Teacher Certification and Career Advancement Scheme
In Georgia, the teaching profession is strictly regulated by the "Teacher Professional Development and Career Advancement Scheme." This system defines four teacher statuses: Practitioner (being phased out), Senior, Lead, and Mentor. Obtaining each status involves passing exams, maintaining a portfolio, and accumulating credit points. The certification process is often bureaucratically complex, and teachers face issues such as incorrect calculation of exam results, unjustified rejection of portfolios, or suspension of status. Certification is directly linked to the teacher's salary (supplement) and job security, making legal support crucial in this process.
This service is designed for both practicing and aspiring teachers who wish to undergo certification, change their status, or appeal decisions made by the National Center for Teacher Professional Development (TPDC). Our specialists will help you overcome legal barriers to career advancement.
What Does the Teacher Certification Service Cover?
Lawyers on Legal.ge offer assistance in the following areas:
- Status Acquisition Consulting: Assistance in preparing documentation to obtain Senior, Lead, or Mentor teacher status.
- Appealing Exam Results: Appealing subject and professional skills exam results at the National Assessment and Examinations Center (NAEC).
- Portfolio Defense: Legal assistance if the school quality group or TPDC negatively evaluated the teacher's portfolio for unsubstantiated reasons.
- Scheme Enrollment: Procedural support for registration in the induction program and allocation within the scheme.
- Credit Recognition: Disputes related to the incorrect accrual of credits for trainings and activities.
Common Real-World Scenarios and Needs
Teachers often face the following challenges:
- Portfolio Flaws: A teacher collected all necessary documents, but the evaluation group rejected the entire work due to a formal error (e.g., incorrect date), leaving them without status.
- Technical Issues During Exams: Due to a technical glitch during an online or physical exam, the teacher could not complete the test, and the administration refused to schedule a retake.
- Delayed Supplement Payment: Despite passing certification, the school or ministry delays reflecting the corresponding supplement in the salary.
- Revocation of Status: A teacher's status was suspended or revoked due to alleged disciplinary misconduct or failure to meet scheme requirements, requiring urgent legal response.
Georgian Legal Framework
The certification process is regulated by the Government of Georgia Decree "On Approval of the Teacher Professional Development and Career Advancement Scheme." This document details the functions and requirements for each status. Also important is the Law "On General Education," which defines the educational census for teachers. The exam component is regulated by the statutes of the National Assessment and Examinations Center.
Service Process
Legal support for certification includes:
- Individual Case Study: Analyzing data from the teacher's electronic system (eschool.ge).
- Complaint Preparation: Drafting an administrative complaint to the TPDC or the Ministry of Education.
- Representation: Protecting interests in appeal commissions.
- Litigation: Requesting the annulment of a negative administrative act in court.
Why Choose a Specialist on Legal.ge?
The teacher career advancement scheme is a complex and changing system. On Legal.ge, you will find lawyers specializing in education law who are familiar with the nuances of certification. Their help will make it easier for you to navigate the bureaucratic labyrinth and receive the remuneration you deserve.
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