2026 How to Become a Teacher in Georgia – What Degree Do You Need to Be a Teacher

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Becoming a teacher in Georgia is a licensing decision, a degree decision, and a career decision all at once. The need is real: according to the National Center for Education Statistics, 51% of public schools in the country are operating without a full teaching staff. As of January 2025, 5% of all public school teaching positions were vacant, and the average public school had three open teaching roles. Georgia schools are feeling the same pressure, which means well-prepared teachers can make a direct difference in classrooms, student support, and local communities.

This guide explains how to become a teacher in Georgia, from choosing the right degree and completing a state-approved educator preparation program to passing required assessments and applying for certification through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. It also covers salaries, job outlook, online and alternative pathways, specialization options, private school and substitute teaching requirements, and top Georgia teaching programs. Although some students assume education is among the easier college majors, Georgia teacher certification still requires academic preparation, supervised classroom experience, testing, ethics requirements, and ongoing professional development.

How to Become a Teacher in Georgia Table of Contents

1. Overview of Teaching Profession in Georgia
2. How to Become a Teacher in Georgia: Educational Requirements
3. What is the Easiest Education Degree for Aspiring Teachers in Georgia?
4. Teacher Certification Process in Georgia
5. What specializations are available for aspiring teachers in Georgia?
6. List of Top Teaching Programs in Georgia for 2026
7. Understanding the Different Types of Teaching Certificates in Georgia
8. How can teachers in Georgia pursue career advancement and leadership roles?
9. How can teachers develop leadership skills?
10. What role can educational support careers play in enhancing the learning environment?
11. What are the specific requirements for kindergarten teachers in Georgia?
12. What are the unique opportunities for English teachers in Georgia?
13. What are the prerequisites for special education teacher certification in Georgia?
14. How do advanced degrees influence a teacher’s career advancement?
15. What are the private school teacher requirements in Georgia?
16. Can you become a teacher online in Georgia?
17. Can I Transfer My Out-of-State Teaching Certification to Georgia?
18. What are the substitute teacher licensing requirements in Georgia?
19. What challenges do teachers face in Georgia?

Quick Answer: How do you become a teacher in Georgia?

To become a public school teacher in Georgia, you generally need a bachelor’s degree, completion of a Georgia Professional Standards Commission-approved or accepted teacher preparation program, passing scores on required Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators exams, completion of educator ethics requirements, and state and FBI background checks. Candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree but did not complete an education program may be able to pursue a provisional certificate while meeting remaining requirements.

Overview of Teaching Profession in Georgia

Georgia teachers work in a state system where pay, certification, district staffing needs, and local cost of living all shape career decisions. The state uses a salary schedule that sets minimum pay levels, and those levels can rise based on teaching experience, education level, and certification status. Districts may add local supplements to state minimums, often depending on budget capacity, hiring demand, regional living costs, and how much the district values advanced education or years of service.

The average starting salary for Georgia teachers is $38,926, placing the state number 41 in the United States for average teacher starting salary. That figure is below the minimum living wage of $47,638. The average teacher salary in Georgia is $62,240, which ranks the state number 21 nationally.

Career demand is also an important part of the decision. Georgia’s teacher labor market is affected by student enrollment needs, public awareness of early childhood education, retirements, and educators moving into nonteaching roles. Candidates should look beyond statewide averages and review openings by district, grade level, subject, and certification area because shortages are not evenly distributed.

The projected employment growth for secondary school teachers in the state is 11.4%, with projected annual job openings of 8,340 over the same 10-year period (Texas Workforce Commission, 2025). For elementary school teachers, projected employment growth is 12.4%, with projected annual job openings of 12,130. For middle school teachers, projected employment growth is 12.6%, with 5,610 projected annual job openings.

How to Become a Teacher in Georgia: Educational Requirements

The standard route to teaching in Georgia begins with college-level preparation. At minimum, candidates need a bachelor’s degree and completion of a teacher preparation program approved or accepted by the state. For many students, the most straightforward option is to major in an education field that already includes certification coursework, field placements, and student teaching.

You do not always need an undergraduate degree titled “education” to become a teacher. A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in a content area may support certification if you complete the required educator preparation program and meet Georgia’s testing and certification rules. For example, a future high school biology teacher may study biology and then complete the required teacher preparation pathway for certification in that subject area.

