Georgia · Career guide

How to become a Special Education Teacher in Georgia

Special education teachers serve students with IEPs across a wide range of needs — learning disabilities, autism spectrum, emotional disturbances, and physical impairments. Every state lists special ed as a critical shortage area, and federal Title I + IDEA funding makes loan-forgiveness programs especially generous. New SPED teachers often see signing bonuses ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.

No special education teaching positions are open in Georgia right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.

Certification path in Georgia

  1. Earn a bachelor's degree. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
  2. Pass the required exams. Georgia typically requires:
    • GACE Basic Skills Assessment — Reading, writing, and mathematics
    • GACE Content Assessments — Content knowledge in your teaching field

    Special education is its own license tier in most states. Cross-categorical, mild-moderate, and severe-profound endorsements exist; check the state-specific exam requirements.

  3. Apply for your initial license through Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) →
  4. Job-search in Georgia. We'll track special education teaching openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.

Alternative pathways in Georgia

If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Georgia offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:

  • Alternative Teacher Preparation Programs (through approved providers)
  • Teach For America (active in Atlanta and rural Georgia)
  • Career and Technical Education (CTAE) certificates

Georgia salary context

Average teacher salary in Georgia: $59,131/year (rank #29 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $38,000/year.

Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Georgia salary guide for the breakdown.

Related guides

Full Georgia certification guideAll license tiers, alt routes, and reciprocity from other states.Georgia salary guidePay schedule, COL context, top-paying districts.Georgia teacher shortageWhich subjects are in shortage status — and the loan-forgiveness eligibility.