Online Teaching Endorsement

Application Checklist

✅  Complete the Endorsement Application Form 

✅ Send your completed application with your Teaching Certificate to Darcie Pritchett at darcie.pritchett@ngresa.org. 

✅ Await course placement and Canvas access (mid-July)

Program of Study

Development: The Online Teaching Endorsement (GaPSC Rule 505-3-.95) course was developed to equip educators with the essential skills and strategies required to teach effectively in online and hybrid environments. The course was designed with a focus on the application of best practices in online pedagogy, instructional design, and the use of digital tools to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. In the development process, a collaborative team of instructional designers, faculty, and subject matter experts examined current research and trends in online education to ensure that the course content was both relevant and research-based. Additionally, the course emphasizes the use of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, ensuring that content is accessible and adaptable to meet the diverse needs of all learners. By aligning with GaPSC standards, the course prepares educators to create dynamic, student-centered online learning experiences that foster engagement, critical thinking, and academic success.

Purpose: The purpose of teachers earning the Online Teaching Endorsement is to prepare educators to design, deliver, and support high-quality instruction in online and blended learning environments. The endorsement equips educators with the skills needed to effectively use digital tools, create engaging virtual lessons, differentiate instruction for diverse learners, and assess student learning in an online setting. By earning the endorsement, teachers demonstrate their ability to meet the unique challenges of online education and ensure that all students have access to meaningful, rigorous learning experiences. It also supports teachers in meeting professional standards set by the GaPSC for effective online instruction.  

Click Here to Access the Full Program of Study

Course Sequence

Course 1: Foundations of Online Teaching
This course provides educators with a comprehensive introduction to the foundations of online teaching and learning. Participants explore the history, theory, and evolution of online education, digital learner characteristics, accessibility and equity, and strategies for building online communities. Professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities, including digital communication and digital citizenship, are key focuses. Participants will establish a strong base for designing and facilitating effective and ethical online learning environments.  

Course 2: Designing and Developing Online Teaching and Learning
This course focuses on instructional design principles and best practices for creating engaging, accessible online learning experiences. Educators will design standards-based lessons, integrate digital tools and multimedia, apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and align learning objectives with assessments. Emphasis is placed on creating inclusive content that supports all learners and aligns with research-based online instructional strategies.   

Course 3: Implementing Online Teaching and Learning
This course prepares you to implement and refine effective instructional practices in online and blended environments. Emphasis is placed on the strategic use of assessment data, learner analytics, and reflection to personalize learning, monitor progress, and improve instructional impact. You will implement best practices in instructional design and facilitation to support active, authentic, and learner-centered experiences. The course culminates in a reflective key assessment where candidates use real-time data and instructional artifacts to demonstrate continuous professional growth.  

FAQs

Q: How long does the endorsement take?
A: The Online Teaching Endorsement takes one year to complete. There are 3 courses to complete within the school year.  See the instructor's schedule for exact dates.

Q: Is there a residency or practicum?
A: There is no residency or practicum required, but you will be required to complete a field experience in each course. Field experiences in NGRESA’s endorsement courses are intentionally embedded to bridge theory and practice. Each experience is designed to give candidates authentic opportunities to observe, apply, and reflect on instructional strategies aligned to course outcomes and GaPSC standards. 

Q: Can I take more than one endorsement at a time?

A: You can take more than one endorsement at a time if your principal/supervisor/school district approves you to do so. 

Q: When will I be notified of my acceptance into the program?
A: You will recieve notification by mid-July. 

Contact Information

Nicole Moneyham, Director of Professional Learning, nicole.moneyham@ngresa.org

Darcie Pritchett, Professional Learning Coordinator, darcie.pritchett@ngresa.org