GaTAPP Courses

When planning your course sequence, collaborate closely with your instructor and supervisor to ensure your coursework aligns with your program requirements. Refer to Appendix 1: Advisement Sheet in the GaTAPP Handbook to effectively structure your coursework and stay on track for successful program completion. 

Essentials of Effective Teaching

The Essentials for Effective Teaching course equips candidates with foundational knowledge and practical strategies to succeed in the classroom. This course focuses on essential components of effective teaching, including classroom management, lesson planning, differentiated instruction, and assessment practices. Candidates will explore research-based strategies, align their teaching with state standards, and develop skills to create engaging and inclusive learning environments that meet the needs of all students. By the end of the course, candidates will be prepared to implement effective instructional practices that support student achievement and professional growth. 

Exceptional Child / House Bill 671

The Exceptional Child Course (HB 671) provides candidates with a comprehensive understanding of diverse learner needs, focusing on students with disabilities as outlined in Georgia House Bill 671. This course covers topics such as federal and state laws governing special education, characteristics of exceptional learners, effective instructional strategies, and collaborative practices for supporting students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms. Candidates will learn to adapt instruction, implement individualized education plans (IEPs), and foster equitable learning environments to ensure all students reach their full potential.  

Methods and Strategies for Teaching Mathematics (Elementary Education)

The Methods and Strategies for Teaching Math course for elementary candidates focuses on equipping educators with effective strategies for teaching mathematics in grades K-5. This course emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and problem-solving skills aligned with state standards. Candidates will explore best practices for planning and delivering math instruction, differentiating lessons to meet diverse student needs, and incorporating hands-on activities and technology to enhance engagement. By the end of the course, candidates will be prepared to create a supportive and effective math learning environment for elementary students. 

Methods and Strategies for Teaching English Language Arts (Elementary Education)

The Methods and Strategies for Teaching ELA course for elementary candidates prepares educators to effectively teach English Language Arts in grades K-5. This course focuses on foundational literacy skills, including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, as well as strategies for writing instruction and integrating literacy across the curriculum. Candidates will learn to design standards-based lessons, differentiate instruction for diverse learners, and use formative assessments to guide teaching. By the end of the course, candidates will be equipped to foster literacy development and a love of reading and writing in elementary students. 

Methods and Strategies for Teaching Fine Arts (Elementary Education)

The Methods and Strategies for Teaching Fine Arts course for elementary candidates provides foundational knowledge and practical strategies for integrating fine arts into the K-5 curriculum. This course emphasizes the importance of creativity and expression through visual arts, music, drama, and dance, while aligning instruction with state standards. Candidates will explore effective teaching methods, develop lesson plans that incorporate fine arts, and learn techniques to engage diverse learners. By the end of the course, candidates will be prepared to foster creativity and an appreciation for the arts in elementary students.

Methods and Strategies for Teaching Health and P.E. (Elementary Education)

The Methods and Strategies for Teaching Health, PE, and Safety course focuses on equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to promote physical well-being, health education, and safety awareness in K-5 classrooms. This course covers age-appropriate physical activities, strategies for teaching healthy lifestyle choices, and techniques for fostering safe and inclusive learning environments. Candidates will learn to design engaging lessons aligned with state standards and incorporate health and safety concepts into the broader curriculum. By the end of the course, candidates will be prepared to support students’ physical and emotional well-being. 

Methods and Strategies for Teaching Social Studies and Science (Elementary Education)

The Methods and Strategies for Teaching Social Studies and Science course equips educators with effective instructional strategies to engage students in inquiry-based learning and critical thinking. This course emphasizes integrating state standards, hands-on activities, and interdisciplinary approaches to teach foundational concepts in social studies and science. Candidates will learn to create lessons that foster curiosity, develop problem-solving skills, and connect content to real-world applications. By the end of the course, candidates will be prepared to inspire a love for learning in these essential content areas. 

Foundations of Literacy: Building Awareness

The Foundations of Literacy: Building Awareness course for all GaTAPP candidates introduces the essential components of foundational literacy instruction, aligned with GaPSC Rule 505-03-.03. This course provides an overview of evidence-based literacy practices, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Candidates will develop an understanding of the science of reading, instructional strategies for diverse learners, and the role of assessment in supporting literacy development. By the end of the course, candidates will be equipped with the foundational knowledge to foster literacy skills and meet the diverse needs of P-12 students. 

Foundations of Literacy: Demonstrating Essential Knowledge

The Foundations of Literacy: Demonstrating Essential Knowledge course is designed for Birth-Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle Grades Reading, and Special Education GaTAPP candidates to deepen their understanding of foundational literacy instruction, aligned with GaPSC Rule 505-03-.03. This course focuses on demonstrating the knowledge of the science of reading and essential literacy components, including phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. Candidates will explore strategies for teaching reading and literacy development across diverse student populations and grade levels, with an emphasis on assessment-driven instruction. By the end of the course, candidates will be prepared to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for effective literacy instruction in their respective grade bands. 

Nature and Needs of Adolescents (Middle Grades Only)

This course provides teacher candidates with an understanding of the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of young adolescents. Using The Power of the Adolescent Brain as the foundational text, candidates will explore strategies to create developmentally responsive learning environments. Candidates will engage in activities, case studies, and reflections designed to apply theory to practice.