On April 30, 2026, the Richmond County School System hosted a Community Conversations virtual town hall focused on careers in education and teaching in RCSS. During the discussion, RCSS Human Resources staff and current educators answered questions about becoming a teacher, pursuing certification as a non-traditional educator, available support programs, and what it’s like to work in our schools.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Do I need a degree in education to become a teacher?

In addition to certified educators with a bachelor's degree in an education-related field, RCSS welcomes career changers and non-traditional educators. A non-traditional, or waiver, teacher is someone who did not complete a traditional education degree program but has valuable content knowledge or professional experience. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field may qualify to teach while working toward certification through an approved pathway program.

Are there pathways for military spouses and veterans?

Yes. RCSS supports military-connected educators through military support certification pathways approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Eligible individuals must hold a bachelor’s degree and complete required ethics and background checks.

How do I know which grade level or subject area is right for me?

RCSS encourages aspiring educators to think about:

• The age group they connect with most
• Subjects they are passionate about
• Their professional or industry experience
• The type of classroom environment they enjoy

Candidates may pursue opportunities in elementary, middle, high school, CTAE, special education, and support roles.

Should I try substitute teaching before becoming a teacher?

Good idea! Current educators recommend substitute teaching or classroom shadowing as a great way to gain hands-on experience and determine whether education is the right fit. RCSS substitute opportunities are available through Kelly Education.

Can I teach while earning my certification?

Yes. Eligible candidates may begin teaching while completing certification requirements through approved pathways. As a strategic waiver district, RCSS allows non-traditional teachers up to three years to complete certification requirements and required GACE assessments. Depending on the pathway, candidates may begin teaching before passing the GACE.

What certification pathways are available?

RCSS partners with several approved colleges and certification programs to help aspiring educators become certified teachers, including:

• Georgia TAPP
• Augusta University

The district also has agreements with more than 50 colleges and universities offering approved educator preparation programs. Employees can contact Human Resources for more information.

Are scholarships available for certification programs?

Yes. Current RCSS employees pursuing teacher certification may qualify for:

• Up to $2,000 through Georgia TAPP
• Up to $5,000 through Augusta University

Scholarship opportunities are available through the district’s Certified for Success partnership program. Employees can contact Human Resources for more information.

What support does RCSS provide new teachers?

New educators participate in onboarding, mentoring, professional learning, and New Educator Orientation. Teachers are connected with mentors and receive ongoing support throughout the school year.

What careers or degree backgrounds transition well into teaching?

RCSS welcomes career changers from a variety of professional backgrounds, including:

• Criminal justice and social studies
• Information technology and cybersecurity
• Psychology and child development
• Skilled trades and CTAE fields such as culinary arts, welding, cosmetology, barbering, and carpentry

Candidates with bachelor’s degrees may qualify for traditional certification pathways, while some CTAE and industry programs may accept associate degrees and industry experience.

Does RCSS hire international teachers?

Yes. RCSS works with international staffing partners that assist with sponsorship and placement for qualified candidates. International applicants typically apply through one of the district’s approved partner organizations.

Can someone with an associate's degree teach?

A bachelor’s degree is generally required for traditional classroom teaching positions. However, individuals with associate degrees and industry experience may qualify for certain CTAE or industry certification pathways, including culinary arts, cosmetology, barbering, welding, carpentry, barbering, and related programs.

Is the district currently hiring paraprofessionals?

Yes! RCSS continues to hire paraprofessionals for elementary, middle, and high schools.Candidates must have:

• A high school diploma and a passing paraprofessional GACE assessment; OR
• An associate degree or at least 90 quarter hours of college credit

Does teacher pay increase when I earn a certification or an advanced degree?

Yes. RCSS salary levels increase based on certification and degree level, including:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree
• Educational specialist degree
• Doctoral degree

If I earn certification during the school year, when does my pay increase take effect?

Once the Georgia Professional Standards Commission issues the updated certificate, RCSS honors the effective date and, if applicable, provides retroactive pay adjustments.

Does RCSS host teacher recruitment events?

