Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit our Employment Opportunities page to view open vacancies and to begin the application process. 

Depending on the position, different documentation may be required. Each application will list the documentation that is required to be uploaded.

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed and cleared by Human Resources to ensure that all required documentation and information is listed on the application. Human Resources then sends the application to the hiring principal/supervisor for further consideration. 

The hiring principal/supervisor then contacts the list of cleared applicants they want to interview. 

Before being hired, all paraprofessionals must have a certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). In order to obtain this certificate, you must have ONE of the following:

1) Hold an Associate Degree or higher in any subject from GaPSC-accepted accredited institution.

OR

2) Have completed 2 years (60 semester hours) of college coursework above the remedial level at a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution with a grade of "C" or better.

OR

3) Hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent and have passed the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment. You can schedule this online at Columbus State University Paraprofessional Assessment section. 

https://www.columbusstate.edu/findit/search-results.php?q=paraprofessional

How to Become a TAPP or MAT Teacher

Below is information to help you navigate through this process.

To be hired in a teaching position as a provisional teacher, you will need to establish the following:

• Hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
• Complete GACE requirements shown below.
  • Go to Georgia Ethics Assessment and register. 
  • Complete the GACE Ethics Exam (Test Code 360). This is a series of online modules. Completion is also transmitted electronically to the GaPSC.
  • Obtain a passing score on the appropriate GACE content assessment according to what you plan to teach. These scores are transmitted electronically to the GaPSC.
• There are two options for an educator preparation program leading to teacher certification. Both options allow you to be hired as a teacher while you complete the program. You will be paid as a provisional teacher and receive full benefits during this time. Below are the options.

Educator Preparation Program Options:

• Option 1: GaTAPP (Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy) is a certification-only program. The program takes 2 to 3 years to complete. At the completion of the program, you will be eligible for professional certification and salary at the bachelor's level. This program is ideal for those wanting to add certification only or who already hold a master's degree or above in a field outside of education. Please visit the West GA RESA GaTAPP website for more information.   
• Option 2: MAT (Masters in the Art of Teaching) is an educator preparation program that leads to teacher certification in addition to a master's degree. Programs typically take two years to complete. At the completion of the program, you will be eligible for professional certification and salary at the master's level. This program is ideal for those wanting to add certification through an advanced degree. You can check Approved Programs Leading to Certification here.     

Before enrolling in a program, always go to GaPSC's Upgrade Advisor to ensure that you're enrolled in an approved program. 

Upgrades and salary increases are NOT automatically processed. After you graduate from your approved program, you will need to follow the steps below to upgrade your certificate:

1. Send official transcripts to GaPSC, mail@gapsc.com

2. Log in to your GaPSC account, request an upgrade, and complete the personal affirmation questions.

3. The Certification Specialist will then receive an automatic request from the GaPSC to complete your employer assurance. Once your certificate has been upgraded, please email munoz-t@harris.k12.ga.us. Your new certificate will then be given to the Finance Department for review and processing. Salaries are based on the effective date issued by the GaPSC.

Certification renewals consist of renewing your clearance and field certificates. If your certificate is up for renewal, you must make adequate progress in your professional learning plans/goals. These plans/goals will be reviewed and signed off on by your administrator in May of each year. The request for your renewal will be submitted by the Certification Specialist. 

A criminal background check must be also conducted. This process is completed every five years.

Verification requests for a mortgage or other loan verifications should be addressed to Angie Murphy in the Finance Department. She may be contacted via the following:

Email: murphy-a@harris.k12.ga.us

Phone: 706-628-4206 extension 1207

Verbal employment verifications that inquire about hire and termination dates should be addressed to Kevin Shirley in the Human Resources Department. He may be contacted via the following:

Email: shirley-k@harris.k12.ga.us

Phone: 706-628-4206 extension 1226

Verification of years of service, certificate levels, and pay scale information should be addressed to Tara Vinson in the Finance Department. She may be contacted via the following:

Email: vinson-t@harris.k12.ga.us

Phone: 706-628-4206 extension 1205

To change your address:

1. Log into ESS
2. Click the 'Personal Actions' tab on the top blue ribbon bar
3. Click the 'Demographics' link in the drop down menu
4. Enter your new address. Click 'Save' at the top of the screen.

To change your name:

1. Log into ESS
2. Click the 'Personal Actions' tab on the top blue ribbon bar
3. Click the 'Demographics' link in the drop down menu
4. Enter your new last name
5. Attach a copy of your social security card and driver's license with your new name. Name changes cannot be completed without this information. You can also bring these documents to Angie Murphy in the Finance Department if you prefer. 
6. Click 'Save' at the top of the screen

To change/add a direct deposit:

1. Log into ESS
2. Click the 'Payroll Actions' tab on the top blue ribbon bar
3. Click the 'Enter/Edit Direct Deposit' link in the drop down menu
4. From here, you can add/delete. Attach a voided check or direct deposit form from your bank.
5. Click 'Save' at the top of the screen.

To change payroll deductions (403B, PAGE, etc.):

1. Log into ESS
2. Click the 'Document Management' tab on the top blue ribbon bar
3. Click 'View Company Documents' in the drop down menu
4. Download the payroll change form by clicking the link in ESS
5. Complete the payroll change form and save to your computer or print and scan to your computer
6. Click the 'Personal Actions' tab on the top blue ribbon bar
7. Click the 'Demographics' link in the drop down menu
8. Attach your completed payroll change form at the bottom of the page
9. Click 'Save' at the top of the screen. 

To view your paycheck:

If you have opted in to receive electronic communications, a copy of your paycheck will be emailed to you at the end of each month when it posts to ESS. If you need access to prior paychecks, follow the instructions below:

1. Log into ESS
2. Click the 'Task List' tab on the top blue ribbon bar
3. Click the 'You have # unread messages' link in the right hand corner of the page

To view your W2:

1. Log into ESS
2. Click the ‘Document Management’ tab on the top blue ribbon bar
3. Click ‘View W2’ in the drop down menu
4. Click ‘View W2’ on the right hand side of the page