Agreements between Brenau University and four area school systems aim to increase the number of certified classroom teachers as educator shortages continue to plague Georgia schools.
The first partner districts in the new TigerTEACH program are Buford City Schools, Forsyth County Schools, Gainesville City School System and Hall County Schools. Enrollment began in spring, and the first students began taking courses in Brenau’s summer semester that started May 5. Additional students will begin the program this fall.
Under the agreements, Brenau will provide accredited education instruction to K-12 educators, leading to initial educator certification as recognized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission through a hybrid program taught via online and in-person sessions.
Georgia has experienced teacher shortages in elementary and special education and multiple subject areas for years, according to reports on teacher shortage areas from the U.S. Department of Education. The department projects shortages in special education, science and social studies across Georgia for the 2025-26 school year.
“The shortage of qualified teachers continues to be an issue in local schools and across the state,” Brenau President David L. Barnett, Ph.D., said. “Through these partnerships, Brenau can help increase the number of state-certified classroom teachers by providing educational opportunities for those already working in local schools.”
Educators will be able to pursue either an undergraduate or a graduate degree in Brenau’s Carole Ann Daniel College of Education at specially negotiated tuition rates. Brenau offers several education degrees online, including a Bachelor of Science in elementary, middle grades, speech/language associate, or special education, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Master of Education.
Each school system will identify educators who are qualified for the program, and qualified personnel must submit to Brenau’s requirements for admission. Brenau will monitor each candidate through the progression of the program as required by the Georgia PSC.
The Master of Education program is 100% online, and offers three program options and six endorsement opportunities. Nathan Goss, vice president of marketing and enrollment management, said this format distinguishes Brenau’s programs from others.
“We are the only institution in Northeast Georgia offering an online format with one in-person meeting per semester that is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission,” Goss said. “This helps educators balance their studies with work and family obligations.”
Though not offered through the TigerTEACH program, Brenau also has two graduate degree programs offered online for additional professional educator certificate upgrades. The Doctor of Education was established in 2019 and had 240 students enrolled in spring 2024. The Education Specialist degree has three areas of concentration from which to choose.
