Become a Georgia Teacher
with Moreland University

Becoming a teacher in Georgia typically involves several steps, such as earning your bachelor’s degree, completing a teacher preparation program (such as Moreland University’s nine-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program), completing certification exams (which typically includes the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators and Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment), undergoing a background check, and applying for your teaching license in Georgia. With your GA teaching certification in hand, you can search for teaching positions in Georgia schools.

Specific requirements for Georgia certification can vary. If you have questions about the process of getting your teaching certification in Georgia, Moreland University admissions representatives would be happy to chat more. Give us a call at 1(844) 283-2246 or email us at admissions@moreland.edu.

In most cases, you need to hold a valid teaching license or certification to teach in public schools in Georgia. Having a valid teaching license demonstrates you have completed the necessary education and training to work as a teacher in Georgia. It also ensures educators meet certain standards of knowledge, skills, and professionalism required to teach effectively.

That said, there are some potential exceptions that may allow individuals to teach in Georgia without a teaching license. Some examples include:

• Provisional Certification: In situations where there is a critical shortage of certified teachers, school districts may hire individuals on emergency or provisional certifications — enabling them to work toward obtaining full certification while teaching.
• Charter Schools and Private Schools: Charter schools and private schools in Georgia may have different requirements for teacher certification compared to public schools. Some charter and private schools in Georgia may hire teachers who do not hold traditional teaching certifications. However, it’s often preferable for Georgia teachers to have their teaching license.

While it may be possible to teach without a traditional teaching license in certain situations, obtaining certification is generally recommended to boost your credibility and expertise as an educator and for long-term career prospects and professional development as certification can lead to advanced career opportunities and provide access to additional benefits and resources.

If you’re considering teaching without certification, it’s essential to research the specific requirements and opportunities available in Georgia and consult with school districts or educational organizations for guidance.

To become a teacher in Georgia, you must meet the following requirements:

✓ Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
✓ Have completed a state-approved teacher preparation program, such as Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program
✓ Pass the required certification exams, which often includes the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) and other exams based on the grade level and subject area you wish to teach
✓ Pass a criminal background check
✓ Depending on the type of certification you’re seeking, there may be additional requirements such as completing certain coursework or demonstrating proficiency in specific teaching methods

It’s important to note that requirements and procedures may change over time, so it’s advisable to check with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission or the Georgia Department of Education for the most up-to-date information.

If you have further questions about the requirements for getting your teaching license in Georgia, Moreland University admissions representatives would be happy to chat more. Give us a call at 1 (844) 283-2246 or email us at admissions@moreland.edu.

To obtain a teaching certification in Georgia, you’ll typically need to follow these steps:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree: Obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Complete a teacher preparation program: Enroll in and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW online teacher preparation program.
3. Pass required exams: Take and pass the required exams, which often includes the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE).
4. Undergo a background check: All teachers in Georgia must pass a background check before they can become certified.
5. Apply for certification: Apply for teacher certification through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) during which you’ll submit your transcripts, exam scores, and any other required documentation.

It’s important to note that specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on factors such as the subject area, grade level, and type of certification. Be sure to check with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission or the Georgia Department of Education for the most up-to-date information.

To maintain your teaching certification in Georgia, you typically need to fulfill certain requirements for renewal. Here are the general steps to maintain your Georgia teaching certification:

• Complete Continuing Education: In some cases, Georgia requires teachers to complete continuing education hours or credits to renew their certification. The exact number of hours or credits can vary depending on the type of certification and the renewal cycle. Continuing education opportunities may include workshops, conferences, graduate courses, or other professional development activities related to teaching and education.
• Submit Renewal Application: Prior to the expiration of your certification, you’ll need to submit a renewal application to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). The renewal application may require you to provide evidence of completing continuing education hours or credits.
• Pay Renewal Fee: There is typically a renewal fee associated with renewing your teaching certification in Georgia. Be sure to submit the renewal fee along with your application.
• Maintain Good Standing: To renew your certification, you must maintain good standing as a teacher in Georgia. This includes adhering to the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators and complying with any other professional standards or regulations set forth by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
• Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about any changes or updates to the renewal requirements and procedures set forth by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. It’s important to stay up to date with any changes to ensure a smooth renewal process.

By completing these steps and fulfilling the renewal requirements, you can maintain your Georgia teaching certification and continue teaching in Georgia schools. Be sure to check with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission or the Georgia Department of Education for the most current information and guidance regarding certification renewal.

The timeline to become a certified teacher in Georgia can vary depending on several factors, including your education, the type of certification you’re pursuing, and whether you choose a traditional or alternative certification pathway.

Both the traditional and alternative certification pathways typically require a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years of full-time study to earn (or longer if enrolled part time).

If you choose the traditional route to certification, you’ll need to complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. These programs often take around one to two years to complete, including coursework and student teaching or field experience.

If you choose an alternative pathway to certification, the timeline will likely be shorter. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program — offered 100% online — takes only 9 months to complete.

Before applying for certification, you’ll also need to pass the required certification exams and complete a background check. The time it takes to prepare for and pass the certification exams can vary, and the processing time for background checks can take up to a couple of months.

How much Georgia teachers earn as a salary can depend on multiple factors such as experience, education, subject area, grade level, and school district. However, in 2023 the National Education Association reported that Georgia teachers make an average of $62,240 per year — the 21st highest average salary nationally. It’s worth noting that this is for ~10 months of work as teachers have the summer off as well as some time off during the school year. Those who pursue a master’s in education (M.Ed.) can often make even more money while increasing their career trajectory.

Starting salaries for new teachers in Georgia can vary depending on several factors, including the school district, education level, teaching experience, subject area, and grade level. In 2023, the National Education Association found Georgia’s average teacher starting salary is $38,926 — ranking 41st in the nation. This is typically for ~10 months of work as teachers get the summer and time during the year off.

Some school districts may offer higher starting salaries to attract and retain qualified teachers for in-demand roles while others may offer lower salaries based on factors such as cost of living, which is considerably low in Georgia.

There are many reasons Moreland University is a great option for current and aspiring educators in Georgia.

Notably, Moreland University is accredited — ensuring our programs meet high standards of quality and are recognized by employers and state education agencies. Moreland University also has a strong reputation within Georgia, the broader United States, and internationally for producing highly qualified educators, providing you credibility in the field.

Additionally, Moreland University offers a supportive online learning environment for current and aspiring Georgia teachers. With monthly start dates, experienced faculty, and expert support across the entire certification journey, Moreland University is a flexible and effective pathway to get your teaching certification in Georgia or uplevel your teaching career.

As an aspiring teacher in Georgia, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) is an invaluable resource that can guide you through the teacher certification process.

The GaPSC website provides comprehensive information on the steps to becoming a certified teacher, exam requirements, how to apply for a GA teaching license, and more. You can also find information on Georgia educator preparation institute programs like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program if you are pursuing an alternative pathway to teacher certification in Georgia.