Ed.S.  Teaching and Learning: Exemplary Teaching

The Exemplary Teaching Track of the Ed.S. Degree in Teaching and Learning is an advanced degree that prepares educators to meet the teaching standards within the Georgia Framework for Teaching at the Exemplary Level. This program develops the knowledge and skills exhibited by exemplary teachers: continuing enrichment of content knowledge and resources; deep understanding of student learning, instructional strategies and classroom management; empowerment of educational stakeholders, partnerships, and improved learning environments; advocacy for rights and responsibilities in educational settings; leadership in the school team, and in curriculum development and implementation; ability to connect assessment and achievement, and employ data analysis to enhance school improvement; and activism for education, students, and families.

Valdosta State University is the degree granting institution collaborating with North Georgia College and State University for the delivery of the program. Top graduate faculty from each school teach the courses. This 9-course, 27 hours, online Ed.S. program can be completed in three to four consecutive semesters - about 12 to 16 months - with a full-time enrollment. Courses are offered on a continuous basis allowing for part-time enrollment. No campus visits are required to complete the program.

Students in the online program benefit from a highly interactive setting that promotes leadership, collegiality, and communication skills. Professional educators find that the online Education Specialist degreeemphasizes application of acquired knowledge and skills in their classrooms and schools through the completion of a 3 semester action research class. Teachers in the program come from a range of classroom settings and subject areas. Working educators choose the online Ed.S in Teaching and Learning with a track in Exemplary Teaching because of its accreditation, quality, and fit with their busy lifestyles.

Students enrolled in the program will use the online courses to conduct all work, including team functions, exams, discussion posts, and case studies. Students also have access to academic resources, such as an online library. Courses are asynchronous. No face-to-face or group online meetings are required. Students may participate in IP videoconferencing/ audio-conferencing for instruction or field experience supervision. The courses combine text materials, case studies, online team projects and assignments, as well as discussions and written project work. Grades may be based primarily on reports, exams, assigned case studies, and participation in course and team activities.

Valdosta State University,the degree granting institution, is accredited by National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Applications are accepted one semester in advance. To view current admission terms and deadlines, visit the online application here.

Please note: Submitting an application prior to the deadline does not guarantee processing for your desired semester. Your application cannot be processed until all required documents are received by the Graduate School.

For other important dates visit the VSU GOML Calendar.

Teachers will be admitted to this program with the same criteria as used for on-campus Ed.S. degree programs.

1. Completed Georgia ONmyLINE application for admission to the VSU graduate school; (see link above to Apply Now)
2. A $50 application fee. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid online using a debit or credit card.
3. One official transcript must be submitted from every college and university attended (undergraduate and graduate) even if the courses from one school appear on the transcript of another. Official transcripts bear an official seal and signature and are sent to the Graduate School in the original sealed envelopes.
4. Official test scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) must be submitted and are required for all applicants seeking the Ed.S. degree. Applicants will not be admitted with a combined GRE score of less than 850 and a verbal score of less than 400. On the MAT, applicants will not be admitted with scores less than 390. (For MAT scores taken prior to Oct 2004 the minimum score is 36.)
5. Must hold a clear renewable teaching or service certificate at the master’s-level or higher. Individuals with certification from states other than Georgia must provide documentation of the appropriate certificate. Eligibility will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
6. Students will not be admitted with a grade point average of less than 3.00 on all previous graduate work attempted.
7. A letter of support from your current administrator. No form is required for this document. The letter should provide verification that your school administration:
• Is aware you are considering pursuing this degree;
• Supports your decision to pursue the degree;
• Recommends you for participation in this program.
8. Must submit the Student Information Section and Distance Learning Exemption sections of the VSU Medical Form. The form is available online at: http://www.valdosta.edu/gradschool/documents/209527A_GRS_coi-form1.pdf.
9. Must be able to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week in a classroom.

• Only 'regular' admission status is used for entry to an Education Specialist Program. Graduate work taken prior to admission to an Ed.S.Program will not be counted toward the degree requirements.
• Admission is for a specific semester.
• The maximum time allowed for completion of the Ed.S. Degree is seven (7) calendar years.

For additional admission information, please contact the VSU Graduate School (229) 333-5694 or goml@valdosta.edu.

Dr. Aaron W. Powell

There are no on-campus attendance requirements for this program.

• Teachers enrolling in this program must be in a classroom setting with students a minimum of 20 hours per week per semester. This requirement can be fulfilled by being a classroom teacher or classroom volunteer in a consistent setting.
• Students must have access to Webcam software and hardware to enable remote classroom observation and conferencing.
• Students are required to purchase LiveText portfolio assessment software. Additional course specific software may be required.
• Preparation and presentation of a final electronic portfolio is a program exit requirement.
• Students will be required to undergo a criminal background check (may be completed by VSU or through the employing school district).
• Students will be required to hold professional liability insurance

Requests for transfer credit will be considered only for students who are admitted to the VSU Ed.S program and have taken up to 6 semester hours for transfer credit while enrolled in the Ed.S program. No graduate work completed prior to acceptance into the VSU Ed.S. program will be considered for transfer credit. A maximum of 6 semester hours may be considered for transfer credit. Recommendations concerning transfer credit must be reviewed and approved by the VSU Graduate School Dean.

Credit will be evaluated based on the following:

1. the course is no more than 7 years of age;
2. the course is comparable to our own or can serve as an elective;
3. the course was not completed prior to the student's admission to the Ed.S. program;
4. the student earned a B or better;
5. the course was offered by a regionally-accredited institution.

If approved, the student is notified by the academic advisor. Proficiency exams will not be used. In some instances students may be required to provide additional information including but not limited to, a course syllabus or course description from the institution.

The tuition and fees for courses is $350 per credit hour, or $1,050 per course, for both in-state and out-of-state residents. This cost excludes the purchase of textbooks or supplemental materials.

Costs are subject to change. The course management system can be accessed via the Internet without purchasing proprietary software.