If your goal is to teach middle or high school, a traditional or online secondary education program can help you prepare for subject-specific instruction, adolescent learning needs, assessment design, and classroom practice. Secondary education candidates usually align their certification with a content area such as mathematics, science, English, social studies, or career and technical education.

If you want to support students with disabilities, a traditional or online special education degree may be a better fit. Special education programs emphasize individualized education plans, differentiated instruction, behavior support, disability law, assessment, and collaboration with families and other school professionals.

What is the Easiest Education Degree for Aspiring Teachers in Georgia?

The “easiest” education degree is not the same for every aspiring teacher in Georgia. A program that feels manageable for one student may be difficult for another because teaching fields differ in content exams, field placements, grade-level expectations, and certification requirements. Instead of looking only for the easiest option, compare programs by fit, approval status, schedule flexibility, fieldwork expectations, and your long-term teaching goals.

For students entering college for the first time, a bachelor’s program in early childhood education or elementary education may feel more accessible because it focuses on foundational teaching skills, child development, early literacy, classroom routines, and multi-subject instruction. These degrees can be a logical choice for students who enjoy working with younger learners and want a broad classroom role.

For students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, a postbaccalaureate, Master of Arts in Teaching, or other educator preparation route may be more efficient than starting over with another undergraduate degree. Some candidates also explore flexible online options, including affordable online master’s degrees in teaching, when they need to balance preparation with work or family responsibilities.

The better question is not “Which education degree is easiest?” but “Which approved pathway gets me to the right Georgia certificate with the least wasted time and cost?” A practical choice should match your subject strengths, comfort with the target age group, tolerance for testing requirements, and ability to complete in-person field experiences.

Teacher Certification Process in Georgia

After completing the required education, candidates who want to teach in Georgia public schools must obtain the appropriate teaching certificate. Certification is administered by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC), which sets rules for educator preparation, assessments, ethics, certificates, and renewals.

Georgia-approved educator preparation programs include supervised classroom experiences such as practicum, fieldwork, and student teaching. These experiences matter because they allow candidates to practice lesson planning, instruction, assessment, classroom management, and professional collaboration before taking responsibility for their own classroom.

Candidates must also complete required assessments and background checks. Georgia uses the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators, often called GACE, to evaluate admission readiness and content knowledge. Candidates may need the GACE Program Admission Assessment for entry into a teacher preparation program and a GACE content assessment for the certification field they plan to teach. State and Federal Bureau of Investigation background checks are also part of the process.

Teacher Certification Pathways

Georgia offers more than one route into the classroom. The right pathway depends on whether you are completing a traditional educator preparation program, already hold a bachelor’s degree, or are entering teaching through an employment-based route.

For the provisional option, applicants should pay close attention to timing, employer support, and degree recency. The pathway is not simply a shortcut; it allows eligible candidates to work while completing the requirements Georgia still expects for full certification.

State Certifications and Assessments

The GACE Program Admission Assessment evaluates core academic skills, including literacy and mathematics. Teacher candidates may need this assessment to enter educator preparation. To receive provisional or full certification, candidates must also complete educator ethics requirements.

Most Georgia teachers certify by grade band and subject. Elementary education options include birth through kindergarten, preschool through fifth grade, and special education. Middle grades certification may focus on areas such as reading, science, math, and social science. Secondary education certification covers 13 subject areas, including speech, biology, and economics.

Some credentials are field-based and can apply across grade levels. Examples include foreign languages and special education. Candidates planning to teach in vocational or technical settings can pursue certification in technical, career, and agricultural fields. In each case, content assessments are used to evaluate readiness for the selected certification area.

Teaching Certification Renewal

Georgia teachers must maintain their certification after earning it. A Clear Renewable Certificate is valid for five years, and renewal requires approved professional learning or coursework during that period.

Within the five-year validity period, teachers must complete one of the following:

• six semester hours of college coursework from an accredited college or university in Georgia; or
• 10 credits of continuing education units under the International Association for Continuing Education Units (IACET); or
• 10 credits of Georgia Professional Learning Units; or
• 10 credits of U.S. Department of Education Teacher-to-Teacher Workshops.

Public school teachers also need an individual professional development plan coordinated with their school system. Renewal includes another criminal background check. If the educator has already completed the FBI background and fingerprinting process, a state-level criminal history check is sufficient.

What specializations are available for aspiring teachers in Georgia?

Georgia teacher candidates can specialize by grade level, subject, student population, or instructional setting. Common options include elementary education, middle grades education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, mathematics education, science education, social studies education, English education, career and technical education, and foreign language education.

