Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Clayton State University partner to increase number of teacher education degree seekers

(February 25, 2020) - Clayton State University and Atlanta Metropolitan State College have announced a new partnership to provide a degree pathway for students interested in education careers.

Under this new agreement, Atlanta Metropolitan State College (AMSC) students who complete an associate degree in teacher education may be eligible to be admitted to Clayton State University and transfer credits in order to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a concentration in Elementary Education.

The agreement would allow students to transfer without the risk of losing any credit hours. The presidents of both institutions signed a transfer articulation agreement on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.

“Today’s agreement creates a clear articulation between Atlanta Metro’s Associate degree in Teacher Education and Clayton State’s Bachelor degree in Elementary Education to increase ways in which we can serve both institution’s students, and simultaneously support continued needs in local schools for excellent educators that will benefit the region and the state,” said Clayton State President Dr. Tim Hynes. “I am grateful to the wonderful work of our colleagues at each institution for making this agreement (one of many to come, I believe) possible.”

AMSC President Georj L. Lewis said, “As a system, it is our responsibility to provide opportunities for students and meet the needs of our communities, I am excited to enter into a partnership with our colleagues at Clayton State to do just that! This collaboration demonstrates one of many ways both institutions are providing access to higher education and a pathway to a career that makes a positive impact on young people.” 

In the past year, Clayton State University has taken steps to meet gaps in the teacher workforce in metro Atlanta. The school launched a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in August 2019 to satisfy state requirements for teacher certification and increase the number of early childhood educators in Georgia.

“The School of Education at Clayton State University looks forward to the good work that will come from this articulation with Atlanta Metro State College. This articulation agreement will allow our institutions to develop talented Elementary Education teachers that are so needed in schools throughout the metro Atlanta and south-metro region,” said Dr. Dennis Attick, assistant dean of the School of Education. “We are confident that the articulation between our institutions will be beneficial for future teachers, area schools, and the students and families in surrounding communities.”