PAGE Financial Awards Help You Excel: In Your Career Through PAGE Foundation Scholarships
Could you benefit from up to $1,500 in support of continuing education and career growth? Awarded annually to teachers pursuing advanced degrees, paraprofessionals studying to become teachers, and educatorpathway college students, scholarships are open to all PAGE members.
• Up to $27,000 in scholarships available annually
• More than $650,000 awarded since program inception
• Learn more on pages 12 – 15 and at www.pageinc.org/scholarships
In Your Classroom
Through PAGE Educator Grants
Would $500 make a positive difference for you and your students? Each school year, PAGE Educator Grants enable members throughout the state to acquire additional resources for students, classrooms, and digital learning needs.
• Up to $100,000 in cumulative funds awarded each school year
• Funds issued as reimbursement grants of up to $500 per recipient
• Details on pages 8 – 11 and at www.pageinc.org/grants
As the largest independent educator association in the state and nation, the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) exists to support our members who serve in every Georgia public school. PAGE provides unparalleled legal coverage, legislative advocacy, professional learning, grants, and scholarships. PAGE honors and encourages educational excellence through student programs including Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR), Future Georgia Educators (FGE), Georgia Academic Decathlon (GAD), and PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades.
W ELCOME TO PAGE: An Association of Educators for Educators
Welcome to PAGE! An association of educators for educators, you are the reason PAGE exists. As a new member of Georgia’s largest and most trusted educator association, you now have access to all we have to offer.
While the peace of mind that comes with exceptional legal services for career protection is a primary benefit (pages 28 – 31), the many additional rewards of PAGE membership go much deeper. In this special edition of PAGE One magazine, you’ll learn about the full range of benefits, services, and financial awards available to you as a member.
Membership Services (pp 16 – 24):
You’re busy – every day – doing great work both inside and outside the classroom. Amid demanding schedules and competing priorities, the many benefits available to you as a PAGE member may not be immediately evident. Whether your goal is to learn more, participate more, or simply know who to speak with about issues as they arise, your team of Membership Services Representatives (MSRs) are here to assist. This group of PAGE experts – all former Georgia educators, and each specializing in a specific geographic region within the state – are dedicated to helping you receive the most from your membership. Turn to pages 16 – 24 to learn more about your membership team, meet each MSR, and access contact information.
Legislative Services (pp 32 – 33):
Strong, principled advocacy for Georgia educators and public education drives the work of your PAGE Legislative Services staff. This highly respected policy team provides influential representation of educator voices at the Georgia Capitol and with state agencies, including the Georgia Department of Education, the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia, and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. PAGE representatives are present whenever and wherever decisions are made that affect Georgia public education and your career. Learn more and meet your advocacy team on pages 32 – 33.
One-on-One Coaching
(pp 26 – 27):
As a member of PAGE, you have access to more benefits and services than any other Georgia educator association. One unique benefit is professional support through the association’s one-on-one coaching program. If, at any time in your career as a Georgia educator, you feel overwhelmed, discouraged, uncertain, and in need of professional support, PAGE Coaching is here to help by pairing you with a highly experienced veteran educator to assist in identifying solutions to professional challenges. And, because PAGE Coaching is completely confidential, you’ll be able to address even the most difficult and sensitive topics. On pages 26 – 27, you’ll meet the team, hear about a few members who’ve had great success with the program, and find the information you need to contact a PAGE coach and start benefiting from this service.
Professional Learning
(pp 42 – 45):
Great educators continue to learn throughout their careers. PAGE believes in the power of professional learning to enhance an educator’s capacity to lead in the classroom, school, district, and community. PAGE offers several in-person academies founded on the themes of engagement and equity. Participants love the learning and relationship building they experience in the PAGE Engage! series. Virtual learning opportunities are also available. There’s considerable value in these experiences, and no cost to PAGE members to participate. We encourage you to invest in yourself and your growth in the profession. Learn more about PAGE Professional Learning on pages 42 – 45.
Grants & Scholarships (pp 8 – 15):
Your PAGE membership also comes with financial opportunities available exclusively to members. When you’re seeking funding for innovative, enrichment activities or programs to propel your students to the next level, you’ll want to apply
for a PAGE Educator Grant. Each year, PAGE awards up to $100,000 in individual $500 grants to fund these endeavors (pages 8 – 11). And, when you’re ready to pursue additional academic credentials to boost your career, consider applying for a PAGE Foundation Scholarship (pages 12 – 15). To date, PAGE has invested more than $650,000 in financial assistance to help individual members further their education goals.
Achievement Recognition, Teacher Pipeline, and Student Programs (pp 36 – 41):
You can be a STAR with PAGE! The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia’s highest-achieving high school seniors and the educators most instrumental in their academic development. The STAR program has honored more than 30,000 students and their teachers since its inception (pages 38 – 39). PAGE also promotes education as a career to boost Georgia’s teacher pipeline through the Future Georgia Educators program. Thousands of middle and high school students exploring education as a career participate in school-based clubs and attend special events on college campuses (pages 36 – 37). And, PAGE also administers annual academic competitions for students – and guidance for the educators sponsoring these rewarding experiences – throughout the state (pages 40 – 41).
Your PAGE membership delivers all this and more. This professional association of educators for educators supports you as an individual educator, your school or district as a significant force in your community, and the profession as a whole because teachers do work that truly matters.
Thank you for choosing PAGE. We look forward to serving you throughout your career. n
Craig Harper, PAGE Executive Director
B.J. Jenkins, PAGE Director of Membership
AdvocAcy Growth
Protection economy
We’ve Got You Covered.
PROTECTION
• $1 million liability coverage*
• $10,000 coverage policy for legal defense of employment, criminal, and ethics cases with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission*
• All coverage is “win or lose” with no reimbursements, deductibles, or up-front costs.
• Direct access to one-on-one, privileged, and confidential guidance from an expert legal team
• Interactive Code of Ethics presentations, FAQs, and informative resources
ADVOCACY
• Your voice at the Capitol — and with policymakers at the local, state, and national level
• PAGE engages lawmakers on a variety of issues that affect educators and students throughout the year and especially during each session of the Georgia General Assembly.
• Advocacy focus areas include salary increases and pay supplements, school funding, teacher evaluation, assessment and accountability, the Teachers Retirement System, and preventing the expansion of private school vouchers.
*Coverages are subject to industry standard exclusions. For specifics of coverage and exclusions, visit the self-service member portal at https://members.pageinc.org.
GROWTH
• One-on-one coaching enables you to overcome professional challenges.
• Growth-focused professional learning opportunities throughout the state.
• Grants to support your classroom and growth as a Georgia educator.
• Scholarships to support your continuing education and career goals.
• Teacher and student recognition programs and academic competitions: STAR, Academic Decathlon, and more
• Future Georgia Educators initiatives support Georgia’s teacher pipeline.
• PAGE One magazine, educator resource materials, and more to keep you informed
ECONOMY
• More benefits than any other Georgia educator association
• Your best value:
— Less than $15 monthly for certified personnel
— Less than $8 monthly for support staff
• Dues support you — not political action committees; local, state, or national candidates; national organizations; or non-education issues
• Dues stay in Georgia to work for you.
PAGE is the nation’s largest independent educator association with members serving in every Georgia school district and the best option for your professional future. Membership is available to all Georgia educators and school employees as well as college and high school students enrolled in education courses. Learn more at www.pageinc.org.
PAGE EDUCATOR GRANTS:
up to $100,000 Annually to Members Like You Make Plans to Apply!
Educators are experts at helping students excel. At PAGE, we’re experts at helping members excel in the classroom and beyond.
The PAGE Educator Grant program awards up to $100,000 annually in cumulative funds to members throughout the state. As a new PAGE member, you’re now eligible to apply!
Many of the innovative supplies and resources to enhance an educator’s effectiveness with students and help propel them to new heights of confidence and achievement are often beyond financial reach. In response, PAGE created a program designed to provide recipients with funds to support goals for students as well as further their individual goals as a Georgia educator.
“PAGE consistently listens to members and their needs,” says PAGE Executive Director Craig Harper. “When there is an ability to meet those needs in a meaningful way, PAGE does its best to follow through. PAGE Educator Grants help members in the classroom and with professional pursuits while also serving as a thank you for the incredible work PAGE members do every day.”
This year, applications are open Sunday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 20. Each school year, the Educator Grant program will follow a fall semester application timeline. We encourage you to apply. On the following pages, you’ll see how a few previous winners have utilized their awards.
FAST FACTS
• Up to $100,000 in cumulative funds awarded each school year
• Funds issued as reimbursement grants of up to $500 per recipient
• This year’s applications are open through Sunday, Oct. 20
• Learn more about the program at www.pageinc.org/ grants
Lauren Cramer, Carroll County
“I used my PAGE Educator Grant to purchase a set of lab coats for my students to use when they perform labs and experiments in class. Their faces lit up and some of the other teachers said that since we have had the lab coats, they have never seen students more excited to come to science class. It has really enhanced the learning experience and paved the road for more success in my classroom. It has made them see that what they are doing is important.”
Christopher Andrews, Richmond County
“The PAGE Educator Grant tremendously aided our band students as they performed at the large group performance evaluation this year. We were able to buy the supplies we needed like reeds, valve oil, tambourines, drumsticks and more. Our school had been participating in these evaluations for decades, but we had never earned a superior rating until these past two years. It was the first time in Hephzibah High School history that we received a superior rating and having these items really helped. The kids were thankful. It allowed us to get better quality supplies for them, so they were very excited.”
Malena Bisanti, Fulton County
“We used our PAGE Educator Grant to buy nine foot peddlers for students to Read & Ride in the school media center. The peddlers give students the opportunity to be active while reading, which will help increase physical activity and decrease stress. A lot of kids need to be active during the school day and the peddlers allow them to be active while still learning. One of my third grade students said, ‘You can work out your legs while you work out your brain!’”
Casey Elias, Jasper County
“As a Future Farmers of America advisor, we do different contests throughout the year. I used my PAGE Educator Grant to buy study materials to help with career development events. Having it all packaged together saves us a lot of time. Now, our kids don’t have to make their own flashcards, which took more time than it would to actually study. Now they can spend more time learning the material and less time researching it.”
Loren Frick, Georgia School for the Deaf
“My students are deaf and hard of hearing and use American Sign Language. While making math videos, instead of turning around to write on the board, I purchased a clear glass board along with an easel stand to remove two obstacles: (1) I can write in front of me, and sign at the same time. (2) When using sign language for directional signs such as ‘move the decimal the left’, the viewpoint of the presenter and the viewer are opposite. When editing, I use the mirror format to flip the video and make the signing viewpoint correct for the viewer as well as the math work legible in the video!”
Vilencia Leslie, Burke County
“My speech/language therapy materials that were purchased through the PAGE Educator Grant will be used to further enhance each student’s ability in meeting his/her communication goals and objectives. An SLP’s IEP companion book was also purchased that will allow me to explore and establish other goals and objectives addressed. It is my hope that these materials will be applicable to the student’s specific communication disorder. I also plan to use these materials to enrich school administrators’, teachers’, and parents’ knowledge in understanding ways to elicit the targeted communication responses. This opportunity will assist the students’ ability in maintaining and/or carrying over the concepts/skills addressed in meeting their communication needs. Thank you, PAGE, for awarding me this opportunity to purchase these materials.”
Ben Pitchford, Colquitt County
“The items purchased with the PAGE Grant are directly benefitting students who are struggling with social-emotional needs. We have created calm-down kits to use with students in Pre-K through 1st grade who need emotional support. The kits include tactile devices and weighted stuffed animals that help students better regulate their emotions. Our students are able to personalize their calm down kits so that the kits include the items that work best for each, student.”
Ashley Wicker, Ware County
“I used my PAGE Educator Grant to purchase a digital microscope that hooks up to our Promethean board. In order for students to know what they are looking at, they need to be able to see the microorganisms and that’s hard with a traditional microscope. With this one, they can use it individually or they can hook it up to the board so that everyone can see.”
Chad Sorrells, Stephens County
“Students love doing labs. Seeing chemical and physical changes helps students realize what is going on and the chemical reactions that are taking place. I used my PAGE Educator Grant to purchase chemicals for hands-on experiments. The grant allowed us to do more of these types of experiments.”
