Cohorts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cohort in The John H. Lounsbury College of Education? A cohort is an organizational structure that we use to provide instruction, support, and guidance for teacher candidates. Pre-service teachers in a particular program (e.g., early childhood) enter together as juniors and stay together as a group, taking courses and completing field experiences, over a period of two years. Each cohort group of 18-20 is guided during that period by a Mentor Leader--a professor skilled in advising, supervising, and implementing best teaching practices.
How can I get into a Junior Cohort? Students must apply for admission for an undergraduate cohort. This application is separate from admission to GC. Cohort packets are available online beginning in October each year.Does every applicant get into a cohort? Competition for seats in the cohorts is competitive. Please meet all the requirements by the priority deadline in January. (Students will not be penalized if they complete their core courses in the summer prior to the beginning of the cohort in the fall.) Some students fail to meet the deadline because they wait too late to take the GACE Basic Assessments, then we do not receive the scores until after the priority deadline.
What are The John H. Lounsbury College of Education minimal admissions standards for getting into an undergraduate cohort?Admission standards/criteria must be met:
____1. GPA is 2.50 or higher____2. All areas of the Core must be completed. Courses do not have to be completed before sending the application, but they must be completed before beginning the cohort experience in the fall.
____3. Area F of the Core must be completed with a minimum grade of C in each course.
____4. Applicants are required to provide proof of having passed all three parts of GACE Basic Skills Assessment [Reading, Writing, and Math] or proof of exemption.____5. Applicants must provide proof of having passed the Regents' Reading and Writing requirements or proof of exemption.
____6. Applicants must sign a permission form for a background check. If in doubt about your Georgia background check, you can find out how to get a copy of your Georgia Criminal History Record from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. For records outside of Georgia, you can get a copy of your Criminal History Record from the FBI.____7. Applicants must submit three professional letters of recommendation.
____8. Applicants must complete an interview with Lounsbury College of Education Faculty.
How can I exempt the GACE Basic Skills Assessment? Please read about GACE Basic Skills Exemptions on the GACE FAQ page.
How can I decide into which field I want to go?
Explore the three areas: Special Education, Early Childhood, and Middle Grades. Here are some ways to do that:
1.Volunteer as a tutor (or for pay)
2. Talk to your former teachers and current cohort members
3. Join groups
a. Best Buddies, Dr. Amy Childre, (478) 445-4577,
amy.childre@gcsu.edu
b. Special Olympics, Ms. Kendall Stiles, (478) 445-5936,
kendall.stiles@gcsu.edu
c. C.A.T.S., Ms. Ruth Eilers, (478) 445-0810,
ruth.eilers@gcsu.edu
d. GAYC (Georgia Association for Young Children)
Dr. Stacy Schwartz, (478) 445-6250,
stacyschwartz@gcsu.edu
4. Determine which areas have critical shortage needs. HOPE Scholarships are given for masters levels in the areas where the needs for teachers are the greatest.
5.Explore the Georgia Professional Standards Web site.
Look at the "Steps to Teach." The first part is "Decide what age level and subject you want to teach."
Can I work while going through the cohort program?
It is difficult to work and attend the cohort.
1. Talk to Financial Aid, 111 Parks Hall, (478) 445-5254
2. HOPE/Promise Scholarship, 800-776-6878
3. Look into scholarships for College of Education students.
