Spring 2024 PAGEOne

Why I Stay

Ge or gia Ed uc ator s on Co un tering Burno ut to Remain in the Career They

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“

Publication of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators

45 No. 2

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.

In This Issue

Spring is analogous with renewal. As perennials rise and long-dormant trees burst into bloom, so too do our spirits often experience renewed hope and optimism. This issue of PAGE One aligns with these themes. In the pages that follow, you’ll hear from educators who encourage and inspire, students who thrive and excel, and a legislative team that’s continually focused on the good that can be done for Georgia’s teachers and students.

This issue’s cover story epitomizes resilience, hope, and renewal. While acknowledging the undeniable reality of burnout and the many factors that make teaching far more difficult today than in years past, Why I Stay profiles educators from throughout the state who have much to share about how they are innovating and adapting in order to remain in the career they love. You’ll meet them and gain insight into their powerful practices for longevity in the profession on pages 20 through 32.

For additional inspiration, turn to page 19 for a message of congratulations to Georgia Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year Finalist Christy Todd, and to pages 49 through 51 to meet the newly announced 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year finalists.

We hope you enjoyed Teacher Appreciation Week and the video messages shared by PAGE staff. To watch again, visit www.pageinc.org/teacher-appreciation. Find additional encouragement on pages 8 and 9 of this issue.

Spring is the season for PAGE Foundation scholarships and student programs. Learn more about scholarships and how to apply on page 33. Read about PAGE FGE (Future Georgia Educators) on pages 42 and 43, and the winners of PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades and Georgia Academic Decathlon on pages 44 and 45. Meet this year’s PAGE state STAR (Student and Teacher Achievement Recognition) program winners on pages 46 and 47.

Spring also marks the close of the annual session of the Georgia General Assembly. On pages 38 through 40, your PAGE legislative team members – who advocate with lawmakers during session and throughout the year for policies that benefit Georgia educators and students – share highlights of this year’s education-focused action beneath the Gold Dome.

We hope you enjoy a beautiful and rejuvenating spring. May the encouragement and inspiration in this PAGE One contribute to that joy. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as you serve others. n

Ramona Mills Executive Editor

from our hearts to yours ...

HAPPY TEACHER APPRECIATION

At PAGE, every day is Teacher Appreciation Day, but we pause each May to offer a special thanks for you and all the work you do.

THANK YOU!

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From the President

Sowing. Nurturing. Facilitating Growth. It’s What We Do – Because It’s Who We Are.

I am a big fan of the Georgia Farm Monitor. My pickleball friends – shout out to the Gritty Pickles – know I will not make it to the courts on Saturday morning until after I’ve had my coffee and watched the Farm Monitor on GPB. I love growing things! It is fascinating to me that I can pluck a seed from an existing plant, place it in a pot of soil, give it the correct amount of sunlight, water, and love, and it will grow into a new plant. I helped that little seed reach its full potential; it is nothing short of miraculous!

I’ve always wanted to be a farmer. I grew up around farmers; my mother grew up on a dairy farm, and we lived on acres with chickens, fruit trees, grape vines; and we always had tomato plants in the summer. My aunts and uncles have had big gardens and dabbled in cows, and part of me has always wanted that. I’ve never made it past flower gardening, and I’m pretty good at that. Yet, as anyone who has ever tried to keep a plant alive knows, there is more to it than watering it and putting it in the sun! We have all Googled the spots on our porch plants and uploaded screenshots of wilting houseplants, desperately seeking solutions. Farming, like teaching, is hard work that requires a special skill set and demeanor.

When I reflect on my love of the teaching profession and the challenges that come with it, it occurs to me that teaching and farming are in many ways similar. There isn’t a day that farmers and teachers don’t sit down at sunrise to make a plan for the day; we know what needs our immediate attention and we mentally prepare to tackle the daily chores. Amid that mental morning preparation, there is always an undercurrent of delight, fulfillment, slight trepidation, and excitement for the challenges each day presents. Then, at the end of a long, hard day, we reflect on what went well and what could be improved.

Teachers, like farmers, prepare the landscape, plant the seeds, nurture and tend the subjects, and measure their growth regularly. We know what each one is capable of, and we are working night and day to ensure maximum yield. Some years yield better than others, and we study each success to recreate those optimum conditions. We dissect each

failure to make corrections and improvements. Each day as we study the growth, we are already planning for the next season. How can we improve? How can we make the next season better? Continuing the teaching and farming analogy, some of us will tend small gardens, others will manage large, industrial farms, but the process, the love of it, and the challenges remain the same.

Teachers are, in the words of my students, “built different.” We get up early, stay up late, dedicate weekends, countless brain hours, and our own dollars – not for our own benefit,

Planting day: my favorite day of spring!

but for the benefit of others. I asked my daughter-in-law, a third-year teacher, “Why did we choose teaching as a career? Why didn’t we choose something more lucrative, something less stressful?” To which she replied, “You know teachers don’t choose teaching, teaching chooses them.” It’s true! Many of us have always known we would become teachers, many of us keep teaching long past retirement. Teachers, like farmers, are the watchful eyes and ears. They have their finger on the pulse of the next generation. They are burdened with equipping future generations with everything they need to be successful. Some teachers have the help of families, communities, and their peers. Their conditions are ripe for success. But others are not so fortunate – knowing that for some of the students they teach, in a desert of poverty and hopelessness, public educators could be the singular lifeline for the success of the next generation.

There is something deep and sturdy in the soul of a farmer – a love of the land, the livestock, the joy of caretaking,

nurturing, and helping things grow. The souls of farmers and teachers are kindred. To achieve as a teacher or farmer means different things to different individuals, but when it is achieved, it is the fuel that keeps us going. Our chosen profession is our fuel. It keeps us on our toes, our minds sharp, our bodies moving. It keeps us young, and it keeps us connected to the next generation. It is understandable why so many of us choose, despite the many challenges, to remain in the profession as long as possible. Sowing, nurturing, and facilitating growth is our calling. Teaching is what we do –because it’s who we are.

Now if you will excuse me, I have to water my plants and write my lesson plans :) n

Henry received a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (1995) and a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Gifted Education (1996) from the University of Georgia. She completed her Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Augusta University (2009). Henry taught gifted students in Clarke and Columbia counties prior to her present role as 4th and 5th grade gifted and talented teacher at R.L. Norris Elementary in McDuffie County.

My class creating a video for the Pollinator Protector Challenge, Georgia Agriculture Experience STEM Competition.

It is so much fun to grow plants with students. This is our tiny pollinator garden at school.

From the Executive Director

“The teaching profession is a calling that offers unparalleled satisfaction and purpose.”

At the heart of teaching is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of students. You are not “just” educators. You make deep, meaningful connections with those you serve – often, as a mentor for career choices, a guide to greater opportunities, or an encouraging voice through difficult circumstances. The influence of a dedicated teacher echoes through the entirety of a student’s life. Witnessing firsthand the small – and sometimes big – steps from potential to realization is a privi-

lege that imbues teaching with a sense of purpose and fulfillment unmatched in many other careers.

This issue of PAGE One presents the perspectives of multiple PAGE members on why they stay in the profession. It’s a much-needed message, as the survey results cited in the introduction to the feature demonstrate.

I enjoy the benefit of observing or participating in many of PAGE’s en-

deavors with educators and students that sustain hope for a thriving educator workforce. While our primary focus is supporting educators through legislative advocacy, legal representation, personalized coaching, grants, scholarships, and professional learning, we also sponsor several student-focused programs in which we see the significant positive influence of teachers and school staff.

STAR (Student and Teacher Achievement Recognition) is the premier aca-

“The influence of a dedicated teacher echoes through the entirety of a student’s life. Witnessing firsthand the small – and sometimes big – steps from potential to realization is a privilege that imbues teaching with a sense of purpose and fulfillment unmatched in many other careers.”

demic achievement recognition program in Georgia, annually honoring hundreds of students and their most influential teachers. If ever you need a shot of encouragement and hope for the state of education, the many local and regional events hosted by civic organizations and communities in every area and corner of Georgia will give you that boost. Not only do we hear about and from excellent students striving for knowledge and ideas to make the world a better place, but we are also introduced to amazing educators who inspire and prepare their students to take on those challenges. I know from my ongoing interactions with educators in schools and at conferences that many more educators are doing similarly outstanding work with their students daily.

The opportunity to unlock the learning potential and ignite the fire of curiosity is reason to stay.

PAGE also sponsors two competitive academic programs for middle and high school students. In preparation for regional and state meets, teachers help students learn academic content that is demonstrated in quiz challenges and skills such as extemporaneous speaking. The camaraderie these sponsors develop with and among their students offers its own reward, in addition to the thrill of competition and the potential

for medals and trophies. Watching students and teachers celebrate their success and express joy in their endeavors is rewarding for PAGE.

Working with students as a sponsor and coach to build their ability to support one another as a team through challenges and accomplishments is reason to stay.

