Introduction

This blog explains how to change the ownership of a Google Classroom, whether you're a teacher handing over a class or an IT admin managing staff transitions. Changing ownership is essential when a teacher leaves, switches departments or simply wants to transfer control to a co-teacher. Google Classroom doesn’t offer a direct transfer ownership button, but with the right steps such as adding a co-teacher and managing account permissions, you can ensure a smooth transition without disrupting student access or class content.

Why to Assign New Owner in Google Classroom

Assigning a new owner in Google Classroom ensures continuity, access control and proper class management especially during staff transitions. Since the original creator of a Google Classroom has full administrative rights over class content, student submissions and grading, it's important to transfer that authority when roles change.

If a class is left without an active owner, no one can manage assignments, invite new students or archive the class properly. Reassigning ownership helps preserve instructional workflows and protects student data.

Example Scenario

Ms. Taylor, a high school science teacher, created a Google Classroom for her Biology class. Mid-year, she takes extended medical leave. If no one else is assigned ownership, her class becomes unmanageable, students can’t submit assignments and co-teachers can’t edit grades. By assigning Mr. Lewis (the co-teacher) as the new owner, the school ensures the class continues seamlessly without disrupting student learning.

How to Change Ownership of a Google Classroom

Google Classroom doesn't offer a direct Transfer Ownership button like Google Drive or Docs. However, you can effectively change the owner by following a few steps. Whether you're an educator leaving a school or an admin reassigning classes, this guide will help you transfer control without losing class content or student access.

Step 1: Add the New Owner as a Co-Teacher

  1. Open Google Classroom.
  2. Select the class you want to transfer.
  3. Click on the People tab at the top.
  4. Under the Teachers section, click the invite icon (person with a +).
  5. Enter the email address of the new teacher (within the same domain).
  6. Click Invite.
    Add the New Owner as a Co-Teacher

The invited teacher will appear as a Pending until they accept the invitation.

Step 2: Have the New Teacher Accept the Invitation

  • Ask the invited teacher to open Google Classroom and accept the co-teaching invite.
  • Once accepted, they’ll have full editing access, but not owner-level rights.

Step 3: Manually Transfer Ownership of Class Materials

 Since Google Classroom itself doesn’t transfer ownership automatically, you’ll need to:

  • Change ownership of shared Google Drive folders/files
    • Go to Google Drive.
    • Locate the class folder under Classroom.
    • Click on the Share option and enter the new teacher’s email address.
    • In the sharing dialog box, click the dropdown next to their name and select the Transfer ownership option.
  • This ensures the new teacher controls class materials even after you leave.

Step 4 (Admin Only): Suspend or Remove the Original Owner

 If the original teacher is leaving permanently,

  • Google Workspace admins can suspend the account or transfer all data to another user using the Admin console.
  • Be sure to verify that all class content and ownership rights have been reassigned.

Note: Google may enhance Classroom’s ownership features in the future, but as of now, ownership transfer is a manual, two-part process involving Classroom and Drive.

Benefits of Changing Ownership in Google Classroom

  • When a teacher is unavailable, assigning a new owner allows classes to continue without disruption to student learning or assignment deadlines.
  • Transferring ownership of the linked Google Drive materials ensures all class files, resources and student submissions stay accessible and editable by the new teacher. Nothing gets lost in transition.
  • With full access, the new owner can post announcements, manage grades and archive the class when needed. This helps the school maintain structure and oversight even during staffing changes.
  • This is especially helpful during teacher turnover like retirements or mid-year departures, where the incoming teacher needs to step in and pick up right where the previous one left off.
  • Without a clear owner, classes often become inactive or confusing for students. Assigning a new lead keeps everything running smoothly and students are properly supported.
  • Since only the original creator can delete or archive a class, transferring Drive ownership and assigning a co-teacher ensures long-term manageability, even after the original teacher leaves.

Conclusion

Changing ownership of a Google Classroom may not be as straightforward as clicking a single button, but it’s entirely possible with the right steps. By adding a co-teacher, transferring Drive file ownership and coordinating with your Google Workspace admin when needed, you can ensure a smooth transition. This process helps maintain instructional continuity, preserves important class materials and keeps students engaged without disruption. Whether you're a teacher moving on or an admin managing classroom transitions, this guide ensures your classes are left in capable hands.

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