Georgia Substitute Teacher Requirements
Georgia substitute teacher requirements vary by district because the state does not issue a standalone substitute teaching permit. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GAPSC) leaves substitute qualifications to each of the state’s 180 school systems, so what you need in one district may differ in the next. Most systems require at least a high school diploma or GED, a criminal background check, and several hours of training before you can work in a classroom.
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The Georgia Professional Standards Commission does not issue substitute teaching permits. Instead, each Georgia school system sets its own hiring policies for substitute teachers. According to the Georgia Department of Education, the state has 180 school systems, and requirements can differ significantly from one district to the next. This guide breaks down Georgia substitute teacher requirements district by district, including education levels, training, background checks, and how many days you can work in the same classroom.
Use the links below to jump to education requirements, training rules, background checks, day limits, and how to apply for a substitute teaching position in Georgia.
- Education requirements to substitute teach in Georgia
- Substitute teacher training requirements
- Experience requirements by district
- Criminal history background check
- How many days you can substitute teach
- Age and other district-specific rules
- How to apply for a substitute teaching position
Education Requirements
Every Georgia school system requires substitutes to hold at least a high school diploma or GED. Beyond that baseline, requirements vary by district. Some systems, including several in the metro Atlanta area, accept a diploma or GED alone for entry-level substitute positions. Others set a higher bar: districts such as Cobb County and Muscogee County currently require at least 60 semester hours of accredited college coursework, with a cumulative GPA of “C” or better, for candidates who don’t already hold a teaching certificate. A valid Georgia teaching certificate, out-of-state certification, or bachelor’s degree typically satisfies the coursework requirement automatically and can qualify you for a higher daily pay rate. If you hold an out-of-state teaching certificate, check Georgia teacher certification reciprocity rules to see how it transfers. Contact the school system where you want to work for its specific education requirements.
Want to learn how to earn a professional teaching certification? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Georgia.
Substitute Teacher Training
Georgia school systems must ensure substitutes receive GAPSC-prescribed training before serving in the classroom. In practice, many districts satisfy this through approximately four hours of initial training delivered through the local Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA). As of this writing, Middle Georgia RESA offers an approximately four-hour in-person workshop that does not require a test, while other RESAs offer an online course with a required passing score. If you already hold a Georgia teaching certificate or have completed substitute training with another RESA, most districts will accept that documentation instead of requiring you to retrain.
Experience Requirements
Each Georgia school system sets its own experience requirements for substitute teachers. Some districts require no prior classroom experience at all, while others give preference to candidates who have worked with children in a school, camp, or childcare setting. A handful of systems also give hiring preference or higher pay to retired teachers and candidates who already hold a valid Georgia teaching certificate. Contact the school system where you plan to apply for its specific experience expectations.
Criminal History Background Check
Every Georgia public school system requires substitute teacher applicants to complete a criminal history background check before they can start working. This typically includes a Georgia criminal record check and may involve a federal background check through the FBI, which requires fingerprinting. Your school district’s human resources office handles this process and can tell you what to expect and how long it takes to clear.
How Many Days You Can Substitute Teach
Georgia limits how long a substitute can stay in the same classroom based on their credentials. If you hold only a GED or high school diploma, GAPSC rules say you may not work as a substitute in any one classroom for more than 10 consecutive days. Georgia regulations generally require assignments extending to 46 or more consecutive school days to be filled by a certified in-field teacher, and districts commonly interpret this to allow degree-holding substitutes to serve up to 45 consecutive days, subject to local policy. Certified in-field teachers may continue beyond that point where permitted under state and district policy. These limits can vary slightly by district assignment, so confirm the specifics with your school system’s HR office.
Age and Other District-Specific Requirements
Most Georgia school systems require substitute teachers to be at least 18 years old, though some districts, including Henry County Schools, currently set the minimum age at 21. Several systems also ask for two or three professional references, and most specify that references can’t come from family members or friends. Because these details differ by district, confirm age minimums and reference requirements directly with the school system where you’re applying before you submit paperwork.
How to Apply for a Substitute Teaching Position
Georgia school systems handle substitute teacher applications individually, so there’s no single statewide portal. Most districts post open substitute positions and accept applications through their own online employment system, where you’ll upload transcripts or a diploma, list references, and complete the required background check authorization. Deadlines and processing times vary by system and by how many applicants a district is reviewing at once. Contact the Georgia Professional Standards Commission or the local public school system where you want to substitute for its specific application steps and deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Georgia require a substitute teaching license?
No. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission does not issue a statewide substitute teaching permit or license. Each of Georgia’s 180 school systems sets its own hiring requirements for substitutes, so what qualifies you in one district may not automatically qualify you in another.
Do you need a degree to substitute teach in Georgia?
Not always. Every district accepts at least a high school diploma or GED as the baseline requirement. Some districts require 60 semester hours of college coursework or a bachelor’s degree for candidates without a teaching certificate, and a degree or certificate can qualify you for higher daily pay. Check with your local school system for its specific rule.
How long does substitute teacher training take in Georgia?
Georgia school systems must ensure substitutes receive GAPSC-prescribed training before serving. In practice, many districts satisfy this through approximately four hours of training delivered through their Regional Educational Service Agency, either as an in-person workshop or an online course; some also accept training you’ve already completed with another RESA or as a certified teacher.
How many days in a row can a substitute teach the same class in Georgia?
If you hold only a GED or high school diploma, you’re limited to 10 consecutive days in the same classroom. Georgia regulations generally require assignments of 46 or more consecutive days to be filled by a certified in-field teacher, and districts commonly allow degree-holding substitutes to serve up to 45 consecutive days under this standard. Certified in-field teachers may continue beyond that point where district and state policy permit. Confirm the current limit with your school district, since assignment rules can vary.
How do I apply to become a substitute teacher in Georgia?
Apply directly through the school system where you want to work. Most districts post substitute openings on their own employment site and require an application, transcripts or diploma, references, and a completed background check before you can be added to their substitute list.
- No state license required. GAPSC does not issue substitute teaching permits. Each of Georgia’s 180 school systems sets its own requirements.
- Education requirements vary. A high school diploma or GED is the baseline, but some districts currently require 60 semester hours of college credit or a degree for higher pay and longer assignments.
- Training is mandatory. Georgia school systems must ensure substitutes receive GAPSC-prescribed training, typically satisfied through about four hours of RESA-provided training.
- Day limits depend on credentials—10 consecutive days with a GED or diploma only. Districts commonly allow up to 45 consecutive days with a degree, since state rules generally require 46-plus day assignments to be filled by a certified in-field teacher.
- Apply district by district. There’s no single statewide application, so contact the specific school system where you want to substitute for deadlines and requirements.
Ready to move from substitute teaching to a full Georgia teaching certificate? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Georgia to find a path that fits your background.
