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50 Years of PAGE One Five Decades of the Premier Magazine for Georgia Educators

ALSO: Georgia’s Teacher of the Year | PAGE Foundation Scholarship Winners | More

Academic excellence, local convenience.

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Contents 4 In This Issue 5 Meet The President 6 From The President

Professional Association of Georgia Educators | Fall 2025

8 From The Executive Director 14 Georgia Teacher of the Year

EDITORIAL STAFF Craig Harper Executive Director Ramona Mills Director of Communications; PAGE One Executive Editor / Writer

19 COVER STORY: 50 Years of PAGE One

Abbey Williams Communications Specialist; PAGE One Production Coordinator GUEST WRITERS THIS ISSUE Anjana Kallarackal Lindsay Field Penticuff Dolly Purvis Jennifer Todd

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Official Publication of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators Vol. 46 No. 3 Now celebrating 50 years of service to Georgia educators and students, the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) is the state’s largest and most trusted educator association.

PAGE exists to support our members who work in every Georgia public school. Through unparalleled legal coverage, one-on-one coaching, legislative advocacy, professional learning, grants, scholarships, and more, PAGE helps members succeed in all stages of their careers. And, through programs such as STAR (Student and Teacher Achievement Recognition), FGE (Future Georgia Educators), GAD (Georgia Academic Decathlon), and Academic Bowl for Middle Grades, PAGE honors and encourages excellence in education.

62 PAGE Scholarship Winners 66 Legal: Personal Cell Phone Use While on School Grounds

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In This Issue

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ALSO: Georgia ’s Teacher of the Year | PAGE Fou ndation Scholar ship Winners |

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his issue of PAGE One is the last of its kind. It is the final regular print edition of the award-winning magazine that has spanned the entirety of the association’s 50-year history. I have often marveled at the incredible foresight PAGE founders exhibited when, amid all the pressing work at the time, they launched a publication to serve as an important source of information for members. They were passionate visionaries and innovators who built an organization that continues to adapt and evolve in its service to Georgia educators. The transformation of PAGE One from a print magazine to a digital format is an example of the forward momentum that has become a hallmark of the association.

On pages 8 and X 9 of this issue, PAGE Executive Director Craig Harper chronicles many of the factors that have brought the magazine to this moment of transition. In doing so, he also shares insight into what happens next – an online publication that will continue PAGE One’s tradition of excellence within the digital sphere. On pages 18 through X, this issue’s cover story features a decade-by-decade retrospective of some of the top PAGE One articles from 50 years of service to members. Our team truly enjoyed the journey through time that bringing this cover story to fruition required. It is our hope that you enjoy it as well.

More

The Georgia Department of Education has named Rachel Kinsaul Georgia Teacher of the Year for 2026. Her term will begin in July. You’ll meet her here on pages 14 through 16 of this issue.

Thank you to all who participated in this year’s online business meeting to cast your vote for the 2025-26 slate of officers and directors. In June, PAGE welcomed newly elected president Brecca Pope (page 5) and new board members Colt Brockington (page 56), Sherrie Hubbard (page 58) and Deborah Lucas (page 60). You can learn more about each of them in this issue.

Each year, the PAGE Foundation awards scholarships to dedicated applicants throughout the state. On pages 62 through 65, you’ll hear from each of the 2025 recipients.

We hope you enjoy all that you will discover in this final print edition of PAGE One. Our team looks forward to continuing to bring you excellent content as we launch our online presence next year . n

Ramona Mills PAGE Communications Director PAGE One Executive Editor / Writer

Meet the President

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PAGE ONE | 5

From the President

We Are All Mentors: Building a Culture of Community in Schools “Mentors who tailor their support – whether through differentiated instruction, personalized check-ins, or scaffolded opportunities – make lasting impacts.”

I

n the ever-evolving realm of education, one truth remains constant: we are all mentors.

Whether you’re a veteran teacher, a new educator, a student leader, or a support staff member, your experiences, actions, and words have vast potential to guide and inspire others. This responsibility embraces the idea that mentoring can – and should – be embedded in the culture of our schools and classrooms.

