One of the teacher education requirements prior to beginning professional coursework is completion of 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.


Background Check required prior to start date of placement - please contact mmnolley@valdosta.edu for additional information.

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

No Background Check required prior to start of placement

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