FGE (Future Georgia Educators) provides high school students the opportunity to explore teaching as a profession. In addition to experiences with their teacher sponsor, students can attend one of 10 or more FGE conferences on university campuses around

Georgia. Students experience – some for the first time – a visit to a college campus, meet college students studying to become teachers, attend workshops, and hear from an encouraging keynote speaker. The keynote is often the current Georgia Teacher of the Year, or a past representative. Christy Todd, 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year and national finalist, talked to hundreds of high school students and their teachers this year. Her message encourages these students to join her as an “influencer” as a Georgia teacher, while also recognizing the teachers sponsoring FGE for their commitment and dedication.

Promoting the many fulfilling aspects of teaching to students considering education as a career is reason to stay.

Perhaps it’s too often stated – but, also still true: Teachers play a critical role in shaping the future, one student at a time, and the rewards are immeasurable. The teaching profession is a calling that offers unparalleled satisfaction and purpose.

Thank you for answering the call. I hope you continue to find your reason to stay. n

Executive Director Craig Harper joined PAGE in 2015 after more than 22 years in Georgia public school leadership positions. A certified trainer for Crucial Conversations and host of the PAGE Talks podcast, Harper holds a master’s in public administration from Valdosta State University.

Harper with Meriwether County math teacher Kay Barnes who has received 32 STAR Teacher recognitions during her 56 years in the classroom.

PAGE? HERE’S HOW. NEED TO CONTACT

For your Membership Services Representative’s contact information, turn to page 37 of this issue or visit www.pageinc.org/membership

GENERAL INQUIRIES

770-216-8555 (option 3) 800-334-6861 (option 3) info@pageinc.org

PAGE ATTORNEYS / LEGAL SERVICES

770-216-8555 (option 1) legal@pageinc.org

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

334-734-0430 pl@pageinc.org

LEGISLATIVE SERVICES

770-216-8555 legislative@pageinc.org

MEMBER SERVICES

770-216-8555 (option 2) membership@pageinc.org

Here’s a trip your kids will never forget. Our student-friendly, STEAM-based curriculum blends the best of football history with interactive technology. Add in a little running, passing and throwing on our 45-yard playing field, and you have the perfect field trip.

KEEP YOUR INFORMATION CURRENT WITH PAGE

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 belowto 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.

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.

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!

WHY I STAY

How do educators maintain their passion and purpose despite burnout and all the factors that contribute to it? Why do they stay? Members from throughout the state dig deep to share their compelling stories.

By Ramona Mills and Michelle Matthews

Teaching has never been easy. As with any profession, it brings with it unique challenges and rewards. It’s work – hard work. The days start early. The hours can be long. There’s always something more to do. But, oh the many blessings and joys!

Those who love teaching, love it deeply. But, even the most passionate and dedicated educators know that the challenges have dramatically increased during the last several years. Many have left the profession. Many others have indicated that they plan to do so.

Three years ago, approximately 14 percent of PAGE 2021 survey respondents with 20 or fewer years of experience said they planned to leave the profession within five years.¹ Just two years later, about 22 percent of PAGE 2023 survey respondents with 20 or fewer years of experience said it was unlikely or very unlikely they would remain in the field another five years.²

A primary reason cited for this attrition is burnout. In 2022, the Georgia Department of Education commissioned an educator task force – led by PAGE member and then Georgia Teacher of the Year Cherie Bonder Goldman – to identify contributing factors and recommend action-

able solutions. In the report, Teacher Burnout in Georgia: Voices from the Classroom, Goldman wrote:

“Georgia is losing talented teachers to burnout…The teachers I know don’t want to walk away. Their motivation for becoming a teacher, their aspiration to make that dream come true, their heartfelt passion for making a difference in the lives of students – none of those things have changed. But too many of our teachers are running on empty.³”

In the report, the task force suggested specific strategies and solutions for directly addressing burnout. PAGE has continually advocated for pay increases for educators, more robust mental health supports, lower class sizes, protected planning time, duty-free lunches, and more.⁴ Progress has been made, but much remains to be done.

Georgia educators are also innovating to address burnout. While acknowledging the undeniable realities, they are identifying and implementing skills and practices that enable them to continue doing the work they love.

How do they do it? What strategies do they employ? PAGE One set out to learn these answers and more. We spoke with amazing educators throughout the state, asking them to share what enables them to counter burnout and be able to say, “this is why I stay.”

¹ PAGE 2021 Survey Report, Voices from Georgia Schools: Georgia Educators on Supporting Public Education During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: https://bit.ly/44oUY68

² PAGE 2023 Survey Report, Views from the Schoolhouse: Georgia Educator Policy Insights: https://bit.ly/3w98oqa

³ Teacher Burnout in Georgia: Voices from the Classroom: https://bit.ly/3w0Znzr

⁴ 2024 PAGE Legislative Priorities: https://bit.ly/3Wgs068

Lisa Redmon

Classroom Teacher, English East Coweta High School Coweta County

“Keeping a positive mindset is the ultimate burnout cure. Get involved. Stay positive. Have fun. Repeat.”

Teaching was not something Lisa Redmon ever aspired to do. After graduating college, she was focused on a career in Human Resources. Yet, while on the journey to achieve that goal, teaching found her. And once it did, she never looked back.

“One particular job (in HR) offered me an opportunity to be a corporate trainer,” Redmon recalls, “and that is where I fell in love with the classroom. Once I genuinely began to pursue a career in education, I couldn’t help but recall Mrs. Privuznek, my second-grade teacher. I was the day-dreaminest child! I knew when I didn’t meet her expectations, and I knew that she loved me in those moment too. I’ve spent the last 22 years trying to do the same – love on students in their success, their failures, and all the in-betweens.”

Loving her work comes naturally to Redmon. So much so that it is now synonymous with who she is – for her and for many of her students. In her conversation with PAGE One, Redmon reflects on a recent reminder of this truth:

“The child of my nextdoor neighbor was home from college for spring break. He saw me pulling weeds in the front flower beds and came over to say hello. He introduced me to his college roommate. ‘This is Mrs. Redmon,’ he said. ‘She was my high school teacher. Oh, and she was my 8th grade teacher too!’ It gave me pause. This is the son of one of my dearest friends and one of my own son’s closest friends growing up. I’ve known this kid since he was a toddler.

“Teaching fulfills me,” says Redmon. “I love coming to work because I love the relationships I build with students and other educators.”

I’ve been on the sidelines for almost all of his competitive soccer games, we have vacationed at the lake together, and he knows the code to our front door. Yet, he introduced me as his teacher! It was a sweet reminder that the seven hours per week we spent in the classroom together for just one semester was just as – or even more – important than all those other years in each other’s lives.”

How does Redmon maintain her passion for her work despite all the challenges? Why does she stay? She focuses on the joy and satisfaction that teaching brings to her spirit.

“I teach for selfish reasons,” she says. “Teaching fulfills me. I love coming to work because I love the relationships I build with students and other educators. Keeping a positive mindset is the ultimate burnout cure. Get involved. Stay positive. Have fun. Repeat.”

Redmon is one of the ECHS senior class sponsors. Here, the class of 2023 senior officers pose during a end-of-year celebratory dinner at a local restaurant.

Myesheia Yarber

School Counselor

Burdell-Hunt Magnet School

Bibb County

“To counter burnout, I have embraced the power of no. It is impossible to be everything for everyone, and it’s ok to say no.”

Myesheia Yarber has been an educator for 23 years, 18 of those as an elementary school counselor.

“As a teacher, I quickly realized that quite often, children came to school with many layers of physical, social, and emotional needs,” recalls Yarber. “I knew the key to providing quality instruction rested upon me peeling back the layers and attempting to mitigate those issues. So, I felt that if I became a school counselor, I would have more time to devote to this endeavor.”

Though she loves her work, Yarber is very much aware of the many factors contributing to burnout.

“As educators, we often put others before ourselves,” Yarber observes, “but if we are not our best selves, we can’t give our students the best. I’ve been that person that arrived when the

school opened and was the last one to leave. What I have learned is the work will still be there the next day.”

“Balance is essential,” Yarber continues. “Having the right amount of balance helps me to maintain the energy and stamina to keep pushing forward

despite the challenges. To counter burnout, I have embraced the power of no. It is impossible to be everything for everyone, and it’s ok to say no.”

In her role as school counselor, Yarber sees and hears daily of the many challenges children are facing as well –primarily those involving mental health and the negative impact of social media. There has been a significant increase in these areas since the pandemic, Yarber tells us, relaying that she must constantly work to refine her gifts and talents to “help students navigate these social and emotional peaks and valleys.”

As part of this refinement, Yarber seeks to adapt however needed – always listening, learning, and innovating. It is essential to “meet your students where they are,” she advises. “As they change, change with them. What worked five years ago, may not be relevant today.”

Amid the many demands and ever-evolving challenges, Yarber not only remains fulfilled in the profession, but she also encourages others who express an interest in education.

“I love what I do, and I love the students I serve,” she says. “The need for dedicated educators is great.

I would definitely recommend a career in education to others. The students are counting on us, and we can’t give up on them. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you have played a pivotal role in the success of a student.”

With Junior Fire Marshalls. “I love what I do, and I love the students I serve,” says Yarber.

With family. “Balance is essential,” observes Yarber.

Shonneka Smith-DuPriest

Gifted Lead Teacher

Jewell C. Anderson Elementary School

Clayton County

“Continue to keep a positive attitude and treat every day as if it is new. Don’t bring yesterday’s issues to today.”

