Education Jobs in Atlanta: Where to Find Opportunities and How to Get Hired

Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s biggest hubs for education jobs, from large public school systems to universities, private schools, nonprofits, and ed‑tech companies. Whether you’re a certified teacher, a career changer, or interested in support and administrative roles, there are many ways to build an education career here.

This guide walks through how education jobs work in Atlanta, where the demand is, how to qualify, and where to start your search.

The Education Landscape in Atlanta

Atlanta’s education job market is shaped by several overlapping systems:

• Public K–12 school districts
• Charter schools
• Private and independent schools
• Colleges and universities
• Early childhood centers and preschools
• Nonprofits and community programs
• Ed‑tech and corporate training roles

Because of this mix, you’ll find opportunities in traditional teaching as well as counseling, administration, support services, and education-related business roles.

Major Employers for Education Jobs in Metro Atlanta

Atlanta Public Schools (APS)

Atlanta Public Schools serves students within the city limits and is one of the most visible employers for education jobs.

Typical roles:

• Classroom teachers (all grade levels and content areas)
• Special education and ESOL teachers
• School counselors and social workers
• Instructional coaches and media specialists
• Bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and office staff
• School and district administrators

APS central office (as of recent public information):

• Atlanta Public Schools – District Office
  130 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 802‑3500

APS regularly posts openings for both certified (requiring a teaching or related certificate) and classified (non‑teaching) roles.

Surrounding Public School Districts

If you live in the metro area, you may also look beyond city limits. Many Atlanta educators commute to nearby districts with strong hiring needs:

• Fulton County Schools (north and some south metro areas)
• DeKalb County School District
• Cobb County School District
• Gwinnett County Public Schools
• Clayton County Public Schools

These districts often have open positions in high‑need subjects like math, science, special education, and bilingual education.

Charter Schools in Atlanta

Atlanta has a growing number of public charter schools that operate with more flexibility than traditional districts. Examples include:

• Neighborhood-based charter schools within APS
• State-authorized charter networks with campuses in or near Atlanta

Charter schools may offer:

• Longer school days or extended school years
• Specialized missions (STEM, arts, college prep)
• Smaller school communities

Hiring often happens earlier in the year, and schools may expect more flexibility with hours and responsibilities.

Private and Independent Schools

Atlanta is home to several private, independent, and faith-based schools, many clustered in neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, and the north metro suburbs.

Typical roles:

• Teachers (often with subject-matter depth and advanced degrees)
• Fine arts, athletics, and extracurricular specialists
• Learning specialists and student support roles
• Admissions, development, and communications staff

Private schools may or may not require a Georgia teaching certificate. Many, however, expect strong academic credentials and experience, especially for upper school subjects.

Colleges, Universities, and Technical Colleges

Metro Atlanta has a major higher education presence, which creates a wide range of education-related jobs beyond K–12:

• Georgia State University – Downtown Atlanta
  P.O. Box 3965
  Atlanta, GA 30302
  Main line: (404) 413‑2000

• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) – Midtown
  225 North Ave NW
  Atlanta, GA 30332
  Main line: (404) 894‑2000

• Emory University – Druid Hills
  201 Dowman Dr
  Atlanta, GA 30322
  Main line: (404) 727‑6123

• Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and several others

Higher-ed jobs include:

• Faculty (full-time, part-time, and adjunct)
• Academic advisors and student affairs staff
• Admissions, financial aid, and registrar’s office roles
• Instructional designers and online learning specialists
• Research and grant-supported positions

Technical colleges in the metro area also hire instructors and staff for workforce training programs.

Early Childhood and Preschool Jobs

Early childhood education is in steady demand across Atlanta, especially:

• Pre‑K teachers (state-funded Georgia Pre‑K programs)
• Private preschool and daycare teachers
• Assistant teachers and classroom aides
• Center directors and curriculum coordinators

Many Georgia Pre‑K classrooms are housed in private centers or schools but follow state guidelines for teacher credentials and classroom structure.

Nonprofits and Community Education Roles

A number of Atlanta nonprofits and community organizations hire for role such as:

• After-school program leaders
• Tutoring and literacy specialists
• Youth development coordinators
• Family engagement and outreach staff

These jobs may be found through:

• Community centers (e.g., YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, local recreation centers)
• Literacy and college-access organizations
• Advocacy and education support nonprofits

They can be good options if you want to work with students but not necessarily in a traditional classroom.

Common Types of Education Jobs in Atlanta

Here’s a simple overview of popular education roles and what they generally involve.

Certification and Qualifications in Georgia

Georgia Teacher Certification

To work as a certified teacher in Atlanta public schools or most charters, you typically need a Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) certificate.

Common paths:

1. Traditional route

   • Education degree from an approved program
   • Student teaching
   • Passing state certification exams

2. Alternative route (for career changers)

   • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
   • Hire into a teaching position while completing an alternative preparation program
   • Work toward full certification on the job

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) oversees certification:

• GaPSC – Main Office
  200 Piedmont Ave SE, Suite 1702
  Atlanta, GA 30334
  Main line: (404) 232‑2500

Many Atlanta-area universities, such as Georgia State and Georgia Tech (for STEM content paths), offer teacher preparation or certification programs.

