Teaching Jobs in Atlanta, Georgia: Where and How to Find the Right Position

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.

The Atlanta Education Landscape at a Glance

If you’re looking for a teaching job in Atlanta, you’re usually choosing among:

• Public K–12 schools (Atlanta Public Schools and surrounding county districts)
• Public charter schools
• Private and independent schools
• Colleges and universities
• Early childhood centers and Pre-K programs
• Adult education, tutoring, and nonprofit teaching roles

Here’s a quick snapshot:

Public School Teaching Positions in Atlanta

Atlanta Public Schools (APS)

Atlanta Public Schools serves much of the city of Atlanta and is one of the largest local employers of teachers.

Common APS teaching roles:

• Elementary school teachers (K–5)
• Middle and high school content teachers (English, math, science, social studies)
• Special education (SPED) teachers
• ESOL/ELL teachers
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors
• Related arts/electives (music, art, PE, world languages, etc.)

Certification and eligibility

APS generally looks for:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A Georgia teaching certificate (or eligibility to obtain one through a traditional or alternative route)
• Passing relevant Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) exams where required

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.

• Atlanta Public Schools District Office
  130 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main phone: (404) 802-3500

You can search current APS job openings, create an online profile, and upload your résumé and certification documents through their official employment portal.

Surrounding Metro Atlanta School Districts

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:

• Fulton County Schools (north and south of the city, outside APS boundaries)
• DeKalb County School District (east side of the metro area)
• Cobb County School District (northwest of Atlanta)
• Gwinnett County Public Schools (northeast, one of the largest in the state)
• Clayton County Public Schools (south of the city)

These districts routinely hire for:

• Core content teachers (especially math, science, and SPED)
• ESOL/ELL
• Early childhood/elementary
• Middle and high school content areas
• Support roles like paraprofessionals and instructional aides

Most require a valid Georgia educator certificate, though some will consider candidates who are actively pursuing certification or working through an alternative certification program.

Charter School Teaching Jobs in Atlanta

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:

• K–8 or 6–12 classroom teachers
• Interventionists and instructional coaches
• SPED and ESOL teachers
• Electives (coding, robotics, visual arts, etc.)

What’s different about charter schools?

• Some have longer school days or extended school years
• Instructional styles may be more project-based, data-driven, or specialized
• There may be slightly more flexibility in curriculum and school culture
• Many look for teachers who are comfortable with innovation and feedback cycles

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:

• The Georgia State Charter Schools Commission for state-chartered options
• The Atlanta Public Schools Office of Innovation for local charter partners within APS boundaries

Private and Independent School Teaching Positions

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:

• Independent college-preparatory schools
• Faith-based schools
• Montessori and Waldorf schools
• Specialized schools (learning differences, arts-focused, etc.)

Typical expectations:

• A bachelor’s degree in your subject area (a master’s is often preferred for upper school roles)
• Classroom experience and strong references
• Georgia certification may be preferred but is not always required
• Alignment with the school’s mission or educational philosophy

Private schools may offer:

• Smaller class sizes
• More flexibility in curriculum and grading policies
• School-specific professional development

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.

Higher Education Teaching Jobs in Atlanta

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:

• Georgia State University (Downtown Atlanta)
• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) (Midtown)
• Emory University (Druid Hills)
• Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta University Center)
• Atlanta Metropolitan State College and others

Types of teaching positions:

• Adjunct instructors (part-time, per course)
• Lecturers and clinical faculty
• Tenure-track professors (for those with advanced degrees and research backgrounds)
• Continuing education and professional development instructors

Typical requirements:

• At least a master’s degree in the teaching field; doctorate often required for tenure-track roles
• Teaching experience, especially at the college level, is strongly preferred
• For technical or professional programs, industry experience can be a major asset

Each institution lists its openings through its own human resources or faculty recruitment portals.

Early Childhood and Pre-K Teaching Positions

If you enjoy working with younger children, Atlanta offers many roles in:

• Georgia Pre-K classrooms
• Private preschools and daycare centers
• Nonprofit early learning centers
• Head Start and Early Head Start programs

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:

• Public elementary schools
• Private childcare centers
• Nonprofit community centers

Staffing often includes:

• Lead teachers (usually require a teaching certificate or early childhood degree)
• Assistant teachers (credentials vary but may include a Child Development Associate credential or similar)

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.

