Professional Learning Center for Educators
Department of Continuing Education
Georgia Highlands College
Overview | Prior Approval Form (PDF) | Approved Course List | Affidavit (PDF) | FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Professional Learning Unit (PLU)?
- How many PLUs do I need?
- Do I need to complete any paperwork prior to starting my course?
- What do I need to do to earn PLUs if I am not presently teaching?
- How do I get my Professional Learning Unit (PLU) Course Completion form?
- What do I need to know about taking an online course to earn PLUs?
Q. What is a Professional Learning Unit (PLU)?
A. A PLU is a unit of credit based on 10 contact hours of formal instruction or its equivalent (preparation phase) and on verification that the intent of the formal instruction has been implemented on the job (on-the-job performance phase) or on mastery verification conducted during the preparation phase (e.g. assignments, quizzes and/or final exam).
A. In the State of Georgia, teachers are presently required to complete 10 PLUs every 5 years in order to retain their teaching certificates. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GAPSC) determines all PLU requirements for educators. If you have specific questions regarding your PLU requirements, contact the GAPSC at www.gapsc.com.
Q. Do I need to complete any paperwork prior to starting my course?
A. You must complete the Prior Approval Form before you begin your course. If you are currently teaching your form must be signed by the System Superintendent or Professional Learning Coordinator. The completed, signed form must be faxed to the Director of the Professional Learning Center for Educators at Georgia Highlands College, Department of Continuing Education: (706) 802-5304.
Q. What do I need to do to earn PLUs if I am not presently teaching?
A. You may take courses approved for PLUs. You must complete the Prior Approval Form before you begin your course. You will need to sign and date the form. The completed and signed form must be faxed to the Director of the Professional Learning Center for Educators, Department of Continuing Education at Georgia Highlands College: (706) 802-5304.
Q. How do I get my Professional Learning Unit (PLU) Course Completion Form?
A. Upon successful completion of an approved course, you will be able to print an online Certificate of Completion for the course. This Certificate along with the Affidavit stating you completed all of the course assignments, quizzes, and final exam must be faxed or mailed to the Director of the Professional Learning Center for Educators. Once these documents are received, a Professional Learning Unit (PLU) Course Completion Form will be issued to you. If you are currently teaching, this Course Completion form should be given to your school system’s Coordinator for Professional Learning. If you are not presently employed as a teacher, you will follow the same procedures of faxing the online Certificate of Completion and the Affidavit. Upon receipt of these documents, the Course Completion form will be sent to you. When you are ready to renew your teaching certificate, you will attach the Professional Learning Unit (PLU) Course Completion Form to your renewal application which can be found on at GAPSC website: www.gapsc.com.
The fax number for the Professional Learning Center for Educators at GHC is (706) 802-5304. The mailing address is as follows:
Professional Learning Center for Educators
Department of Continuing Education
Georgia Highlands College—Heritage Hall
415 E. Third Avenue
Rome, GA 30161
Q. What do I need to know about taking an online class to earn PLUs?
A. Please note the following:
- Each approved PLU course is six weeks in length, with two lessons issued per week. One 2-week extension can be granted.
- You must make a 70% or higher on the final exam to earn PLU credit. You may only take the final exam once.
- Prior to registering for your course, complete and submit the Prior Approval Form. Fax the completed and signed form to Nancy Kelly at (706) 802-5304.
- Locate and register for an approved course(s) at http://www.ed2go.com/highlands/index.html
- To receive PLUs, fax or mail your online Certificate of Completion and the Affidavit to Nancy Kelly at (706) 802-5304.