One of the teacher education requirements before beginning professional coursework is completing a criminal background check as part of the pre-service certification application process. This is a requirement for individuals who will be working with children. At the time of application for student teaching, student teachers are asked to self-disclose any change in their criminal background history. If required by the school district where the student teacher is placed, student teachers must make themselves available for and pay any fee for any level of criminal background check required by the school system.

A background check is required before the start date of placement. For additional information, please email educationplacement@valdosta.edu or call 229-219-3535.

  • Decatur County, GA
  • Lanier County, GA
  • Lowndes County, GA (requires a $7.50 fee.)
  • Thomas County, GA
  • Thomasville City, GA

A background check is NOT required before the start of the placement

  • Berrien County, GA
  • Brooks County, GA
  • Clinch County, GA
  • Colquitt County, GA
  • Cook County, GA
  • Echols County, GA
  • Tift County, GA
  • Valdosta City Schools, GA
  • Ware County, GA