Shonneka Smith-DuPriest realized she wanted to be a teacher when she was in the sixth grade. That’s when her own teacher, Billie Marie Avant, recognized her nurturing nature and potential as an educator. “Because of this, she put me on a special assignment to assist with kindergarten students,” Smith-DuPriest says. “That’s when I knew I wanted to help children learn all that they could.”

Working with the kindergarteners during her lunch period launched her career trajectory. “I loved how the students held on to my every word as I read them a story or helped them learn a new skill like tying their shoes,” she recalls. “Once I felt this spark, it never went away. Teaching was always the career that I wanted for myself and still to this day, I am living in my purpose.”

Throughout her 22-year career, Smith-DuPriest, has served at Anderson Elementary. Starting as a kindergarten teacher in 2002, she is now the school’s gifted lead teacher.

Educator burnout, she believes, is caused by consistent unwanted student behaviors and ever-evolving expectations of administrators. To combat behavioral problems, she ramps up incentives. “Students tend to work harder when you’ve set a goal for them,” she says. And when administrative expectations change, Smith-DuPriest doesn’t waste time wondering why. Instead, she tries to “continue to keep a positive attitude and treat every day as if it is new,” she says. “I don’t bring yesterday’s issues to today.”

Sharing with PAGE One that she is just as determined today to help her students set and achieve their goals as she was when she started, Smith-DuPriest is resolute. “Teaching is my gift,” she says, “and I am still enjoying the journey. Although the climate is much different, I still have a desire

“Teaching is my gift,” says Smith-DuPriest, “and I am still enjoying the journey.”

for my students to be successful. Many new teachers don’t survive five years because of burnout or wanting to pursue a different career. I am standing in my purpose, doing what I’ve always wanted to do.”

No one should become an educator exclusively for financial reasons, Smith-DuPriest observes. “You have to want to be a knowledge-giver and world-changer. You will never be paid for all that you do,” she says. The role of a teacher “should be regarded with the utmost respect,” she continues. “Without teachers, no other professions would exist. One day, the world will see the value we hold.”

Robert Bailey

Classroom Teacher, Chemistry and Physics

Crisp County High School

Crisp County

“Teaching is not an easy profession, but is the most rewarding field I have ever worked in. The initial years can be trying but, with mastery, teaching becomes fun. I remain in the profession because I feel it is a calling.”

An Army veteran and former food service manager, Robert Bailey now teaches chemistry and physics next door to his wife, a science teacher, at Crisp County High School. Though his path to becoming a teacher was certainly not a direct one, his previous experiences, he says, definitely led him to become an educator.

“Within a year of transferring to directing food service at a college, I realized I could do more for students than feed them,” Bailey recalls. “I immediately worked as a math teacher at the high school and collegiate level and knew I had found my passion.”

“I don’t feel the challenges have ever outweighed the joy I find in teaching,” says Bailey. Building rockets in Honors Physics (l-r) Natalie Hollingsworth, Jobie Jobe, Cat Bryant, Millee Carter, Liz Bryant, Lilah Deal, and Bailey.

In the years since this self-discovery, Bailey has continued to grow in the profession – becoming gifted certified, AP Physics certified, obtaining a master’s degree, and completing his doctorate. It is his passion for teaching that propels him forward.

“Teaching is not an easy profession, but is the most rewarding field I have ever worked in,” he says.

“The initial years can be trying but, with mastery, teaching becomes fun. I remain in the profession because I feel it is a calling.”

“One of the reasons I stay is because I have written over 100 recommendations for juniors and seniors for college and scholarships,” he continues. “I consider it an honor. I teach high school and some students I will only see for one semester. Maybe I will see them for two semesters. If I’m lucky, they will

fist-bump me in the hall. Then they graduate and are gone. As teachers, we only have a few days to let students know the world can be a helpful, safe place with amazing things to learn about.”

When not in the classroom, Bailey enjoys writing books and recording music. And, as he speaks of his love for teaching, it is evident that he is also a philosopher.

“Education,” he says, “and this is debated by some, is an art. It is not a science. You should possess a great deal of passion, a smidge of acting ability, and a great deal of persistence. There are no set rules. All you have is your passion, a subject, and a room full of students. It takes all your creativity and imagination to make it come together. That is an art! I love teaching. It is a blessing. I don’t feel the challenges have ever outweighed the joy I find in teaching.”

Deniece Williams

Classroom Teacher, Kindergarten

Robert Shaw Theme School DeKalb County

“The reason I stay is because I love the parents, children, and school where I teach.”

Fifth grade was a pivotal year for Deniece Williams. That’s when she met Mrs. R. Perry, the reading/ELA teacher who would forever impact the trajectory of her life by inspiring her to become a teacher as well.

“She made me feel so good about myself,” says Williams, “and I knew once I left fifth grade that I wanted to become a teacher. I never met another teacher who impacted my life like Mrs. Perry.”

As much as she loves teaching, Williams says one of the biggest challenges she faces is more paperwork and less time to do it due to meetings, professional learning training, workshops, etc. “I have to prioritize my workload and do a little bit of work every day instead of waiting until the last minute to do all of the paperwork,” she tells PAGE One.

“I also leave work within 30 to 40 minutes from my actual ending worktime instead of staying a long time after work to finish,” she adds. “There is always work that can be done, but I keep a list of things to do and pick what needs to be done first and work on it all week. I also let my principal know if I need an extension.”

Teaching isn’t an easy job, she says. “You have to be dedicated to your students and families to be a successful teacher. The rewards have to come from within and from your heart. I think you must have a gift to teach for

“You have to be dedicated to your students and families to be a successful teacher,” says Williams. “The rewards have to come from within and from your heart.”

it to become a career. It is not a 9 to 5 job, and there is always something that needs to be done.”

Williams is in her 25th year of teaching with the DeKalb County School District. “The reason I stay,” she says, “is because I love the parents, children, and school where I teach. I enjoy working with the students, and not only do they learn from me, but I also learn from them.”

“My school system also offers many incentives,” Williams continues, “and despite the challenges, some of the incentives make the job even more rewarding.”

Williams believes she was born to teach, and that teaching is her gift in life. “I pursued my dream, and it came to pass,” she says. “I can’t imagine doing anything else. Teaching is much more to me than just a job. It’s a career, and I love it.”

Bailey Sawyer

Speech-Language Pathologist

M.E. Freeman Elementary School

Warren County

“In Warren County, we have an open line of communication with our administrators. We are able to discuss areas where we are experiencing success, as well as those areas where we are struggling and experiencing burnout…That support is unmatched and is the primary reason I stay in education.”

Since age 12, Bailey Sawyer knew she wanted to become a speech-language pathologist like her grandmother. “Being able to observe my grandma during the breaks from college really solidified my decision,” she says. She also has a cousin who is a retired speech-language pathologist. “The impact they have made on their students’ and colleagues’ lives is so evident in the way others speak of them,” says Sawyer. “One reason I have remained in this profession is because I am able to see the longevity of their careers as an example of how I hope to be years down the road.”

Sawyer loves her work, crediting her district with providing programs and services that help educators overcome challenges and thrive. “In Warren County, we have an open line of communication with our administrators,” she tells us. “We are able to discuss areas where we are experiencing success, as well as those areas where we are struggling and experiencing burnout. That support is unmatched and is the primary reason I stay in education.”

“Keeping the focal point on building a student’s strengths helps me to remember why I chose this profession and continue to choose to remain in this profession,” says Sawyer.

In recent years, the lack of face-to-face instruction during the pandemic had a negative impact on students at her school, she says, but their resilience is encouraging. “It is hard to imagine positive results coming from a global pandemic, but it put into perspective for me the value of community,” she says. “Despite the challenges that have followed, I enjoy seeing the personal growth of my students.”

One way Sawyer fights educator burnout is by participating in a mentorship program. She also has some practical ad-

vice to offer others. “I strive to maintain realistic optimism,” she says. “I set small goals for myself to accomplish each day during the work week. I am realistic with myself on what I can and cannot complete during a day. I also attempt to maintain a work-life balance.”

At peace with her career choice, Sawyer unreservedly shares her enthusiasm with others. “I would continue to recommend a career in education,” she tells PAGE One. “I have learned through the field of education to assist in fostering the strengths of not only my students, but my own children as well. Keeping the focal point on building a student’s strengths helps me to remember why I chose this profession and continue to choose to remain in this profession.”

Sandra Wright

Remedial Math

Lewis Frasier Middle School

Liberty County

“I stay because I can help make a positive impact on a child’s educational development and lifelong goals.”

Sandra Wright became an educator through serendipity. She had changed her major three times in college before she realized she had enough credit hours to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in elementary education. From her first day in the classroom, she knew she’d made the right choice. “My true passion and calling was revealed and continues to impact the ways I approach work, students, parents, and peers,” she says.

Now, 34 years into her career, she’s facing her greatest challenges in the aftermath of the pandemic. When students returned to school, “they thought they did not have to do any work,” she observes. “They thought since they were promoted (the previous) year without doing anything, it would happen again. With them thinking like this, the behaviors got out of control, and my joy as an educator was being negatively impacted. Yet I remained in the profession.”

