Georgia: Working in Education in Georgia

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According to Leaders and Laggards, a 2009 State-by-State Report Card on Educational Innovation, Georgia received a "C" grade in the areas of school management and finance; a "B" in hiring and evaluation of staff, pipeline to postsecondary (improving college and career readiness), and technology; and an "A" in the areas of removing ineffective teachers and data. The state's overall mediocre grade falls in the top one-third of all states, none of which excelled overall.

Educational Management

The Georgia General Assembly found that school leadership, particularly the principal, is the major factor in attracting quality teachers and creating a culture of learning and respect. Given that a school with strong leadership will be the most effective in improving and maintaining the academic success of students, the state established the Georgia High Performance Principals Grants Program to attract principals with records of success to serve in schools in need of improvement.

Several colleges and universities in Georgia provide educational management programs in subjects such as educational leadership, instructional leadership, educational administration, administration and supervision, and organizational leadership. Programs include both online and campus-based formats and are offered at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.

The estimated median annual wage for administrators in preschool and child care centers in Georgia as of May 2008 was $39,690, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; the nationwide mean was $46,370. For elementary and secondary educators the mean in Georgia was $82,930, compared to $86,060 nationwide.

Technology Education

The Office of Instructional Technology aims to make sure every student is technologically literate by the end of eighth grade. The initiatives focus on encouraging effective technology integration and supporting professional development. The Office has created an optional eighth grade technology literacy assessment.

Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) is a fully accredited school with a full high school curriculum and a limited middle school curriculum. Georgia students can take GAVS courses free of charge as part of their school program. Educational Technology Centers around the state help Georgia educators promote the use of technology in support of learning, teaching, and leadership.

Curriculum and Instruction

The Georgia Performance Standards govern curriculum and instruction in six program areas: English language arts, math, social studies, reading, and professional learning. The Office of Standards, Instruction, and Assessment provides a wide array of resources for implementing the Georgia Performance Standards.

Teacher's Aides in Georgia

While the federal hiring criteria apply only to specific paraprofessional positions, all paraprofessionals in Georgia schools must hold a valid state certificate. To apply for paraprofessional certification, a candidate must be employed as a paraprofessional in a school system in Georgia and have either an associate's degree, 60 hours of college credit, or a passing grade on the approved paraprofessional assessment.

Many school districts as well as postsecondary institutions support Georgia paraprofessionals in completing their teaching preparation programs while continuing to work.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for teaching assistants in Georgia was $18,530 in May 2008; the nationwide mean was $23,560.

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