Teach

Teach Where You Belong

Atlanta, the birthplace of civil rights, prides itself on inclusivity of all, including you! APS fosters an environment of belonging for both students and staff. At APS, we believe students deserve educators who can do more than teach the basics. At APS, we believe students deserve more than instruction in the basics, they deserve leaders, innovators, role models, and accomplished educators with a proven record of excellence who empower students to reach their college and career aspirations.

We are hard at work ensuring our students have everything they need to succeed – from a culture of inclusivity and trust to a challenging learning experience that sparks their curiosity and love for learning. We are on a journey of transformation, and our data shows it!

Apply at APS

Teach At APS

Career Kick-Start

Welcome to the Career Kick-Start Program

The Career Kick-Start Program provides transformative teaching and internship experiences within Atlanta Public Schools (APS). Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and career guidance, we empower collegiate students to kick-start their careers and prepare to become exceptional educators.

Mission: To empower collegiate students to kick-start their careers through valuable teaching and internship experiences, preparing them to become exceptional educators for APS students.

Vision: To provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, mentorship, and career guidance to develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in a future career at APS.

Tiffany Adams
Coordinator, Student Interns and University Partnerships

Overview

The APS Career Kick-Start Program offers a structured pathway for student teachers, interns, and residents to gain valuable, real-world teaching experience. Participants build expertise and confidence under the guidance of seasoned educators, preparing for a thriving career in education.

Program Pathways:

APS Employees: Field experience opportunities for residents and interns employed by APS.
Non-APS Employees: Placement opportunities for university-affiliated student teachers and interns.

Eligibility:

A current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the applicant’s college or university and APS is required.
Colleges/universities interested in partnering with APS should email StudentTeach@apsk12.org to establish an MOU.

How To Apply

For APS Employees (Residents and Interns)
For Non-APS Employees (University-Affiliated Student Teachers and Interns)

For APS Employees (Residents and Interns)

Step 1: Submit the APS Field Experience Request Form

Complete the APS Field Experience Request Form
The form will be forwarded to your Principal/Supervisor for review.

Step 2: Principal/Supervisor Approval

Your principal will review the request, include your Cooperating Teacher's information, and finalize approval.
The Division of HR, your university's field placement office, and Cooperating Teacher will be notified of the approved placement.

Step 3: Begin Your Field Experience

Work directly with your principal to fulfill the program requirements.
Monitor emails from svc_powerapp@atlanta.k12.ga.us with updates on your request.

Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals should seek advice about the APS Level Up Program if they are interested in becoming teachers.
Field Experience Request Forms can be submitted at any time during the school year.

Important Notes:
Placements are not guaranteed and depend on availability and HR approval.

Inquiries or requests from universities must be directed to StudentTeach@apsk12.org and not to APS Principals.

For Non-APS Employees (University-Affiliated Student Teachers and Interns)

Step 1: Placement Request by University

Consult with your university’s Field Placement Office to submit a request to APS on your behalf.
Placement requests are accepted only during the following windows:
Fall Intake Window: March–April
Spring Intake Window: October–November

Step 2: Placement Confirmation

APS confirms placements with Principals and shares them with the university.
Your university will notify you of your approved placement.

Step 3: Background Check and Badge Collection

Complete the APS background check process.
Pick up your APS badge before reporting to your assigned school site.
Step 4: Begin Your Field Experience
Report to your assigned school to start your program.

Important Notes:

Placements are not guaranteed and depend on availability and HR approval.
Inquiries or requests from universities must be directed to StudentTeach@apsk12.org, not to APS Principals.

Resources

APS Background Check Consent Form

Partnering Universities

Walden University
University Of Georgia
West Governors University
Georgia State University
University Of Phoenix

Mercer University
Clark Atlanta University
Valdosta State University
Liberty University
Moreland University
Albany State University
Brenau University

John Hopkins University
Grand Canyon University
Spelman College
Morehouse College
Kennesaw State University

Certification

H1B Sponsorship

Join Atlanta Public Schools and Inspire the Future!

At APS, we always seek passionate educators who can ignite a love for learning in our students. We warmly welcome teachers from around the world and are proud to offer H1B sponsorship to help you join our team.

Here's how our H1B sponsorship pathway works:

1. Initial Sponsorship: Once you are recommended for hire, Atlanta Public Schools will sponsor your H1B Visa, which is valid for three years.
2. Extension: If we wish to continue our partnership, we will file for an additional three-year extension on your behalf.
3. Path to Residency: For outstanding teachers who are an excellent fit, we can begin the process for a residency visa, contingent on budget availability.

HB385 For Retirees

HB385 Welcomes Retired Teachers to the Classroom

Retired educators with 30 or more years’ experience may return to teach full time in specified high needs areas.

Under the recently passed House Bill 385, retired educators eligible for rehire should meet the following criteria:

Have a minimum of 30 years creditable experience with the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRSGA)
Have been retired, and not restored to service, for a minimum of one year
Qualified to teach a predetermined high needs subject area

Qualifying retired educators are encouraged to log in to their MyPSC Account to review their certification status and options for renewal.

Useful Links:

House Bill 385 Frequently Asked Questions

Teaching Certificate Renewal Process for Retired Educators per GA HB385

Georgia Professional Standards Commission - MyPSC

Apply for a teaching position at Atlanta Public Schools TODAY!

For additional information on returning to employment through House Bill 385, please contact our Recruitment Office at 404-802-2313 or by email to JoinTeamAPS@apsk12.org.