“I continue in the profession despite the challenges,” Wright shares, “because it is my purpose ...”

Her school’s administrators help counter that negative impact, she tells PAGE One. “Having the opportunity to work under the leadership of inspiring yet motivating principals and assistant principals (has) encouraged me to continue in the education profession,” she says. “Their leadership styles provided

“I strive daily to develop ways of teaching that covers academics, emotions, and social skills so that my students receive not only a high-quality education, but also become contributing members of a global society,” says Wright.

a positive and supportive work environment; encouraged teamwork, cooperation, and shared decision-making; and communicated a clear vision and mission for their faculty and staff.”

“I continue in the profession despite the challenges,” says Wright, “because it is my purpose to create a positive and encouraging atmosphere that encourages students to believe in their potential and build their confidence in their abilities to learn. I strive daily to develop ways of teaching that covers academics, emotions, and social skills so that my students receive not only a high-quality education, but also become contributing members of a global society.”

“I also believe all children deserve the opportunity to receive a good education, and they deserve to receive it from someone who makes sure that they receive it,” she continues. “I strive to be that person, and I stay because I feel that it is my responsibility to provide that instruction for them. I stay because I enjoy the rewards of seeing the students’ growth, improvements, and successes in both academics and behaviors. I stay because I can help make a positive impact on a child’s educational development and lifelong goals.”

Saleha Ahmed

Classroom Teacher (Math); PBIS Coach; Academic Team Coach

Henderson Middle School

Butts County

“I am always looking for ways to make learning fun and engaging,” says Ahmed.

Having a great relationship with her students is key to Saleha Ahmed’s success as a teacher. “I am always looking for ways to make learning fun and engaging,” she says. “I also try to get to know my students on a personal level. I make sure I attend their games, concerts, and plays. I want them to know that I care about them as people, not just as students.”

Ahmed, who was born and raised in India, has taught for nearly 30 years – several of those in India, Kenya, and Tanzania. She has been at Henderson Middle School since 2002 where she was named Teacher of the Year in 2008. Her husband is a retired high school science teacher, and she credits him with being one of the reasons she chose education as her profession.

She tells PAGE One, “I base my success on three things: meditation, determination, and patience.” Beyond this, doing things she enjoys helps her stay refreshed and motivated. Flexibility is

also essential, she observes. “I will reflect on what didn’t work and learn from it and make the necessary changes.”

At her school, Ahmed finds much-needed support. “We do many team-building activities, and it helps to come together and create the bond among our colleagues,” she says. “This is important especially for new teachers,” she adds.

Maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on her students helps her face challenges, she tells us. “I am a positive person, and I believe this helps me be a better teacher. Norms and routine help me create a positive and productive learning environment. I have a set routine for each day, which helps my students know what to expect. This creates a sense of calmness and stability in the classroom.”

Ahmed continues to feel inspired as a teacher. “It’s a noble profession and calling,” she says. “For me, the reward

“I base my success on three things: meditation, determination, and patience.”

“I also try to get to know my students on a personal level,” Ahmed shares.

is when, after several years, a student comes and lets you know how you taught him or her something, or they remembered the lab we did.”

She continually finds ways to help her students succeed in school and beyond. “Children are going to be children,” she says. “Students have many challenges at home, and for some school is an outlet for anxiety and worries. We, as educators, not only have to teach them content but also how to be successful in real life. We need to show them that we care.”

Michelle Parker

Classroom Teacher, Fourth Grade

South Tattnall Elementary School

Tattnall County

“I stay because I love my job. To know that I can be a part of educating the next generation and contributing to their overall self is why I stay.”

There are many paths to becoming a teacher. For Michelle Parker, that path encompassed returning to school in her early 30s after being inspired by her interaction with the children in her in-home daycare. “I loved seeing them learn new things and being creative,” she recalls.

Now, after 19 years in the classroom, Parker thoroughly loves teaching and plans to remain in the profession longterm. “I stay because I love my job,” she says. “To know that I can be a part of educating the next generation and contributing to their overall self is why I stay. I aim to meet each student where they are, not just academically, but socially and emotionally.”

Though enthusiastic about her work, Parker acknowledges that it’s neither easy nor simple. “Teaching is a rewarding, yet challenging profession,” she tells PAGE One. All educators need to “find their people,” she says. “It could be those in the same grade or those who have the same values as a teacher or person… Spending time with family, self-care, and surrounding myself with like-minded people are ways I counter burnout,” she shares.

For Parker, school and district supports are also essential. “Tattnall County School District offers programs for teachers to thrive in their roles as educa-

Celebrating literacy night. “Teaching is a rewarding yet challenging profession,” says Parker.

tors,” she says, citing the system’s formal mentorship program as well as topic-specific meetings that “give new teachers an overview of common components of their profession.”

“We are fortunate to have great leadership that realizes learning never stops for teachers,” Parker continues. “Working together makes us all stronger as a team.”

Parker is grateful also for the emotional supports available to students in her district. “Students’ mental health due to academic pressure, social media, and trauma can all lead to anxiety and low self-esteem,” she observes. “These issues have to be addressed before any learning can occur. We are very fortunate in Tattnall County School District to have an onsite counselor at each school.”

Parker is also encouraged by the financial outlook for Georgia educators. “Governor Kemp’s pay raises and retention bonuses for teachers have had a tremendous effect on impacting my work as an educator,” she says. “They symbolize our worth, contributions, and (that) our job is valued.”

Each day as a teacher is a joy for Parker. “No two days are the same,” she says. “I aim to foster (students’) growth academically and socially. Developing self-confidence and critical thinking skills are crucial for being successful academically and throughout their lives.”

Parker and her grandson Aiden dressed up for Read Across America Week.

Songea Sichali

Classroom Teacher, Fifth Grade English-Language Arts

Lincoln Elementary Magnet School

Dougherty County

“I am a stubborn optimist and I love what I do. That is why I remain in the profession.”

When Songea Sichali worked in retail 17 years ago, she noticed that many young people seeking employment at the store didn’t know how to complete a job application. “It was heartbreaking to watch young people fail when they were clearly trying to make a difference in their lives, only to be held back by a lack of basic reading, writing, and communication skills,” she tells us. “So, I decided to do something about it.”

That something was her life-transforming decision to become an educator. “If you love what you do and you are making a difference, you are in the right place,” Sichali believes. “To me, teaching is activism against ignorance and economic decline, and I take that very seriously. I am a stubborn optimist and I love what I do. That is why I remain in the profession.”

A major factor in teacher burnout is time, she observes. Sichali copes by creating spaces for herself in which she is someone other than a teacher. “I insist on making time for myself and creating nooks of solace,” she shares. She also indulges in other passions such as gardening, reading, and walking.

“I ensure that I make time for myself and my family,” she says, “and I accomplish this by creating hard stops for my work and accepting the fact that everything will never be done. But if I have given my best, my best is good enough.”

“To me, teaching is activism against ignorance and economic decline,” says Sichali.

While it’s easy to become discouraged about increased workload and other issues, Sichali tells PAGE One she is encouraged by recent developments. “The upcoming pay raise for teachers, as well as the previous bonus, are acknowledgments of our hard work and the need for change in the teaching profession.”

She feels fortunate to work in the Dougherty County School System, where she has observed a “renewed focus on self-care and mental health.” At her school, “it is clear that the administration cares about us as human beings,” she adds.

Sichali credits her longevity to a positive attitude. “I choose happiness every single day and change my mindset when I cannot change the situation,” she says. “My mindset has allowed me to weather the storms in the teaching profession without losing my sense of joy and fulfillment.”

Reading PAGE One and contributing to this article has also been helpful, she tells us. “I appreciate the opportunity to use this platform to express my thoughts and feelings.”

Sichali and her class hosting students from Howard University.

Alison Burkhalter

Teaching as a Profession Pathway and Inclusion Teacher in the Exceptional Education Department

Bartow County College and Career Academy

Bartow County

“The job of a teacher is a big job… but, on the flip side, it is the most important and most rewarding job there is.”

Alison Burkhalter has been teaching for 30 years and is as enthusiastic today as when she was starting out. “God laid on my heart a long time ago that my classroom would be my mission field and I should always do my very best to serve my students to affect them in a positive way,” she says. “I love what I do and love any opportunity to share my passion for working with students.”

All students deserve the best, she tells PAGE One. “The bottom line is, it’s not about me; it’s about the kids.” Her mantra, she says, is to “smile, and always do what is best for the students.”

“It makes me very happy to say that I am still excited and inspired by my career,” says Burkhalter. “My ultimate goal is to motivate my students to become lifelong learners who are unique individuals who are able to think critically in order to solve problems in ev-

eryday life. Watching my students learn and grow is what inspires me.”

“The job of a teacher is a big job,” Burkhalter observes. “There are times that it is stressful and frustrating but, on the flip side, it is the most important and most rewarding job there is. Of

course, I have encountered my share of challenging times in the classroom, but having positive mentors in my career has helped me tremendously.”

For Burkhalter, effectively preparing teachers and those who want to become teachers is, in her view, critical to countering burnout. “I believe it is essential that school systems incorporate a mentor program for those that are new to the profession and new to a school system,” she says. “Also, having programs in high school like Teaching as a Profession to introduce this profession to students who are interested in a career in education and give them an idea of what they are getting into,” she continues.