Students who want to work with younger learners can review the process for becoming an elementary school teacher in Georgia. Candidates who prefer older students may choose a secondary subject area. Those who want to serve students with disabilities may pursue special education certification. The best specialization is the one that matches your strengths, your preferred age group, and Georgia’s certification categories.

List of Top Teaching Programs in Georgia 2026

Once you understand the steps to becoming a teacher in Georgia, the next major decision is where to complete your educator preparation. The right program should be approved for your intended certification field, include strong supervised classroom experience, offer advising for GACE and certification requirements, and provide clear information about cost, transfer credit, and financial aid.

Georgia students may be eligible for school-based aid, institutional scholarships, and state-specific support for future educators. Organizations such as the Georgia Association of Educators Foundation, Inc. provide scholarships and grants to future teachers, certified educators, and educational support professionals in Georgia who are beginning education careers, continuing professional growth, or developing classroom projects. Students should also compare institutional aid and external scholarships for education majors.

The following Georgia programs can help aspiring teachers begin their search. This list focuses on teacher-preparation bachelor’s degree options because those programs can support initial certification opportunities in the state.

1. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia Mary Frances Early College of Education offers Bachelor of Science in Education programs with several concentrations, including:

• Elementary Education
• English Education
• Exercise and Sport Science
• Health and Physical Education
• Mathematics Education
• Science Education (Biology)
• Science Education (Chemistry)
• Science Education (Earth/Space Science)
• Science Education (Physics)
• Social Studies Education

UGA also offers graduate and advanced programs, including Master of Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Educational Specialist, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Education, and Master of Art Education options. Some graduate programs include multiple specialization choices.

Students seeking initial preparation can begin with a BSEd program, while already-certified teachers may consider graduate or doctoral study to deepen expertise or pursue advanced roles. UGA’s undergraduate programs combine traditional and emerging education principles with applied learning, classroom experience, and health and well-being perspectives across diverse fields.

Location: Athens, GA
Status: Public
Programs offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Accreditation (institutional): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Tuition (Undergraduate): $9,790 (resident) | $28,830 (nonresident)

2. Georgia State University

Georgia State University College of Education & Human Development offers BSEd programs for students who do not yet hold a bachelor’s degree and want to prepare for teaching. Available undergraduate areas include Health and Physical Education, Elementary Education, Middle Level Education, Special Education, and Birth Through Five.

Certified educators and degree holders can also explore the university’s graduate degree and certification programs. Program formats include in-person, online, and hybrid options. The college emphasizes classroom and community challenges, equity in education, and social justice-oriented solutions.

The child development program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Location: Atlanta, GA
Status: Public
Programs offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, Certificate
Accreditation (institutional): SACSCOC
Tuition and fees (Bachelor’s): $10,268 per year (resident) | $29,306 per year (nonresident)

3. Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University School of Education offers undergraduate programs that can prepare students for teaching certification: BA Elementary Education and BA Educational Studies Child Development.

The school also offers an MA in Teaching in mathematics and science for secondary education and an MA in Special Education General Curriculum. Its postbaccalaureate certification program in early childhood education is designed for degree holders from non-education fields who want to prepare for state certification and enter teaching.

Clark Atlanta’s education programs emphasize historical inequities in education and prepare students to become effective change agents. The school’s approach encourages future educators to treat learners’ cultural diversity as an asset and to design instruction for today’s classrooms.

Location: Atlanta, GA
Status: Private
Programs offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Accreditation: SACSCOC for institutions, Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for education programs
Tuition (undergraduate): $23,484 per year

4. University of North Georgia

University of North Georgia College of Education offers initial and advanced educator and leader preparation programs approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The college includes the Department of Elementary and Special Education; the Department of Middle Grades, Secondary & Science Education; the Department of Social Foundations & Leadership Education; and kinesiology and teacher certification programs that prepare students for roles inside and beyond the classroom.

Students participate in classroom experiences, applied learning, faculty-supported research, service projects, competitive grants, and international exchanges. The college frames education as a human right and emphasizes diversity, intellectual curiosity, international perspective, and regional engagement.

At the end of the internship experience, students receive guidance on applying for certification after program completion.

