Learn how you can become a substitute teacher in Georgia

Georgia stands out as a promising destination for substitute teachers due to its growing student population, diverse school districts and flexibility in hiring subs. Here are three good reasons to become a substitute teacher in Georgia:

Teaching in Georgia: Fast facts

Georgia has a consistent demand for substitute teachers, especially in rural and urban areas where teacher shortages are more pronounced. This means you may be able to find teaching assignments regularly, often with the flexibility to choose your jobs.

If you’d like to explore substitute teaching opportunities in Georgia, here are some facts to consider:

• Number of substitute teachers in Georgia: 15,550, or just over three people per 1,000 who live in the state
• Student to teacher ratio in Georgia: 14:1, lower than the national average of 16:1
• Median substitute salary in Georgia: $37,860
• Area for highest employment: Atlanta-Roswell-Sandy Springs metro area
• Most common grade level taught: Elementary and secondary schools
• Degree needed to substitute teach in Georgia: High school diploma or GED though requirements may vary by school district and position 

Steps to become a substitute teacher in Georgia

Here are the four key steps to becoming a substitute teacher in Georgia:

Meet basic eligibility requirements

Most districts require at least a high school diploma or GED, though some school districts in Georgia prefer a college degree. Check the specific district’s requirements.

Complete required training

Many districts require a short substitute teacher training course, either in-person or online. Some may also require a classroom management workshop.

Pass a background check

You must complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) or the district’s designated provider.

Find and apply to the school districts you’re interested in

Submit an application to your desired school district, provide required documents, such as transcripts, and attend any necessary orientation before being placed on the substitute list.

Earning certification

In Georgia, substitute teachers do not need a formal teaching certification to work in most districts. However, requirements vary by district and depend on the type of substitute position. Here’s how it works:

General substitute teaching, no certification required

• Most districts require only a high school diploma or higher and completion of a short substitute training course (if required by the district).
• A teaching certification is not required for day-to-day (short-term) substitute teaching.

Long-term substitute teaching (may require certification)

• If you plan to substitute for an extended period, often over 10-20 consecutive days in the same classroom, many districts require a bachelor’s degree, and some may prefer or require a valid Georgia teaching certificate.
• For specialized subjects such as special education, advanced math or science, a certification or relevant degree may be required.

Substituting for certified teachers (special cases)

• Some positions, like long-term substitutes in special education or certain high school subjects, may require a Georgia Educator Certificate or a Clearance Certificate from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).
• The Clearance Certificate involves fingerprinting and a background check but does not require coursework or exams.

Georgia substitute teacher reciprocity

Georgia offers pathways for out-of-state educators to obtain teaching certification through interstate reciprocity. To be eligible for a Georgia Professional Certificate, an out-of-state educator must:

1. Hold a valid or expired professional certificate from another U.S. state or jurisdiction, issued based on the completion of a state-approved educator preparation program that included pedagogy and clinical practice in the certification field.
2. Possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution, unless Georgia requires a different degree level for the comparable certificate type.
3. Have a minimum of three years of successful full-time out-of-state teaching experience in the certification field.
4. Meet or be exempt from all applicable Special Georgia Requirements, which include content assessments and coursework on identifying and educating children with special educational needs. Notably, if an educator hasn’t met the special education requirement, they may still qualify for an initial Georgia Professional Certificate but must complete this requirement before renewing the certificate. Similarly, if the content assessment requirement isn’t met, an educator may receive a one-year non-renewable certificate, which can be extended upon fulfilling the assessment requirement.

For educators with less than three years of experience, Georgia offers an Induction Certificate, provided they meet the educational and certification criteria mentioned above. The same provisions regarding Special Georgia Requirements apply to Induction Certificates.

Regarding substitute teaching, Georgia does not require state certification for substitute teachers. Instead, individual school districts set their own qualifications and hiring criteria for substitutes. Therefore, reciprocity agreements for certified teachers do not apply to substitute teaching positions. If you’re interested in substitute teaching in Georgia, it’s advisable to contact the specific school districts where you wish to work to inquire about their requirements and application procedures.

Please note that while Georgia facilitates certification for out-of-state educators, reciprocity is not automatic. Applicants must meet Georgia’s specific certification requirements, which may include additional assessments or coursework.

Substitute teacher salaries in Georgia

Substitute teacher salaries in Georgia vary based on factors such as location, school district policies and individual qualifications. As of 2025, data from various sources provides the following insights:

Average pay rates:

• Hourly wages: The BLS reported an hourly rate of $18.
• Daily rates: Specific school districts have set their own daily rates. For instance, the Liberty County School System offers $75 per day for substitute paraprofessionals. In response to staffing challenges, some districts have increased their pay; Fulton County Schools District raised daily pay from $100 to $175 for regular substitutes and from $120 to $200 for long-term substitutes, said Businessinsider.com.

Regional variations:

Salaries can differ significantly across various cities and counties in Georgia. ZipRecruiter highlights that cities like Smyrna, Newton County and Monroe offer higher compensation, with Smyrna leading at a salary that is about 35% above the state average.

Factors Influencing Pay:

• Qualifications: Substitutes with higher educational credentials or specialized certifications may command better pay rates.
• Experience: Experienced substitutes, especially those in long-term positions, often receive higher compensation.
• District policies: Each school district in Georgia establishes its own pay scale for substitutes, leading to variations in compensation.

It’s advisable for prospective substitute teachers to consult directly with specific school districts to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding pay rates and employment opportunities in Georgia. Here’s how the BLS breaks down median salaries for substitute teachers in the state:

Job growth for substitutes in Georgia

The demand for substitute teachers in Georgia is influenced by several factors, including overall teacher shortages, population growth, and regional educational needs.

• Projected growth: While specific projections for substitute teachers in Georgia are limited, national data indicates a modest growth rate. The BLS projected a 1.6% increase in employment for short-term substitute teachers through 2034, with approximately 58,900 annual job openings due to growth and replacements.

Impact of population growth:

• Population growth: Georgia has experienced population growth in recent years, particularly in metropolitan areas like Atlanta. This influx can lead to increased student enrollment, and may increase the demand for teachers and substitutes to accommodate larger class sizes and expanded educational programs.
• Teacher shortages: The state has faced challenges with teacher shortages, especially in specific subject areas and high-need districts. These shortages often result in a greater reliance on substitute teachers to fill gaps, presenting more opportunities for those seeking such positions.

Comparison to national trends:

• National demand: Teacher shortages are a nationwide concern. A 2023 survey by the National Center for Education Statistics revealed that 44% of public schools reported at least one teacher vacancy. This widespread issue has increased the demand for substitute teachers across the country.
• Georgia’s position: While Georgia mirrors national trends regarding teacher shortages and the consequent need for substitutes, its specific challenges are influenced by regional factors such as population growth and local educational policies. The state’s proactive measures, including competitive pay adjustments and recruitment initiatives, aim to address these challenges effectively.

Substitute teacher groups and associations in Georgia

Professional associations in Georgia generally include substitute teachers, though benefits may vary compared to those offered to full-time educators. Joining professional groups may provide training, workshops and networking opportunities to help substitutes improve classroom skills and transition into full-time teaching if desired. They may also lobby for better pay, job protections and working conditions for all educators, including substitutes. Additionally, they may provide access to teaching materials, newsletters and online resources to help substitutes stay informed on education trends and policies and source continuing education opportunities.