Burkhalter is committed to all aspects of teacher preparation. “The most meaningful program for the pathway I teach that is offered through PAGE is the Future Georgia Educators events held at colleges across the state,” she tells us. “I have appreciated the work and effort put into these events which have been important in introducing this great profession to my students.”

Forever passionate about teaching, Burkhalter enthusiastically recommends it to others. “I don’t sugar-coat the job,” she says. “But if someone feels in their heart that teaching is the profession for them, then, by all means, teaching is what they should do. It is not an easy career, but we need caring people who love children to come on board to the most important profession.”

Burkhalter with students at an FGE Day at the University of West Georgia.

Burkhalter with family.

IT’s Time To Apply for A PAGE Foundation Scholarship!

APPLY THROUGH MAY 30

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PAGE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS, SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT

WWW.PAGEINC.ORG/SCHOLARSHIPS

Are you a Georgia educator seeking to advance your career through a higher degree?

Maybe you’re a paraprofessional pursuing initial certi cation?

PAGE Foundation scholarships are here to help!

The PAGE Foundation awards scholarships – more than $600,000 to date – to eligible PAGE members seeking to advance their careers through higher degrees and to students aspiring to become educators. Applicants are scored based on academic achievement, recommendations, and written essays. Each scholarship is a one-time cash award payable to the recipient’s college or university.

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.

Who Are They and How Can They Help?

• Wondering who to reach out to when you have questions about your PAGE membership?

• Have an issue or concern that you need to bring to PAGE’s attention — but aren’t sure what department or staff member to contact?

• Interested in scheduling a Code of Ethics presentation at your school or district office?

• Looking for information about a Future Georgia Educators (FGE) program or event?

• Need to know the name of your PAGE building contact or how to subscribe to PAGE Capitol Reports?

For answers to these questions and more, call or email your PAGE Membership Services Representative (MSR) or College Services Representative (CSR). You’ll find MSR contact information on the map to your right and CSR contact information below. If preferred, send an email to membership@pageinc.org.

College Services Representatives

Mary Ruth Ray maryruth@pageinc.org

Kimberly Foster kfoster@pageinc.org

B.J. Jenkins Director of Membership Services, District 5, and Spalding County bjjenkins@pageinc.org

Michele Dechman District 2 mdechman@pageinc.org

PAGE Advocacy During the 2024 Legislative Session

PAGE engages lawmakers on a variety of issues that affect educators and students throughout the year, especially during each session of the Georgia General Assembly. Persistent focus areas of PAGE advocacy include school funding, preventing the expansion of private school vouchers, and enhanced educator pay, benefits, and work-

ing conditions. In collaboration with the PAGE Legislative Advisory Committee, the PAGE legislative team identifies specific issues that require legislative action or have emerged as an area of legislative interest. The team promotes policies that aid educators and students and works to deter those that do not.

The 2024 legislative session was decidedly mixed for Pre-K-12 educators. High points included policymaker approval of educator pay raises and significant appropriations for Pre-K, school safety, and pupil transportation. A low point was the passage of PAGE-opposed legislation creating Georgia’s third private school voucher program.

As illustrated in the graphic to the right, many controversial education bills, despite generating considerable attention, did not make it through both legislative chambers

A summary of PAGE 2024 legislative priorities and advocacy highlights from the session follows. To access the full slate of priorities and learn more about PAGE legislative advocacy, visit www.pageinc.org and choose the Legislative tab.

Highlights: 2024 PAGE Legislative Priorities

Support Georgia’s Literacy Initiative: Educator Professional Learning, Planning Time, and Class Size

• Prioritize educator planning time.

• Increase substitute funding from the current state funding level set in 1985 of $18.75 per day for eight days.

• Lower class sizes to ensure educators can connect with and successfully serve students.

Improve Safety, Discipline, and Mental Health in Schools

• Institute an annual budget allocation for school safety.

• Increase state funding for school counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists.

• Ensure educator well-being by protecting planning time and duty-free lunches, increase state funding for substitute teachers, and provide mental health supports.

Increase Transportation Funding

• Develop and enact a ten-year pupil transportation plan to bring state pupil transportation funding to a 50 percent partnership level with local districts.

Highlights: 2024 PAGE Legislative Advocacy

PAGE Advocacy Efforts Yield Legislative Results

PAGE advocacy directly contributed to the creation of ongoing state funding for school safety, significant appropriation for pupil transportation, and budgetary support for literacy. Passage of these 2024 PAGE priorities and continuous PAGE advocacy to increase educator pay reflects the impact of PAGE’s Gold Dome work and the culmination of multi-year advocacy. Legislative leaders should be thanked for their responsiveness to education appropriation requests and encouraged to address PAGE priorities that did not pass this year in future sessions. In addition to session-specific priorities that will be developed for 2025, PAGE will continue to encourage policymakers to update substitute teacher funding and protect educator planning time.

Successfully advocated for:

• $2,500 pay raise for certified educators.

• 4 percent state funding increase for the salaries of school nutrition workers, bus drivers, school nurses, and staff in Regional Education Service Agencies (RESA).

• $1,000 salary supplement for school custodians.

• $2,500 pay raise for Pre-K lead and assistant teachers, and additional funding for Pre-K classrooms.

• $5.6 million for an increase to the benefit multiplier from $16.50 to $17 for members of the Public School Employees Retirement System.

• $109 million in state funding for school safety, and annual recurring state funding for safety.

• $200 million for pupil transportation, bringing the state closer to parity with local school district funding.

• Funding for Georgia Early Literacy Act implementation.

How the PAGE Legislative Team Advocates

(Front left) Director of Legislative Services Margaret Ciccarelli, mciccarelli@pageinc.org

(Front right) Education Budget and Policy Consultant Claire Suggs

(Back left) Legislative Communications Specialist Robert Aycock, raycock@pageinc.org

(Back right) Legislative Services Specialist Josh Stephens, jstephens@pageinc.org

• Engaging lawmakers: Communicates with policymakers to raise awareness of issues that matter to educators and students.

• Developing and disseminating policy resources: Creates informational resources on relevant policy items including issue briefs, research, survey reports, and bill analyses.

• Monitoring policy landscape: Tracks policy development at the state and federal levels to identify changes that may affect educators and students.

• Collaborating with allies: Communicates and often works collaboratively with other organizations that advocate for public education, including the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders, the Georgia School Superintendents Association, the Georgia School Boards Association, and the Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

• Supporting member advocacy: Organizes PAGE Day on Capitol Hill to provide members an opportunity to engage their representatives directly on key education issues.

Stay in the Know and Join us in Advocating for Educators, Students, and Public Education

Subscribe to PAGE Capitol Reports using the code at right. Or visit www.pageinc.org, choose the Legislative tab, click on Capitol Reports, and select “Subscribe to Capitol Report Blog.”

Advocacy in Action: PAGE Day on Capitol Hill 2024

PAGE advocates daily during each session of the Georgia General Assembly – attending every education-focused meeting, testifying, reporting, and producing the resources you need to stay informed. Each February, this advocacy is amplified when PAGE, in partnership with the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) and the Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (GACTE), hosts PAGE Day on Capitol Hill. This year, nearly 200 educators from throughout the state participated in the event.

In addition to one-on-one advocacy with members of the House and Senate, attendees heard from numerous speak-

ers including State School Superintendent Richard Woods, House Education Chair Chris Erwin, Rep. Bethany Ballard, Rep. David Wilkerson, and Georgia Literacy Coordinator Amy Denty.

Educators are the most effective advocates for public education. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s PAGE Day on Capitol Hill, Feb. 18, 2025. We also encourage you to make your individual voices heard by lawmakers yearround. You can find your legislator’s contact information by entering your home address on the Open States website at www.openstates.org/find_your_legislator. n

Educators are the most effective advocates for public education.

PAGE Director of Legislative Services Margaret Ciccarelli

State School Superintendent Richard Woods

Georgia Literacy Coordinator Amy Denty

PAGE Membership Services Representative Laurie Provost assisting attendees beneath the Gold Dome.

Educators preparing for conversations with legislators. Rep. David Wilkerson Rep. Bethany Ballard

House Education Chair Chris Erwin

In-person advocacy is both effective and enjoyable.

Future Georgia Educators Continues Upward Trend

PAGE – as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the teacher pipeline – witnessed growth again this year in its Future Georgia Educators (FGE) program.

The popular FGE Days, designed with high school students in mind, continued their upward trend during the 2023-2024

school year, seeing a marked increase in participation over the COVID years and experiencing the (good) problem of having to cap registration of several events as the venues reached capacity.

This year, FGE welcomed the College of Education at Clayton State University as a new host institution. Dalton State College and Mercer University resumed sponsorship after a few years’ hiatus.

“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.

Georgia Teacher of the Year, PAGE member Christy Todd, poses for a selfie with students from South Gwinnett High School at 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.

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 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.”