Inga Cashon, Tattnall County
“With the wonderful support of the PAGE Educator Grant, I was able to purchase a set of Keva Planks — wooden blocks that can be used to design structural engineering projects and to solve STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) activities. Students are able to build marble coasters, structures, and complete design challenges that can be differentiated based on grade and learning level. The Keva Planks can be used in all 6th through 8th grade STEM classes at North Tattnall Middle School and are reusable as well!”
Melissa Wood, Henry County
“The PAGE Educator Grant was very helpful with our paired unit on glaze chemistry – so much so that we are continuing with the study for the next school year. We went from having 12 colors to having 120 – a broad range of glazes and colors we can use – for very little money. Students learned that mixing just a little bit of clear or white would get them what they wanted. Rather than having to buy a pint of a new color, they can just make whatever color they want.” n
PAGE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS: You Invest Your Time & Talent in the Great Work You Do. The PAGE Foundation Invests in You.
Make Plans to Apply!
Each year, the PAGE Foundation awards scholarships to members seeking to expand their knowledge and career opportunities through higher education.
The Foundation has provided more than $650,000 in scholarship funds since program inception. These awards take the form of financial assistance to certified educators for pursuit of advanced degrees and certifications, as well as to high school and college students who want to enter the teaching profession.
Certified educator scholarship recipients are chosen based on their academic performance and service to public education as well as two written essays. Awards, which vary in amount according to the specific scholarship awarded, are payable to the recipient’s college or university. Recipients must be current PAGE members, have a 3.0 or higher GPA, and agree to teach in Georgia for three years. Funds can be used to
pursue graduate degrees in education, a specific content area, new certification or endorsement. They can also be used for required coursework to enhance a teacher’s qualifications.
Some scholarships are specifically for parapros, support personnel, or college students who have been accepted into an education program. Others are available to high school seniors planning to pursue a career in teaching.
This year’s application process will begin toward the end of fall semester with applications being available on the PAGE website before Christmas. Due dates will be noted on the applications. Visit www.pageinc.org/scholarships to learn more and apply.
As you make plans today to apply, take a look at what PAGE Foundation 2024 winners have to say about the program and how they’re benefitting from the awards.
Akeba Bebley-Calvin
PAGE S. Marvin Griffin Scholarship
Student | Scholarship applied at Columbus State University
“To put it simply, the PAGE Foundation Scholarship will enable me to graduate college. However, this phenomenon is anything but simple. I am personally being handed the tools needed to keep the torch of education alive.”
Kassie Dooley-Smith
PAGE H.M. and Norma Fulbright Scholarship
8th-grade ELA Teacher, River Trail Middle School, Fulton County School District | Scholarship applied at Augusta University | Pursuing Ed.S. in Secondary Education, History
“Receiving this scholarship is crucial to continue toward my goal of adapting and innovating for our students. I am so excited to continue improving my instruction and pedagogy in order to meet the diverse needs of my students.”
Amy Herring
PAGE Professional Scholarship
Math Teacher, Lowndes High School, Lowndes County Schools | Scholarship applied at Kennesaw State University | Pursuing Ed.S. in Curriculum & Instruction
“To be selected for a PAGE Foundation Scholarship is such an honor! This organization elevates the teaching profession in Georgia, and it is an honor to receive this scholarship for me to improve my practice. This money will ease the financial burden as I work on an advanced degree to help me improve upon my knowledge and skills in curriculum and instruction.”
Rynna Kidd
PAGE Professional Scholarship
MTSS Coordinator, Gainesville Middle School East, Gainesville City School System | Scholarship applied at Brenau University | Pursuing Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education
“Receiving this scholarship will take a minor portion of the money I owe on my student loan during my retirement years. I appreciate the opportunity to apply for and receive this scholarship to further my education.”
Justin Lindsey
PAGE Professional Scholarship
ESS Instructional Coordinator, Calhoun City Schools | Scholarship applied at the University of West Georgia | Pursuing Tier 2 Leadership Certification
“Thank you to PAGE and all members who serve in public education throughout Georgia. This scholarship will allow me to grow as an educator, improve as a leader, and better serve students and teachers at Calhoun City Schools. It is an honor to receive the PAGE Foundation Scholarship.”
Haleigh Martin
PAGE DeKalb Scholarship
4th-grade Teacher, Montclair Elementary School, DeKalb County School District | Scholarship applied at the University of North Georgia | Pursuing M.Ed. in Elementary Education
“The PAGE Foundation Scholarship is important to me because as an educator, I believe we should be continually learning. I want to give my students the effective education they deserve, and by continuing my education, I am learning how to be a more effective teacher. In the future, I want to be in a leadership role for my grade-level team. Pursuing my master’s degree allows me to refine my knowledge about education so I can be an effective leader for my team.”
Kim Mirsky
PAGE Professional Scholarship
Talented & Gifted Teacher, Esther Jackson Elementary School, Fulton County School District | Scholarship applied at the University of Georgia | Pursuing Ed.S. in Instructional Technology
“This scholarship opportunity through the PAGE Foundation allows me to fuel my journey as an Instructional Technology Leader at my school and across the school district. The knowledge and resources I will learn will enable me to refine my practice within my classroom, share best practices with colleagues, and ultimately empower my students to become innovators, collaborators, and critical thinkers.”
Brandy Moorehead
PAGE Dr. Allene Magill Support Personnel Scholarship
Special Education Paraprofessional, Ridgeland High School, Walker County School District | Scholarship applied at Grand Canyon University | Elementary K-8 Major
“This will take stress off me and ensure that I have more income to start other classes. I am very appreciative of this opportunity.”
Anna Norton
PAGE Support Personnel Scholarship
Paraprofessional, Atha Road Elementary School, Walton County School District | Scholarship applied at Piedmont University | Special Education Major
“This scholarship is a blessing to me, and I feel honored to receive it. To me, it is not just money; it tells me I am seen as having potential for the future of our society. It’s a push to reach my goals of becoming the best Special Education Teacher and giving back to my community.”
Lindy Pals
PAGE Professional Scholarship
Library Media Specialist, Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson City Schools | Scholarship applied at Valdosta State University | Pursuing Ed.S. in Instructional Technology – Tech Leadership
“Pursuing an Ed.S. as an older student has profoundly changed my perspective as an educator. I now have much deeper empathy for the challenges my students currently face in the classroom and for what they will encounter as they enter college. Receiving a PAGE Foundation Scholarship has provided the confidence boost I needed to update my knowledge of instructional technology and design.”
Dana Parker
PAGE Professional Scholarship
Language Arts Teacher, Piney Grove Middle School, Forsyth County Schools | Scholarship applied at Kennesaw State University | Pursuing Ed.S. in Instructional Technology
“I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the field of educational technology and making a positive impact on student learning experiences ... This scholarship will help ease the burden that the cost of pursuing higher education places on public school teachers. Thank you for selecting me as a PAGE Foundation Scholarship recipient.”
Zoë Pike
PAGE Undergraduate Scholarship
Student, Scholarship applied at Point University Elementary Education Major
“Being selected as a PAGE Foundation Scholarship recipient represents an investment in my future. By alleviating some of the financial burden associated with college, this scholarship will allow me to focus more fully on my classes and extracurricular activities. This recognition reaffirms my commitment to the pursuit of becoming an educator.”
Danielle Sapp
PAGE Jack Christmas Scholarship
4th-grade Teacher, Pine Grove Elementary School, Lowndes County Schools | Scholarship applied at Georgia Southwestern State University | Pursuing Ed.S. in Elementary Education
“Receiving a PAGE Foundation Scholarship is crucial for me as it represents both financial support and a recognition of my dedication to education and professional development ... With the support of the PAGE Foundation, I am confident I can achieve my professional objectives and contribute positively to my community.”
Robyn Slay
PAGE Professional Scholarship
Social Studies Teacher, Harris County High School, Harris County School District | Scholarship applied at University of West Georgia | Pursuing Ed.S. in Secondary Education, Social Studies
“The PAGE Foundation Scholarship provides me with the opportunity to better my teaching abilities for my students. I am excited for the opportunity to collaborate with other educators and further develop my skills as a teacher.”
Ryan Slay
PAGE Professional Scholarship
Social Studies Teacher, LaGrange High School, Troup County School System | Scholarship applied at the University of West Georgia | Pursuing Ed.S. in Curriculum & Instruction
“My goal is to earn a specialist degree in curriculum and instruction. This degree will aid me in further learning new and innovative means of better educating this generation of students. This is important to me because I strive to always improve, and students deserve that.”
Teresa Williams
PAGE Professional Scholarship
English Teacher, Brantley County High School, Brantley County Schools | Scholarship applied at Valdosta State University | Pursuing M.A.T. in Secondary Education, English
“Receiving a PAGE Foundation Scholarship means the world to me because it is a positive affirmation that my decision to transition from support staff to lead teacher is the right path ... I have had the goals to achieve teacher certification and eventually earn a doctorate for a while now, and this scholarship helps me take one step closer toward accomplishing them.”
Makayla Wills
2024 PAGE Future Educator Scholarship Recipient / PAGE Dr. Alton Crews Future Georgia Educators Scholarship Student | LaGrange High School graduate | Scholarship applied at Savannah State University
“Receiving the scholarship is important to me because this was the very first scholarship I received out of all the scholarships I applied to. I believe it will contribute greatly to my professional goal of becoming a teacher by relieving some of the financial stress.” n
Personalized Service for Educators by Educators:
Wouldn’t it be excellent if there were a PAGE expert who lives and works in your area and is available to help you maximize your membership by answering questions, highlighting benefits and services of which you may not be aware, and connecting you directly with PAGE staff throughout the association? Wouldn’t it also be wonderful if this expert had first-hand knowledge of the daily joys and challenges of work as a Georgia educator?
Great news! Your PAGE Membership Services Representative (MSR) is all this and more.
As part of Georgia’s largest educator association, you have a PAGE MSR dedicated specifically to serving you and the fellow members in your area of the state. All PAGE MSRs are former Georgia educators, knowledgeable about PAGE programs and initiatives and able to either directly provide what you need – or refer you to someone on staff who can.
Perhaps, for example, a situation arises in your classroom, school, or district that concerns you. You’re thinking it may be something to discuss with a PAGE attorney (pages 28 – 31), but you are hesitant about when or how to take that action. In such cases, your PAGE MSR is your first point of contact.
Maybe you would like to apply for a PAGE Educator Grant (pages 8 – 11) or PAGE Foundation Scholarship (pages 12 – 15) and you’re not sure how to initiate the process. Your PAGE MSR can provide you with information, point you to available resources, and connect you directly with program-specific staff members.
Or, maybe you’ve come to a crossroads in your career. You’re feeling stalled, stagnant, and unsure of what’s next on the horizon for you. You’re weighing options but aren’t quite sure which would serve you best. If you’re considering growing your experience and expanding your resume through PAGE professional learning (pages 42 – 45), your MSR can talk with you about available courses as well as the benefits of each and how to register. If you’re considering accessing professional support through PAGE Coaching (pages 26 –27), your MSR can share details about the program and how to get started. If you’d like to become more involved in PAGE advocacy (pages 32 – 33) with policymakers on legislation impacting Georgia educators, your MSR can provide insight into the many ways you can do so.
These are just a few examples of the many personalized services that your PAGE MSR can provide. Additional helps include:
• Creating, verifying, or updating your information in the PAGE portal to ensure accuracy, currency, and coverage.
• Assisting you with navigating the self-service membership portal (page 25) to check these factors on your own.
• Scheduling a PAGE attorney to present the Code of Ethics at your school or district office.
• Presenting during faculty meetings, new teacher orientations, and professional development sessions.
• Providing information about FGE (Future Georgia Educators; pages 36 – 37), PAGE STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition; pages 38 – 39), and all PAGE programs and benefits.
• Presenting about PAGE, the teaching profession, and what to expect as a Georgia educator to high school education pathway and university students.
• Celebrating and recognizing PAGE Educator Grant and Scholarship recipients.
• Recommending individual members as subject matter experts for consideration of inclusion in topic-specific PAGE One magazine articles.
