VSU, SRTC Partnership Expands South Georgia Teacher Pipeline
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026
Valdosta State University and Southern Regional Technical College signed a new course articulation agreement this week that will support ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen South Georgia’s teacher workforce.
The agreement allows SRTC graduates with an Associate of Science in Education to maximize the transfer of credits as they seek to continue their education at VSU and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education.
“South Georgia schools need well-prepared, passionate educators now more than ever, and through this new agreement with our partners at SRTC, we are creating more pathways for students to enter and succeed in the teaching profession,” said Dr. William Crowe, interim president of VSU. “Our university was founded as a teacher training school, and 120 years later we continue to recognize the critical role we play in addressing the teacher shortage, strengthening schools, supporting families, and opening doors of opportunity for students of all ages across our region.”
Jim Glass, president of SRTC, said this new course articulation agreement reflects Southern Regional Technical College’s commitment to removing barriers and creating clear pathways for students to pursue careers in education.
“By partnering with Valdosta State University, we are ensuring that students can start at Southern Regional Technical College and seamlessly transition to earn their bachelor's degree, all while staying close to home and serving the communities that need excellent teachers most,” he explained. “Start Here truly means you can go anywhere."
A regional leader in teacher education, VSU offers a face-to-face and an online Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education. Both provide rigorous academic programs, extensive classroom-based experiences, and strong partnerships with South Georgia school districts to ensure teacher education graduates are equipped with the skills, knowledge, compassion, and hands-on experience necessary to lead an ever-evolving educational landscape.
“We will never give up on preparing, supporting, and sustaining the teachers our South Georgia communities need,” said Dr. David Slykhuis, dean of VSU’s Dewar College of Education and Human Services. “Through innovative pathways into the profession, strong community partnerships, and an unwavering belief in the power of education, we continue to find ways to invest in the recruitment, preparation, and retention of high-quality teachers who will shape the future of our region for generations to come.”
On the Web:
By the Numbers:
• 126,276 — Number of K-12 teachers in Georgia public schools.
• 8,523 — Number of K-12 teachers with emergency or provisional licensure in Georgia public schools.
• 4,400 — Estimated number of vacant teaching positions in Georgia K-12 public schools.
• 1,000+ — Number of VSU students seeking initial teacher certification.
• 75 — Percentage of teachers who graduate from a Georgia-based college or university and are still teaching in Georgia K-12 public schools five years later.
