Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s biggest education hubs. Between Atlanta Public Schools, nearby county districts, private schools, charter schools, colleges, and education nonprofits, there are many different teaching positions in Atlanta, Georgia for new and experienced educators.
This guide walks you through the main types of teaching jobs in Atlanta, where to look, typical requirements, and practical next steps if you want to teach in the city or nearby suburbs.
If you’re looking for a teaching job in Atlanta, you’re usually choosing among:
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Type of Employer | Common Roles | Typical Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Public Schools (APS) | K–12 teachers, SPED, ESOL, electives | GA certification or pathway to certification |
| Surrounding county districts | K–12 teachers in metro suburbs | GA certification |
| Charter schools | K–12, often STEM & innovation-focused | Often GA certification; some flexibility |
| Private schools | K–12, electives, enrichment | Bachelor’s, experience; certification preferred |
| Colleges & universities | Lecturers, adjuncts, instructors | Advanced degrees (often master’s+ or doctorate) |
| Early childhood & Pre-K | Lead & assistant teachers | Varies: CDA, TCC, or certification |
| Adult education & tutoring | ESL, GED, test prep, enrichment | Subject expertise; often no formal certification |
Atlanta Public Schools serves much of the city of Atlanta and is one of the largest local employers of teachers.
Common APS teaching roles:
Certification and eligibility
APS generally looks for:
If you’re moving from out of state, Georgia often allows reciprocity, but you may need to submit transcripts, existing licensure, and take GACE tests over time.
Where to start with APS
Most hiring runs through the central human resources office.
You can search current APS job openings, create an online profile, and upload your résumé and certification documents through their official employment portal.
Living or working in “Atlanta” often includes the broader metro area. Many teachers live in the city but work in one of the surrounding county districts, which can expand your options.
Major nearby districts include:
These districts routinely hire for:
Most require a valid Georgia educator certificate, though some will consider candidates who are actively pursuing certification or working through an alternative certification program.
Atlanta has a growing number of public charter schools, both standalone charters and those affiliated with local networks. Many are located within the city and specialize in areas like STEM, language immersion, arts, or college-prep models.
Common charter roles include:
What’s different about charter schools?
Most charter schools in Atlanta still require or strongly prefer Georgia teaching certification, but some are open to strong candidates willing to complete certification while on the job.
To explore specific schools, look into:
Atlanta has a large private and independent school sector, especially in neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, Sandy Springs, and the Northside suburbs.
Types of private schools include:
Typical expectations:
Private schools may offer:
Hiring is usually handled directly by each school’s human resources or head of school office. Many private schools centralize postings through regional networks of independent schools or list openings on their own websites.
Atlanta is home to several prominent colleges and universities, which creates additional teaching opportunities beyond K–12.
Major higher education institutions in the Atlanta area include:
Types of teaching positions:
Typical requirements:
Each institution lists its openings through its own human resources or faculty recruitment portals.
If you enjoy working with younger children, Atlanta offers many roles in:
Georgia Pre-K Program
The Georgia Pre-K Program is a state-funded program for 4-year-olds, and many classrooms are located within Atlanta in:
Staffing often includes:
For city residents, the Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning oversees this program statewide. Local centers in Atlanta post their own vacancies for Pre-K roles.
Beyond traditional schools, Atlanta also has adult education and community teaching roles, which can be a good fit if you:
Common settings include:
Atlanta-area organizations involved in adult education often operate through:
Requirements vary widely—some roles require teaching certification or adult education credentials, while others look more at subject-matter expertise and teaching experience.
If you plan to work in public schools (including most charter schools), you’ll usually need a Georgia teaching certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).
Traditional route (education degree)
Alternative route (for career changers or out-of-field candidates)
Out-of-state teachers
Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)
200 Piedmont Ave SE, Suite 1702
Atlanta, GA 30334
Main phone: (404) 232-2500
GaPSC is the central authority for all questions about eligibility, certification status, and reciprocity.
Here are practical ways to find teaching positions in Atlanta, Georgia:
Most public K–12 districts and colleges in the Atlanta area maintain online job boards. You can filter by:
Create accounts, upload your documents, and set up email alerts for new postings.
There are Georgia-focused job boards that many Atlanta schools use to list vacancies. These often allow:
Independent schools sometimes share hiring information through regional associations or their own websites. Many private schools in Atlanta accept:
During peak hiring seasons (often spring and early summer), Atlanta districts and schools may hold:
Check APS and nearby county district calendars, as well as college and university job centers in Atlanta.
While every school is different, Atlanta-area employers often value:
Specialized skills that are often in higher demand:
Here’s a direct checklist to move from interest to employment:
Clarify your target setting
Confirm your eligibility for Georgia certification
Prepare your application materials
Search and apply strategically
Network locally where possible
Plan for timelines
Here are a few central offices in or near Atlanta that are often involved in teaching careers:
Atlanta Public Schools District Office
130 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main phone: (404) 802-3500
Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)
200 Piedmont Ave SE, Suite 1702
Atlanta, GA 30334
Main phone: (404) 232-2500
Georgia Department of Education
205 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
Main phone: (404) 656-2800
These offices can point you toward certification requirements, district hiring processes, and statewide resources that directly affect teaching positions in Atlanta.
If you focus on the settings that fit your skills, confirm your Georgia certification pathway, and use the Atlanta-specific job boards and offices above, you can navigate the local landscape and find teaching positions that match your goals in Atlanta, Georgia.