• Connecting you with your school’s PAGE Ambassador. On the following pages, you’ll find everything you need to know about the PAGE MSR team and how to connect. We encourage you to get to know your district’s MSR and take advantage of the wealth of information and services that your dedicated PAGE expert can provide.
Your PAGE MSR Team
Kathy Arena karena@pageinc.org
Kathy has served PAGE members since 2014, dedicating her time and talents to members within 16 school systems and the College of Education at Augusta University. She is a graduate of Evans High School and Augusta College where she earned her Education Specialist degree in Early Childhood Education. Kathy is married and has two children. She is a resident of Evans, Georgia, in the Central Savannah River Area. She is an avid reader and animal lover. Kathy and her husband John enjoy traveling and being grandparents.
Serving members in Burke, Clarke, Columbia, Elbert, Glascock, Greene, Hancock, Jefferson, Lincoln, McDuffie, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Richmond, Taliaferro, Warren, and Wilkes
Diann Branch dbranch@pageinc.org
Diann proudly serves PAGE members in northeast Georgia. After working in public education for 30 years, she transitioned to her role as PAGE MSR in 2015. During her time as a School Counselor, Diann was named State Counselor of the Year for Georgia by GSCA and a Top 10 Counselor for the Nation by ASCA. A graduate of Lowndes High School, she attended Valdosta State University, University of Georgia, and Georgia State University. Diann and her husband Bob live in Cumming, Georgia. They love their family passionately and are dedicated to their church.
Serving members in Banks, Barrow, Commerce City, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Gainesville City, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Jefferson City, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White
Jo Breedlove-Johnson jbreedlove@pageinc.org
A Georgia educator for more than 30 years, two-time Teacher of the Year, and a career-long PAGE member, Jo is a graduate of Mercer University and thankful for the positive influences of her family of educators. Her desire to spread the word about the great value PAGE provides led her to become a consultant and then MSR beginning in 2011. Jo thrives on time spent sharing with educators and school personnel about the many benefits of PAGE membership. A resident of Cumming, Georgia, Jo is married, enjoys antiquing, travel to the mountains and beach, and most of all loves the special moments with her grandchildren.
Serving members in Cherokee and Fulton counties (with the exception of Atlanta Public Schools whose members are served by MSR Gina Tucker)
Peggy
Brown pbrown@pageinc.org
Peggy has served as a PAGE MSR since 2015. One of the things she loves most about her work is connecting members with experts at PAGE who can provide needed assistance. Peggy graduated from the University of Georgia and taught for 17 years at Loganville Elementary and Youth Middle School in Walton County. Prior to her role with PAGE, she served as the school’s building contact for the association. Peggy is married with three children and three grandchildren. A resident of Monroe, Georgia, she enjoys time with family and trips to the mountains. She’s also an avid beekeeper.
Serving members in Baldwin, Butts, Henry, Jasper, Jones, Newton, Monroe, Morgan, Putnam, Rockdale, Social Circle City, and Walton
Laura Clements lclements@pageinc.org
Laura is a Tift County, Georgia native. She is a graduate of Tift County High School, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, and Brewton Parker College. Laura’s career as PAGE MSR began in 2013. She loves traversing her 23-county district, meeting and assisting PAGE Members. She currently lives in Fitzgerald with her husband and two sons. Laura is an active Hurricanes Baseball Booster and past PTO President. She enjoys traveling, rooting for the Braves, and watching her children play sports.
Serving members in Appling, Bacon, Ben Hill, Bleckley, Coffee, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Dublin City, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Pulaski, Telfair, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Washington, Wheeler, Wilcox, and Wilkinson
Michele Dechman mdechman@pageinc.org
Michele has served as a PAGE MSR since 2022. Following a 30-year career in public schools, she continues to be an advocate for teachers. Michele loves visiting schools, making connections with educators, and sharing the many benefits of PAGE membership. Michele, who lives in Thomasville, Georgia, received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida State University and her specialist degree from Valdosta State University. She is married to an educator and has one son attending Kennesaw State University. In her free time, Michele enjoys watching sports, reading fiction, and getting creative with canvas paintings.
Serving members in Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Pelham City, Quitman, Randolph, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell, Thomas, Thomasville City, Webster, and Worth
Bob Heaberlin
bheaberlin@pageinc.org
Prior to becoming a PAGE MSR in 2022, Dr. Bob served in K-12 and Higher Education for 50 years as classroom teacher, principal, coach, graduate professor, and later, Chief Administrative Officer at UWG Newnan. He received his BS Ed. from Ohio University, an M. Ed from Francis Marion College, an Ed. S from West Georgia College, and a Doctorate of Education from UGA. In 2011, Dr. Bob was named NAESP National Distinguished Middle School Principal from Georgia and in 2012, he was selected as AMLE National Educator of the Year. Dr. Bob and his wife reside in Coweta County, Georgia where they’re active in the community. Their son Lee is athletic director and an assistant principal at East Coweta High School.
Serving members in Bremen City, Carroll, Carrollton City, Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Haralson, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Thomaston-Upson, and Troup
Hayley Gilreath hgilreath@pageinc.org
After more than 30 years as a Georgia educator, Hayley began serving northwest Georgia members as a PAGE MSR in 2021. She’s also a member of the PAGE Coaching team. Hayley is a graduate of Berry College, University of West Georgia, and Lincoln University where she earned her degrees in early childhood, special education, and leadership. Married with one son, Hayley lives in Calhoun, Georgia. She also works as an adjunct instructor at NWGA RESA supporting special education TAPP candidates. Hayley enjoys cross stitching, canning produce from her garden, and spending time on her back porch with family and friends.
Serving members in Bartow, Calhoun City, Cartersville City, Catoosa, Chattooga, Chickamauga City, Dade, Dalton City, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Murray, Pickens, Polk, Rome City, Trion City, Walker, and Whitfield
B.J. Jenkins
bjjenkins@pageinc.org
In 1998, BJ joined PAGE as a MSR serving twenty-two school systems. Traveling around the district afforded her opportunities to speak with educators from throughout the state. Though much information was shared, the recurring theme was the need for assistance. Believing everyone needs a support system, BJ strives to ensure that all educators have the tools necessary for success in the profession. A graduate of Emanuel County Institute and the University of West Georgia, BJ lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and daughter.
Serving members in Cobb, Marietta City, Griffin-Spalding, and Paulding; B.J. also serves as PAGE Director of Membership.
Joey Kirkland jkirkland@pageinc.org
Joey is a retired Georgia educator with 30 years of experience as teacher, athletic coach, principal, and director of student services. He has worked for PAGE since 2015, proudly serving Middle Georgia Educators. Joey graduated from Lyons Senior High School and went on to graduate from Georgia Southern University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. He then gained his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University in 2003. Joey has three amazing and successful children – Brian, Tyler, and Kayla. In his spare time, he enjoys antiquing, cheering on the UGA Football Team (Go Dawgs!), and spending quality time with family and friends.
Serving members in Bibb, Chattahoochee, Crawford, Harris, Houston, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Peach, Schley, Talbot, and Taylor
Larrell Oliver loliver@pageinc.org
Larrell is a Burke County, Georgia native. She is a graduate of Burke County High School and Albany State University. Larrell’s career as a PAGE MSR began in 2020 after being an educator and basketball coach for 15 years. She enjoys building relationships with educators in both the DeKalb County School District and the City Schools of Decatur. Larrell is a wife and mother to three kids who each participate in multiple sports. She enjoys watching sports and traveling with her family.
Serving members in DeKalb and Decatur City
Joy Robinson
jrobinson@pageinc.org
Following a 15-year career as a Georgia elementary school teacher, Joy joined PAGE staff in 2022 as an MSR serving educators in the southcentral and southwest areas of the state. Originally from New York, Joy moved to South Georgia after high school and graduated from Valdosta State University. A previous member of the PAGE Board of Directors, she has participated in several PAGE professional learning initiatives, and is currently a PAGE coach. Joy is committed to building relationships and supporting teachers throughout her region.
Serving members in Atkinson, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Camden, Charlton, Clinch, Cook, Echols, Glynn, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Valdosta City, and Ware
Laurie Provost lprovost@pageinc.org
Laurie has been a PAGE MSR since 2015. She is a past director of operations, a comptroller, and Georgia public school teacher. Laurie received a business management degree from the University of New Hampshire, later attending University of Georgia and Granite State University earning her behavioral science degree. She holds a masters in education from the University of Phoenix. A resident of Dacula, Georgia, Laurie is passionate about serving PAGE members. Laurie’s daughter is a student at Georgia Southern and her son is a recent graduate of Georgia Tech. Laurie enjoys time with her children, traveling, swimming, and outdoor sports.
Serving members in Gwinnett and Buford City
Gina Tucker gtucker@pageinc.org
Since 2018, Gina has worked as PAGE MSR to educators in Atlanta Public Schools and Clayton County Schools. She is a native of Sandersville, Georgia, and a graduate of Washington County High School, University of West Georgia, and Walden University where she earned a BS and an M.Ed. in middle grades education. She spent 17 years instructing students in elementary and middle school settings. Gina has two lovely children and has been married 21 years. Gina is passionate about promoting an environment that values education and teamwork as well as helping individuals reach their full potential.
Serving members in Atlanta Public Schools and Clayton County
Linda Woods lwoods@pageinc.org
Linda began working with PAGE in 2003 after more than 30 years in education – first as a classroom teacher and later as an administrator, receiving honors as a Georgia Outstanding Assistant Principal and Georgia Distinguished Principal. Linda received her BS, Masters, and Ed Specialist degrees from Georgia Southern University. She has two children and seven grandchildren – including one in the United States Air Force, two presently attending Georgia universities, and four in grades 1 – 12 public schools. She enjoys reading, going to the beach, spending time with family, and being active in her church in Glennville, Georgia, where she resides.
Serving members in Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Jenkins, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Savannah-Chatham, Screven, Tattnall, Toombs, Vidalia City, and Wayne
Wherever You Are in Georgia, Your PAGE MSR is Nearby.
Here’s a Glimpse of a Few MSRs Visiting with Members Throughout the State.
B.J. Jenkins Director of Membership Ser vices, District 5, and Spalding County bjjenkins@pageinc.org
Michele Dechman District 2 mdechman@pageinc.org
JOIN. RENEW. UPDATE.
Keeping pace with your needs, PAGE has streamlined the system for joining, renewing, and updating your member profile. Visit https://members.pageinc.org or scan the QR code below to create an account and access this new, easy-to-use portal.
ENSURE THAT YOUR MEMBERSHIP REMAINS CURRENT
If you transfer from a school system where you are on payroll deduction, you’ll need to provide PAGE with this new information in order to maintain membership and prevent a lapse in coverage and benefits.
STAY IN-THE-KNOW BY KEEPING YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION UPDATED
Review your contact information, updating if needed, to ensure accuracy. Providing a personal email rather than a work email address is preferred as some school system filters will prevent receipt of messages.
CHANGE FROM STUDENT MEMBERSHIP TO PROFESSIONAL
When transitioning from student to teacher, ensure continued coverage by also transitioning your membership to professional. And you’ll receive your first year at half price!
Providing the Support You Need When You Need It: This is PAGE Coaching
• Are you experiencing burnout and in need of support, resources, and strategies? PAGE Coaching can help.
• Do you need insight to help refine classroom management plans or effectively counter disruptive behavior? PAGE Coaching can help.
• Seeking proven strategies for dealing with parental complaints or concerns? PAGE Coaching can help.
• Would you like information and assistance as you address challenging situations with students, peers, or administrators? PAGE Coaching can help.
• Could you benefit from insight and encouragement as you consider growth opportunities and next-level career development? PAGE Coaching can help.
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, you’ll want to take advantage of an exceptional benefit of PAGE membership – confidential one-on-one professional coaching.
A unique, personalized service by educators for educators, PAGE Coaching is an exclusive members-only benefit available to you for as long as you maintain your PAGE membership.
And, because PAGE Coaching is completely confidential, you’ll be able to address even the most difficult and sensitive topics.
PAGE coaches are experienced educators skilled at mentoring, counseling, conflict resolution, relationship building, and educator best practices. Areas of expertise include regular education, special education, and leadership.
