Elementary teachers are responsible for instilling a love of learning in their students. They are also critical in children developing fundamental skills and knowledge, including social, reading, writing, and numeracy. Georgia is eager for more quality individuals to step into the classroom and help make a positive difference in our nation’s next generation.
The average elementary teacher salary in Georgia as of May 2023 was $70,700. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Teachers of Tomorrow will highlight Georgia’s teaching salaries in various educational settings in this guide. We’ll also outline the state’s requirements for becoming an elementary teacher, including alternative teacher certification options.
What Is an Elementary Teacher?
Elementary school teachers are instrumental in building children’s foundation for learning, socialization, and development. In addition to teaching subjects like reading, writing, math, and social studies, they also help children learn manners, conflict resolution, sharing, time management, and how to take care of their bodies.
Teaching elementary school are role models in the classroom and in their community. To ensure children’s lives are supported holistically, they work with parents, care workers, therapists, and essential members of the community.
Exceptional elementary teachers come from a variety of backgrounds, and there is no one personality or teaching style that defines success. However, all quality teachers share some characteristics, including:
- Communicator: Elementary professionals collaborate with many role players in a child’s life, including other members of staff, parents, and guardians. Transparency and sharing of information are essential to keep all parties up to date so that the needs of a child are met.
- Flexibility: Elementary students have diverse needs, including different communication and learning styles. Excellent teachers will modify their lessons and classroom management techniques to ensure the needs of all their students are being addressed.
- Emotional Intelligence: Teachers must be the calm in the storm. Children are still learning to regulate their emotions, and their parents often have a lot of anxiety about their child’s welfare. In addition, many members of the public have strong opinions on education. Successful teachers keep their cool and remain diplomatic while navigating a landscape filled with people with many emotions, opinions, stress, and worry.
Elementary school teachers have many responsibilities, including:
- Organize enriching school activities and outings.
- Manage and maintain a positive, supportive, and productive classroom environment regardless of class size.
- Support students’ emotional and physical well-being and overall development.
How Much Do Elementary Teachers Make in Georgia?
The average annual salaries for elementary school teachers in Georgia as of May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Highest salary – $98,480
- Average salary – $70,700
- Lowest salary – $48,250
Georgia elementary teaching salaries vary depending on the school’s location and tax base and a teacher’s education level, experience, and additional skills.
How To Become an Elementary Teacher in Georgia
The process of being an elementary teacher differs throughout the country. The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and the Georgian Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) are responsible for the regulations and certifications of Georgia’s teachers.
Georgia’s traditional pathway to becoming an elementary teacher involves the following steps:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree. Georgia requires all teachers to have a bachelor’s degree, as do all states in the country. Those on the traditional pathway hoping to teach young students are encouraged to select a degree focused on elementary education, early childhood, or special education.
- Complete a teacher preparation program: Most Georgia candidates on the traditional pathway use the teacher preparation program provided by the institution where they obtained their bachelor’s degree. Candidates must select a preparation program approved by GaDOE if they want to change institutions.
- Obtain a Pre-Service Certificate: Candidates need a pre-service certificate to complete their teacher experience requirements. The process will involve a criminal background check per GaPSC guidelines and a Program Entry Ethics Assessment through Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Education (GACE).
- Gain Field and Teaching Experience. Georgia candidates on the traditional pathway must complete field experience and 15-16 weeks of student teaching. The latter must be done with students in the age group the candidate is seeking certification to teach.
- Pass Relevant Teaching Exams. Georgia candidates must pass the exams pertaining to their grade level and specialty. Test takers must register through GACE and book the relevant exams.
- Apply for a Teaching License: All Georgia teaching certifications and endorsements are processed by the GaPSC. Candidates are required to create a MySPC account before applying. To learn more, including how to set up a MySPC account, visit the Application Forms and Procedures page.
- Undergo a Background Check. Georgia requires all educators to have passed a background check. Many schools will require new hires to undergo the criminal background check process even if they already did so for their pre-service certificate.
Alternative Route to Certification for Elementary School Teachers
As of August 2024, George offers only one alternative route to teacher certification. Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher must apply to the Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP). It is the only institution that has been approved to offer the alternative route.
However, those who already have a teaching qualification in Georgia have many institutions to choose from to add endorsements, certificates, or obtain a higher teaching degree, such as a master’s.
What is the Highest and Lowest Paying Elementary School Teaching Job?
As a certified elementary school teacher in Georgia, you can work in various settings:
- Public schools: Georgia public schools consistently provide the best salaries for teachers in the state. However, the salary range depends on the district and its local tax base.
- Charter schools: Georgia charter schools receive less funding than public schools, which prevents their salaries from being as high.
- Online teaching: Remote teaching jobs in Georgia are often through charter schools, and the pay is typically slightly less than in-person teaching.
- International schools: International schools generally reserve their highest-paying positions for the upper grades. Thus, their elementary teaching salaries are less competitive.
- Private schools: Private school teaching salaries have the widest margins in Georgia. Exclusive schools with high tuition generally pay the best, while more accessible institutions with the lowest tuition pay the least.
Teachers of Tomorrow’s mission is to provide candidates with the tools, knowledge, and support to help them reach their teaching goals. What are you waiting for? Start your journey towards making a positive difference in Georgia’s children today.
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