What is the ContinUed Catersville Program?

Thanks to the partnership with Berry College and financial investment of the Cartersville City School Board, ContinUed Cartersville is an opportunity for employees to pursue a higher degree at no tuition cost pursuant to a three-year employment commitment to Cartersville City Schools. The advanced degree must be in the same area where the applicant works.

What degree programs will be offered?

Master’s of Education

• M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction
• M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction with Tier I Leadership embedded (Student will pay only for Tier I Leadership certificate)
• M.Ed in Educational Leadership

Education Specialist

• Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction
• Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with Tier I Leadership embedded (Student will pay only for Tier I Leadership certificate)
• Ed.S. in Educational Leadership

What is the cost for applicants to pursue an advanced degree through ContinUed Cartersville?

There is no tuition cost for applicants at this time. However, participants will be required to cover the costs of any textbooks and technology/software not currently installed on CCS-issued devices.

FAQ: THE APPLICATION PROCESS

How long do you have to work in the Cartersville City Schools before applying for ContinUed Cartersville?

Two years; however, staff members with less than two years of employment at CCS may be considered on an individual basis.

What are the qualifications to be considered for admission into ContinUed Cartersville:

• Hold a current, renewable Georgia teaching certificate
• Have completed an acceptable baccalaureate degree at a four-year college
• Are in good academic standing at the last college or university attended
• Attained a minimum GPA of 2.75 in an acceptable earned baccalaureate degree
• Attained a minimum GPA of 3.25 in an acceptable earned graduate degree
• Agree to remain a Cartersville City Schools certified staff member for a minimum of three years upon degree completion. Separation of service during the degree program or before the required three-year minimum service as a Cartersville City Schools certified staff member, will result in repayment of the full amount of the degree program ($10,000)
• Meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations and specific course and/or grade prerequisites, as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe

If I am accepted into ContinUed Cartersville, what are the qualifications for admission to Berry College?

Master of Education (M.Ed.) Program 

Candidates who hold a baccalaureate degree in the field of education from a fully accredited institution of higher education may apply for the Master of Education program. It is strongly recommended that applicants also hold a current teaching certificate. Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field with clear and renewable teacher certification from a non-degree granting GAPSC approved program may also apply. To be admitted to the M.Ed. degree program the applicant must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75, or a junior-senior grade point average of 3.0. 

Berry College Admission Criteria: You will only need this information if you have been notified by CCS that you are accepted into ContinUed Cartersville. Upon notification that you have been accepted, you will complete the following steps to apply to Berry College.

• Complete online graduate application (free). 
• Submit one official transcript from each college, university attended. 
• Submit two recommendation forms within the admissions portal from a P-12 colleague and/or a direct supervisor. 
• Complete an educational goal statement in narrative form, not more than 500 words, outlining your goals in pursuing graduate study and the background and/or professional accomplishment, and address the graduate education professional teaching dispositions that you will bring to the program. This statement must be submitted online as part of the admissions process. 
• Submit Superintendent assurance form (for leadership programs only). 
• Submit GACE Ethics for Leaders (380 for leadership programs only).
• Copy of official Federal-Level Criminal Background Check from an approved source. 

Master’s of Education Options:

• M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction
• M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction with Tier I Leadership embedded (Student will pay only for Tier I Leadership certificate) 
• M.Ed in Educational Leadership 

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Program 

Candidates must hold a master’s degree in the field of education from a fully accredited institution of higher education may apply to attend the Education Specialist Program. Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field with clear and renewable teacher certification from a non-degree granting GaPSC approved program may apply. The applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.25. 

Berry College Admission Criteria: You will only need this information if you have been notified by CCS that you are accepted into ContinUed Cartersville. Upon notification that you have been accepted, you will complete the following steps to apply to Berry College.

Admission requirements: 

• Complete online graduate application (free). 
• Submit one official transcript from each college, university attended. 
• Submit two recommendation forms within the admissions portal from a P-12 colleague and/or a direct supervisor. 
• Complete an educational goal statement in narrative form, not more than 500 words, outlining your goals in pursuing graduate study and the background and/or professional accomplishment, and address the graduate education professional teaching dispositions that you will bring to the program. This statement must be submitted online as part of the admissions process. 
• Submit Superintendent assurance form (for leadership programs only). 
• Copy of official Federal-Level Criminal Background Check from an approved source. 

Education Specialist Options:

• Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction 
• Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with Tier I Leadership embedded (Student will pay only for Tier I Leadership certificate) 
• Ed.S. in Educational Leadership 

Where do I submit my application?

Email completed applications to CCS Human Resources via Andre Weaver. He can be reached at aweaver@cartersvilleschools.org.

When are the application windows for admission?

For the Fall Cohort 2023, the application window is open now through 5pm on July 9.

Who do I contact if I have any questions about the application or application process?

Please direct all application questions to Andre Weaver at aweaver@cartersvilleschools.org.

FAQ: THE SELECTION PROCESS

How are applicants selected for ContinUed Cartersville?

A comprehensive review of all application materials will be considered to select each cohort. Applicants will be selected on a variety of factors, including their qualifications that match the needs of students in the Cartersville City Schools.

Is there a limit on the number of applicants who will be accepted into the program?

The program will be limited to approximately 10 Cartersville educators per cohort. 

How will applicants be notified of acceptance?

All applicants will receive notification of their application status via email. Status will be listed as Accepted or Not Accepted.