Coaches meet virtually with individual members to determine the foundational issues which need to be addressed, and then make informed, confidential recommendations for improvement.
PAGE coaches work with individual members to:
• Recognize strengths
• Endorse effort and growth
• Empower individuals to take appropriate actions
• Understand perspectives of both the educator and the organization
• Develop a healthy work/life balance
• Create sustainable results
PAGE coaches are trained to:
• Listen for contextual clues
• Help with discovering and removing barriers
• Assist in identifying / clarifying present realities in order to set attainable goals
• Help the educator align individual goals with school/district goals
• Ask questions to help individual educators discover his or her own resolutions
• Provide effective feedback and refinements
• Work with the educator to develop a plan of action
PAGE Coaching supports and empowers you by providing the assistance you need when you need it. It’s confidential, available throughout the state, and most importantly, it works! n
From a Few Members Who Recently Completed PAGE Coaching:
“I came to PAGE Coaching in complete turmoil. I left in complete peace. It changed my life!”
“The interaction with my coach was most useful. She asked questions to help me gain insight into how to better present my case to my principal. This yielded a good result.”
“The PAGE coaching experience has been a tremendous asset to me. The guidance and wisdom shared has benefited me regarding instruction, communication, and relationship skills, especially with coworkers and administration. I cannot thank my coach enough. Not only was she professional, but she was also supportive and uplifting during a time when I needed it most. I appreciate and recommend this service to anyone struggling in education.”
“Thank you for your support and help. I will stick with PAGE as you stuck with me. You kept me going!”
PAGE Coaches Are Ready to Serve You
Ready to benefit from PAGE One-on-One Coaching? Get started today. It’s simple, confidential, and available to you for the entirety of your membership.
To get started, complete the request form at https://bit.ly/ PAGECoachingRequestForm.
We’ve Got You Covered: Unmatched Legal & Liability Protection Are
Now Yours as a PAGE Member
Throughout your career as a Georgia educator, you’ll experience great joy and satisfaction. Few professions have so much potential for positive impact and personal fulfillment. Yet, as with any profession, challenges will arise as well. As a PAGE member, you have access to excel-
lent resources to assist with numerous types of challenges: PAGE professional development (pages 42-45) when you need to learn and grow as an educator; the PAGE advocacy team (pages 32-33) when you need help with matters of education-related legislation or state agency policy; PAGE Ed-
ucator Grants (pages 8-11) when you need additional funding for your classroom; and Foundation Scholarships (pages 12-15) when you need financial assistance for an advanced degree. Yet, your most valuable member benefit, should you ever encounter legal issues related to your duties as an educator, is the unparalleled legal coverage provided by PAGE.
Now, and for as long as you maintain your PAGE membership,† you’re covered by the best legal protection and professional liability insurance available. And, you have access to PAGE attorneys for legal guidance at all points along the way.
Situations requiring legal expertise have a tendency to escalate quickly, and failure to consult an attorney promptly could have a long-lasting negative impact on your current and future employment. That’s why calling PAGE as soon as possible is always your best option.
Each year, hundreds of members benefit from successful resolution of their legal situations†† by PAGE attorneys.
In the event you are ever:
• Uncertain of your rights as a contracted employee. Call PAGE.
• Approached by your employer about removing any of your contractually guaranteed rights. Call PAGE.
• Concerned about potential ethics violations. Call PAGE.
• Notified of an investigation by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Call PAGE.
• Subpoenaed to appear in court on a work-related issue. Call PAGE.
• Named in a lawsuit by a parent or student. Call PAGE.
• Contacted by police for questioning about an alleged work-related crime. Call PAGE.
• Unsure of how to proceed with any profession-related legal issues that arise. Call PAGE.
PAGE works in a positive, professional, and confidential manner on legal issues, and we do so without fanfare or publicity in order to avoid exposure that could damage an educator’s case and/or reputation. PAGE is committed to keeping your legal issues confidential.
We encourage you to visit the PAGE website at www. pageinc.org/legal and choose the “PAGE Liability Insurance” tab at the base of the page to view details of coverage per membership type. You can also access the full PAGE liability and protection plan policies by logging in to the self-service member portal at https://members.pageinc.org.
On the following pages, you’ll meet the six in-house PAGE attorneys who serve members daily. With more than 75 years of combined education and employment law experience, these legal experts, together with dozens of PAGE network attorneys throughout the state, are committed to providing every PAGE member with the very best in legal guidance and representation. n
†It is essential to keep your membership current to ensure continued coverage. If you are enrolled via payroll deduction, always look at your paystubs to make sure your PAGE dues are being deducted. If you pay by recurring credit card charge, visit https://members.pageinc. org/ often to ensure that an accurate, unexpired card number is on file.
††Coverage is for activities performed in your professional capacity, i.e., those duties required of you as an employee of your school or school district. There is no coverage for activities outside your professional capacity, such as those performed on a volunteer basis or conducted in a private business or private professional endeavor. Find full details of PAGE liability and protection plan policies by logging in to the self-service member portal at https://members.pageinc.org.
More than 75 Years Combined Education & Employment Law Experience: All Working for You
Lauren has served as a PAGE in-house attorney since 2018. She is a graduate of Elon University, in Elon, North Carolina, and received her law degree from Mercer Law School in Macon, Georgia. Prior to attending law school, Lauren was a middle school educator in Atlanta Public Schools. Lauren is a native of Frederick, Maryland, and has lived in Georgia since 2012. She currently resides in Stockbridge, Georgia, with her husband, their daughter, and their standard poodle named Arthur. When she is not helping Georgia educators, she enjoys exercising, cooking, trying new restaurants with her husband and spending time with family.
Sean DeVetter joined PAGE as an in-house attorney in 2008. Born and raised in Georgia, Sean attended public school in Newton County. Sean comes from a family of educators who instilled a fundamental belief in the importance of education. Sean earned his undergrad and master’s degrees from Emory University and earned a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law. Sean resides in Coastal Georgia with his wife and two children.
Tina joined the PAGE in-house legal team in 2022 to further her commitment to helping Georgia educators with employment, certification, and criminal legal matters. She has worked in education law for 24 years, including 16 years as a PAGE network attorney. Tina received her bachelor’s and juris doctorate degrees from Mercer University. She also holds a master’s in higher education administration from Florida State University. Tina is married with two adult children. She is a leader in her Valdosta / Lowndes County community, serving on several boards of directors for various organizations. Tina is also active in her church, an avid reader, tennis player, and lover of the arts.
Sean DeVetter
Lauren Atkinson
Tina Folsom
Matthew Pence
Matthew joined PAGE as a staff attorney in 2012. Prior to law school, he was a high school social studies teacher in North Carolina. Matthew grew up in a small town and is a proud product of its public schools. His favorite teachers were Mrs. Hazel Cox, his third-grade teacher who kept him from falling through the cracks, and Mrs. Jeanette Martin, his high school English teacher who instilled in him a passion for literature. He graduated with a degree in history from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He received his law degree from Emory University School of Law. In his spare time, he can be found running, swimming, exploring, and reading.
Jill Hay
Jill was hired by PAGE in 1994 as the first staff attorney in the organization’s history. In addition to representing PAGE members, she is also PAGE General Counsel, and Director of Legal Services and Human Resources. She finds great satisfaction in helping educators through tough situations so that they can focus on teaching and learning and making a difference in the lives of students. Jill has been a part of enormous growth in the association, not only in the number of members (there were approximately 24,000 when she was hired) but also in the programs and benefits provided. Originally from Tallahassee, Florida, Jill obtained her law degree from Florida State University and a B.S. in Corporate Finance and Investment Management from the University of Alabama. She currently resides in Atlanta with her husband and has three grown children.
Leonard Williams
Leonard has been in-house counsel with PAGE since 2002. Leonard practiced bankruptcy law prior to joining the PAGE family. A native of Orlando, Florida, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University, a master’s from Florida State University, and a law degree from Georgia State University. When not assisting PAGE members, Leonard enjoys reading, traveling, classic cars, and is an avid sports fan. He has a long-time girlfriend and currently resides in Decatur, Georgia. Active in his community, Leonard is a member of several civic and social organizations in the metro-Atlanta area.
Advocating for you: Meet Your PAGE Legislative Team
In your role as a Georgia educator, advocating for students is one of the important ways you look out for them. At PAGE, advocating for Georgia educators is one of the many important ways we look out for you.
As you consider the factors that impact your ability to effectively serve students while growing in your profession, caring for your family, cultivating work/life balance, and preparing for your future, there’s one critical aspect that may not immediately come to mind: state policy.
State policy greatly influences your work – from compensation and retirement benefits to testing, evaluation, curriculum, class size, rules of conduct, and so much more. Changes in one or more of these areas can dramatically alter your work both inside and outside the classroom. And, the lawmakers responsible for education budget and policy decisions often have little-to-no insight into your day-to-day realities as educators.
This is why you need a team of legislative and education policy experts advocating on the issues and topics that matter to you. As a PAGE member, this is exactly what you have.
Your PAGE Legislative team develops, communicates about, and advocates for policies at the state and federal levels that support Georgia educators and enable them to thrive professionally. Though their most visible work happens during each session of the Georgia General Assembly, the team advocates on behalf of members year-round.
Guided by direct member input, and in collaboration with the PAGE Legislative Advisory Committee (see page 34), your Legislative team:
n Attends each education-focused legislative and agency meeting
n Tracks and analyzes all education-focused bills
n Engages with lawmakers to
• Raise awareness of the issues members tell us matter most to them
• Express concerns or support of proposed legislation based on member-driven legislative priorities
• Recommend changes to benefit Georgia educators
n Testifies at hearings and speaks with the media
n Reports to members on all legislative and agency meetings and developments
n Provides members with policy resources and advocacy tools
n Hosts member events such as webinars and the annual PAGE Day on Capitol Hill advocacy opportunity (See page 35)
Your PAGE Advocacy Team Members
Margaret Ciccarelli Director of Legislative Services mciccarelli@pageinc.org
Josh Stephens
Legislative Services Specialist jstephens@pageinc.org
As Director of Legislative Services, Margaret Ciccarelli leads your PAGE advocacy team. Managing two full-time team members as well as a contracted expert on education budget and policy, Margaret has served PAGE members since 2003. She attended public school in Statesboro, Georgia, and is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Mercer Law School. Margaret lives in Decatur with her husband and their three children – all of whom attend public schools. The proud daughter of a life-long professional educator, Margaret is committed to providing the best in advocacy and legislative services to PAGE members.
Robert Aycock
Legislative Communications Specialist raycock@pageinc.org
Legislative Communications Specialist Robert Aycock comes from a long line of Georgia teachers who instilled in him a strong commitment to supporting educators and public education. A graduate of Lassiter High School in Cobb County, Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Georgia College and State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Georgia State University. Robert lives in Mableton with his wife Leona, who he met while they were both interns at the Georgia Capitol. He has served PAGE members since 2023.
Learn more about PAGE Advocacy, analysis, and resources at www.pagelegislative.org.
Legislative Specialist Josh Stephens is a Georgia native with strong ties to public education. Growing up in Madison Georgia, Josh’s mother served for many years on the Morgan County Board of Education. Josh completed his undergraduate studies at Augusta University before moving to Atlanta to earn his Master of Public Policy from Georgia State University. He and his wife Graci recently bought their first home in Covington Georgia. A passionate advocate for Georgia educators, Josh has served PAGE members since 2012.
Claire Suggs Education Policy and Budget Consultant
Claire Suggs is an education policy and budget consultant with PAGE. She has extensive experience in the policy sector including designing and leading initiatives to increase funding for public schools in Georgia, developing research analyses and advocacy strategies to expand postsecondary opportunities in southern states, and designing and conducting research to support and evaluate district reform efforts. Claire earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin. She lives in Athens with her husband and two children.