Ray is currently planning the program for the upcoming school year and will post the 2024-2025 FGE Day dates soon. To learn more about PAGE FGE, visit www.pageinc.org/fge n PAGE congratulates all winners of this year’s Future Georgia Educators State Competition:

FGE Moment

Taylor Haines, Carroll County College & Career Academy South

Essay

1st place – Ella Eason, Carroll County College & Career Academy South

2nd place – Madi Beckwith, Thomas County Central High School

3rd place – Kirsten Nowling, Harris County High School

Impromptu Speaking

1st place – Julian Phillips, Henry County Academy for Advanced Studies

2nd place – Isaiah Hindsman, Carroll County College & Career Academy South

3rd place – Gabriella Tossah, South Gwinnett High School

Job Application

1st place – Bree Cleveland, Carroll County College & Career Academy South

2nd place – Erica Ketcham, South Gwinnett High School

3rd place – Abby Borrows, Thomas County Central High School

Prepared Speech

1st place – Addison Martin, Henry County Academy for Advanced Studies

2nd place – Braeden Barlow, Thomas County Central High School

3rd place – Caroline White, Lowndes High School

Knowledge Bowl

1st place – Henry County Academy for Advanced Studies

2nd place – Lowndes High School

3rd place – Harris County High School

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.

College fairs are a key part of FGE Day. Here, students speak with an admissions representative at the Dalton State FGE Day.

Elite Scholars Academy Earns Fourth State Title in Four Years at GAD

Places Fourth in Division at Nationals

Four times competing. Four times state winners.

Not many teams post statistics like these, but Clayton County’s Elite Scholars Academy added another one to the W column this year, winning the state championship at Georgia Academic Decathlon (GAD). The team won the Howard Stroud Trophy with the highest total points at the event, hosted by Kennesaw State University’s Bagwell College of Education. In April, Elite represented Georgia in the United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) 2024 finals in Pittsburgh, PA where they placed fourth nationally among Division III teams.

Nearly 150 high school students from throughout the state competed at GAD – a unique competition in which each nine-member team is made up of three honor students, three scholastic students, and three varsity students as determined by their USAD grade point averages.

Each year, USAD focuses on a particular curriculum topic, and this year’s was Technology & Humanity. GAD’s 10 events are economics, art, literature, mathematics, science, social science, music, public speaking, personal interview, and written essay. Super Quiz is a separate event comprised of questions from all seven of the testing areas.

Armuchee High School placed second in Division II while AR Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School was third.

Columbus High School took top honors in the Division I (large school) competition and is also invited to represent Georgia at the USAD’s National Division IV competition. North Atlanta High School will also travel to Pittsburgh as the Division V representative. Westover High School rounded out Division I’s top three teams.

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.

USAD also sponsors an Online National Competition for Small, Medium, and Large Schools, based on school enrollment, which will be held in conjunction with the national finals. The representatives from Georgia are:

• Colquitt County High School (Large School Online Competition)

• Model High School (Medium School Online Competition)

• Armuchee High School (Small School Online Competition)

B.E.S.T. Academy captured Rookie of the Year honors, awarded to the highest-scoring team making its first appearance at state competition.

Winners in the Super Quiz competition were:

• Champion — Columbus High School

• First Runner-up — North Atlanta High School

• Second Runner-up — Elite Scholars Academy

For a complete listing of all awards, visit www.pageinc.org/gad/gadstatewinners/. n

Clayton County’s Elite Scholars Academy with all the hardware the team and individuals won at the 2024 Georgia Academic Decathlon.

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: River Trail MS Takes Home State Champion’s Trophy

Scott Fowler, coach of the quiz bowl team at Fulton County’s River Trail Middle School, has been eyeing the PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades state champion’s trophy for a while. This year, he beamed as he watched his team lift the award aloft.

After seven top-10 finishes in 10 years, Fowler’s team was among the 24 teams that emerged from regional competition to gather for the final matches of the 2023-2024 school year at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville. River Trail’s team members Kaiden Lee, Sheehan Banka, Kovid Carejo, Justin An, Reyansh Krovi, and Albert Liu advanced through the morning’s round-robin competition to the afternoon’s single elimination championship rounds on their way to accepting their individual winner’s medals.

In second place was River Trail’s neighbor from Forsyth County, Riverwatch Middle School, coached by Ann Hicks.

Rounding out the Elite Eight were:

• Third Place: David T. Howard Middle School (Atlanta Public Schools), coached by Jessica Hughes, Abbi Hurt, and Colin Heydt.

• Fourth Place: North Gwinnett Middle School (Gwinnett County Public Schools), coached by Scott Johnson.

• Fifth Place: Richards Middle School (Muscogee County School District), coached by Andrea Bingham.

• Sixth Place: Lost Mountain Middle School (Cobb County School District), coached by Jennifer Dawson.

• Seventh Place: Five Forks Middle School (Gwinnett County Public Schools), coached by Bill Cate.

• Eighth Place: Bonaire Middle School (Houston County School District), coached by Dianne James and Jalanda Goff.

John Donegan, a retired educator who remains active as a member of the PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades’ Advisory Board, received the Jay Cliatt Award this year.

PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades also honored retired educator and Georgia quiz bowl legend, John Donegan, with the Jay Cliatt Award, given to an individual for “invaluable service and commitment” to the program. The award, which is presented periodically, is named for an advisory board member who passed away several years ago.

Donegan coached the quiz bowl team at Chamblee Middle School in DeKalb County, and his teams won the PAGE Academic Bowl three times and were runners-up twice. Between 2015 and 2021, the team missed the Elite Eight only one time. He continues as a fixture at PAGE Academic Bowl as a member of the Advisory Board, question writer, and reader. n

River Trail Middle School is the 2024 PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades state champion.

Riverwatch coach Ann Hicks gives a few pointers to members of her team before the championship round.

Walton’s Inan, Hollingsworth Named PAGE State STAR Student, Teacher

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.

Parv Mahajan of the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, second from right, is the 2024 State Runner-up 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.

Omer Mustafa Inan of George Walton High School in Cobb County can add State PAGE Student Teacher Academic Recognition (STAR) Student to his growing list of academic accolades. Tamara Hollingsworth – Inan’s choice for STAR Teacher – is the 2024 State PAGE STAR teacher.

On his way to the stage at the state banquet in April, Inan progressed from selection as STAR Student at his local high school to earning honors as a region winner to impressing a slate of judges with his application and interview.

Parv Mahajan of the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology is the runner-up State PAGE STAR Student, and Julia Rachkovskiy, a computer science teacher, is the runner-up State PAGE STAR teacher.

PAGE awarded Inan a $7,500 scholarship while Hollingsworth won $7,500 from the Frances Wood Wilson Foundation. Both of them took home handblown glass vases to commemorate the event. Mahajan earned the $2,500 SouthState Bank Scholarship as state runner-up, and Rachkovskiy won the $2,500 SouthState Bank Award and the $500 Mozelle Christian Award.The runners-up received a handblown glass bowl.

This year, PAGE STAR honored more than 600 students and teachers. From these local winners, 27 were chosen as region winners. On the day of the state STAR banquet, a panel of judges – who had already reviewed lengthy applications –interviewed the region winners before making the difficult decision of choosing the state winner and runner-up.

Students attending accredited high schools in Georgia are eligible to participate in PAGE STAR. Nominated students must meet several criteria, including attaining the highest SAT score at their schools on any single test date through November of their senior year and being in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average.

These students are asked to name their STAR Teachers, who continue with their STAR Students at every level of the program. The educator the students chooses may be any Pre-K through 12 classroom teacher in good standing in an accredited Georgia school system or private school.

Meet the 2024 PAGE STAR Region Winners

Alliance Academy for Innovation

STAR Student: Alexander Thomas

STAR Teacher: Brad Davis

Columbus High School

STAR Student: Raymond Yao

STAR Teacher: Storie Atkins

Coahulla Creek High School

STAR Student: Grayson Sneed

STAR Teacher: Billy Singletary

Creekview High School

STAR Student: Kinley Michelle Sikes

STAR Teacher: Jason Hardin

Decatur High School

STAR Student: Gordon Lichtstein

STAR Teacher: Henry Tsay

Denmark High School

STAR Student: Sebastian Flores

STAR Teacher: Caitlen Stovall

Evans High School

STAR Student: Samuel Joseph Hobbs

STAR Teacher: Steven Hahn

George Walton High School

STAR Student: Andrew David Fang

STAR Teacher: Doug Wolfe

STAR Student: Omer Mustafa Inan

STAR Teacher: Tamara Hollingsworth

STAR Student: Pranaya Balaji

STAR Teacher: Joe League

Georgia Military College High School

STAR Student: William Steinfeld

STAR Teacher: Alisha Rochon

Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology

STAR Student: Parv Mahajan

STAR Teacher: Julia Rachkovskiy

Houston County High School

STAR Student: Shiva Kevin Soundappan

STAR Teacher: Daryl Leslie

Lambert High School

STAR Student: Hudson Zhou

STAR Teacher: Saru Bhardwaj

Lowndes High School

STAR Student: James Lanford Scott

STAR Teacher: Jonathan Payne

North Atlanta High School

STAR Student: Jillian Sara Yoder

STAR Teacher: Elliott Reid

North Gwinnett High School

STAR Student: Jillian Vacha

STAR Teacher: Andrea Boyce

Oconee County High School

STAR Student: John Nesbit

STAR Teacher: Jake Forrester

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

STAR Student: Yumeng He

STAR Teacher: Nicole Ager

Savannah Country Day School

STAR Student: Emiline Wayde Baxter

STAR Teacher: AJ Goldman

South Forsyth High School

STAR Student: Henry Yu

STAR Teacher: Kent Ames

Starr’s Mill High School

STAR Student: Rush William Maples

STAR Teacher: Christie Leanza

Statesboro High School

STAR Student: Eli Compton

STAR Teacher: Ashley Thompson

Thomasville High School

STAR Student: Evan Jacob Ariail

STAR Teacher: Charles Gammel

Ware County High School

STAR Student: Cody Bryan Page

STAR Teacher: Jess Coleman

Wheeler High School

STAR Student: Katherine Taylor Carter

STAR Teacher: Alissa Jean

STAR Student: Kyan Nguyen

STAR Teacher: Paul Chance

To learn more about the PAGE STAR student program and to see more photos from the state banquet, visit www.pageinc.org/star or scan the QR code.

