One Year Supervised Practicum (OYSP)

OYSP is an alternative certification program approved by GAPSC to provide an opportunity for an individual holding a four-year degree from an accredited institution to achieve a clear renewable certificate upon completion of program requirements. We have been approved to offer this program.

There are three phases in the OYSP - application, program, and assessment.

1. Application - A candidate must first secure a teaching position in a system served by Pioneer RESA. Then, the system will submit the system recommendation form for the new hire to Pioneer RESA’s OYSP. The candidate submits the candidate application for the OYSP and provides the required documentation to Pioneer RESA. Candidate is granted a non-renewable certificate. Cost for program is $3500. Candidates are responsible for payment; it is not the responsibility of the local school system.

Potential qualified candidates who are teaching in a private school or a school system not served in the Pioneer RESA area will be considered if space is available. The fee for these non-member applicants will be $5000.

2. Program – Candidate completes a portfolio. A school-based mentor and RESA supervisor conduct observations with pre and post conferences. School-based administrator and mentor participate in required Beginning Teacher Support Team meetings. Limited meetings will be held after school for orientation and training. Candidate completes Georgia special requirements ( Identification of Exceptional Needs Class, and Technology Course or GACE).

3. Assessment – Candidate’s portfolio is assessed using rubric and has satisfactory observations. Upon completion of all requirements, candidate is issued clear renewable certificate.

Basic qualifications for admission to the OYSP program.

• Minimum 2.5 GPA in a 4 year degree from an accredited college or university (if completed in last ten years)
• Hold a PSC-accepted college degree in the certificate field or a PSC-designated related field
• Pass GACE Basic Skills or exempt (43 combined Verbal/Math ACT, 1000 combined Verbal/Math SAT, 1030 combined Verbal/Quantitative GRE). Individuals who hold a Master's Degree or higher are exempt from GACE 1.
• Pass GACE Professional Pedagogy Assessment (171, 172)
• Pass GACE Content Assessment in related certificate area
• Must also hold a PSC-accepted college degree in the certificate field or a PSC-designated related field
• Pass criminal background check

If you have questions about GACE testing and specific requirements, you should contact GAPSC. Candidates are not officially enrolled in OYSP until they meet all requirements and paperwork is complete.

Please review the program description and candidate application for detailed information regarding the One Year Supervised Practicum Program.

For further information on the One Year Supervised Practicum program, contact the Professional Learning Office at 706-865-2141.