Stay up-to-date on education policy and PAGE advocacy activity by subscribing to the PAGE Capitol Report. https:// bit.ly/3XBKuvF
Your PAGE Legislative Advisory Committee
Your PAGE Legislative Advisory Committee (LAC) consists of members representing each of the association’s 15 membership districts (page 24). The LAC also includes legacy members who have consistently demonstrated a commitment to the work of the committee. The LAC meets annually at the PAGE office in early September to develop the association’s legislative priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Committee members also serve as subject-matter experts for the legislative department throughout the year – especially during the Georgia legislative session that typically runs from the second Monday in January to early/mid-April.
engagement with legislators during the annual PAGE Day on Capitol Hill (facing page), LAC members now have the option to attend virtual meetings with lawmakers, state education agency representatives, and other special guests throughout the year.
As part of a recent redesign of the committee, formerly known as the Legislative Task Force, members now have an opportunity for enhanced participation in the association’s interaction with policymakers. In addition to in-person
We encourage LAC members and all PAGE members to develop relationships with their state House member and state Senator. These relationships are vital to the success of your association’s efforts at the Capitol as policy-
makers rely on educators – the experts – for information on education policies that shape Georgia public education.
Members interested in serving on the LAC and contributing to your association’s state legislative efforts should contact Josh Stephens at jstephens@ pageinc.org to request an application. As seats on the committee become available, the PAGE legislative team will contact applicants to schedule a virtual interview. Those selected to join the committee serve at least one two-year term with an option to return for a second two-year term. All members of the committee attend the early September meeting at the PAGE office in Atlanta. It is during this meeting that the next legislative session’s priorities are developed. For those who must travel more than 60 miles to attend the meeting, PAGE will reimburse travel expenses and provide hotel rooms. n
PAGE Day on Capitol Hill Your Opportunity to Advocate with Lawmakers
Each February, you’re invited to join fellow members at the state Capitol for a day of education-focused advocacy on the issues that matter to you.
Following an on-site breakfast, attendees hear from legislators and policymakers as well as PAGE advocates and others during the morning session. All participants then have an opportunity to engage in individual advocacy and direct dialogue with legislators. The event culminates in a lunch buffet and keynote address.
Presenters in recent years have included Gov. Brian Kemp and members of House and Senate education committees.
The 2025 event takes place Feb. 18. Watch your PAGE email and social media platforms for additional details. Questions? Contact PAGE Legislative Specialist Josh Stephens: jstephens@pageinc.org.
We’ll see you at the Capitol! n
Paying it Forward: Future Georgia Educators
The Future Georgia Educators (FGE) program is dedicated to helping identify, recruit, prepare, and retain the next generation of Georgia teachers. And, it’s your opportunity to give back to your profession, helping high school students as they begin their journey to becoming like you – a dedicated educator.
As an FGE chapter advisor at a high school or middle school, you will elevate the profile of the craft of teaching and help expand the teacher pipeline. Plus, your high school students who are enrolled in education pathway classes are eligible to join PAGE for $5 annually. This membership provides legal and liability insurance for their field experienc-
The Tift College of Education at Mercer University and its students volunteered their time to make FGE Day and the FGE state competition a success.
2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year, PAGE member Christy Todd, participated in several FGE events during her tenure. Here, she poses for a selfie with students from South Gwinnett High School during an FGE Day at Georgia State University.
Students from Henry County Academy for Advanced Studies compete in the FGE Knowledge Bowl State Competition. The team went on to win the gold medal.
es with younger students and a subscription to PAGE One magazine.
Once the chapter is up and running, it’s time to explore FGE Days, the flagship events PAGE hosts for students. PAGE partners with colleges of education to present the popular FGE Days on campuses throughout the state where students participate in fun and informative professional learning, networking, and college fairs. Each FGE Day also features a Knowledge Bowl, and the winners are eligible to compete at the state competition in March. At the state competition, students are also invited to participate in other events like essay, impromptu speaking, prepared speech, and job application.
“We have been extraordinarily blessed to see so many high school students excited about being involved with FGE and thinking about education as a career path,” said Mary Ruth Ray, FGE’s state coordinator. “We are grateful to the state’s colleges of education for opening their doors to us and to these students.”
At the state competition held in March at Mercer, PAGE One asked three FGE advisors who represent high schools throughout the state why they choose to participate. They agree that FGE is key to encouraging and mentoring their students while providing them a unique opportunity to experience a world outside of their own, including exposure to the various colleges of education that host the events.
Jolynn Aubry of Jones County High School has been a PAGE member her entire career, and she said she loves celebrating the profession with her students who want to be educators. “They are our future,” she said, “and we receive so much support from PAGE, including these opportunities to learn and network.”
Deana Crews from Carroll County College and Career Academy South agrees, adding that her students particularly benefit from the “inspirational speakers who spark a fire under the students.”
Andrea Bridges, a PAGE board of directors member, has also been active as the FGE advisor at Lowndes County High School. She considers FGE Days key for her students’ understanding of the wider world. “I want them to see the potential I see in them,” Bridges said, “and I want them to have the chance to expand their horizons … to get out of their comfort zone. With FGE, they get to see their options.”
Visit www.pageinc.org/fge to learn more about the program and how you can become an FGE advisor.
Your FGE Coordinator:
Mary Ruth Ray maryruth@pageinc.org
Mary Ruth is the Future Georgia Educators (FGE) Coordinator and a College Services Representative. In her role, she seeks innovative ways to expand the teacher pipeline in Georgia while maintaining a fun learning environment for students. A former Georgia educator, she has served PAGE members since 1998.
College fairs are a key part of FGE Day. Here, students speak with an admissions representative at the Dalton State FGE Day.
Students attending an FGE Day at the University of West Georgia have the chance to experience virtual reality as a teaching tool.
PAGE STAR: Celebrating Educators Most Instrumental in Development of Georgia’s HighestAchieving High School Seniors
Earning designation as a PAGE STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Teacher is one of the most anticipated awards at Georgia high schools. STAR teachers come from all grade levels and content – including those who have retired since teaching the student. STAR Students choose their STAR Teachers – educators whom the students consider most instrumental in their academic development – annually as part of the program.
PAGE and the PAGE Foundation have overseen STAR, which began in 1958, since the mid-1990s. To date, more than 30,000 educators and students have been honored as STARs. Many educators receive STAR Teacher recognition several times during their careers.
Every accredited high school in Georgia is eligible to name its local winners. More than 170 civic organizations
and businesses partner with PAGE to present the awards in this preeminent recognition program. To obtain a nomination, students must have the highest score on any single SAT taken through November of their senior year and be in the top 10 percent or among the top 10 students of their class, based on grade point average.
Once selected, local STAR students choose STAR teachers from among the educators who taught them from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
After the STARs at each school have been recognized, 12 region sponsors invite the system winners from their area to a celebration when each region’s STAR student and teacher are announced. In late April each year, these region winners gather in Atlanta where a panel of judges interview them – assessing their scholarship, extracurricular activities,
Each year’s STAR competition is capped with a banquet when the PAGE State STAR Teacher and Student are announced.
academic ability, leadership, initiative, and more. The state winners and runners-up, as determined by the panel, are announced at a gala banquet – which all local winners are invited to attend – that evening.
In 2024, state and region winners garnered the following:
Omer Mustafa Inan, second from right, a senior at Cobb County’s George Walton High School, is the 2024 State PAGE STAR Student.
Tamara Hollingsworth, second from left, an English teacher at Walton, is the State PAGE STAR Teacher. With them are Vickie Hammond, left, a member of the PAGE Board of Directors, and PAGE Executive Director Craig Harper.
• State STAR Student: $7,500 scholarship from the PAGE Foundation and an engraved glass vase.
• State STAR Teacher: $7,500 cash award from the Frances Wood Wilson Foundation and an engraved glass vase.
• State runner-up STAR Student: $2,500 scholarship from SouthState Bank and an engraved glass bowl.
• State runner-up STAR Teacher: $2,500 cash award from SouthState Bank, a $500 cash award from the Mozelle Christian Endowment, and an engraved glass bowl.
• Region Winners: Hand-blown glass star
“STAR is one of the highlights of the year for me and for everyone at PAGE,” said Executive Director Craig Harper. “These students are the state’s brightest and best, and their STAR teachers are masters of their craft and leaders in their schools and communities.”
To learn more, visit www.pageinc.org, choose Student Programs, and select STAR. n
Parv Mahajan of the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, second from right, is the 2024 State Runnerup PAGE STAR Student. Julia Rachkovskiy, center, a computer science teacher, is the state runner-up STAR teacher. Nancy Lewis, SouthState Bank Senior Vice President, left, was on hand to present the awards with PAGE Board Member Vickie Hammond, second from left, and PAGE Executive Director Craig Harper.
Your PAGE STAR Coordinator:
Veronica Sims star@pageinc.org
Veronica has been with PAGE since 1988. She is the association’s longest-serving staff member and is currently the primary liaison for the PAGE Foundation and coordinator of the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program. A native of Decatur, Georgia, she is married, mother of one daughter and one son, and an avid gardener and seamstress.
PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon: Expanding Student Academic Horizons
For more than 35 years, PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon (GAD) has focused on developing students to be well-rounded individuals.
GAD helps educators open the door to academic achievement for all students. In addition to individual competition, teams – composed of students at three levels of academic expertise based on grade point average and the school’s size – vie for titles and for the right to compete at the United States Academic Decathlon national finals with opportunities to advance to both
in-person and online competition.
Each nine-member team consists of three Honor students (GPA 3.8 to 4.0), three Scholastic students (GPA 3.2 to 3.799), and three Varsity students (GPA 0.0 to 3.1999). Many coaches have reported that their students’ grade point averages improved following participation in the Georgia Academic Decathlon, and many teams witness their students moving into higher GPA categories.
The competition is centered annually around specific themes with students competing in 10 events. PAGE partners with Kennesaw State University to administer the program.
Some schools offer GAD as an academic course of study, and others offer the program as an extracurricular activity. Students in gifted programs may
undertake the GAD curriculum as a directed study.
GAD competitors are evaluated through comprehensive tests in seven areas – economics, mathematics, literature, science, social science, music, and art – and their communication skills are measured in speech (prepared and impromptu), interview, and essay. Competition also includes a Super Quiz – the only public Academic Decathlon event – in which students collaboratively answer questions based on the seven test areas.
PAGE congratulates Clayton County’s Elite Scholars Academy for its fourth place Division III finish at the 2024 United States Academic Decathlon national competition in Pittsburgh and for winning the Georgia Academic Decathlon 2024 state championship with the right to take home the Howard Stroud trophy. The team won its state hardware after competing Feb. 22-24 at their home schools and at Kennesaw State University. Elite Scholars Academy was Georgia’s representative to the United States Academic Decathlon national competition in Pittsburgh –along with Columbus High School, who represented Georgia in the Division IV Competition, and North Atlanta High School, who represented the state in the newly created Division V competition. Many thanks to Kennesaw State for its continued support of Georgia Academic Decathlon.
Volunteers help make GAD a highlight of the academic year, and you are invited to join us! Look for a call for volunteers on the PAGE website and social media.
To learn more about Georgia Academic Decathlon, visit www.pageinc. org/gad. n
Clayton County’s Elite Scholars Academy with all the hardware the team and individuals won at the 2024 Georgia Academic Decathlon.
Members of the Armuchee High School team from Floyd County hope for the best for their teammates during Super Quiz. Armuchee will represent Georgia in the United States Academic Decathlon’s Small School Online Competition.
PAGE member Janet Kirby of Gwinnett County Public Schools was one of the dozens of volunteers who helped make Georgia Academic Decathlon run.
PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades: Developing Student Success
PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades gives educators and students an opportunity to shine and also improve skills and practices that are key to enabling success:
• Creating good work/study habits
• Broadening individual horizons of information
• Exhibiting poise and confidence
• Developing teamwork and good citizenship qualities
• Instilling an appreciation for the pursuit of knowledge
On an early Saturday morning each January, these skills are put to the test when all eyes in the Georgia quiz bowl circuit turn toward Georgia College. There, a theater full of middle schoolers await the moment when they will dazzle those gathered with their knowledge. On the table at the back of the stage sits a coveted piece of hardware: the PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades state championship trophy.
To get a seat in that theater, teams of five and alternates qualify based on their performances in a series of regional events PAGE hosts throughout the state.
The competition is simple: Answer a toss-up question to get a chance at the bonus question and more points. Provide an incorrect answer and give opponents the chance to acquire those points.
