Paraprofessional to Teacher Reimbursement Grant Round 5
Paraprofessional to Teacher Reimbursement Grant Round 5 supports former Georgia paraprofessionals by reimbursing GaTAPP certification costs to strengthen teacher recruitment in public schools.
Funder: Georgia Department of Education
Due Dates: December 31, 2026 (February Board Review) | July 31, 2027 (September Board Review)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per candidate in reimbursement; maximum program funding of $5,000,000
Summary: Supports Georgia teacher recruitment by reimbursing former paraprofessionals completing initial teacher certification through GaTAPP.
Key Information: Only Georgia LEAs may apply on candidates’ behalf; reimbursement requires program completion and verified candidate-paid expenses.
Description
The Georgia Department of Education’s Paraprofessional to Teacher Reimbursement Grant supports teacher recruitment in Georgia local educational agencies (LEAs) and Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support (GNETS) programs. Administered by Educator Support and Development within the Office of Teaching and Learning, it helps former paraprofessionals obtain initial teacher certification through the Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP).
The program supports a “Grow Your Own” approach, helping districts recruit teachers from existing employees familiar with their school communities. Reimbursement offsets certification costs and encourages candidates to remain in Georgia’s public school system as certified teachers. LEAs apply on behalf of eligible candidates, verify completion and expenses, and distribute reimbursements to candidates. Applications are accepted year-round until all funds are allocated, with two scheduled board review periods annually.
