Elementary Ag Endorsement

Dr. Haley Livingston

Professional Learning/GaTAPP Coordinator
hlivingston@okresa.org

Okefenokee RESA’s Elementary Agriculture Education Endorsement will prepare individuals to teach agriculture in grades P-5. This endorsement will be made up of two courses delivered in a virtual model. 

Description

All offered endorsements have been approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. According to GaPSC Rule 505-3-.01, Endorsements are, “A planned sequence of courses and experiences, typically of three (3) to four (4) courses in length, designed to provide certified educators with an additional, specific set of knowledge and skills, or to expand and enhance existing knowledge and skills. Successful completion of an endorsement program results in the addition of the endorsement field to the Georgia educator certificate.”

All endorsements and programs have job-embedded practice. Candidates must ensure that they can accomplish the clinical practice required for each endorsement or program, which will require working with students and staff, as applicable. Endorsement coursework is the equivalent of graduate level college coursework.

Program Overview

The Elementary Agriculture endorsement is designed for teachers who desire to teach Agriculture in an elementary school.  This program abides by and provides expertise in accordance with PSC rule 505-3-.111 ELEMENTARY AGRICULTURE EDUCATION (P-5) ENDORSEMENT PROGRAM.

The endorsement consists of two courses:
Course one varies depending on the candidate’s certification area:
  • Elementary Education candidates (P-5): Agricultural Content Knowledge for the Elementary Agriculture Classroom (60 hours)
  • 6-12 Agriculture candidates: Child Development in the K-5 Classroom
Course two for ALL candidates:
  • Methods of Teaching in Elementary Agriculture Education

Endorsement courses are not self-paced courses. There are regular due dates for assignments throughout the courses. In order to successfully complete the course, all assignments must be submitted by the course deadline date. Failure to complete a course will delay the candidate’s completion of the endorsement by one year.

Elementary Ag Course Descriptions

Required Texts

  • Course 1a: Child Development in the K-5 Classroom (for 6-12 Agriculture candidates ONLY)
    Textbook: Child Development and the Brain– Abbot and Burkitt – ISBN: 978-1447355670
  • Course 1b: Agricultural Content Knowledge for the Elementary Agriculture Classroom (for Elementary Education candidates ONLY)
    Textbook:  Carin, A. & Bass, J. (5th edition)Activities for teaching science as inquiry. – ISBN 978-0130212818
  • Course 2: Methods of Teaching in Elementary Agriculture Education (for ALL candidates)
    Textbook: A framework for K-12 Science Education – National Research Council – ISBN: 978-0309217422

Admissions Requirements

  • Currently employed in a school system.
  • Possess a valid, level four or higher Professional certificate in either Elementary Education (P-5) or 6-12 Agriculture.
  • Have the recommendation of the principal and Professional Learning Coordinator

Tuition

Course 1a: Child Development in the K-5 Classroom (for 6-12 Agriculture candidates ONLY)

  • $300 OK RESA systems
  • $400  non-OK RESA systems

Course 1b: Agricultural Content Knowledge for the Elementary Agriculture Classroom (for Elementary Education candidates ONLY)

  • $300 OK RESA systems
  • $400 non-OK RESA systems

Course 2: Methods of Teaching in Elementary Agriculture Education (for ALL candidates)

  • $300 OK RESA systems
  • $400 non-OK RESA systems
**OK RESA Endorsement programs are not eligible for 1098-T forms because they are certification programs and not a degree programs. We advise all candidates to consult with their tax advisor.

Application Process

Prior to applying for the Endorsement, please read the “Endorsement Program Orientation and Application” located in the Resources Section below.

To be approved for an endorsement program, submit the following:

  • Completed application (be sure sections 1 – 4 are complete and signed)
  • Copy of Teaching Certificate
  • Completed OK RESA Endorsement Agreement

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