On the other hand, the questions – from history, literature, math, geography, and a host of other academic disciplines – are not that simple. They test the limits of a middle school student’s depth of learning.
Last school year, 24 Regional teams competed at Georgia College to determine the PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades State Champion. Fulton County’s River Trail Middle School secured the honor. In second place, was Forsyth County’s Riverwatch Middle School.
To learn more about PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades, visit www.pageinc.org/academicbowl n
Your PAGE State Academic Bowl Coordinator & PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon State Director:
Michelle Crawford academicbowl@pageinc.org
Michelle has served PAGE members since 1998. She has been PAGE State Academic Bowl Coordinator since 2001 and state director of PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon since 2017. Michelle is a graduate of Douglas County High School and LaGrange College where she earned her degree in speech, communications, and theatre. Married with two adult children, she lives near Young Harris Georgia, where she and her husband are building a winery. She is also an avid fiber artist, plays in a community handbell choir, and is active in her parish where she volunteers and sings in the Compline Choir.
Riverwatch coach Ann Hicks gives a few pointers to members of her team before the championship round.
River Trail Middle School is the 2024 PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades state champion.
PAGE Professional Learning: Helping You Excel
When you excel, your students excel. PAGE Professional Learning is here to help you as you help others.
Your work impacts lives and, ultimately, changes the world. And when the world changes, students need teachers, coaches, administrators, and support
staff to help them learn new information, understand how to use it, and transfer it to any situation where solid thinking and wise decision making are required.
Although most people may not immediately think of teachers as students, teachers are indeed learners. In fact, the concept of lifelong learning may be more
evident in great teachers’ practices than in any other sector or role. PAGE realizes this and has consistently designed professional learning opportunities for educators that help teachers and others hone their craft and achieve career goals.
In recent years, delivery models for teaching and learning have shifted.
PAGE is responding to your evolving needs as a Georgia educator through in-person and online learning experiences that address the issues that matter most to you.
All PAGE PL courses – both in-person and online – are included in the cost of your membership. No fee to register. All materials included.
In-Person Learning Experiences:
• PAGE Engage! for Teachers: Strengthening the teacher pipeline and supporting prospective teachers, early career educators, veteran professionals, and others who make Georgia a great place to teach, learn, and work is one of the benefits of this course. PAGE Engage! for Teachers is open to teachers, academic and instructional coaches, college professors, and pre-service college of education students.
• PAGE Engage! for Leaders: Slated for upcoming semesters, PAGE is facilitating cohorts of PAGE Engage! for Leaders which serves as excellent preparation for a principalship. And, in line with one of PAGE’s longstanding principles – that we learn best together – participants are encouraged to attend along with a small team of teachers who want to enhance their capacity to lead through innovative approaches. The focus is on ways that leaders can transform schools into dynamic learning environments where students thrive alongside teachers who strive to excel.
The best recommendations come from those with direct knowledge of the benefits of PAGE Professional Learning. A college professor writes of PAGE Engage!:
“Our [teacher] candidates are truly better teachers because of the strategies [shared by the facilitators]. The sessions promote active engagement and are customized to meet the needs of the group. Furthermore, both presenters take time to get to know our candidates on a personal level and are willing to offer advice as they prepare for interviews and complete job applications. We appreciate the continued support of PAGE and the valuable professional learning and services provided by the organization. We are looking forward to many more successful PAGE Engage! cohorts.”
Online Learning Experiences:
Similarly, PAGE is making inroads with online learning. Uplift! 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0, Impact 101, and High School TAP - Explorations are available to PAGE members during the 2024-2025 school year.
All three Uplift! cohorts actively reinforce the important message that teachers matter. Uplift! content offers thoughtfully curated words of hope, sincere statements of gratitude, and meaningful reflections on possibility and potential – for educators and those they serve. These sessions involve zero travel or time away from school, and the time investment is only as great as a participant chooses. Uplift! courses are designed to remind PAGE members of the tremendous value educators bring into the world.
Impact 101 is a participant-driven PL course. Each educator uses a universal framework to focus on something that they want to make happen. One person might be working on how to change what happens in their departmental meetings, another might want to create a new way to structure parent night. Someone else might need to figure out how to best provide generous feedback to colleagues whose classes they visit. The possibilities are endless.
As with the in-person sessions, feedback from online participants has been very positive.
“Feedback concerning my project has been RICH! I am grateful for this forum to exchange ideas and opportunities!”
“This is a great way for educators to get ideas from someone that isn’t in their immediate sphere.”
“Reminds us how important it is to take the time to get to know our students!”
“The posts are a great encouragement.”
“Thank you for creating such a wonderful learning experience.”
“What a great reminder message in that we all learn differently…As educators, we do have to make sure we are not stifling the learning process of others just because that is not the way we learn best.”
Based on participant input, PAGE now offers flexible enrollment opportunities for virtually every online course. As a PAGE member, you can register any time you wish, and you can engage in the coursework at your own pace, to fit your schedule.
High School TAP – Explorations (the name will change after a few more education pathway adjustments at the state level) is PAGE’s first offering for high school students who are considering a career in education. Along with their teacher, students can respond to (their choice of) dozens of prompts that address pivotal issues in teaching and learning. Teachers who participate are welcome to use the course material in any way they wish, to best serve their students’ interests and needs.
There are other offerings under consideration, including some faster-paced
mini-courses. Regardless of the course title, duration, or target audience, these online opportunities support your work as an educator, as you continue to make a huge impact in classrooms, the community, and for our profession.
Teachers do work that truly matters. We are pleased that you are a PAGE member, and we look forward to serving you throughout your career. Learn more at www.pageinc.org/professional-learning. n
Your PAGE Director of Innovation and Learning:
David Reynolds
Serving PAGE members since 2008, David previously worked in Clayton, Forsyth, and Dalton City school districts, beginning his career as an Industrial Arts teacher. David and his wife met in college and have been married since 1981. Their only child, now a physician, was a PAGE STAR student during his senior year of high school. David produces a podcast, Lead. Learn. Change., which is also the title of his first book. Available on Amazon, all proceeds from the book are designated to a PAGE Foundation scholarship fund that supports paraprofessionals who are on the path to becoming teachers.
Your PAGE Board of Directors
As a PAGE member, you have access to grants, scholarships, coaching, legal services, legislative advocacy, an ever-evolving professional learning curriculum, and so much more. Beyond this, you have a fellow Georgia educator from your area of the state who volunteers his/her time to serve you: your Board District Director.
Your District Director is one of 13 elected representatives who, alongside five officers (President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Past President) and two retired Georgia educators, together compose the PAGE Board of Directors. District Directors are active members of PAGE and work in the area they represent.
Each member of your Board of Directors:
n Serves as a voluntary, unpaid representative of the members in her/his Georgia district
n Is chief PAGE advocate at the local and regional level
n Articulates member needs and concerns, responds to member inquiries, and refers to appropriate PAGE staff
n Provides oversight, support, and feedback regarding PAGE efforts to foster exceptional levels of professionalism in the classroom and school/district leadership while keeping at the forefront the association’s mission and purpose to support educators and advocate for public education
n Takes action and makes decisions as a matter of consensus.
n Contributes to PAGE advocacy work and events such as PAGE Day on Capitol Hill
n Participates in PAGE programs and events such as:
• PAGE Student/Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR)
• Future Georgia Educators (FGE)
• PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades
• PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon (GAD)
n Serves as representative in agency work groups/task forces/study committees
n Attends and/or provides testimony to the Georgia General Assembly, State Board of Education, and public hearings
Your PAGE Board of Directors meets at least quarterly with additional meetings as needed as well as special sessions such as PAGE Day on Capitol Hill. Nominations for District Directors and Officers are made by a nominating committee at the February board meeting after an interview process of those who have been recommended or expressed interest in serving. District Directors and Officers are then elected for a three-year term through an annual online business meeting of the association by a majority vote of members. The two retired Georgia educators who serve on the Board are appointed by the President and approved by the Board for a three-year term.
Each year, there are several District Directors with expiring terms that are up for election. To express interest, please contact your Membership Services Representative (pages 18 – 22) or Foundation President Dr. Hayward Cordy: hcordy@pageinc. org. n
PAGE O cers and Board of Directors
District 1
Bivins Miller
Serving members in Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, E ngham, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Jenkins, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Screven, Tattnall, Toombs, and Wayne counties
District 4
Rochelle Lofstrand
Serving members in DeKalb County and Atlanta and Decatur cities
District 7
Lance James
Serving members in Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Murray, Pickens, Walker, and Whit eld counties
President Daerzio Harris
District 2
To Be Filled
Serving members in Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Quitman, Randolph, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Webster, and Worth counties
District 5
Dr. Shannon Watkins
Serving members in Cherokee, Cobb, Haralson, Paulding, and Polk counties
District 8
Andrea Bridges
Serving members in Atkinson, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Camden, Charlton, Clinch, Co ee, Cook, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, and Ware counties
District 10
To Be Filled
Serving members in Clarke, Columbia, Burke, Elbert, Glascock, Greene, Hancock, Je erson, Lincoln, McDu e, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Richmond, Taliaferro, Warren, and Wilkes counties
District 13
To Be Filled
Serving members in Appling, Bacon, Ben Hill, Bleckley, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Irwin Je Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Pulaski, Telfair, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Washington, Wheeler, Wilkinson, and Wilcox counties
Directors Representing Retired Members
District 11 Amy Carter
Serving members in Baldwin, Butts, Clayton, Henry, Jasper, Jones, Morgan, Newton, Putnam, Rockdale, and Walton counties
The PAGE Board of Directors is made up of ve O cers (President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Past President), 13 District Directors and two retired Georgia educators. A District Director must be an active member of the association and have his/her place of business and o ce in the district, which such member represents.
Nominations for District Directors and O cers are made by a nominating committee after an interview process of those who have been recommended or expressed interest in serving. District Directors and O cers are then elected for a three-year term via the annual online business
District 3
Mary Case
Serving members in Fulton and Gwinnett counties
District 6 To Be Filled
Serving members in Carroll, Coweta Douglas, Fayette, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, and Upson counties
District 9
Jennie Persinger
Serving members in Banks, Barrow, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties
District 12 TaKera Harris
Serving members in Bibb, Chattahoochee, Crawford, Harris, Houston, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Peach, Schley, Talbot, and Taylor counties
meeting of the Association by a majority vote of the members. The two retired Georgia educators who serve on the Board are appointed by the President and approved by the Board for a three-year term.
The Board of Directors meets four times a year in November, February, April, and June.
Each year, there are four or ve District Directors with expiring terms that are up for election. To express interest or apply for a District Director position, please contact your MSR (information on page 37 of this issue and on our website at www. pageinc.org) or Dr. Hayward Cordy (hcordy@ pageinc.org).
Vickie Hammond Dr. Sheryl Holmes
Your Independent Educator Association: Nearly Five Decades of Service to Georgia Educators
The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) was established in May 1975 to offer all Georgia educators an independent, non-partisan association free of national affiliation, political endorsements, and positions on non-education issues. From its inception, the PAGE commitment has been to be a Georgia-focused association of educators for educators.
From a roster of just 432 diverse educators from many roles and backgrounds that first year, PAGE steadily grew from its metro Atlanta base to include membership from all over the state. At the end of its first decade, membership was about 9,500. Then, in response to expanded services,
support, and recruitment, PAGE experienced rapid increases over the next 10 years to reach 32,500 members. Today, PAGE is overwhelmingly the state’s largest educator association providing the most comprehensive benefits. PAGE also is the largest independent educator association in the United States.
Next year, PAGE will celebrate 50 years of serving educators and advocating for teachers, students, and public education. The organization’s existence and growth weren’t assured when it welcomed its first members. Founding Member and President Paul Copeland noted in a 20-year retrospective article in PAGE One magazine that starting a new association
from nothing faced many challenges in recruiting members. Among the top issues were going against the status quo of the dominant nationally affiliated organization, a perception that an alternative association would lessen educators’ voice in Georgia, and that PAGE was a metro Atlanta organization. Through the determined effort of those early leaders and members, the association continued outreach throughout Georgia with its mission to support and advocate for teachers in a positive way to build professional capacity, support public education, and grow the profession.
