GROW

As a Teacher, You Change Lives.

When teachers thrive, students succeed. Whether you choose to dedicate your life to classroom teaching or advance into a leadership role, we support you throughout your career journey.

Teacher Supports & Mentoring

As a new teacher, you’ll have many questions. What do I teach? Who do I go to if I have a question? What classroom procedures and guidelines should I follow? 

The Georgia Department of Education provides guidance to local district teachers, making sure you have everything you need to teach with confidence on the first day of school. You’ll have access to a rich bank of curricular resources along with mentorship and professional development from colleagues. Click the links to learn more about state support for local districts and teachers. Your school and district will also offer additional resources tailored to meet your community’s unique needs.

Professional Growth Pathways

Teachers are artists of the highest calling. No matter how long you’ve been in the classroom, we customize our evaluation programs to let your individual strengths shine while supporting you in improving your craft.

Teacher Leader Recognition

Not every teacher aspires to become a school administrator. In Georgia, we recognize educators who choose to lead from the classroom, sharing their expertise with others. Below are a few of our statewide initiatives curated for seasoned classroom professionals.

Teach in the Peach Ambassadors

Teach in the Peach Ambassadors are passionate educators and leaders who champion the teaching profession across Georgia. Through recruitment events, mentorship, networking, and community engagement, they help inspire the next generation of teachers while sharing the opportunities and rewards of building a career in Georgia’s public schools.

Oliver Ellis - Ambassador

Oliver Ellis

Canadian-born and Southwest Georgia-raised, I switched from Pre-Med to Education at UGA and never looked back! I’ve built a beautiful life as a teacher. I married a fellow educator, had three kids, and bought a wonderful home in Columbus, Georgia. I, now, make my living inspiring and engaging the brightest minds in my district.

Read more

Chante Luckie

Chante Luckie-Smith is the Director of Teen Services for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta, an award-winning educator and community leader dedicated to empowering youth through career exploration, leadership development, and innovative educational opportunities.

Read more

Candace Torrence

Candace Torrence is a gifted education teacher at A.L. Burruss Elementary in Marietta City Schools. She is the wife of Rashad Torrence and proud mother of Rashad II, Rhian, and Reese. Inspired by her grandmother, Ezella Holcomb, and aunt, Annie L. Ruggs, Candace is passionate about building meaningful relationships, serving her community, and empowering every […]

Read more

Juléa Roselita Eppinger

Dr. Juléa Eppinger is a native of Atlanta and a product of Fulton County schools. Juléa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from Albany State University. She also earned a masters in Psychology and Elementary Education. Dr. Eppinger earned her doctorate in Education from The University of Miami. In her spare time […]

Read more

Career Development

As you continue on your education journey, you may decide to earn additional classroom endorsements or leadership certifications. The Georgia Department of Education works directly with Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESAs) and local school districts to provide trainings and workshops across our state to grow educational leaders. Click on the resources to learn more!

Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs)

RESAs offer regional professional development and training opportunities. Click on the link to find your area RESA and see available courses. Sample offerings include Leadership Certification, Instructional Coaching, Assistant Principal Leadership Series, and much more!

Governor’s School Leadership Academy- Teacher Leader Support Program

GSLA allows participating teachers to explore their role as a leader in the classroom to develop specific teacher-leader skills and competencies that support building capacity at their schools.

Educational Leadership Certifications

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission issues two leadership certification tiers for building and district-level leaders.

Career Spotlight

Shining a light on initiatives supporting educator career development.

NOMINATE A GEORGIA TEACHER OF THE WEEK October 30, 2026 – The Georgia Department of Education’s Teach in...

Georgia’s innovative Teach in the Peach initiative is gaining national attention for its comprehensive approach to strengthening the...

The Lanier County Schools Mentor Program is a comprehensive support system designed to ensure the success of every...

Site Search

Nominate a Georgia Teacher of the Week