Becoming a teacher in Georgia requires a thorough understanding of the state’s certification process and resources available to educators. This article provides a comprehensive guide to teaching in Georgia and outlines the steps to finding an approved teacher preparation program, the testing and certification requirements, and the salary information.
It also details the resources available to help teachers understand and meet the state’s certification requirements. With this guide, individuals interested in teaching in Georgia can be better prepared and informed.
Becoming a Teacher in Georgia
Earning a teacher certification in Georgia requires a rigorous process. First, individuals must complete a teacher preparation program that is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
For those with bachelor’s or master’s degrees, alternative routes and provisional certificates are available. However, regardless of the route chosen, obtaining a Pre-Service certification is mandatory.
After obtaining Pre-Service certification, individuals can progress to an Induction certificate. This involves three years of successful teaching.
To obtain a Professional teaching certificate, individuals must pass the GACE Content Assessment and the Georgia Educator Ethics Exam. In addition, background checks and NASDTEC National Clearinghouse screening are also necessary.
It is important to note that salaries for teachers in Georgia vary based on location, grade level, and subject area.
Finding Approved Teacher Education Programs in Georgia
Finding an approved teacher education program in Georgia requires researching programs approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). It is also important to consider programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for teaching excellence. A list of approved programs can be accessed through the GaPSC website, allowing potential teachers to compare key metrics for each option.
| Program | GaPSC | SACS | CAEP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program 1 | Approved | Accredited | N/A |
| Program 2 | Approved | N/A | Accredited |
| Program 3 | N/A | Accredited | Approved |
Georgia Teacher Education and Testing Requirements
Attending an accredited teacher preparation program approved by the state is a necessary requirement for obtaining teacher certification in Georgia. This program should be approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) or the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Furthermore, those seeking certification must pass the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Content Assessment, which is mandatory, and the Georgia Educator Ethics Exam as part of pre-service certification.
Additional requirements include undergoing state and federal background checks and being screened through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) National Clearinghouse.
Lastly, teacher candidates must meet any additional requirements set by individual school districts.
Additional Georgia Teacher Certification Requirements
Complying with state and federal background checks and being screened through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) National Clearinghouse are additional requirements for teacher certification in Georgia.
Other requirements include:
- Honor sanctions imposed by other states if disciplined
- Meet additional requirements set by individual school districts
- Ensure compliance with Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) regulations
- Undergo state and federal background checks
- Be screened through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) National Clearinghouse
Georgia Teacher Licensing Application Process and Outlook
| Submitting a completed application for certification and paying the non-refundable processing fee are key components of the Georgia teacher licensing application process. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree along with a pre-service internship and a teacher preparation program approved by the GaPSC. To be eligible for a Pre-Service certificate, applicants must pass the GACE Content Assessment and the Georgia Educator Ethics Exam. | Average Salary | Number of Job Openings |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers | $30,910 | Average Annual Openings |
| Elementary School Teachers | $44,660 | Average Annual Openings |
| Middle School Teachers | $45,940 | Average Annual Openings |
| High School Teachers | $64,420 | Average Annual Openings |
Long-term substitute positions require state certification, and pay rates may be scaled depending on the level of education and certification achieved. Georgia also declared teacher shortages in particular subject areas for the 2019-20 school year.
Teacher Salaries in Georgia
While completing a teacher preparation program is necessary to become certified in Georgia, teacher salaries can vary significantly depending on the grade level, subject area, and experience.
Factors that affect teacher salaries in the state include:
- Average annual salaries for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers in Georgia
- Years of experience and additional certifications
- School location
- Grade level or subject area taught
- Teacher shortages in certain areas
Resources for Georgia Teaching Certification
Obtaining a teaching certificate in Georgia requires researching resources approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Approved teacher preparation programs must be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Pre-service certification is necessary before student teaching, and teachers must obtain an Induction certificate before progressing to a Professional teaching certificate.
Additional requirements include background checks, screening through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, and compliance with GaPSC regulations. The Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators must be passed in order to receive certification, and the Georgia Educator Ethics Exam is mandatory.
The National Center for Education Statistics provides data on public elementary/secondary education in Georgia, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers occupational employment and wage estimates for teachers in the state.
Teacher Shortage Areas in Georgia
What areas of expertise are currently facing teacher shortages in Georgia?
Georgia declared teacher shortages in special education, health and physical fitness, math, science, and social studies for the 2019-20 school year.
How can these shortages be addressed?
To address these shortages, the following should be considered:
- Obtaining alternative routes to certification for those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Provisional certificate options for teaching while completing a teacher preparation program
- Completion of a teacher preparation program approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)
- Fulfillment of specific requirements, such as student teaching and content area testing
- Meeting additional requirements set by individual school districts
Average Teacher Salaries in Georgia
Salaries for teachers in Georgia vary based on the grade level or subject area taught, as well as the teacher’s level of experience and education. The average salaries for elementary, middle, and secondary teachers in Georgia (excluding special education) range from $30,910 to $64,420 annually.
Teacher salaries may also be higher with advanced degrees or additional certifications. Location can also play a role in teacher salaries, with rural and urban areas often offering different pay rates.
Substitute teachers may also require a college degree or teacher certification, and their pay rates may vary with education and certification levels. Long-term substitute positions generally require state certification.
Overall, teachers in Georgia can expect to be compensated well for their experience, education, and service.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a teacher in Georgia requires completing an approved teacher preparation program, passing the necessary tests and certifications, and submitting a teacher licensing application.
Additionally, resources are available to help teachers understand the requirements and to stay up-to-date on new regulations.
Understanding the job outlook and salary information is also important to those interested in teaching in the state.
With the right preparation and resources, interested individuals can become qualified and certified teachers in Georgia.
