Teaching Jobs in Atlanta: How to Find the Right Role and Get Hired

Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s major education hubs, with large public school systems, charter networks, private schools, and nearby universities all looking for teachers. If you’re searching for teacher jobs in Atlanta, you’ll find options ranging from early childhood to high school, general education to specialized roles.

This guide walks you through how teaching jobs work in Atlanta, where to look, what you need to qualify, typical pay ranges, and practical next steps to start or continue your teaching career here.

The Teaching Landscape in Atlanta

Atlanta isn’t served by just one school district. When people say “teacher jobs in Atlanta,” they usually mean positions in:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) – serves the City of Atlanta
• Fulton County Schools – large district including much of North Fulton and South Fulton
• DeKalb County School District
• Cobb County School District
• Clayton County Public Schools
• Gwinnett County Public Schools (metro area, many residents commute)

On top of that, there are:

• Public charter schools (for example, KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools, Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, Drew Charter School)
• Independent and faith-based private schools
• Early childhood centers and preschools
• Colleges and universities hiring adjuncts, lecturers, and instructors
• Tutoring and education services (in-person and online, often based in Atlanta)

This variety means you can often find a role that fits your grade level preference, content area, and teaching style.

Types of Teacher Jobs in Atlanta

H2 Classroom Teaching Roles

Most postings will fall into these categories:

• Elementary School Teacher (K–5)
  Focus on core subjects and foundational skills.

• Middle School Teacher (6–8)
  Often subject-specific (math, ELA, science, social studies, etc.).

• High School Teacher (9–12)
  Typically specialized: Algebra, Biology, U.S. History, English, World Languages, Career & Technical Education (CTE), etc.

• Special Education Teacher
  Roles in resource, inclusion, self-contained, or specialized programs.

• ESOL / ESL Teacher
  Supporting English learners, especially in districts with large multilingual populations.

• Related Arts / Specials
  Art, music, PE, band, theater, and similar.

H3 Specialized and Support Roles

Beyond core classroom jobs, Atlanta districts and schools often hire:

• Instructional coaches and academic coaches
• Interventionists and reading/math specialists
• Paraprofessionals and instructional aides
• Substitute teachers (daily and long-term)
• Career & Technical Education (CTE) teachers in areas like healthcare, IT, business, engineering, and culinary arts

These can be good entry points if you’re transitioning into education or want experience before taking on full classroom responsibility.

Where to Find Teaching Jobs in Atlanta

You’ll usually need to apply directly through each district or organization. Some main starting points:

H2 Major Public School Systems (Atlanta Metro)

Below is a quick reference for the main public school employers in and around Atlanta:

*Addresses listed are central offices; most applications are handled online through each system’s careers portal.

H3 Charter Schools and Networks

Atlanta has a strong charter presence. Many charters post jobs both on their own sites and on larger job boards. Look for:

• KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools
• Purpose Built Schools Atlanta
• Drew Charter School
• Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School
• Other local charters in APS, DeKalb, and Fulton

Charter schools can have different calendars, expectations, and pay structures, so read job descriptions carefully.

H3 Private and Independent Schools

Some of the larger independent schools in the Atlanta area include:

• The Westminster Schools (Buckhead)
• Pace Academy (Buckhead)
• Woodward Academy (College Park)
• The Lovett School (Northwest Atlanta)
• Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School
• Atlanta International School (Buckhead)
• Marist School (Brookhaven)

Many of these schools accept applications year-round and may value advanced degrees and prior experience, sometimes even over certification in specific cases.

H3 Higher Education and Adult Learning

If you’re interested in teaching older students, consider:

• Georgia State University (Downtown Atlanta)
• Georgia Tech (Midtown)
• Atlanta Metropolitan State College (South Atlanta)
• Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta University Center)
• Atlanta Technical College and Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Common roles include adjunct instructor, lecturer, and continuing education teacher.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Teach in Atlanta?

H2 General Requirements for Public School Teachers

To work as a full-time classroom teacher in a public school (APS or surrounding districts), you usually need:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
2. Georgia teaching certification (or eligibility for it)
3. A clean background check and fingerprinting
4. Compliance with district-specific onboarding steps (HR paperwork, orientation, etc.)

If you are already certified in another state, you may be able to transfer your license or receive a provisional Georgia certificate while you meet additional state requirements.

H3 Georgia Certification Basics

Teacher licensure in Atlanta is handled at the state level by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC):

• Georgia Professional Standards Commission
  200 Piedmont Ave SE
  Suite 1702, West Tower
  Atlanta, GA 30334
  Main phone: 404-232-2500

Common pathways:

• Traditional route – Education degree plus student teaching.
• Alternative route – For those with a non-education bachelor’s degree, often paired with a job and enrollment in a GaPSC-approved program.
• Provisional certificates – Sometimes issued when a district hires a candidate who is still completing requirements.

Districts in metro Atlanta often hire candidates who are in the process of completing certification, especially in high-need subjects such as:

• Math
• Science (especially Physics, Chemistry)
• Special Education
• ESOL
• Some CTE areas

How to Start Teaching in Atlanta Without a Traditional Education Degree

Many people move into Atlanta teaching jobs from other careers. If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field, options may include:

• Alternative certification programs based in the Atlanta area
  These usually combine coursework with a paid teaching position under a provisional certificate.

• Charter or private schools
  Some are more flexible about certification at the start, as long as you’re working toward it.

• Paraprofessional, tutor, or substitute roles
  Good for gaining school experience before committing to a full certification track.

☎️ For questions about whether your degree or experience qualifies you, you can contact GaPSC directly or speak with recruiters in a district’s Human Resources department (APS, Fulton, DeKalb, etc.).