Support and Classified Roles

Many education jobs in Atlanta do not require a teaching certificate, such as:

• Paraprofessionals
• Office and administrative staff
• Bus drivers and custodial staff
• Campus security and school resource roles
• After-school program staff

These positions often require:

• High school diploma or some college
• Background checks and fingerprinting
• Training provided by the employer

They can be a way to enter the education field and gain school-based experience.

Where to Search for Education Jobs in Atlanta

1. School District and University Job Portals

Most large employers post openings on their own sites. Look for:

• “Careers” or “Employment” sections on:
  • Atlanta Public Schools
  • Surrounding county school districts
  • Major universities and colleges
  • Technical college systems

These portals usually allow you to filter by position type, location, and full-time/part-time status.

2. Statewide and Regional Job Boards

You can also search for Georgia education jobs on:

• Statewide K–12 job boards operated by education associations
• University system job platforms
• Technical college system employment pages

Use keywords like “Atlanta,” “Metro Atlanta,” and specific subjects (e.g., “Atlanta high school math teacher”) to narrow your search.

3. Local Nonprofit and Community Listings

For after-school and youth program jobs, try:

• Local nonprofit job boards
• City or county recreation department listings
• Community organizations’ “Work with us” pages

These can be helpful if you prefer flexible schedules or part-time work.

4. General Job Sites (Used Strategically)

Large job sites can be overwhelmed with listings, but they’re useful if you:

• Filter by location: Atlanta, GA
• Use specific keywords like:
  • “education coordinator”
  • “instructional designer Atlanta”
  • “paraprofessional APS”
• Set alerts so you don’t miss new roles

Tips for Standing Out in Atlanta’s Education Job Market

Tailor Your Resume to Local Needs

Hiring managers in Atlanta schools and universities often look for:

• Evidence of working with diverse student populations
• Comfort with urban or large-district environments
• Experience with technology in the classroom or online learning tools

Highlight:

• Any experience working in high‑needs schools or community programs
• Bilingual skills (especially Spanish or other widely spoken languages)
• Experience with tutoring, mentoring, or volunteering in educational settings

Time Your Applications

For K–12 teaching jobs in Atlanta:

• Main hiring push usually begins early spring through summer for fall openings
• Mid‑year hires are common due to enrollment changes and staff moves

For higher education:

• Faculty hiring often follows an academic calendar, with posting and interviewing several months ahead of start dates
• Staff roles may open year‑round

Network Locally

In Atlanta, networking can help you find opportunities faster:

• Attend career fairs hosted by APS or metro school districts
• Join local professional associations (e.g., subject-specific teacher groups, counselor associations)
• Volunteer or substitute in schools to get your foot in the door

Substitute teaching in APS or nearby districts can be a practical way to:

• Explore different schools
• Build references
• Transition to a full‑time role when positions open

Education Jobs for Career Changers in Atlanta

If you’re moving from another profession into education, Atlanta offers several realistic entry paths.

Alternative Teacher Certification

Career changers with a bachelor’s degree can:

• Apply for teaching positions in high-need subjects (math, science, SPED, some CTE fields)
• Complete an alternative certification program approved by GaPSC while working

Districts and charters may provide guidance on which preparation programs they accept.

Support and Enrichment Roles

If you’re not ready for your own classroom:

• Work as a paraprofessional or teaching assistant
• Join after-school programs, tutoring centers, or youth nonprofits
• Seek roles like academic coach, mentor, or program coordinator if you have strong subject knowledge or leadership experience

These roles let you build classroom and student-facing experience before committing to full certification.

Working in Education Without Teaching

You can build a meaningful education career in Atlanta without being in front of a classroom every day.

Examples:

• School-based roles

  • Registrar, attendance clerk, or data specialist
  • Family engagement or community liaison
  • Media center staff or technology support

• District or university positions

  • HR, finance, or operations for school systems or colleges
  • Communications, marketing, or development for education institutions

• Ed‑tech and corporate training

  • Training specialist or learning designer at Atlanta companies
  • Curriculum developer for education-focused organizations

Many of these roles value education experience, but not necessarily a teaching license.

Practical Steps to Start Your Education Job Search in Atlanta

Here’s a straightforward plan if you’re ready to take action:

1. Clarify your target role

   • Decide between K–12, early childhood, higher ed, or nonprofits.
   • Note whether you’re open to surrounding counties or only the City of Atlanta.

2. Check your eligibility

   • If you want to be a teacher, review GaPSC certification requirements.
   • If you prefer support roles, make sure you meet basic education and background check requirements.

3. Gather documents

   • Updated resume tailored to education
   • Transcripts (especially for certified positions)
   • Professional references who can speak to your work with youth or in education-like settings

4. Create a short list of employers

   • At least one role in APS or nearby districts
   • One or two universities/colleges
   • One nonprofit or community-based education organization

5. Apply and follow up

   • Submit online applications through official employer sites.
   • Keep a simple tracking list with positions, dates applied, and contact info.
   • Be prepared for online interviews, demo lessons, or teaching samples.

When to Seek Local Guidance

If you’re unsure about:

• Your certification options
• How your out-of-state license transfers to Georgia
• Which Atlanta education jobs best match your background

You can:

• Contact GaPSC for clarification on certification.
• Speak with a teacher preparation program at an Atlanta-area university.
• Attend local career fairs to get direct feedback from hiring managers.

By focusing your search on Atlanta’s key education employers, understanding Georgia’s certification rules, and tailoring your experience to local school and community needs, you can navigate the city’s education job market with confidence and find roles that match your skills and goals.