There is power in shared experiences. When we open up to one another by sharing our successes, challenges, and goals, we create opportunities for genuine connection. These moments of vulnerability build trust and engagement. Students, novice teachers, and even seasoned professionals often feel isolated in their struggles, but when we share openly, we validate their experiences and invite them into a supportive circle.

One of the most impactful ways to harness this power is by intentionally building communities within your school and classroom. Community is not exclusively about collaboration; it is also about fostering a sense of belonging. When students and educators feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to engage with and support one another. Bonding activities are a great place to start. Whether a classroom tradition, a team-building game, or a collaborative project, these interactions create an inner circle where all members feel included. These moments of connection aren’t accidental; they’re the result of careful thought and paying attention to details.

6 | PAGE ONE

This August, Pope enjoyed welcoming students, including rising first-grader Scarlett Sowell pictured with her father Tucker Sowell, to the new school year.

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“Community is not exclusively about collaboration; it is also about fostering a sense of belonging.”

(L to R) Pope, PAGE Staff Attorney Mrs.Tina Folsom, and Thomas County Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams attended the Thomas County Schools’ back-toschool faculty meeting as staff returned for the 2025-2026 school year.

It’s in the small things: noticing when a student is unusually quiet, taking the suggestion of an induction teacher, or remembering a colleague’s personal milestone. These small gestures go a long way toward making someone feel that they belong, and they help build a culture where community and understanding thrive. Recognizing that students and induction teachers have unique needs and learning styles is essential. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. What helps one person thrive might leave another struggling. That’s why meticulous planning or simply going the extra mile can yield superior gains and rewards.

Mentors who tailor their support – whether through differentiated instruction, personalized check-ins, or scaffolded opportunities – make lasting impacts.

As our society evolves, so too must our methods. The tools and strategies that may have worked when you were just beginning your career may not be relevant today. The pace of change, from technology to student demographics to learning modalities, demands flexibility, innovation, and constant reflection. This doesn’t mean discarding everything from the past. Instead, it’s about merging the wisdom of experience with a willingness to learn and grow. It’s about modeling what lifelong learning looks like for students, for colleagues, and for ourselves.

At its heart, this is about creating a culture that prioritizes community, empathy, and connection over competition or hierarchy, and within which everyone feels they belong, everyone has something to contribute, and everyone is both a learner and a teacher. Ultimately, we are all mentors, and in embracing this role, we not only support each other but we also transform our classrooms and schools into spaces where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

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One of the many things I love about my service on the PAGE Board of Directors is seeing firsthand that the organization aligns with this same vision and purpose. From targeted legislative advocacy and hosting an annual Day on Capitol Hill for direct advocacy by educators, to professional learning, grants, scholarships, recognition programs, and one-to-one coaching available to all members, PAGE is continually providing community and mentorship to Georgia educators. If you’re not already taking advantage of all the benefits and services available to you as a PAGE member, I encourage you to do so.

In our classrooms and schools, during this year and beyond, let’s continue to share our stories, listen to others, and build communities that lift up everyone. The journey is ongoing, but the rewards are extraordinary. n Signature to come

Dr. Brecca Pope

Passionate about fostering strong school communities and ensuring that students and educators have the support they need to thrive, Dr. Brecca Pope currently serves as assistant superintendent for administrative services with Thomas County Schools. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Valdosta State University, and an Education Specialist and Doctorate in Educational Leadership fom Xxxxx Xxxxx.

PAGE ONE | 7

From the Executive Director

A Milestone Year for PAGE and a Big Change for PAGE One

Throughout each decade, PAGE staff, the Board of Directors, and many volunteers and partners have been proud of what we’ve built.

8 | PAGE ONE

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W

hat an exciting, milestone year PAGE is experiencing as we celebrate 50 years of excellent service to Georgia educators. In 1975, PAGE began as a big idea to found a Georgia-focused, non-partisan association emphasizing educators’ roles as experts working to improve the profession in the best interest of students. How far we’ve come since then! From initial meetings in Paul Copeland’s’ living room and only a few hundred members to more than 92,000 today. Extending and enhancing membership benefits in response to educators’ needs propelled PAGE’s phenomenal growth. Initial services that included liability insurance and legislative advocacy quickly grew with the addition of on-staff legal representation, professional learning, student programs, and scholarships. The most recent benefit enhancements provide 1:1 coaching and $100,000 in annual educator grants.