Location: Dahlonega, GA
Status: Public
Programs offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificate
Accreditation: CAEP for education programs
Tuition (undergraduate): $186.53 per credit hour (in-state) | $658.47 per credit hour (out-of-state)

5. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University College of Education offers programs across the university’s Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville locations, as well as online. The college prepares future teachers through field-based experience, research-informed instruction, and educational technology. Students are expected to participate in an academic environment that values open exchange, individual responsibility, and high expectations.

The College of Education offers seven undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Education majors that prepare students for initial teacher certification. Graduate options include the Master of Arts in Teaching with six concentrations, 12 Master of Education degrees, four education specialist degrees, and two doctoral degrees. The college also offers certificates and graduate-level endorsement options for certified educators.

Location: Statesboro, GA
Status: Public
Programs offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Tuition (undergraduate): $182.13 per credit hour (in-state) | $642.73 per credit hour (out-of-state)

Understanding the Different Types of Teaching Certificates in Georgia

Georgia uses different certificate types to match where educators are in their careers. Understanding these categories helps candidates avoid applying for the wrong credential or enrolling in a program that does not support their goal.

The Induction Certificate is intended for beginning educators and is valid for five years. It is commonly associated with new teachers who have completed an approved teacher preparation program and met required testing and ethics conditions. The Professional Certificate is a more advanced credential that reflects classroom competence and continuing eligibility; it may be renewable or non-renewable depending on the educator’s situation.

The Provisional Certificate is an option for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree but have not yet completed all formal teacher preparation requirements. It allows eligible candidates to teach while finishing certification steps. Georgia also recognizes Advanced and Lead Professional Certificates for educators moving into higher levels of practice, leadership, or specialized professional contribution.

Because certificate categories can affect hiring, renewal, endorsements, and advancement, candidates should compare requirements before choosing a pathway. For a more detailed explanation of credential options and lower-cost preparation routes, see this guide to the types of teaching certificates in Georgia.

How can teachers in Georgia pursue career advancement and leadership roles?

Teaching can lead to several advancement paths in Georgia. Some educators remain classroom teachers and develop expertise in a subject or grade level. Others move into coaching, curriculum, administration, student support, or district leadership. Advancement often depends on experience, additional credentials, graduate education, leadership evidence, and district needs.

• Earn an advanced degree: A master’s, education specialist, or doctoral degree can support movement into roles such as instructional coordinator, administrator, curriculum developer, or education researcher. MEd and EdD programs are common options for educators seeking applied leadership preparation.
• Add certifications or endorsements: Additional credentials in areas such as instructional leadership, gifted education, special education, or another high-need specialization can broaden an educator’s options.
• Serve as a mentor or instructional coach: Experienced teachers can support new educators, model instructional strategies, help with classroom management, and guide professional growth.
• Move toward administration: Teachers interested in assistant principal, principal, or district roles typically need leadership preparation and the appropriate administrative certification.
• Use professional learning strategically: Workshops, conferences, school-based learning communities, and specialized training should be chosen for relevance, not just renewal credit.

How can teachers develop leadership skills?

Teachers develop leadership by taking on responsibilities that influence instruction beyond their own classroom. Useful starting points include leading a grade-level team, coordinating curriculum planning, mentoring a new teacher, participating in school committees, organizing family engagement events, or facilitating professional learning communities.

Formal education can also help. After completing a bachelor in education online program or a campus-based equivalent, educators may pursue graduate coursework in educational leadership, curriculum design, assessment, conflict resolution, or school improvement. The strongest leadership candidates combine training with evidence of impact: improved instructional practices, better student support systems, stronger collaboration, or successful program implementation.

Teachers should also seek feedback from administrators, peers, students, and families. Reflection is essential because leadership in schools is not only about authority; it is about communication, trust, decision-making, and the ability to help other educators solve problems.

What role can educational support careers play in enhancing the learning environment?

Not every education career in Georgia requires being the lead classroom teacher. Educational support roles can improve learning by expanding access to resources, technology, student services, and specialized academic support. These roles are especially important when teachers are managing large caseloads, diverse student needs, or new instructional tools.

School library professionals, for example, help students and teachers locate high-quality materials, build research skills, use digital tools, and connect reading resources to classroom goals. Candidates interested in that route can review how to become a school librarian in Georgia. Other support careers may focus on educational technology, counseling, assessment, intervention, student services, or family engagement.

What are the specific requirements for kindergarten teachers in Georgia?

Kindergarten teachers in Georgia need preparation that combines early childhood development, literacy, classroom routines, family communication, and age-appropriate assessment. Candidates typically pursue a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field, complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, participate in supervised field experiences, and meet Georgia certification and assessment requirements.