Adult Education, ESL, and Community-Based Teaching

Beyond traditional schools, Atlanta also has adult education and community teaching roles, which can be a good fit if you:

• Want flexible or part-time work
• Enjoy working with adults or older learners
• Have specific skills (ESL, test prep, digital literacy, etc.)

Common settings include:

• Adult literacy and GED preparation programs
• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for immigrants and refugees
• Community centers and nonprofits offering education programs
• Test prep and tutoring centers (SAT/ACT, GRE, professional exams)

Atlanta-area organizations involved in adult education often operate through:

• Local school district adult education departments
• Community-based nonprofits
• Community colleges and technical colleges

Requirements vary widely—some roles require teaching certification or adult education credentials, while others look more at subject-matter expertise and teaching experience.

Certification and Licensing for Teachers in Atlanta

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).

Pathways to Georgia Certification

1. Traditional route (education degree)

   • Complete an approved teacher preparation program
   • Pass required GACE exams
   • Undergo background checks
   • Apply for certification through GaPSC

2. Alternative route (for career changers or out-of-field candidates)

   • Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
   • Secure a teaching position with a school willing to sponsor your alternative certification
   • Enroll in a state-approved alternative certification program
   • Work as a teacher while completing required coursework and assessments

3. Out-of-state teachers

   • Submit your current license, transcripts, and test records to GaPSC
   • Many out-of-state teachers receive a provisional Georgia certificate while they complete any remaining requirements

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.

How to Search for Teaching Jobs in Atlanta

Here are practical ways to find teaching positions in Atlanta, Georgia:

1. School District and University Job Portals

Most public K–12 districts and colleges in the Atlanta area maintain online job boards. You can filter by:

• Grade level (elementary, middle, high)
• Subject area (math, science, SPED, ESOL, etc.)
• Location (city vs. specific counties)
• Full-time vs. part-time positions

Create accounts, upload your documents, and set up email alerts for new postings.

2. Statewide and Regional Education Job Boards

There are Georgia-focused job boards that many Atlanta schools use to list vacancies. These often allow:

• Quick searches by region (Metro Atlanta)
• Category filters (certified, classified, administrative)
• Uploading a general application to share with multiple districts

3. Independent and Private School Networks

Independent schools sometimes share hiring information through regional associations or their own websites. Many private schools in Atlanta accept:

• General applications or résumés year-round
• Specific applications tied to posted positions

4. Career Fairs and Recruitment Events

During peak hiring seasons (often spring and early summer), Atlanta districts and schools may hold:

• Teacher recruitment fairs
• Virtual info sessions
• On-the-spot interview events

Check APS and nearby county district calendars, as well as college and university job centers in Atlanta.

What Atlanta Schools Commonly Look For

While every school is different, Atlanta-area employers often value:

• Classroom management skills suited to urban and diverse environments
• Experience with culturally responsive teaching
• Comfort with technology and learning platforms
• Willingness to collaborate in grade-level or content teams
• Familiarity with Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) in K–12 settings

Specialized skills that are often in higher demand:

• Special Education (SPED)
• ESOL/ELL
• Mathematics and science (especially at the secondary level)
• Bilingual abilities (particularly Spanish, but others as well)

Practical Steps if You Want to Teach in Atlanta

Here’s a direct checklist to move from interest to employment:

1. Clarify your target setting

   • Public K–12 (APS or nearby counties)
   • Charter schools
   • Private/independent schools
   • Early childhood/Pre-K
   • Adult education, ESL, or higher education

2. Confirm your eligibility for Georgia certification

   • Contact GaPSC if you’re unsure about your status
   • Gather transcripts, current licenses, and test scores

3. Prepare your application materials

   • Up-to-date résumé tailored to education roles
   • Cover letter that speaks to Atlanta’s diverse learning communities
   • Copies of certificates, test results, and references

4. Search and apply strategically

   • Use district and university job portals
   • Explore charter and private school opportunities
   • Consider both city and nearby suburban locations if you’re flexible

5. Network locally where possible

   • Connect with Atlanta-based educators through professional organizations or alumni networks
   • Attend recruitment fairs, virtual info sessions, and teacher meetups

6. Plan for timelines

   • Many K–12 hires happen February–August for the coming school year
   • Mid-year vacancies are common, especially in high-need subjects

Key Local Contacts and Offices

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.