Throughout each decade, PAGE staff, the Board of Directors, and many volunteers and partners have been proud of what we’ve built. It has all happened because PAGE is an association created and sustained by educators for educators. Thank you for being central to our success and for trusting PAGE to serve you as you serve others. You can review some of our history at www.page50.org. Further, you can share your experiences with PAGE at www. page50.org/submit. I hope you’ll contribute your story to our history book.

This edition of PAGE One highlights just a tiny fraction of the quality content shared with members since 1975. Since its founding, PAGE One has been an excellent resource for Georgia educators, addressing legal, legislative, and policy issues and championing great educators who are leading the way in areas including instruction, technology, and relationship building.

As we consider our next 50 years, the leadership team continually thinks about how to serve you better while being good stewards of our resources. In keeping with that commitment, this issue of PAGE One is the final regular edition. It will be

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followed by a Special Anniversary Edition later this year that will celebrate the association’s five decades of service. PAGE One is not going away. Rather, the delivery method of the award-winning publication will be changing. Early next calendar year, it will transform into a web-based digital magazine with the same level of quality content you’ve come to expect.

This decision has not been an easy one. It has been difficult and deliberate, especially for someone with more than 35 years’ experience writing, editing, and producing printed communications. The three most pressing reasons are resource-related: paper, postage, and production. Those three “Ps” add up to substantial cost. As we have all experienced in recent years, the cost of goods and services has increased significantly. While costs have gone up, so has the content volume over the past 5 years as the page count has increased from an average of 32 pages to 60 or more. That requires more staff time to research, write, edit, and produce. An interim step to address those costs was reducing the annual publishing schedule from five regular issues to three plus a New Member Special Edition.

Two additional non-production reasons are pace and the postal service. With our 24/7 connectivity and the speed at which issues affecting education occur, a more dynamic mode of communication will keep you informed with greater timeliness than a traditional magazine which takes many weeks to produce, print, and mail. The recurring features readers are accustomed to from the PAGE Legal and Legislative staff will still be shared, along with stories about all our services from Membership, Coaching, Professional Learning, and the PAGE Foundation.

The PAGE Communications team and I look forward to this new iteration of PAGE One. We’re committed to enhancing the methods by which we inform you about critical issues for educators, highlight member accomplishments, and share PAGE services.

Thank you for choosing to contribute to the PAGE story and our success together. n

Craig Harper Executive Director

Executive Director Craig Harper joined PAGE in 2015 after more than 22 years in Georgia public school leadership positions, including experience with human resources, professional learning, school safety, student services, and policy. Harper holds a master’s in public administration from Valdosta State University.

PAGE ONE | 9

BY EDUCATORS FOR EDUCATORS An Exclusive Benefit Offered by No Other Georgia Educator Association A unique, personalized service by educators for educators, PAGE Coaching is an exclusive, membersonly benefit available to you throughout your career as a PAGE member. And, because PAGE Coaching is completely confidential, you’ll be able to address even the most difficult and sensitive topics.

All PAGE coaches are experienced educators skilled at mentoring, counseling, conflict resolution, relationship building, and educator best practices. Areas of expertise include regular education, special education, and leadership.

All PAGE coaches are experienced educators. Areas of expertise include regular education, special education, and leadership.

10 | PAGE ONE

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Are You...

Experiencing burnout and in need of support, resources, and strategies?

Needing insight to help refine classroom management plans or effectively counter disruptive behavior?

Seeking proven strategies for dealing with parental complaints or concerns?

Looking for information and assistance as you address challenging situations with students, peers, or administrators?

Desiring insight and encouragement as you consider growth opportunities and next-level career development?

PAGE coach Dr. Felicia Moss Mayfield during a virtual meeting with a participant.

