed up to work intoxicated home and failing to report the matter to administration. The Commission also recommended a suspension of 90 days for an educator who allegedly sent threatening emails to other staff members. The educator allegedly showed no remorse and said he would do it again.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Programs
Dr. Penney McRoy, Director of the Educator Preparation Division, shared information on the status of paraprofessional to teacher programs. Key points of the presentation:
Paraprofessionals are a viable pool of potential educators
A little over 2,200 paraprofessionals were enrolled in teaching programs during the 2021-22 academic year
Most of those enrollees (around 54%) were in out-of-state programs
In-state programs for paraprofessionals include:
Fort Valley State University
GaTAPP (for those already holding bachelor’s or higher degrees)
Georgia Gwinnett College
Georgia State University
Gordon State College
Mercer University
Middle Georgia State University
Piedmont University
Thomas University
University of West Georgia
Valdosta State University
November GaPSC Meeting
The next meeting will be Nov. 9-10, 2022.