Welcome to Georgia's BEST, a recruitment and retention support for educators led by the Cobb County School District and University of West Georgia (UWG).

Together, we are committed to supporting you and are excited to offer graduate degrees, at no tuition cost to you.

 

**Applicants must have at least 3 years of acceptable teaching experience at an accredited PK-12 school (excluding supply/substitute, paraprofessional, or as a member of a board of education).**

Fall 2026 Cohort (interest submissions for this cohort close on March 20, 2026, at 5 p.m.)

M.Ed. – Special Education and Teaching – UWG Program Details

The M.Ed. in Special Education is designed to prepare candidates to expand their professional knowledge and expertise for improving the educational and behavioral outcomes of students with diverse needs.

• Bachelor's degree required from an accredited institution.
• GPA of 2.7 or higher on most recent degree is required for admission.
• Present a clear and renewable teaching certificate in Special Education.

Ed.S. – Special Education – UWG Program Details

The Ed.S. with a major in Special Education is designed to meet the needs of teachers certified in Special Education who have completed a master's degree in special education. 

• Master’s degree required from an accredited institution.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher on most recent degree is required for admission.
• Present a clear and renewable T-5 teaching certificate in Special Education or Service certificate in Speech-Language Pathology.

M.Ed. – Reading Instruction – UWG Program Details

The M.Ed. in Reading Instruction is designed for educators who desire graduate studies in reading, language, and literacy theories, research, and instructional practices. 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher required from an accredited institution.
• A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or higher is required for admission.
• Applicants must hold a clear and renewable level 4 or higher Induction, Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, Leadership certificate, Service field certificate, or Life certificate.
• Applicants must have at least 3 years of acceptable teaching experience at an accredited PK-12 school (excluding supply/substitute, paraprofessional, or as a member of a board of education).
• Visit the M.Ed. in Reading Instruction program site for specific admission requirements.

M.Ed. – Instructional Technology (Grades K-12) – UWG Program Details

The M.Ed. in Instructional Technology is designed to prepare innovative, academically grounded instructional practices and research.

• Bachelor's degree required from an accredited institution.
• GPA of 2.7 on most recent degree is required for admission.

Ed.S. – Instructional Technology (Grades K-12 Math and Science) – UWG Program Details

The Ed.S. in Instructional Technology is designed for educators with a master’s degree and provides superior student-focused education that is personally relevant and intellectually challenging. This cohort is available to educators who hold clear and renewable certificates in Math and/or in Science.

• Master's degree required from an accredited institution.
• GPA of 3.0 on most recent degree is required for admission.

Ed.S. – Instructional Technology for Staff Holding IT Certification – UWG Program Details

This program is designed for staff members who hold clear and renewable certification in Instructional Technology and have completed a master’s degree. Cohort members will engage in relevant and intellectually challenging experiences that support and further enhance innovative professional practices.

• Master’s degree required from an accredited institution.
• GPA of 3.0 on most recent degree is required for admission.
• Present a clear and renewable certificate in Instructional Technology.
• Review the “General” track program of study for more information.