How To Become a Teacher in Georgia 2025

<p>The process of becoming a certified teacher in Georgia isn't as complicated as you might think. You start by choosing a subject area, completing a degree, passing exams, and applying for licensure. The following steps will help you navigate the requirements to become a teacher. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3> <p>Different teaching paths call for different credentials and coursework. The initial step is to decide which grade level and subject area suits your specific career interests and strengths. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4> <p>Elementary school teachers work with children from kindergarten through fifth grade. The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_program_to_become_a_teacher.html">quickest way to become a teacher</a> is by completing a program in early childhood education and proving your know-how in a fairly wide range of subjects. Examples include math, reading, science, and social studies. </p> <p>Georgia requires passing scores on the GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators) content exams for early childhood education. Classroom management and foundational teaching strategies are also staple parts of training if you want to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a>. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4> <p>Middle school educators are in charge of grades six through eight. They often specialize in one or two subject areas. You'll need to pursue a degree in middle-grade education and pass the corresponding GACE exams. </p> <p>Georgia requires content-specific knowledge in language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies. To meet the middle school teacher educational requirements, you need to choose at least two of those subjects. You may also need additional coursework in adolescent development and instructional methods suited for this particular age group. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4> <p>As a high school teacher, you can expect to work with students in grades nine through 12. Aspiring teachers tend to focus on a single subject, such as mathematics, science, English, or history. </p> <p>If you want to teach at this level, you'll need a degree related to your subject, as well as complete a teacher preparation program. Don't forget that you must also pass the appropriate GACE subject assessments as part of high school teacher educational requirements. High school educators will need to demonstrate classroom leadership skills and in-depth expertise in their chosen subject matter. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3> <p>Your college major should be relevant to the grade level and subject you want to eventually teach. Elementary school teachers often major in early childhood education, which covers a broad range of subjects and child development. Middle and high school teachers should choose a content-specific major, such as math, science, English, or history, combined with coursework in education. </p> <p>Selecting the appropriate major works as a foundation for building both subject-matter aptitude and instructional skills. It also ensures you meet the educational requirements for teacher certification in Georgia. A well-matched major prepares you for licensure exams and allows you to prepare for a successful teaching career. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>Anyone who wants to become a certified teacher in Georgia must earn a bachelor's degree from an institution with accreditation. Your degree program will include coursework in education theory, instructional strategies, and classroom management. You can also expect to learn about content-specific subjects based on your chosen teaching area. </p> <p>A major aspect of any teacher preparation program is student teaching, which provides hands-on experience in an actual classroom. During this time, you'll work under the supervision of a licensed mentor teacher, applying what you've learned and gaining valuable skills. A combination of academic study and hands-on training is the most effective way to ensure you're ready for the responsibilities of leading your own classroom. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3> <p>If you're eager to start working as a teacher, you'll be relieved to know that you don't need a master's degree. Still, getting one in education can lead to much better pay and career opportunities. </p> <p>Earning your master's can also help you get into leadership positions, curriculum specialist roles, or endorsements in high-demand fields like special education or ESOL. If your graduate or undergraduate degree is in another field, don't worry. The Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy offers a <a href="https://gacharters.org/teacher-certification/">teacher preparation program</a> that makes it possible to work in the field within three years. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5PassGeorgiaTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Georgia Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3> <p>You can't earn a teacher certification in Georgia without passing the right GACE exams based on your subject of choice and preferred grade level. Tests like these evaluate your content knowledge and teaching skills with multiple-choice questions, written sections, and more. </p> <p>In addition, you'll need to complete the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment, which covers professional conduct and ethical responsibilities. Once you've satisfied the testing requirements, you can apply for certification through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). Some school districts or teaching positions may also ask for a criminal background check and fingerprinting. Meeting these requirements ensures you're fully eligible to teach in any of Georgia's school districts. </p> <h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3> <p>After receiving your Georgia teaching certification, you can begin applying for teaching positions across the state. Public school openings are commonly listed on TeachGeorgia.org, the official job board managed by the Georgia Department of Education. Private schools often announce positions on their own websites or through independent job boards. </p> <p>Your teaching experience, education degree, and certification details should be placed at the forefront of your resume. It also helps to have relevant professional references. For example, you can ask for some from your student teaching placement or education professors. </p> <p>Be sure to practice for interviews. They may include teaching demonstrations, lesson plan presentations, or scenario-based questions to showcase your classroom management and instructional skillset. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2> <p>When deciding on a teaching degree program, it's worth taking a closer look at accreditation, grade-level focus, and the program's licensure pathway. Pick a program approved by the GaPSC to ensure you're eligible for state certification after graduating from your education program. </p> <p>Focus on comprehensive curricula that include both subject-area knowledge and education-specific training. If you plan on teaching a specialized subject, such as special education, art, or social science, confirm the program offers targeted coursework. It should also prepare you for the necessary GACE exams. The perfect program lays the groundwork for your teaching excellence and certification in Georgia. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInGeorgia">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Georgia</h2> <p>Anyone considering a career in education is likely to have some questions. Here are some of the most common ones about becoming a teacher in the Georgia school system. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatQualificationsDoYouNeedToBecomeATeacherInGeorgia">What Qualifications Do You Need To Become a Teacher in Georgia?</h3> <p>To work as an official teacher in Georgia, you need a bachelor's degree, successful completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program, and good scores on the appropriate GACE exams. You'll also need to pass the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment and meet any additional certification requirements from the GaPSC. </p> <h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3> <p>The requirements do differ. Public school teachers in Georgia are required to hold state certification, whereas private schools offer more flexibility. Some private institutions may not require certification, though many are still on the lookout for candidates with teaching degrees or licenses. Always take a close look at a specific school's hiring requirements before going through the application process. </p> <h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToBecomeATeacherInGeorgia">How Long Does It Take To Become a Teacher in Georgia?</h3> <p>It'll take around four years to earn a bachelor's degree in education if you count the required coursework and student teaching. After graduation, certification and licensing can take a few more months of commitment. If you pursue a master's degree or alternative certification, the timeline may be slightly longer, depending on the chosen program. </p> <h3 id="section---CanIGetATeachingJobWithoutATeachingDegree">Can I Get a Teaching Job Without a Teaching Degree?</h3> <p>In most cases, a teaching degree is a non-negotiable requirement. However, Georgia offers alternative certification pathways for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in another subject. Such programs include additional coursework, classroom training, and passing the GACE exams. It's a route often used by career changers who want to pivot into the teaching profession. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIBecomeASubstituteTeacherInGeorgia">How Do I Become a Substitute Teacher in Georgia?</h3> <p>The requirements for substitute teachers depend on the particular school district in Georgia. Most ask for at least a high school diploma or GED, a background check, and completion of a substitute teacher training program. Some districts may also prefer candidates with college experience or a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIApplyToATeachingProgram">How Do I Apply To a Teaching Program?</h3> <p>Everything starts by looking into accredited teacher preparation programs approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Double-check the admission requirements, including GPA, test scores, and prerequisites. </p> <p>Then, apply directly through the college or university offering the program. Many schools offer advisors to help walk you through the application and enrollment process. </p> <h2 id="section---StartYourTeachingCareerToday">Start Your Teaching Career Today</h2> <p>Becoming a teacher in Georgia is a rewarding path that begins with the right education and preparation. By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to inspire and educate the next generation. Start planning your teaching journey today.</p>