PAGE services and staff increased with membership. An in-house Legal Department became an important resource for members to gain critical support for employment-related issues and professional guidance (pages 28-31). The association added a Legislative Department to more actively engage lawmakers and representatives of state agencies (pages 32-33). Membership Services Representatives were hired to provide regional support and build relationships with members and school districts in their area (pages 18-22).
As PAGE membership grew, the association sought ways to encourage learning, provide scholarships, and grow the teacher pipeline. The PAGE Foundation was founded and began awarding scholarships (pages 12-15) to encourage educators
to pursue advanced degrees. That focus also resulted in establishing or administering several student programs – Academic Bowl, Georgia Academic Decathlon, and STAR (Student Teacher Academic Recognition). College students were added to membership. Future Georgia Educators (FGE) was initiated to encourage high school students to join the ranks of educators as a career. Each of these initiatives continues as major parts of PAGE’s work (pages 36-41). Professional Learning began to assist educators in many areas, from certification test preparation and early career support to leadership development (pages 42-45).
PAGE continues to seek new ways to provide individual benefits to members. During the pandemic, PAGE began offering up to $100,000 each year in Educator Grants (pages 8-11). And, beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, PAGE Coaching offers confidential one-on-one guidance to members experiencing challenging career issues (pages 26-27).
From its inception and into its future, PAGE has and will continue to strive to represent and support educators and the profession in a positive and encouraging manner so that students, schools, and communities are learning focused. PAGE has always been an association of educators for educators – and it always will be. Welcome to PAGE! n
Legal Rights & Responsibilities of Georgia Educators
It’s essential to be aware of your legal rights and responsibilities as a Georgia educator. PAGE General Counsel Jill Hay shares this great information to know…
Contracts
Educators must have a signed contract of employment to teach in a Georgia school system. Contracts are binding agreements between an educator and the state or local employer. A contract can be terminated by:
• Mutual agreement, which means by resignation of the employee and acceptance of the resignation by the employer; or
• Dismissal from employment for cause.
Resigning without the employer’s consent constitutes breach of contract and abandonment of position. In such cases, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission may sanction one’s teaching certificate and the school system may pursue legal action for breach of contract or seek liquidated damages — if permitted by the contract.
Tenured and Non-Tenured Employees
Contracts have a one-year term; there is no guarantee that you will be offered a new contract. That situation changes if the educator has signed four consecutive, full-year, full-time teaching contracts in the same school system; or if the employer has failed to notify the employee of nonrenewal of contract for the fourth year by May 15. Once the employee has signed a fourth, full-year, full-time consecutive contract by the same employer, he or she enjoys “tenure,” which means that the school system must renew your contract year after year, unless good cause for non-renewal can be shown.
If a tenured employee transfers to a
different school system, the time needed to become tenured in the new system is shortened to one year plus the acceptance of a second-consecutive contract; or if the employer failed to notify the employee of nonrenewal of contract for the second-consecutive year by May 15.
A school system can choose to non-renew the contract of a non-tenured teacher by sending written notification of non-renewal by May 15. Upon the request of a non-renewed employee, state law requires local systems give a written explanation for the reasons of non-renewal.
Charter and Strategic Waiver systems/schools can be exempt from the state law that affords an educator tenure. If an educator teaches in one of these districts, he or she should consult their board policies to see if the district still retains the right to tenure.
Termination and Suspension
An educator may have his or her contract terminated or suspended for the following reasons: incompetency; insubordination; willful neglect of duties; immorality; inciting, encouraging or counseling students to violate any valid state law, municipal ordinance or policy or rule of the local board of education; reducing staff due to loss of students or cancellation of programs; failure to secure and maintain necessary educational training; or any other good and sufficient cause. A suspension without pay must be preceded by formal charges and a hearing. A temporary relief from duties is always given with pay and occurs when the educator’s alleged conduct is of such a nature that his or her continued presence in the classroom or administrative office is indefensible. In the case of
temporary relief from duties, a hearing to adjudicate the charges must be made available to the educator within 10 working days after he or she has been relieved from duty.
Insubordination is the willful nonadherence to a reasonable direct order issued by a proper authority. More often than not, insubordination and willful neglect of duty go hand in hand.
School Board Records
Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Law, all state, county, and municipal records (except exempted records) are open for inspection by any Georgia citizen. The person in charge of the records has up to three business days to determine whether a requested record is accessible under the law.
Records not subject to public disclosure include the following:
• Records that reveal a public school employee’s home address, home phone number, Social Security number, insurance, or medical information.
• Performance evaluation records. (Performance evaluations shall not be transferred to another employer or potential employer unless authorized in writing by the person who was evaluated.); and
• Confidential evaluations/references submitted in connection with the hiring of an employee. The right of privacy extends only to freedom from unnecessary public scrutiny. It does not protect a legitimate inquiry into the operation of a government and those employed by it. n
Handle IEP Documents and Child Abuse Reporting with Extreme Care
One of the most important areas of school law in Georgia is the Professional Standard Commission’s implementation and interpretation of the Code of Ethics for Educators. The Code of Ethics defines the required professional behavior of educators. All educators in Georgia, from paraprofessionals to superintendents, hold a license issued to them by the PSC. Failure to follow the Code of Ethics can result in the PSC issuing sanctions against an educator’s certificate. The following guidance, shared by PAGE staff attorney Matthew Pence, is great information to know…
The Code of Ethics consists of 10 standards of conduct. It is imperative for educators to maintain familiarity with all 10 standards. While some unethical conduct is very clear (i.e., don’t become romantically involved with a student), there are seemingly murkier areas where educators often have the right intentions, but those intentions lead to the wrong results. Two areas that pose potential minefields for educators are handling Individualized Education Program documents and mandated reporting of child abuse.
Individualized Education Program Documents
An IEP document is a federally mandated document for children with special needs and/or learning disabilities. Generally, an IEP document identifies the student and his/her disability, and it includes accommodations that the school must implement in order for the child to be successful. IEPs are governed by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
There are several mistakes in the IEP process that may result in a sanction from the PSC. First, drafting, revising, updating, or amending an IEP requires an IEP meeting. This meeting involves the parent(s), student, special education teacher, regular education teacher, and administrator. At the end of the meeting, each person involved signs off on the IEP. Do not sign an IEP document without having an IEP meeting with everyone in the room at the same time. Sporadic contact, such as phone calls to parents regarding the IEP, emails among faculty members about the IEP, or discussing the case outside of the IEP meeting, does not constitute the actual IEP meeting. No educator should sign her/ his name unless she/he was actually in the meeting with all of the others present. Such action, in the eyes of the PSC, constitutes dishonest conduct under Standard 4. Moreover — and this should come as no surprise — there is no reason to sign someone else’s name to an IEP. This also is considered unethical conduct under Standard 4.
Failure to implement the IEP does not always constitute unethical conduct; however, it could result in the parent filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. For example, if the IEP mandates that a student must have all assessments read aloud to him/her, then this must happen, even if the student indicates that he/she wishes to waive the
right. While this may not be considered unethical conduct, it could result in adverse employment action, such as a reprimand, termination, or non-renewal.
Required Reporting of Child Abuse
Georgia law mandates that all school employees are required reporters of child abuse. Ethically, this is codified as Standard 8. If you suspect that a child has been abused, you must report your suspicions in writing within 24 hours. Most school systems in Georgia require that an educator submit this report to someone at the school, such as a school counselor or administrator. Some school systems require educators to report directly to the Department of Family and Children Services. Regardless, it is important for all educators to familiarize themselves with the reporting procedures of their respective district at the beginning of the school year.
Failure to report child abuse often results in the PSC issuing severe sanctions, particularly when a child has been harmed after the educator became aware of the abuse. Because of the criminal component of the reporting statute, several Georgia educators have been arrested for failure to report. Educators who file mandated reports should also keep thorough documentation regarding the report.
All PAGE members confronted with questions about ethics should contact the PAGE Legal Department for guidance. Call 770-216-8555 | 800-334-6861 (and select option 1). n
Tips for Heading Off Legal Problems
As the new school year begins, there is always a combination of excitement and apprehension. What if you get a student who occasionally exhibits violent behavior? What if a parent is overly protective of his or her child and would not hesitate to file a lawsuit against you for the slightest slip up on your part? Or, what if you have a new principal who scrutinizes and second-guesses everything you do? Below, PAGE General Counsel Jill Hay, shares great information to know…
To help you avoid legal problems, follow this advice:
• Report suspected child abuse in writing within 24 hours of the time you first have reason to believe that a student in your care has been abused. Keep a copy of that report for your records. In most Georgia school districts, you are to report the suspected abuse to a designated authority in your school. (However, some districts have you report directly to DFCS.) Check your school’s written policy. “Child abuse” means physical injury or death inflicted upon a child by a parent or caretaker by other than accidental means; neglect or exploitation of a child by a parent or caretaker; emotional or sexual abuse of a child; or sexual exploitation of a child.
• Report all incidents of bullying in writing as soon as possible: physical, mental, or cyber. Keep a copy of that report for your records.
• Do not permit a student to be alone with you in a closed area. Furthermore, do not drive a student home from an after-school event unless absolutely necessary, and even then, always have another person in the car with you. If at all possible, secure written permission from an administrator.
• Force against a student may not be used unless it is absolutely necessary to defend yourself or protect someone else from injury.
• Do not leave your class unattended, especially if a fight has started between students. In case of such emergencies, have a designated student in your class go to the front office for
assistance. Teachers have a duty to exercise proper supervision over students in their classes and reasonable care to prevent injury to them.
• Corporal punishment may only be administered by the principal or the principal’s designee and authorized by written policy adopted by the school board. Even if you are authorized to administer corporal punishment, strict guidelines must be followed.
• Do not search a student’s body (i.e., “strip search”) even if you believe you have probable cause that warrants a search. In almost every case, strip searches of students are found to be a violation of students’ Fourth Amendment rights.
• Do not change a young child’s underwear or diapers unless another adult is present.
• Follow the chain of command if you have a complaint. First, go to your
immediate supervisor, and then move up the chain of command.
• Do not tutor one of your students for compensation or solicit parents or students to purchase goods or services from you.
• Keep accurate records and receipts in the collection and disbursement of school monies (for example, school clubs or athletic events).
• Always maintain a professional relationship with students, even if they may be close to your age. Do not have a relationship with a student outside of school or school activities. This includes contacting students over social media.
• Do not establish electronic relationships with students through email, text, or social media that do not relate directly to school. Any use of electronic communication with students should first be approved by your administrator. n
Dealing with Teacher Evaluations
All professionals expect to be held accountable for the quality of their work, and teachers are no exception. The implementation of the Teacher Keys Effectiveness System (TKES) as Georgia’s evaluation system for classroom teachers has generated much hype and uncertainty around teacher evaluations, which can be nerve-wracking if not downright scary. Is your future in the hands of students’ decisions and abilities (or inabilities)? Will a single test score determine your pay? Below, PAGE Future Georgia Educators (FGE) Coordinator Mary Ruth Ray explores the topic, sharing great information to know…
• It’s rarely as bad as the hype. Humans can be excitable creatures. Rumors abound, truths get distorted and well, you know the rest. Do your best to tune out the gossip and distill the truths from the abundance of information floating around. TKES includes a mandatory orientation and familiarity component to introduce you to the process. Allow your supervisor and principal to set your mind at ease. They want you to succeed as much as you do. No administrator wants a “failing” teacher. They will eagerly spell out what they will be looking for and how to demonstrate it.
• New teachers, in coordination with their administration, establish a Professional Learning Plan as part of the evaluation process. The plan may include your individual professional goals, school improvement goals, district improvement goals, or any other school/district-identified need.
• View the evaluation as an opportunity for professional feedback, not a pass/fail exam. If you have a weak point (and who among us doesn’t?), you want that pointed out so that you can take steps to shore up that particular skill. After all, our students are the ultimate beneficiaries of our competencies. If your evaluator identifies an area for improvement, don’t panic. Discuss it and ask for advice on how to develop that skill. Ask your supervisor to recommend teachers who have expertise in that area with whom you can observe and confer.
served. If an evaluator identifies a “needs improvement” area because they did not see you meet a particular standard, you can provide artifacts after the observation that show that you met it.
• Be sure you get credit for everything you do. TKES allows for teachers to provide evidence of a skill not ob-
• Keep calm and carry on. While we certainly must be cognizant of what is required of us and meet those requirements, those who have been in education for decades realize that seasons come and seasons go. Changes come and can be both challenging and rewarding. Seek the advice of quality mentors, do what is required, and enjoy the magic of teaching! n
A Dozen Documents to Keep
Your career as an educator will likely span many years and several locations. Insight into documentation that’s important to keep is great information to know…
1. College transcripts from every college you attended: K-12 systems often require that universities send an official transcript directly to them, but a student copy can assist you in completing applications and employment-related papers.
2. GACE, Praxis or Graduate Record Examination scores: Obtaining copies of test scores later can be time consuming and expensive.
3. Letters of recommendation: Letters of recommendation document your on-the-job performance and are important in determining future career opportunities.
4. Teaching contracts: A copy of each signed contract is important because it verifies your employment with a school system and your length of service.
5. Payroll records: Pay stubs and tax documents issued by your school system record your salary, as well as your tax deductions, retirement plan, Social Security contributions and insurance costs.
6. Sick leave: These records show how much remaining sick leave you have available before deductions are taken from your salary. In Georgia schools, two years of sick leave may be accumulated and used toward retirement upon completion of 28 years of service.
7. Evaluations and professional development plans: Retain all documents pertaining to your performance evaluations, responsibilities, and employment status, including commendations or recommendations. If you have formally disagreed with any part of an evaluation or professional development plan, attach a copy of your written response to the file.
8. Major correspondence from district administrators: Letters of appointments to committees and positions of leadership or recognition help keep your résumé strong and current.
9. Copies (or at least computer screen shots) of conference or workshop programs listing you as a presenter/ contributor: This résumé-boosting documentation will improve your accuracy and confidence in citing your participation.
10. Activities, accomplishments, and awards: Keep a running list of in-service training, subject specialization, classes/subjects taught, extracurricular responsibilities, special skills and honors/awards. It will make updating your résumé a breeze.
11. Records of severe student matters and suspected child abuse: These records concern any major student problem that involves hearings and/or court proceedings. Report suspected child abuse in writing within 24 hours of the time you first have reason to believe that a student in your care has been abused.
12. PAGE membership: A current PAGE membership provides you with liability coverage and immediate access to legal advice. n
The ABCs of ‘Educationese’
Education vernacular is vast and ever-changing. This list of acronyms commonly used in education and education-related fields is great information to know…
AASA: American Association of School Administrators
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act
ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
AP: Accommodation Plan (Section 504 Students)
AP: Advanced Placement
BEOG: Basic Education Opportunity Grant
BST: Basic Skills Test
CAP: Corrective Action Plan
CBA: Curriculum-Based Assessment
CCGPS: Common Core Georgia Performance Standards
CCRPI: College and Career Readiness Performance Index
CEC: Council for Exceptional Children
CEU: Continuing Education Unit
CIEA: Coalition of Independent Education Associations
CO: Central Office
COE: Code of Ethics or College of Education
CPI: Certified Personnel Information
CRT: Criterion-Referenced Test
CTAE: Career, Technical and Agricultural Education
DFCS: Department of Family and Children Services
DOE: Department of Education
DOL: Department of Labor
DPH: Department of Public Health
EAP: Education As a Profession
EBD: Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
ECE: Early Childhood Education
EIP: Early Intervention Program
ELL: English Language Learners
EOCT: End of Course Test
EOGT: End of Grade Test
ESL: English as a Second Language
ESOL: English to Speakers of Other Languages
ESSA: Every Student Succeeds Act
ESSER: Elementary & Secondary Emergency Education Relief (Funds)
F & RP: Free and Reduced Price
F2F: Face to Face (Learning)
FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education
FBA: Functional Behavior Assessment
FERPA: Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act
FFCRA: Families First Coronavirus Response Act
FGE: Future Georgia Educators
FICA: Federal Insurance Contributions Act (Social Security Tax)
FIP: Formative Instructional Practices
FTE: Full Time Equivalent
FY: Fiscal Year
GACE: Georgia Advisory Council on Education
GACIS: Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors
GACTE: Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education
GACTE: Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
GAEL: Georgia Association of Educational Leaders
GAESP: Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals
GAMSP: Georgia Association of Middle School Principals
GASCD: Georgia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
GASPA: Georgia Association of School Personnel Administrators
GASSP: Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals
GaTAPP: Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy
GBOE: Georgia Board of Education
GCASE: Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education
GEER: Governor’s Emergency Educational Relief (Fund)
GKAP: Georgia Kindergarten Assessment Program
GMAS: Georgia Milestones Assessment System
GOSA: Governor’s Office of Student Achievement
GPEE: Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education
GPS: Georgia Performance Standards
GSSA: Georgia School Superintendents Association
GTAPP: Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program
H/H: Hospital/Homebound
HI: Health Insurance
HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
HOPE: Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally
IAP: Individualized Accommodation Plan
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEP: Individualized Education Plan
ILT: Instructional Lead Teacher
ISS: In-School Suspension
IT: Instructional Teacher
ITV: Instructional Television
IU: Instructional Unit
LAPS: Leader Assessment Performance Standard
LBOE: Local Board of Education
LD: Learning Disability
LEP: Limited English Proficiency
LKES: Leader Keys Effectiveness System
LRE: Least Restrictive Environment
LUA: Local Unit of Administration
MEA: Migrant Education Agency
MID: Mildly Intellectually Disabled
MIMH: Mildly Mentally Handicapped
MOD: Modification
MoID: Moderately Intellectually Disabled
NBPTS: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
NRT: Norm-referenced Test
NTE: National Teacher’s Examination
OCGA: Official Code of Georgia Annotated (state law)
ODD: Oppositional Defiant Disorder
OHI: Other Health Impaired
PAGE: Professional Association of Georgia Educators
PBIS: Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports
PDP: Professional Development Plan
PFP: Pay for Performance
PL: Public Law
PLU: Professional Learning Unit
PO: Purchase Order
PR: Percentile Rank
PSC: Professional Standards Commission
PSERS: Public School Employees Retirement System
PSRS: Public School Recruitment Services
PTA: Parent-Teacher Association
PTO: Parent-Teacher Organization
PTSA: Parent-Teacher-Student Association
QBE: Quality Basic Education
REP: Remedial Education Program
RESA: Regional Educational Service Agency
RIF: Reduction in Force
RTI: Response to Intervention
SAAC: Student Assessment Advisory Committee
SBD: Severe Behavior Disorder
SDD: Significant Developmental Delay
SEBD: Severe Emotional Behavior Disorder
SED: Severely Emotionally Disturbed
SGM: Student Growth Model
SI: Speech/Language Impairment
SIA: Special Instructional Assistance
SID: Severe Intellectual Disability
SIP: School Improvement Plan
SIS: Student Information System
SLD: Specific Learning Disability
SLDS: Student Longitudinal Data System
SLO: Student Learning Objective
SLP: Speech/Language Pathologist
SOE: Schools of Excellence
SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
SPLOST: Special Local Option Sales Tax
SREB: Southern Regional Education Board
SSI: Supplemental Security Income (Social Security)
SST: Student Support Team
STAR: Student Teacher Achievement Recognition
STAR: Student Transition And Recovery
S-T-W: School to Work
SY: School Year
TAPS: Teacher Assessment Performance Standards
TESOL: Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages
TKES: Teacher Keys Effectiveness System
TOTY: Teacher of the Year
TRS: Teacher Retirement System
VAM: Value-Added Model
WFH: Work from Home
YAP: Youth Apprenticeship Program
YTD: Year to Date
Partnering with You: Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs)
Successfully educating Georgia’s children is a partnership between the school, home, community, and state. There are multiple partners at work at the forefront as well as behind the scenes to support your work. One such partner is the Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) network. PAGE Foundation President Dr. Hayward Cordy, former executive director of Oconee RESA, shares this great information to know…
The goal of each RESA is to help local educators, schools, and districts meet educational needs through the sharing of services across school system lines. RESAs partner with other state agencies, including the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA), and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).
Service areas to member districts include research and planning, staff development, curriculum and instruction, assessment and evaluation, technology, health, and school improvement. Through a wide array of services and interventions, RESAs work to ensure that high levels of engagement and learning for all students are embedded within daily practice and routine.
Georgia’s RESA Network is a forward-thinking and knowledgeable
partner governed by local Boards of Control that are established by the Georgia General Assembly. This governance system enables local school systems and public colleges to determine, manage, evaluate, and partially fund the services they receive. Each system
There’s great value in getting to know your local RESA partner. Georgia RESAs provide exceptional professional development and career enrichment for Georgia educators. Services include:
• Endorsements (Gifted, Reading, Math, Dyslexia, Science, Computer Science, STEM, MTSS, Coaching, Teacher Leader)
• TKES/LKES Evaluation Program support and training
• Special education support through Georgia Learning Resource Services Centers (GLRS)
• Mental health training through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Positive Behavioral Intervention Spe-
cialist (PBIS) support and training
• Whole-child wraparound support services
• Student Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) support and training
• GaDOE Teacher Resource Link (TRL) training and support
• Literacy support through providing literacy coaches to ensure an intensive focus on literacy in schools identified for additional support, as part of GaDOE’s broader tiered coaching model.
determines their needed services within the overall framework.
There are currently 16 RESAs that make up Georgia’s network:
• Central Savannah River RESA
• Chattahoochee-Flint RESA
• Coastal Plains RESA
• First District RESA
• Griffin RESA
• Heart of Georgia RESA
• Metro RESA
• Middle Georgia RESA
• North Georgia RESA
• Northeast Georgia RESA
• Northwest Georgia RESA
• Oconee RESA
• Okefenokee RESA
• Pioneer RESA
• Southwest Georgia RESA
• West Georgia RESA
PAGE encourages all Georgia educators to get to know your local RESA partner. Learn more at https://www. georgiastandards.org/learning/Pages/ ETC-RESA/RESA.aspx. n
Make your voice heard.
The PAGE Legislative team advocates for you with policymakers according to member-developed legislative priorities. Join us Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, for PAGE Day on Capitol Hill – an annual event that provides all participating members with an opportunity for direct advocacy with legislators. Whether or not you’re able to attend these events at the Capitol, we encourage you to keep in touch with lawmakers throughout the year. Look for email from PAGE announcing event registration as well as advocacy alerts detailing speci c issues. Visit www.pagelegislative.org to nd out more.
Enhance your craft.
PAGE Coaching supports and empowers you by providing the assistance you need when you need it. It’s available in all areas of the state. It’s completely con dential. And, most importantly, it works. Learn more at www.pageinc.org/coaching.
PAGE Professional Learning o ers both in-person and virtual opportunities, each speci cally designed to meet your needs. Watch your email for messages from PAGE about upcoming programs to enhance your craft. Read more at www.pageinc.org/professional-learning.
Give back to the next generation.
PAGE Student Programs provide excellent opportunities to volunteer. Whether you want to help with PAGE Future Georgia Educators (FGE), PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades, Georgia Academic Decathlon (GAD), or PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR), there’s a place for you at PAGE. Visit www.pageinc.org/student-programs/ for more information about PAGE Student Programs.
STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE LATEST FROM PAGE
•Provide a personal email address* and keep it current to ensure you receive the latest information on PAGE Educator Grants, Coaching and PL opportunities, events, and other announcements. Visit members.pageinc.org to verify and update your information.
Scan this QR code to update or verify your information.
•Contact membership@pageinc.org to confirm that you are signed up to receive PAGE One magazine.
(You can locate your representative on the map on page 24 or at www.pageinc.org.) *PAGE recommends a personal email address because some school systems' email filters reject external email. Help us
•Subscribe to the PAGE Capitol Report to stay up-to-date on PAGE advocacy, education-focused legislation, and state agency action. Visit https://bit.ly/3XBKuvF to sign up.
Scan this QR code to subscribe to PAGE Capitol Report.
•Coming Soon: Subscribe to PAGE blogs to read the latest from PAGE and education trends. Watch your PAGE email and social media for details.
Need more information? Contact your Membership Services Representative.
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