Before they can step into their own classrooms, graduates of Georgia Gwinnett College's (GGC) School of Education must clear one final hurdle: passing the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) exam.
GGC graduates continue to rise to the challenge. During the past year, 82 graduates passed the GACE on their first attempt, earning an overall first-time pass rate of 89% — well above the Georgia state average of 75%.
The GACE measures the knowledge and skills required for teacher certification across eight content areas, which include elementary education, middle grades, special education, biology, English, history, mathematics and political science, plus an overall teacher certification program.
"The GACE exam is challenging, and it should be," said Dr. Angie Jasper, dean of the School of Education. "Our continued success reflects the exceptional dedication of our faculty and staff, along with our students' commitment to becoming highly effective educators who are ready to make a difference in the lives of their future students."
The strong performance underscores GGC's commitment to preparing classroom-ready educators equipped with the knowledge, instructional skills and confidence to succeed from their first day of teaching.
The achievement comes as the teaching profession continues to earn widespread public respect. Gallup surveys consistently rank teaching among the nation's most trusted and respected professions, highlighting the critical role educators play in shaping future generations.