The 2024 PAGE STAR Student region winners, left, and the 2024 PAGE STAR Teacher region winners.

A UGA degree is closer than you think!

The University of Georgia Gwinnett Campus is a vibrant center of advanced learning for working professionals. Students at UGA Gwinnett have the opportunity to earn an advanced degree from the University of Georgia, consistently ranked among the top 25 public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Our academic programs provide students with low student-to-faculty ratios, and we offer evening and Saturday classes so you can pursue an advanced degree while continuing to work full-time.

What we offer:

Mary Frances Early College of Education

Education: Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD)

Educational Administration and Policy (EdS)

Educational Administration and Policy (MEd)

Educational Leadership (EdD)

Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development (EdD)

Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development (MEd)

Professional School Counseling (EdS)

Tier I Educational Leadership Certification

Tier II Educational Leadership Certification

College of Public Health

Public Health (DrPH)

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Industrial / Organizational Psychology (IOMP)

School of Public and International Affairs

Public Administration (MPA)

School of Social Work

Social Work (MSW)

Certificate Programs

Marriage and Family Therapy (Graduate Certificate)

Organization Coaching (Graduate Certificate)

Transformational Leadership (Graduate Certificate)

Georgia Teacher of the Year 2025 Finalists

Announced

Each day, Georgia educators show immense dedication and commitment to helping students succeed. In the spring, the Georgia Department of Education recognizes 10 teachers from throughout the state as finalists for Georgia Teacher of the Year for their exceptional service to students. These finalists will participate in formal interviews and deliver speeches to a panel of judges to determine the 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year (GaTOTY). The selected winner will then embark on a year-long journey as a representative of the teaching profession. The present GaTOTY, will serve through June 30, 2024. The 2025 program winner will serve July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.

“Participation in the Georgia Teacher of the Year program has been life-changing, helping me grow professionally to positively impact my classroom and community,” says current Georgia Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year finalist PAGE member Christy Todd. “I am so excited for our Top 10 finalists to now step onto this stage, where their stories and advocacy efforts can have statewide impact. I can’t wait to meet them!”

Leigha Burnham, Chattooga County

Leigha Burnham is the Library Media & Technology Specialist at Summerville Middle School in Chattooga County. Burnham, a PAGE member, is a veteran Georgia educator with enthusiasm for promoting literacy and STEM education. She started the school’s first STEM program, now expanded to all three grade levels. Burnham believes the best teachers create collaborative and creative environments where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Berry College, a master’s from Jacksonville State University, and a specialist’s degree from the University of West Georgia.

Jenny Cofield, Morgan County

Jenny Cofield is a 12th-grade literature and 9-12 ESOL teacher at Morgan County High School. Cofield, a member of PAGE, works to prepare her students with the skills they need to take on the world once they leave high school. She focuses on projects that connect them with their community. For example, she worked with her students to write, illustrate, and publish a bilingual children’s book. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Valdosta State University and, this spring, was honored as Citizen of the Year by the mayor of Madison, Georgia.

Crystal McDowell, Columbia County

Crystal McDowell, a PAGE member, teaches AP biology, human anatomy and physiology, and genetics at Greenbrier High School in Columbia County. She aims to revive student curiosity and creativity to inspire the next generation of innovators. She advocates for STEM integration, community partnerships, and experiential learning. She holds a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University and master’s and specialist’s degrees from Missouri Baptist University.

Steven McIntyre, Hall County

Steven McIntyre teaches CTAE: Audio and Film Tech at Chestatee High School in Hall County. Before teaching, PAGE member McIntyre spent 12 years working in the broadcast television industry, spending most of his career at WAGA Fox 5 Atlanta. This unique set of experiences allows him to bring a dynamic and real-world experience to the classroom, enabling his students to be storytellers and content creators. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Georgia and will complete a specialist’s degree there in May.

Alicia Reno, City Schools of Decatur

Alicia Reno teaches third through fifth grade STEM/STEAM at Talley Street Upper Elementary School in Decatur. Reno, a member of PAGE, was chosen to design the curriculum and teach all 700 students the magic of STEM. She believes in giving students opportunities to work cooperatively to design thoughtful solutions to real-world problems. For example, through the “Electric House” project, her fifth-grade students design and build a house powered by electric circuits. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University and a master’s from California State University, Los Angeles.

Daisha Taylor, Clayton County

Daisha Taylor teaches fifth-grade math and science at Church Street Elementary School in Clayton County. Taylor, a PAGE member, is the grade-level chair, and believes that learning should be exciting. She strives to meet students where they are by being relatable and connecting with them. Her innovative teaching approach of incorporating music into her lessons has received significant recognition. Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, a master’s from Thomas University, and a specialist’s degree from Mercer University.

Candace Torrence, Marietta City

Candace Torrence teaches gifted students of all grades at A.L. Burruss Elementary School. Torrence, a member of PAGE, has a deep passion for building relationships with students and families as well as pushing students to their maximum potential. Believing that each student has a unique set of gifts, she works to create a platform for them to show and develop those gifts. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Shorter University and a master’s from Grand Canyon University.

Holly Witcher, White County

Holly Witcher is a special education teacher at Tesnatee Gap Elementary School in White County. A member of PAGE, Witcher works to connect her students to the community to build adaptive skills through monthly community-based instruction outings. She also focuses on providing a language-rich classroom and building her students’ ability to communicate effectively. Witcher holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia College and State University and a master’s from the American College of Education.

Ashleigh Wright, Bulloch County

Ashleigh Wright teaches social studies at Southeast Bulloch High School in Bulloch County. Wright, a PAGE member who has been a Teacher of the Year finalist in both Bryan County and Bulloch County, has a lifelong love of learning and finds joy in seeking knowledge. Numerous teachers inspired her, most notably her mother, who was her fourth-grade teacher. She served as the role model for the kind of teacher Wright hoped to be, and now Wright’s own love of learning leads her to share that passion with others. Wright is a triple Eagle, having obtained her bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist’s degrees from Georgia Southern University.

Ashley Young, Lanier County

Ashley Young is an eighth-grade teacher at Lanier County Middle School in Lanier County Schools. Young is a passionate and dedicated teacher with an infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy for teaching, which has earned her a special place in the hearts of students and colleagues alike. She works to take education beyond the four walls of the classroom and connect with the community. For example, through “Genius Hour Projects,” her students choose an area of interest and either produce a project or reach a goal. She was born and raised in Lanier County and is a graduate of Valdosta State University.

Resources for Educators Regarding Violence in Schools

Unfortunately, educators are occasionally faced with violence or threats of violence in schools. School safety is an important topic throughout the nation. Educators want and need a safe environment for themselves and their students. Georgia, like other states, has a law that requires every public school to have a school safety plan. These school safety plans are to be prepared with input from students, parents, teachers, community leaders, other district employees, local law enforcement, juvenile court, fire service, public safety, and emergency management agencies. The plans must provide for coordination with local law enforcement agencies and the local juvenile court system. Al-

though educators must be trained on these plans, many have continued concerns about safety and are unsure about steps they can or should take when it comes to violence committed by students. This article includes resources and important actions educators should take when faced with concerns of violence. Please keep in mind that the discipline of special education students must comply with a separate set of laws under the IDEA and therefore, the following disciplinary actions are not always applicable to these students.

First and foremost, be knowledgeable about your school safety plan, other applicable local policies and procedures, as well as the student code of conduct. Identifying, reporting, and addressing concerning student behaviors is critical and can help stop violence before it happens. Document the concerning behavior and report it immediately to an administrator and then to the school counselor and school resource officer, when necessary.

“Identifying, reporting, and addressing concerning student behavior is critical and can help stop violence before it happens.”

Student Violence or Threats Toward Another Student

If a student attempts or threatens to inflict injury on another student, it could be considered “bullying” under O.C.G.A. section 20-2-751.4. In addition, any intentional display of force that would give the victim reason to fear immediate bodily harm, or any intentional written, verbal, or physical act that a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass, or intimidate also falls within the definition of bullying. Every school district in Georgia must have a policy that prohibits bullying, and those policies shall have a requirement that any teacher or other school employee who has a reasonable suspicion that someone is the target of bullying must immediately report it to the school principal. In turn, the school administration must promptly investigate and determine if bullying has occurred.