Typical Salaries and Work Conditions in Atlanta Teaching

H2 Pay Ranges

Exact salaries vary by district and your experience, but some general patterns:

• New teachers with a bachelor’s degree in metro Atlanta public schools often start in the mid–$40,000s to low–$50,000s annual range.
• Teachers with advanced degrees and experience can move into higher brackets, sometimes reaching $70,000+ in larger districts.
• Private and charter schools may offer a wider range—some match or exceed public school scales, others pay less but emphasize different benefits or smaller class sizes.

Most public systems publish salary schedules on their HR or careers pages. It’s worth checking those before you apply.

H3 Benefits and Work Year

Common features in Atlanta-area public schools include:

• Ten-month work year (roughly August–May, plus pre/post-planning days)
• Health insurance through state or district plans
• Retirement contributions (often through the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia)
• Paid sick leave and sometimes personal days

Charters and private schools may follow different calendars (longer days, slightly different year lengths) and benefit packages. Read employment contracts carefully before accepting an offer.

Best Areas and Schools for Teaching in Atlanta

Because Atlanta is so spread out, where you live and where you teach matters for your daily life.

H2 Considering Commute and School Culture

When comparing jobs, look at:

• Commute time from your home (traffic on I‑75, I‑85, GA‑400, and I‑285 can be heavy at peak times)
• School size and student population
• Leadership stability (how long has the principal been there?)
• Support for teachers (mentors, planning time, behavior supports)

Example clusters many teachers consider:

• In-town Atlanta (APS) – Schools in Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside, and Southwest Atlanta.
• North Fulton – Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek (Fulton County Schools).
• East side / DeKalb – Decatur area, Tucker, Chamblee, and other DeKalb communities.
• Cobb County – Smyrna, Marietta, Kennesaw, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Each has its own mix of school options, housing, and commute patterns.

How to Apply for Teaching Jobs in Atlanta

H2 Step-by-Step Application Strategy

1. Decide your target role and grade band
   Are you open to K–8, or do you only want high school? Public, charter, or private?

2. Confirm your certification status

   • Already certified in Georgia: gather your certificate and official transcripts.
   • Certified in another state: review GaPSC’s out-of-state guidance.
   • Not certified: identify alternative pathways and look for postings that accept provisional candidates.

3. Prepare an Atlanta-focused resume and cover letter

   • Highlight experience with diverse, urban, or multilingual populations if applicable.
   • Emphasize skills Atlanta schools value: classroom management, data-driven instruction, collaboration, and family engagement.

4. Create accounts on each district’s careers portal

   • Fill out all requested fields, including references and uploaded documents.
   • Be ready to answer questions about your teaching philosophy and experience with standardized testing, behavior support, and technology.

5. Apply to specific postings, not just “generic pools”
   Some districts use job “pools,” but it’s usually more effective to apply to identified school vacancies when possible.

6. Prepare for interviews and demo lessons
   Atlanta schools often ask about:

   • How you handle classroom management
   • How you support students with different learning needs
   • Your familiarity with Georgia Standards of Excellence
   • How you collaborate with colleagues and families

7. Complete background checks and onboarding
   Expect fingerprinting, reference checks, and required trainings (safety, ethics, mandated reporting).

Subbing, Tutoring, and Other Ways to Get Experience

If you’re new to Atlanta or new to teaching, these roles can help you build connections:

H2 Substitute Teaching

Most districts (APS, Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, etc.) maintain lists of substitute teachers. Requirements may include:

• High school diploma or bachelor’s degree (varies)
• Background check and fingerprinting
• Short orientation or training

Subbing allows you to:

• Gain familiarity with different schools
• Meet principals and staff
• Decide which grade levels and communities fit you best

H2 Tutoring and After-School Roles

Many Atlanta-area schools and organizations run:

• After-school tutoring and homework help
• Summer learning programs
• Enrichment programs (STEM, arts, sports)

These can be paid, part-time roles that help you build local experience and references while you pursue certification or a full-time position.

Local Resources and Offices That Can Help

Here are some key Atlanta-area resources as you navigate teacher jobs:

• Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)
  200 Piedmont Ave SE, Suite 1702, West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334
  Phone: 404-232-2500
  Use for: questions about certification, renewals, and licensure pathways.

• Atlanta Public Schools – Human Resources
  130 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main switchboard: often listed on APS’s main website under “Contact Us”
  Use for: APS hiring, job fairs, and recruitment events.

• WorkSource Atlanta Regional / WorkSource Georgia offices (various metro locations)
  Use for: job search support, resume help, and sometimes training resources for career changers.

• Local colleges of education (e.g., Georgia State University’s College of Education & Human Development)
  Use for: information on teacher prep programs and alternative certification routes.

When reaching out, have your resume, transcripts, and any current certificates handy. This makes it easier for staff to give you accurate guidance.

Practical Tips for Landing a Teaching Job in Atlanta

• Apply early in the hiring season 🗓️
  Many metro districts start actively hiring from late winter through late summer.

• Attend district and regional job fairs
  These are common in the Atlanta area and give you direct access to principals and HR staff.

• Be flexible on school location and assignment at the start
  Once you have Atlanta experience, it’s easier to move into your ideal school or subject area later.

• Highlight local ties or commitment
  Principals in Atlanta often look for candidates who are likely to stay in the area and build relationships with the community.

• Stay organized
  Track which districts you’ve applied to, contact notes, interview dates, and follow-ups.

Teacher jobs in Atlanta cover a wide range of schools, communities, and pathways. Whether you’re a new graduate, a career changer, or a veteran teacher moving to the city, understanding the local districts, certification expectations, and hiring process will help you find a role that fits your skills and your life in metro Atlanta.