Because kindergarten is part of the foundation for later academic success, preparation should include child development, early literacy instruction, math readiness, behavior support, play-based learning, and inclusive classroom practices. For a detailed career-specific explanation, see this guide to kindergarten teacher requirements in Georgia.

What are the unique opportunities for English teachers in Georgia?

English teachers in Georgia can specialize in literature, writing, grammar, language arts, reading development, media literacy, and communication skills. Strong English teachers are also increasingly expected to help students evaluate digital information, write for different audiences, and analyze complex texts across genres.

Preparation for this field should include subject-area knowledge, adolescent literacy strategies, assessment design, and practice teaching diverse learners. Districts may also offer mentorship, curriculum support, and professional development tied to reading and writing instruction. For a focused pathway, review how to become an English teacher in Georgia.

Can you become a teacher online in Georgia?

Yes, it is possible to complete parts of teacher preparation online in Georgia, but candidates should be careful. An online program must still meet Georgia certification requirements, and student teaching or clinical practice usually requires supervised work in an approved school setting. A program that is convenient is not automatically the right program for licensure.

Before enrolling, ask whether the program is approved or accepted by GaPSC, whether it leads to the certification field you want, how field placements are arranged, whether GACE preparation is included, and whether out-of-state online programs meet Georgia rules. For a dedicated overview, see this guide on how to become a teacher online in Georgia.

Can I Transfer My Out-of-State Teaching Certification to Georgia?

Out-of-state certified teachers may be able to transfer credentials to Georgia, but the process is not automatic. Applicants generally need to document their existing certificate, education, experience, testing history, and any additional requirements identified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

The most important step is to compare your current credential with Georgia’s certification rules before accepting a position or assuming equivalency. Some educators may need additional assessments, coursework, ethics requirements, or background checks. Reviewing current teacher certification requirements in Georgia can help you prepare documentation and identify possible gaps.

What are the substitute teacher licensing requirements in Georgia?

Substitute teaching can be a flexible way to enter Georgia classrooms, gain school experience, or support districts with temporary staffing needs. Requirements may include academic minimums, district orientation, short-term training, background checks, and familiarity with classroom procedures and school policies.

Because substitute requirements can vary by district and assignment type, applicants should confirm expectations with the local school system before applying. For a more specific breakdown, read this overview of Georgia substitute teacher requirements.

What challenges do teachers face in Georgia?

Georgia teachers may face staffing shortages, funding differences across districts, large class sizes, evolving curriculum expectations, technology integration demands, and workload pressure. These challenges can affect planning time, resource availability, student support, and teacher retention.

New teachers should evaluate working conditions as carefully as they evaluate salary. Ask about mentoring, planning time, class size, instructional materials, special education support, professional development, leadership stability, and teacher turnover. Candidates exploring early childhood pathways may also want to review whether early childhood education is easy before assuming the field has lower demands than other teaching areas.

What are the prerequisites for special education teacher certification in Georgia?

Special education teacher certification in Georgia requires focused preparation for working with students with disabilities. Candidates need coursework and supervised experiences that address individualized education plans, differentiated instruction, behavior support, disability categories, legal responsibilities, collaboration with families, and inclusive classroom practices.

Special education candidates must also meet Georgia’s assessment and certification requirements for their chosen field. Because special education roles can differ by grade band, disability area, and service model, candidates should confirm the exact credential needed for their intended position. For step-by-step guidance, review the pathway for special education teacher certification in Georgia.

How do advanced degrees influence a teacher’s career advancement?

Advanced degrees can help teachers deepen instructional expertise, qualify for specialized roles, pursue leadership, or move into research, policy, curriculum, or administration. The value of a graduate degree depends on the educator’s goals and the program’s focus. A classroom teacher seeking better instructional practice may benefit from an MEd, while an educator interested in applied leadership may compare EdD programs. Those drawn to scholarship and research may consider a PhD.

Teachers should not enroll in a graduate program only because it sounds prestigious. Compare cost, schedule, accreditation, certification outcomes, employer tuition support, salary schedule implications, and whether the degree aligns with the role you want. For a closer comparison, see this explanation of the EdD vs PhD difference.

What are the private school teacher requirements in Georgia?

Private school teaching requirements in Georgia can differ from public school certification rules. Some private schools may require state certification, while others may prioritize subject expertise, teaching experience, mission fit, religious affiliation, advanced degrees, or specialized credentials. Requirements vary by institution, grade level, and subject.