Steps to take when a teacher suspects bullying, as defined above:

1. Immediately report the suspicion to administration and follow up with written documentation of the student’s behavior and the method and timing of the teacher’s report.

2. Check your local policy for further procedures.

3. Ensure that the parents of the victim are notified.

4. Even while an administrative investigation is pending to determine if bullying has occurred, have a discussion with administration about how to best protect and support the victim. This includes someone, like the school counselor, interviewing the victim to determine how the victim feels.

Student Violence or Threats Toward an Educator or Other School Employee

Every Georgia school district must have policies and a student code of conduct that provide for penalties against students found by a disciplinary tribunal, panel, or hearing officer to have committed any act of physical violence against a teacher, school bus driver, or other school official or employee. O.C.G.A. section 20-2-751.6 (b) Physical violence means: “(1) Intentionally making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the person of another; or (2) Intentionally making physical contact which causes physical harm to another unless such physical contacts or physical harms were in defense of himself or herself.”

O.C.G.A. section 20-2-751.6 (a) A disciplinary hearing shall be held when there is an alleged assault or battery by a student upon any teacher or other school employee if such teacher or other school employee requests it. O.C.G.A. section 20-2-753 A student found during a disciplinary hearing to have committed physical violence against the teacher which resulted in harm shall be expelled from the school system or be placed in an alternative education program. O.C.G.A. section 20-2-751.6 (c) (1) If the local board does not operate an alternative education program for students in kindergarten through grade six, the local board at its discretion may permit such a student in these grades to reenroll in the system. Finally, the school administration, disciplinary hearing officer or the local board of education, may when an alleged criminal action by a student occurs, report the incident to law enforcement for investigation to determine if criminal charges or delinquent proceedings should be initiated. O.C.G.A. section 20-2-756

Steps to take when a teacher has been subjected to or threatened with physical violence by a student:

1. Write up the student and take it immediately to administration.

2. Obtain a copy of the student code of conduct and review it.

3. If it is a teacher’s desire that the student be sent to a disciplinary hearing and it is not already being done, request it in writing.

4. If it is the teacher’s desire that the incident be reported to local law enforcement and it is not already being done, request it in writing to the administration.

Helpful Resources Regarding School Safety, Prevention of Violence, and Assessment of Threats

Dealing with school violence is not something anyone wants to face and an issue that can leave educators feeling anxious and distracted from performing their duties. If you are fearful for your safety or the safety of the students, speak up and report this to the administration in writing.

In addition to your school safety plan, the Georgia Department of Education has many resources available to school districts and educators that address school safety. You’ll find them here: https://www.gadoe.org/wholechild/

Jill Hay is PAGE general counsel and director of legal services. A graduate of Florida State University College of Law, Jill has a wealth of knowledge and experience in K-12 education law. Jill has served PAGE members since 1994.

PAGE Welcomes Abbey Williams as Communications Specialist

Launching her career with PAGE was a meaningful step for Abbey Williams, who joined the Communications Team in November. For the recent Kennesaw State University graduate, it was a heart-driven decision that aligns seamlessly with her commitment to supporting educators and giving back.

And, with friends and family in the teaching profession, Williams knows the challenges educators face and the impact they have on students.

“PAGE isn’t just a workplace,” Williams observes. “It’s a supportive family. It’s an organization that values collaboration and mutual support – something I was eager to be part of.”

During her university years, Williams didn’t simply attend classes. She learned everything she could about the exciting realms of marketing and social media.

“For me, college wasn’t solely about getting good grades,” Williams notes. “It was also about soaking up every bit of insight I could.” Outside the classroom, she gained real-world experience by working with various clients and businesses, adding her skills to their marketing and social media strategies. The game-changer, however, came when she joined forces with a nonprofit organization.

“This experience ignited my desire to be part of something bigger, and it led me straight to PAGE – an organization that resonates with my values and desire to help others.”

Reflecting on her high school years, Williams describes a personal experience that underscores her belief in the transformative power of educators. She vividly recalls the influence of a teacher, Robin Fogg, who became her mentor when she struggled with learning methods and productivity. Fogg

not only helped Williams improve her grades, but she also provided her with invaluable study habits.

“We must continue to support and encourage educators because of the significant impact they have on a student’s life,” says Williams, “just as my teacher did for me by showing me what I was capable of and helping me understand myself, which allowed me to be where I am today.”

Outside the office, Williams’ interests include hiking, camping, seeking adventures, playing bass guitar, and crafting. n

“We must continue to support and encourage educators because of the significant impact they have on a student’s life, just as my teacher did for me by showing me what I was capable of and helping me understand myself, which allowed me to be where I am today.”

PAGE O cers and Board of Directors

President Khrista Henry

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

District 10 To Be Filled

Serving members in Clarke, Columbia, Burke, Elbert, Glascock, Greene, Hancock, Je erson, Lincoln, McDu e, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Richmond, Talliaferro, 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 2

Dr. Brecca Pope

Serving members in Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Colquitt, Decatur, Doughterty, 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

President-Elect Daerzio Harris Treasurer Lamar Scott Secretary Dr. Susan Mullins

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 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, Meriwhether, 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

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA EDUCATORS

The articles and advertisements published in PAGE One represent the views of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, except where clearly stated.

To submit a topic for consideration, visit www.pageinc.org and select PAGE One Magazine.

For advertising rates and opportunities, contact Sherry Gasaway of New South Publishing: 678-689-8303 or sherry@newsouthpublishing.net

Contributions/gifts to the PAGE Foundation are deductible as charitable contributions by federal law. Costs for PAGE advocacy on behalf of members are

Passionate about clear, engaging communications, Ramona is an alumna of UCLA who honed her craft in the lm industry before founding a Georgiabased creative agency. An education policy fellow and former district II chair of the Georgia School Public Relations Association, Ramona led DeKalb County School District’s stakeholder engagement initiative – launching an award-winning magazine and branding campaign. Ramona joined the PAGE Communications team in 2019.

not deductible. PAGE estimates that seven percent of the nondeductible portion of dues is allocated to advocacy.

PAGE One (ISSN 1523-6188) ©copyright 2024 is mailed to all PAGE members, selected higher education units, and other school-related professionals. An annual subscription is included in PAGE membership dues.

A subscription for others is $10 annually. Periodicals class nonpro t postage paid at Atlanta, GA, and additional mailing o ces. (USPS 017-347) Postmaster: Send address changes to PAGE One, P.O. Box 942270, Atlanta, GA 31141–2270.

PAGE One is published quarterly by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators. ©Copyright 2024.

The PAGE One Team

A member of the PAGE sta since 2020, Dolly brings to PAGE experience in the Atlanta news media, in higher education, and at several non-pro ts.

An Agnes Scott College alumna and Leadership DeKalb graduate, she has garnered top awards for writing and photography from Georgia Press Association, Suburban Newspapers of America, Georgia PTA, and others. She is NW Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity’s photographer and an avid dog enthusiast in her spare time.

As the newest member of PAGE Communications and a recent graduate of Kennesaw State University, Abbey contributes her creativity, insight, and passion to the PAGE One team. Prior to joining PAGE sta , Abbey contracted with various clients, non-pro ts, and businesses, developing innovative initiatives and strategies to take their communications and marketing campaigns to the next level.

To contact the PAGE One team, email us at pageone@pageinc.org.

Cover design by Dolly Purvis

Ramona Mills Communications Director Executive Editor/Writer

Dolly Purvis Communications Specialist Writer/Photographer

Abbey Williams Communications Specialist Coordinator/Writer

IMAGINE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING CREATED FOR YOUR WORLD

PAGE VIRTUAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: AT YOUR OWN PACE IN YOUR OWN SPACE

Chart your own path with Impact 101, a professional learning experience where YOU decide what to focus on. Community, creativity, and customization are emphasized in this course to help you implement the “one big thing.”

Set a course for encouragement with Uplift!, a series of encouraging posts that, when taken together, equate to a sincere statement of gratitude for what you and other great educators do – day in, day out, year after year.

Visit www.pageinc.org/professional-learning or scan the QR code to learn more

PAGE Online Annual Business Meeting Will Be Open May 15 Through May 31.

PAGE encourages all members to participate.

If unable to access the link, send an email to info@pageinc.org for assistance.

With the close of the school year swiftly approaching, so too is your opportunity to elect PAGE leadership and review annual reports.

The online PAGE Annual Business Meeting is open May 15 through May 31.

On or after May 15, access the Online Business Meeting through the link on the PAGE website or in the message sent May 15 to all members at the email address on file with PAGE. Through the link, you will be able to:

• View this year’s Membership report

• View this year’s PAGE, PAGE Foundation, and Legal Defense Fund financial reports

• Vote for the SY 2024-25 slate of PAGE officers and district directors

Access the meeting link through one of these sources and cast your vote by midnight, Friday, May 31, 2024.

MASTER OF EDUCATION

The M.Ed in Educational Leadership addresses the Georgia Educational Leadership Standards using personalized and authentic learning experiences in the school setting. The primary candidate is a certified classroom teacher who wishes to begin a career in educational administration.

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