Dalton State’s School of Education and Dr. Sharon Hixon, dean of the school, were recently recognized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) for meeting all areas of approval standards and showing strength and innovation in several areas during the Spring 2019 Approval Review.
The GaPSC was created by legislation in the 1990s to assume full responsibility for the preparation, certification and professional conduct of certified personnel employed in the Georgia public schools. The GaPSC approves programs to prepare educators for Georgia certification including the teacher preparation program at Dalton State.
The School of Education was lauded for showing an innovative approach to preparing elementary school teachers to teach scientific inquiry. It was also honored for the extensive work Hixon and the school’s faculty and staff have done to partner with other local organizations including public school systems, child care centers and the libraries.
“The high level of engagement with a variety of stakeholders has had a positive impact on the educator preparing programs offered at Dalton State College, the teachers prepared in those programs and the schools in which they are employed,” said Dr. Penny McRoy, director of the Educator Preparation Division with the GaPSC. “Dr. Hixon has also given graciously of her time to participate in numerous PSC advisory groups.”
Hixon was congratulated and thanked for her work in improving education in Georgia.