Candidates considering private schools should ask whether certification is required, whether benefits and salary follow a set schedule, how professional development works, what class sizes look like, and whether the school supports teachers pursuing Georgia certification later. For a fuller explanation, see this guide to private school teacher requirements in Georgia.

How to Choose the Right Georgia Teaching Path

The best path depends on your starting point. A high school student or first-time college student may benefit from a bachelor’s program that leads directly to certification. A career changer with a strong subject background may prefer a provisional or postbaccalaureate route. A certified teacher may need an endorsement, specialist degree, or leadership program rather than another initial certification program.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a program without checking approval: A degree alone is not enough if the program does not support Georgia certification in your intended field.
• Looking only at tuition: Compare fees, field placement costs, testing costs, commuting, technology needs, lost work time, and financial aid.
• Assuming online means fully remote: Teacher preparation normally includes supervised classroom experience, even when coursework is online.
• Ignoring certification field alignment: Elementary, middle grades, secondary, special education, and field-based certificates have different expectations.
• Waiting too long to plan for GACE assessments: Testing requirements can affect program admission, certification timing, and job eligibility.
• Assuming salary outcomes are guaranteed: Pay depends on the state schedule, local supplements, education level, experience, district policy, and role.
• Overlooking working conditions: Mentoring, planning time, leadership support, class size, and resource access can affect early-career success as much as salary.

Learn How to Become a Teacher in Georgia and Help Shape Young Minds

Becoming a teacher in Georgia requires more than enrolling in an education program. You need to choose the right certification field, complete a bachelor’s degree and approved teacher preparation, pass required assessments, clear background checks, and maintain your credential through professional learning. The process takes planning, but it can lead to meaningful work in public schools, private schools, substitute teaching, special education, kindergarten classrooms, secondary subjects, and educational support roles.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree outside education, you may still have a path into teaching through a preparation program, assessment requirements, and a certification route connected to your subject background. You can also work in education without becoming a classroom teacher. For example, someone with a psychology background may explore how to become an educational psychologist.

Key Insights

• Georgia teacher certification starts with the right preparation route: Most candidates need a bachelor’s degree, an approved teacher preparation program, GACE assessments, ethics requirements, and background checks.
• Teacher demand is a major reason to consider the field: National staffing data show 51% of public schools operating without a full teaching staff, with 5% of all public school teaching positions vacant as of January 2025.
• Salary varies by experience, education, and district: Georgia’s average starting teacher salary is $38,926, while the average teacher salary is $62,240. Local supplements and district policies matter.
• Certification field choice matters early: Elementary, middle grades, secondary, special education, kindergarten, English, and career-technical pathways have different preparation and testing requirements.
• Alternative pathways can help career changers: A bachelor’s degree holder without teacher preparation may qualify for a provisional route, but it still requires state conditions, employer involvement, and completion of certification steps.
• Online programs can work if they meet Georgia rules: Flexibility is useful, but candidates must verify GaPSC approval or acceptance, field placement arrangements, and certification alignment.
• Do not choose a program from rankings alone: Compare approval status, accreditation, certification outcomes, student teaching support, cost, financial aid, transfer policies, and GACE preparation.

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/adult-literacy-and-ged-teachers.htm
• Georgia Professional Standards Commission. (2026). Educator certification overview. https://www.gapsc.com
• Georgia Professional Standards Commission. (2026). Certification and licensure assessments (GACE). https://www.gapsc.com/Certification/Assessment/
• Georgia Professional Standards Commission. (2026). Steps to become a Georgia educator. https://www.gapsc.com/EducatorPreparation/StepsToBecomeAnEducator.aspx
• Georgia Code. (2025). Professional standards commission certification authority. https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-20/chapter-2/article-17/part-10/section-20-2-984/
• Georgia Department of Education. (2026). Teacher salary schedules and workforce information. https://www.gadoe.org/Finance-and-Business-Operations/Teacher-Salary-Schedules
• Institute of Education Sciences. (2025). School Pulse Panel: January 2025 release. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/spp/results.asp
• Employment projections resource. https://www.uh.edu/education/student-services/certifications/employment-projections/
• U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics. (2025). School Pulse Panel: February 2025 staffing data. https://ies.ed.gov/schoolsurvey/spp/
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Kindergarten and elementary school teachers. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm