Substitute Teacher Jobs in Atlanta: How to Get Hired and Where to Start

Substitute teaching in Atlanta, Georgia can be a flexible, reliable way to earn income, explore education as a career, or stay connected to local schools. Whether you live in the city, commute from the suburbs, or are moving here soon, Atlanta offers many paths into substitute teacher jobs.

This guide walks you through how substitute teaching works in Atlanta, who’s hiring, what you need, how much you can expect to earn, and practical next steps.

How Substitute Teaching Works in Atlanta

In the Atlanta area, substitute teachers are hired in a few main ways:

• Public school districts (like Atlanta Public Schools and surrounding county systems)
• Charter school networks
• Private and independent schools
• Staffing agencies and substitute teacher services that partner with schools

Most Atlanta substitutes work as “as-needed” employees. You choose which days you’re available, and schools or systems reach out—often through an automated system—to fill daily or longer-term absences.

You’ll commonly see two main types of substitute positions:

• Short-term subs: Cover for 1–10 days at a time (illness, training days, personal leave)
• Long-term subs: Cover weeks or months (maternity leave, long medical leave, vacant positions)

Major School Systems Hiring Substitute Teachers in the Atlanta Area

If you’re looking for substitute teacher jobs in Atlanta, it helps to know the largest school systems and where they’re based.

Atlanta Public Schools (APS)

Atlanta Public Schools serves most of the City of Atlanta.

• Central Office: 130 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Typical roles: Daily subs, long-term subs, building-based subs
• Schools range from neighborhood elementary schools to large high schools like Grady (Midtown) High School and Booker T. Washington High School.

APS usually posts substitute positions on its official employment portal. Many subs work across multiple APS schools inside the city.

Nearby Metro Atlanta Districts

If you’re willing to drive a bit, you can dramatically increase your opportunities:

• DeKalb County School District
  • Main office: 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  • Serves portions of east and south DeKalb, including some Atlanta addresses.
• Fulton County Schools (outside APS boundaries)
  • Admin center: 6201 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30339
  • Covers North Fulton and South Fulton outside the City of Atlanta district.
• Cobb County School District
  • 514 Glover St SE, Marietta, GA 30060
• Gwinnett County Public Schools
  • 437 Old Peachtree Rd NW, Suwanee, GA 30024
• Clayton County Public Schools
  • 1058 Fifth Ave, Jonesboro, GA 30236

Many Atlanta-based substitutes sign up with more than one district to maximize the number of open jobs within driving distance.

Charter and Private Schools in Atlanta

Beyond traditional districts, Atlanta has a strong charter and private school presence.

Charter Schools

Atlanta-area charter networks and standalone charter schools sometimes:

• Hire their own substitute pool directly, or
• Use staffing agencies that specialize in education.

Examples of charter-heavy areas include:

• Westside (around the West End and West Midtown)
• Southwest Atlanta
• Parts of DeKalb and South Fulton

These schools often post substitute teacher openings on their own websites and general job boards.

Private & Independent Schools

Private schools in neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and Decatur may keep small, consistent substitute lists rather than large open pools.

Examples of Atlanta-area independent schools include:

• Schools in the Buckhead corridor
• Schools near Poncey-Highland, Inman Park, and Decatur

If you’re interested in this route, you usually need to apply directly to each school or network, sending a resume and sometimes teacher references.

Basic Requirements to Be a Substitute Teacher in Atlanta

Requirements vary slightly by district and school type, but most Atlanta-area systems expect:

Education

• Minimum: High school diploma or GED
• Preferred (often higher pay):
  • 2-year or 4-year college degree
  • Education-related coursework or certification

Atlanta Public Schools and larger districts are more likely to favor candidates with some college or a bachelor’s degree, especially for long-term roles.

Background Check & Fingerprinting

Almost all substitute jobs in Atlanta require:

• A criminal background check
• Fingerprinting, often processed through a state-approved vendor
• Possible fees for the background process (sometimes covered by the district, sometimes by you)

This step is usually done at:

• The district office, or
• A partner location in the Atlanta metro area

Training or Orientation

Most systems require at least one of these:

• Substitute orientation session (often half-day or full-day)
• Online training modules on classroom management, safety, and district policies
• Paperwork for payroll, direct deposit, and tax forms

Some districts in the Atlanta area offer paid orientation, while others treat it as an onboarding requirement without additional pay.

Other Common Expectations

• Reliable transportation across the Atlanta area (schools may be spread out)
• Ability to arrive by early morning, typically between 7:00–8:00 a.m.
• Basic classroom management skills and comfort leading groups of students

Typical Pay for Substitute Teacher Jobs in Atlanta

Exact pay rates change over time and differ from one system or school to another, but in the Atlanta region you’ll typically see:

*Always verify current rates directly with the district or school.

Some Atlanta systems also:

• Pay extra for long-term assignments
• Offer slightly higher pay for certified teachers or those with advanced degrees

How to Apply for Substitute Teacher Jobs in Atlanta

You can approach substitute teaching in Atlanta step-by-step.

1. Decide Where You’re Willing to Work

Consider:

• Is your priority staying inside the city of Atlanta (inside I-285 or near MARTA)?
• Are you open to nearby suburbs like Decatur, Sandy Springs, or East Point?
• How far are you comfortable driving during rush hour?

Being realistic about commute times in Atlanta traffic is key. A 15-mile drive can take much longer than it looks on a map.

