Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) Market Research Report

Background

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) is a state agency established by the Georgia General Assembly in 1991. Its primary mission is to oversee the preparation, certification, and professional conduct of educators within Georgia's public schools. The Commission is dedicated to building the best-prepared, most qualified, and ethical educator workforce in the nation.

Key Strategic Focus

GaPSC's strategic focus encompasses several core objectives:

Certification and Preparation: Simplifying and streamlining the certification process for educators to attract a high number of qualified personnel to Georgia.

Professional Conduct: Establishing and enforcing standards of professional performance and a code of ethics for educators to ensure quality education.

Investigation and Enforcement: Investigating reports of criminal conduct and violations of professional or ethical codes, and imposing disciplinary actions when necessary.

Financials and Funding

As a state agency, GaPSC's funding is allocated through the state budget. Specific financial details, including total funds raised and recent funding rounds, are not publicly disclosed. The capital is primarily utilized for:

Operational Expenses: Managing certification processes, investigations, and administrative functions.

Program Development: Enhancing educator preparation programs and professional development initiatives.

Pipeline Development

GaPSC does not operate a product development pipeline. Instead, its focus is on:

Educator Certification: Ensuring that educators meet the required standards for certification.

Professional Development: Supporting ongoing professional growth and ethical conduct among educators.

Technological Platform and Innovation

GaPSC employs various technological platforms to enhance its operations:

Certification Management System: An online portal for educators to apply for and manage their certifications.

Investigation Tools: Utilizing advanced software for tracking and managing investigations into professional conduct.

Leadership Team

The leadership team of GaPSC includes:

Dr. Joseph "Jody" Barrow: Executive Secretary

Background: Dr. Barrow has over 40 years of experience in public education in Georgia, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools until 2020. He has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Georgia School Superintendents Association’s Bill Barr Leadership Award and the Georgia Superintendent of the Year in 2017.

Brian Sirmans: Chair of GaPSC

Background: Serving as the Assistant Principal at Lanier County Public Schools, Mr. Sirmans has been involved with GaPSC in various capacities and is committed to advancing education in Georgia.

Leadership Changes

December 2024: Dr. Joseph "Jody" Barrow was appointed as the Executive Secretary of GaPSC, succeeding Matt Arthur, who retired after four years in the role. Dr. Barrow's appointment was announced by Governor Brian P. Kemp on December 4, 2024.

Competitor Profile

GaPSC operates within the public sector and does not have direct competitors. However, it collaborates with various educational institutions and organizations to fulfill its mission.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

GaPSC collaborates with several organizations to enhance its initiatives:

Pearson’s Evaluation Systems: In 2024, GaPSC partnered with Pearson’s Evaluation Systems to drive innovations for the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE), aligning assessments with the science of reading and improving test delivery and development.