Yes. RCSS hosts recruitment and career fairs throughout the year where candidates can meet principals, department leaders, HR staff, and certification partners. Visit our Human Resources page for a full schedule. 

Contact Our Human Resources Department

On March 26, we sat down with district leaders and local experts to discuss a challenge hitting close to home: chronic absenteeism. We know that "just showing up" isn't always easy when life gets in the way, but you don't have to navigate those hurdles alone. We’ve summarized the key takeaways from our panel to help you access the resources and support your student needs to stay on track.
 

✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chronic Absenteeism

1. What is chronic absenteeism?

Chronic absenteeism means a student has missed 10% or more of their enrolled school days — this includes both excused and unexcused absences.
In Richmond County last year, that equated to about 32.9% of students being chronically absent.

2. Why is chronic absenteeism such a big concern?

Panelists emphasized that missing even a couple of days each month leads to:

• Lower academic achievement
• Weaker social‑emotional connections
• Higher risk of falling behind or failing milestone tests
• Decreased likelihood of graduating
• Difficulty developing workplace‑ready attendance habits

High school leaders also reported significant increases in absenteeism since COVID‑19.

3. How many absences are “too many”?

According to district staff and the judge:

• Missing 2 days a month can already place a student at risk (18 days annually).
• More than 9 days per school year is considered concerning, especially at the high school level.
• 10 unexcused absences typically triggers review and may involve juvenile court.

Parents were encouraged to monitor attendance carefully and act early.

4. When does absenteeism lead to juvenile court involvement?

Cases may reach juvenile court when:

• A child has 10 or more unexcused absences, and
• The school has already made multiple attempts to contact and support the family.

The judge noted that by the time a case reaches court, there is usually an underlying issue (transportation, illness, job loss, family crisis) that needs intervention.

5. What happens in court if my child’s attendance becomes a legal issue?

The court’s goal is not punishment, but identifying barriers and connecting families to resources.
Examples include:

• Transportation assistance
• Support for illness or medical needs
• Mental health services
• Social worker involvement
• Homebound or modified schooling options

6. What resources does the school district offer families struggling with attendance?

Schools and the district can help with:

• Social workers and counselors
• Mental health and tele‑mental health services
• Food, clothing, and supplies
• Transportation support
• Programs for homeless students (including transportation to “school of origin”)
• Hospital/Homebound instruction for medical needs
• Alternative learning options (PLC, RPM, online learning)

Families were encouraged to ask early so schools can help.

7. What can parents do if they are facing challenges getting their child to school?

Panelists advised parents to:

• Contact the school directly—principal, counselor, or attendance team
• Share specific barriers (transport, work schedules, health issues)
• Request support or referral to resources
• Engage with PTO/PTA for community help and carpooling options
• Plan the night before (clothes out, backpacks ready, sleep schedule)

The message: You’re not alone—reach out.

8. How does tardiness affect attendance records?

Repeated tardiness can count toward chronic absenteeism.

• Large numbers of tardies may legally count the same as absences.
• Students may be physically present but still considered “missing” instructional time.

School leaders stressed the importance of arriving on time, not just attending.

9. Has attendance changed since COVID‑19?

Yes. All panelists noted:

• Significant increases in absenteeism
• Students struggling socially because of more screen‑based communication
• More difficulty getting students back into routines
• Learning gaps from virtual school years

High school absenteeism at ARC rose from 18% pre‑COVID to around 40% after.

10. What creative solutions are schools using to improve attendance?

Examples shared in the webinar:

• Attendance Buddies Program: Staff check-in with chronically absent students daily.
• Parent Priority Pickup: Families with perfect monthly attendance skip the long pickup line.
• Monthly and semester awards: Celebrations for perfect or near-perfect attendance.
• Direct principal phone calls to families of frequently absent students.
• Student‑made social media campaigns promoting attendance.

11. What is one simple thing families can do today to improve attendance?

Each panelist offered a tip:

• Plan ahead (Judge Baez & Ms. Brown)
• Establish healthy sleep routines (Dr. Wiggins)
• Reach out for help early (Ms. Proffitt)
• Have honest conversations about the importance of attendance (Dr. Gloster)