VSU and Southern Regional Technical College Partner to Fast-Track Teachers

The new agreement allows students to earn an associate's degree at SRTC before transferring to complete their bachelor's in education at Valdosta State.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Valdosta State University (VSU) and Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) have launched a new partnership to help address the teacher shortage in Georgia. The agreement allows students to earn an Associate of Science in Education at SRTC and then seamlessly transfer to VSU to complete their Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. This fast-track program aims to get more qualified educators into local classrooms quickly.

Why it matters

Georgia is facing a significant teacher shortage, with over 4,400 teaching positions vacant across the state. Rural districts have been hit especially hard, with roughly 10% of classrooms led by non-credentialed or under-credentialed teachers. This new partnership between VSU and SRTC seeks to address this issue by creating a streamlined pathway for students to earn their teaching credentials and enter the workforce faster.

The details

The course articulation agreement between VSU and SRTC maximizes credit transfers for SRTC graduates pursuing their bachelor's degree, cutting down barriers and saving time in the process. Students can now earn an associate's degree at SRTC before transferring to VSU to complete their bachelor's in elementary education. VSU offers both face-to-face and online programs, providing rigorous academic coursework, extensive classroom-based experiences, and strong partnerships with South Georgia school districts.

  • The partnership was signed this week.
  • VSU and SRTC are launching the new program immediately.

The players

Valdosta State University

A public university located in Valdosta, Georgia, known for its teacher preparation programs.

Southern Regional Technical College

A technical college with campuses in Thomasville, Moultrie, and Tifton, Georgia, offering associate's degree programs.

Dr. David Slykhuis

Dean of VSU's Dewar College of Education and Human Services.

Dr. William Crowe

Interim president of Valdosta State University.

Jim Glass

President of Southern Regional Technical College.

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What they’re saying

“We're starting an A.S. in elementary education. What that's going to allow to happen is the students that go there for the first two years are going to be able to move seamlessly into our elementary education program for the last two years and be able to get out into the workplace very quickly.”

— Dr. David Slykhuis, Dean of VSU's Dewar College of Education and Human Services (WTXL)

“South Georgia schools need well-prepared, passionate educators now more than ever, and through this new agreement with our partners at SRTC, we are creating more pathways for students to enter and succeed in the teaching profession.”

— Dr. William Crowe, Interim President of Valdosta State University (WTXL)

“By partnering with Valdosta State University, we are ensuring that students can start at Southern Regional Technical College and seamlessly transition to earn their bachelor's degree, all while staying close to home and serving the communities that need excellent teachers most.”

— Jim Glass, President of Southern Regional Technical College (WTXL)

What’s next

The new partnership between VSU and SRTC is launching immediately, allowing students to begin the fast-track program to earn their teaching credentials and enter the workforce.

The takeaway

This innovative partnership between VSU and SRTC is a crucial step in addressing the teacher shortage in Georgia, particularly in rural areas. By creating a streamlined pathway for students to earn their teaching degrees, the two institutions are helping to ensure that South Georgia schools have access to well-prepared, passionate educators who can shape the future of the region for generations to come.