From the President

For many of our students, the first encouraging word of the day may come from a bus driver, a cafeteria worker serving them breakfast or an administrator whose warm greeting offers a chance for a great start to the day. And we all know that the best public relations asset in many schools is the secretary’s always-dependable smile. It takes all of us doing our individual jobs to make our mark on the students we serve; hence, we all stand together as one.

One of my favorite stories is “The Dot” by Peter Reynolds. In the story, a teacher’s celebration of a child’s shaky first attempt at drawing fuels the child’s desire to make her mark in a big way. The newly minted artist then goes on to inspire another student lacking confidence. Georgia teachers kindle such fires of enthusiasm in their students every day.

However, in these stressful times of TKES, LKES, SLOs, RTI and funding cuts, we also must mindfully spark fires of enthusiasm among our colleagues. It is tempting to be negative when critics surround us, let alone the fact that our salaries have not increased in years. Instead, however, we must focus on the professionalism that has been the hallmark of outstanding Georgia educators. We must derive inspiration from knowing that we are the latest in a lineage of great teachers.

For the remainder of this school year, I challenge you to stay focused on the professionalism that you bring to your classroom each day. Beyond giving your all to your students, make a point to stay informed, inspire your colleagues and become active in the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.

Find inspiration wherever you can. Beyond my daily conversations with Georgia educators, I am inspired by Maya Angelou, whose words hang above my desk: “We can only guess at the range of your influence... Where you have impacted one person … and through that one, thousands … and through those thousands, millions.” n Leslie Mills

In these stressful times of TKES, LKES, SLOs, RTI and funding cuts, we must mindfully spark fires of enthusiasm among our colleagues. We must derive inspiration from knowing that we are the latest in a lineage of great teachers.

The University of Georgia’s classroom and online programs are designed to make it easy and efficient for teachers to increase their knowledge, enhance their capabilities, and advance their professional careers.

• Advanced Placement® Summer Institute classroom sessions. UGA and the College Board offer subject-specific professional development to equip teachers with the content and resources needed to enhance their teaching of AP® courses. These workshops provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and information with peers.

• Professional Interpreter in Education certificate program. UGA’s instructor-led online training expands career options for bilingual individuals who work in schools or educational settings. This certificate program is designed to increase participants’ professional skills to better serve non-English-speaking students and their families.

• Developmental Therapy-Teaching online certificate program. UGA’s professional guidance program for educators that connects best practices in mental health and special education. DTT teaches social, emotional, and behavioral competencies that are necessary for elementary through high school students to be successful.

• Instructional Design and eLearning certificate ® is a new 60-hour online, instructor-led program created by the University of Georgia. Participants will learn the systematic principles of design in order to analyze instructional needs, develop clear instructional goals, and create authentic eLearning experiences.

College Board, AP®, and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.