How To Become a Teacher Online in Georgia

If you're interested in becoming a teacher in Georgia, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree. Some colleges and universities in Georgia offer teaching degrees online, providing the resources you need to become a teacher online.

Other steps include completing a teacher preparation program and passing the required teaching exams. Keep reading as we break down how to become a teacher online in Georgia.

Steps for Becoming a Teacher Online in Georgia

To become a teacher in Georgia, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree and complete an approved teacher preparation program. A few colleges and universities in Georgia offer online teaching programs, and some can even help you become a teacher online for free.

You'll also need to pass a background check and necessary exams. Below, we explore the steps to become a teacher online in Georgia.

1. Determine Your Area of Focus

The area of focus you choose will determine what program you choose, what tests you take, and ultimately, what license you obtain. You'll want to decide your focus area before choosing a degree program.

Teaching certification in Georgia is broken up by grade level. These include:

• birth through kindergarten
• elementary education
• middle grade education
• secondary education

Special education is offered as a PreK-12 certification.

If you're pursuing an early childhood or elementary education license, you may opt for a specific subject area, like art, music, or physical education. Middle grade and secondary teachers will need to choose a subject area, which can include things like English and math.

2. Gain an Undergraduate Degree Online

The next step is to earn your bachelor's degree. Bachelor's degrees are undergraduate degrees that take about four years of full-time study.

The specifics of these online programs vary depending on your focus area and school. However, coursework often covers topics like classroom management, lesson planning, and diversity in education.

A few colleges and universities in Georgia offer online bachelor's degrees that lead to teacher licensure. However, there are additional colleges and universities outside the state that offer online teaching programs�you'll just need to take a few extra steps to get your Georgia teacher certification.

Learn more: Affordable Online Teaching Programs

3. Pass a Background Check

To become a teacher, you'll need to pass a few different background checks. Many teacher preparation programs require you to pass a background check so that you are cleared to student teach.

Additionally, before the Georgia Department of Education will hire you, you'll need to pass another background check and a drug test. This is to ensure students are safe.

4. Participate in an Educator Preparation Program

Educator preparation programs, also called teacher preparation programs, ensure students meet the requirements for initial certification. A list of approved programs can be found on the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GAPSC) website.

Most bachelor's degree programs in teaching or education are also educator preparation programs. If you earned your degree in something other than education, you can complete an online teacher preparation program after you graduate.

If you are completing a teacher preparation program through an institution in another state, that institution will need to be approved by its home state for Georgia to accept it.

5. Complete Required Teaching Hours

Part of your teacher preparation is completing field experience, also known as student teaching. You'll usually complete this near the end of your program.

During your field experience, you'll lead a classroom under the supervision of an experienced, certified teacher. You'll do things like create lesson plans and teach students.

Note that even if your degree and teacher education program are online, you'll still need to do your student teaching in person.

6. Pass the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Exams

All teachers in Georgia are required to pass the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators exam for their subject area in order to obtain a Georgia Teaching Certificate.

The specific GACE content assessment you take will depend on your focus area. For example, elementary school teachers will need to take the Elementary Education GACE exam, while high school teachers wanting to teach history will need to take the history exam.

7. Obtain Teaching Certification

Those who want to teach in a Georgia public school will need to hold a teaching certification. Your credential will need to be in the certification field you plan to teach in.

Once you've met all the certification requirements, you can submit your application online through the GAPSC website. You'll need things like the official transcripts from your teaching degree and your GACE scores. You can check the status of your application through your MYPSC account.

Online Bachelor's in Education Degree Programs in Georgia

A handful of colleges and universities offer education degrees that lead to licensure in Georgia. We've highlighted a few of them below.

Brenau University � BS in Elementary, Middle Grades, and Special Education

Brenau University is a private university in Gainesville, GA. It offers online bachelor's degrees in elementary, middle grades, and special education.

These programs offer fully online courses with in-person student teaching. The middle grades program requires students to choose two concentrations in specific subject areas.

University of Georgia � BS in Special Education

The University of Georgia is a public land-grant research university in Athens, GA. It offers a Bachelor of Science in education in special education online.

This is a two-year degree completion program for those who already have an associate degree or have completed their general education courses. Three practicum experiences are required, but students can choose where to complete this field experience.

Georgia Southwestern State University � BS in Elementary Education

Georgia Southwestern State University is a public university in Americus, GA. It offers an online BS in elementary education.

This program is designed to meet the needs of paraprofessionals and career changers. You'll need either an associate degree or to have your general education courses already completed.

What Is the Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP)?

The Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy is for those who hold a bachelor's degree or higher, but have not completed a teacher preparation program. Their degree does not need to be in teaching or education, and this program is typically used by career changers.

If you don't have a bachelor's degree in the field you want to teach, for example, a history degree to become a history teacher, you'll need to pass the GACE content assessment. You can find a full list of approved GaTAPP providers on the GAPSC website.

How Can You Maintain Your Teaching Certification in Georgia?

To maintain your teaching certification in Georgia, you'll need to renew your certificate every five years. This requires you to complete an individualized Professional Learning Plan or Professional Learning Goal as outlined by your local education agency (LUA).

The renewal process and requirements vary depending on your status as a teacher at the time of renewal and whether you're teaching in a public or private institution. You can learn more about renewals at the GAPSC website.