How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Georgia

Special education teachers in Georgia support children with disabilities and diverse learning needs, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. The work can be especially demanding, but many teachers describe it as one of the most rewarding careers in the education field.

This blog will walk you through what it takes to become a special education teacher in Georgia — from degree requirements to certification exams and every step in between — to help you understand your options and what to expect.

Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Georgia

Whether you want to teach general education or special education in Georgia, many of the requirements are the same. You’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree, complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), pass the necessary Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE), and clear a background check. The key difference is that special education candidates must take a content assessment specific to special education instead of another subject.

For more detailed information on earning your educator certification in the Peach State, our how to become a teacher in Georgia guide offers more details about testing requirements, the certification application process, and the main pathways to becoming certified. It’s a great starting point no matter which subject or grade level you hope to teach.

What Do You Need to Be a Special Education Teacher in Georgia?

Here’s a basic checklist of what Georgia requires to teach special education:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Completion of an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), which includes clinical learning (student teaching)
• A passing score on the GACE Ethics for Teachers Assessment
• A passing score on the GACE content assessment for special education
• A B or higher in a course on identifying and educating exceptional children
• A cleared background check

If you’re starting from scratch, completing a traditional bachelor’s degree in special education usually takes about 4 years. But if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field, you don’t have to start over. An alternative EPP like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months, getting you into the classroom faster so you can help students sooner.

Steps to Becoming a Special Education Teacher in Georgia

Depending on your current qualifications, you may have already met some of these requirements for becoming a special education teacher in Georgia. In general, though, these are the steps you’ll need to take:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Every teacher in Georgia needs at least a bachelor’s degree. If you’re in the process of earning a bachelor’s, you can study special education as part of your major. However, if you already have a degree in another subject, you can still become a special education teacher in Georgia by pursuing an alternative certification pathway.

2. Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

An EPP equips you with the training you need to teach effectively. For special education, parts of your program will focus on supporting students with disabilities, adapting curriculum, and managing diverse classroom needs.

Additionally, most EPPs, like TEACH-NOW, include clinical learning (student teaching) modules where you’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real classroom to earn hands-on experience.

3. Pass the Required GACE Exams

The GACE exams include a content-specific assessment in special education as well as an assessment for teacher ethics. These exams confirm you have the knowledge and professional standards to lead a classroom.

4. Complete a Course on Exceptional Children

Georgia requires aspiring teachers to earn a B or higher in a course on identifying and educating exceptional children. This requirement is especially relevant since it will directly inform the skills you’ll use every day.

5. Pass a Background Check

A criminal background check is part of the certification process for all Georgia teachers. This step helps ensure student safety across the state.

6. Apply for Certification

Once you’ve met the requirements above, you’re ready to submit your application online through MyPSC, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission’s online portal. From there, you can track your application status and view or print your certificate once you receive it.

Can You Become a Special Education Teacher in Georgia Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, you can become a special education teacher in Georgia without a traditional teaching degree. If you hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, an alternative Educator Preparation Program (EPP) lets you earn your Georgia teaching certification while building real classroom skills instead of pursuing a new degree.

Moreland University’s Georgia teacher certification program online is a fully accredited, 100% remote pathway designed to help career changers and aspiring educators become teachers in as little as 9 months. You can complete your application today (it’s free to apply!) in less than 15 minutes!