2. Start with One or Two Major Districts

Most people beginning in Atlanta start with:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) if they want to stay in-city
• One nearby large district like DeKalb, Fulton, or Cobb for more volume

Look up each district’s “Human Resources” or “Careers” page and search for “Substitute Teacher” or “Substitute Pool.”

You’ll often:

• Create an online profile
• Submit an application and resume
• Upload transcripts or diploma
• Consent to background checks

3. Add Charter, Private, or Agency Options

Once you’re approved in a district, you can expand your opportunities:

• Apply directly to charter schools in Atlanta neighborhoods where you’re interested in working.
• Contact private schools in areas like Buckhead, Midtown, or Intown neighborhoods to ask about substitute lists.
• Look for Atlanta-based education staffing agencies that place substitutes in public, charter, and private schools.

4. Complete Orientation and Set Up Payroll

After you’re accepted:

• Attend required orientation or online training
• Complete forms for direct deposit and tax withholding
• Learn the district’s substitute placement system, which may be an automated call system or online portal where you accept jobs

Daily Life as a Substitute Teacher in Atlanta

Subbing in Atlanta can look different depending on where you work, but there are some common features.

Typical Day Structure

• Early morning call or scheduled job (many subs check systems the evening before)
• Arrival at school 20–30 minutes early to review lesson plans
• Following teacher plans, taking attendance, and managing the classroom
• Navigating lunch duty, hallway duty, or recess based on school needs
• Checking in with the front office at the end of the day and leaving notes for the regular teacher

Classroom climate can vary widely from one school to another, even within the same cluster of Atlanta schools, so flexibility is important.

Common Grade Levels and Settings

In the Atlanta area, you might be placed in:

• Elementary schools (K–5): Often structured days, heavier adult presence
• Middle schools (6–8): More class changes, multiple subject periods
• High schools (9–12): Content-specific classes, more independent students
• Special education classrooms or resource rooms: Often with additional support staff

Many subs choose a preferred level—for example, only elementary or only high school—if the system allows it.

Pros and Cons of Substitute Teaching in Atlanta

Understanding the local reality helps you decide if this is the right fit.

Benefits

• Flexibility: You choose when and how often you work.
• Foot in the door: Strong performance as a sub in Atlanta schools can lead to:
  • Long-term assignments
  • Offers for full-time teaching or paraprofessional roles
• Wide variety: You can experience many neighborhoods and school cultures—from Downtown and Midtown to communities in South Atlanta or East Atlanta.
• Useful if you’re new to the city: It’s a way to learn the metro area and build local references.

Challenges

• Inconsistent income: Work volume can change based on time of year, flu season, and budget decisions.
• Early mornings + traffic: Getting to some schools on time from certain parts of Atlanta can be stressful.
• Classroom management: Some Atlanta schools have higher needs, and you’ll sometimes walk into classes that require strong behavior management skills.
• No guarantee of long-term roles: Even if you prefer longer assignments, availability depends on openings.

Tips for Succeeding as a Substitute Teacher in Atlanta

A few local-focused strategies can make a big difference:

1. Focus on a Few Clusters or Neighborhoods

In APS and other districts, schools are often grouped by geographic clusters. If you:

• Choose a few clusters close to where you live (for example, Grady/Midtown cluster, South Atlanta cluster, or near Decatur),
• Get to know those schools and their administrators,

you may become a go-to sub in that area.

2. Prepare for Transportation Realities 🚗

• Build in extra time for I-20, I-75/85, and I-285 delays.
• Consider using MARTA if your assigned school is near a rail station or major bus line (for example, some APS schools near Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead).
• Have a backup route in case of accidents or construction.

3. Bring a Simple “Emergency Plan”

Sometimes you’ll arrive and find minimal lesson plans. Having a few ready-to-go activities for different grade ranges can help you:

• Keep students engaged
• Make a positive impression with staff

Focus on simple, no-tech options that fit many classrooms.

4. Communicate with Front Office Staff

In many Atlanta schools, the front office and paraprofessionals are your best allies. Be sure to:

• Introduce yourself
• Ask about key procedures (fire drills, dismissal, behavior referrals)
• Leave a clear summary of the day for the returning teacher

Strong professional relationships can result in more frequent requests for you by name.

Who Substitute Teaching in Atlanta Is Best For

Substitute teacher jobs in Atlanta may work well if you:

• Are a college student at Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, or another local school with flexible daytime availability
• Are a career changer exploring education without immediately committing to a full-time teaching program
• Are a retired educator wanting part-time work with students
• Need a job with some control over your schedule, especially if you have other commitments

If you prefer predictable, year-round income and consistent hours at the same school, you may eventually want to transition from substitute work into a full-time teaching or support position once you’re familiar with the district.

Practical Next Steps in Atlanta

To move forward with substitute teacher jobs in Atlanta:

1. Make a short list of 2–4 school systems or networks (for example, APS, DeKalb, Fulton + one charter network or private school group).
2. Check current requirements on each organization’s hiring or HR page (education, background checks, pay rates, orientation).
3. Gather documents: ID, diploma or transcripts, references, and any teaching certifications you hold (Georgia or out-of-state).
4. Apply and schedule onboarding as soon as applications open for the school year or semester.
5. Once hired, log into the substitute system daily to view jobs and build a steady schedule.

With a clear plan and realistic expectations about Atlanta’s schools and traffic, substitute teaching here can be a flexible, meaningful way to work in education while staying connected to the city.