About PAGE Coaching • PAGE Coaching supports and empowers you by providing the assistance you need when you need it.

• It’s available in all areas of the state.

• It’s completely confidential.

• And, most importantly, it works. Since its inception in fall 2023, PAGE Coaching has assisted 400 members in 114 school districts.

Ready To Sign Up? Accessing PAGE Coaching is simple.

All you need to do is fill out a request form and we’ll take it from there.

Scan the QR code or visit www.bit.ly/3vVZo7F.

At your request, PAGE will pair you with a professional coach for one-on-one sessions dedicated to assisting with your specific challenges. You’ll meet virtually to identify foundational issues.

Your coach will then work with you to determine next actions to effectively address those issues.

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PAGE ONE | 11

Applications open Oct. 5!

2025 PAGE EDUCATOR GRANT

Innovative supplies and resources to enhance an educator’s effectiveness with students and help propel them to new heights of confidence and achievement are often beyond financial reach.

BUY INNOVATIVE MATERIALS

PURCHASE VITAL GEAR

In response, PAGE created a program designed to provide recipients with funds to support goals for students as well as further their individual goals as Georgia educators.

Available to all members who haven’t previously received an Educator Grant. FPO pending detail for Up to $100,000 in cumulative funds will be awarded this school year! Funds to be disbursed as individual reimbursement grants of up to $500.

the 2025 program

Applications open Sunday, Oct. 5, and close Sunday, Oct. 26.

For more details and to apply, visit www.pageinc.org/grants or scan the QR code.

PLAN AN ENRICHING EXPERIENCE

Need to Contact PAGE? Here’s How. 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 To locate your Membership Services Representative, visit www.pageinc.org/membership.

Congratulations on 50 Years of Excellence!

Thank you for supporting and empowering Georgia's teachers, students and schools. The College of Education & Human Development at Georgia State University celebrates your unwavering dedication to educational excellence and statewide advocacy.

Georgia State University’s College of Education & Human Development is a proud region sponsor of the PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program.

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PAGE ONE | 13

Rachel Kinsaul Named 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year “If You’re Excited, Your Students Will Be Too.”

M

organ County High School’s Rachel Kinsaul, 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year, is the kind of teacher students remember decades later.

In her case, she’ll be the memory wearing floral overalls and muddy boots. And she’ll have a grin on her face like she just won the lottery – or, better yet, like one of her students just won a grand champion market hog rosette.

Her enthusiasm – joyful, experimental, and student-centered – isn’t accidental.

It’s intentional. “If you’re excited, your students will be too,” she says.

Whether planting seeds in agricultural science class or coaching students through their first livestock show as FFA chapter advisor, Kinsaul strives to make her excitement contagious, even when the work is messy.

The nerve center of her curriculum is the school’s environmentally controlled livestock barn, a $1 million project completed under Kinsaul’s leadership. She spearheaded the fundraising effort to give all students the chance to raise and show animals regardless of where they live

Kinsaul is Georgia’s Teacher of the Year for 2026.

“The biggest thing that helps me “Most kids can’t keep a pig in their build relationships with students backyard,” Kinsaul notes. “We live in a rural area, but many of my kids live in is all the time that I can spend just subdivisions or in town. Students are able to house their animals here, which opens up the door to a lot more students.” talking to them, not necessarily The barn also gives Kinsaul more oneon-one time with her students. The same about school things, but about is true of livestock shows, where she takes advantage of long stretches of downtime their interests, and what they’re to teach and build relationships. doing this weekend.”

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“We’re all career tech teachers; we’re all preparing students for a career in some way.”

Kinsaul with fellow Teacher of the Year finalists.

“Livestock shows are hurry up and wait,” she says. “You’ve got to get your pig checked in, then wait for showmanship class. Hurry up and get ready, then wait again. There are so many opportunities to teach the kids about the livestock industry and to get to know them.”

That in-between time – whether at shows, in her classroom ecosystem, or on a bus – is where Kinsaul says she does some of her best work: listening, building trust, and connecting what students care about to what they’re learning. It’s also time that supports greater teacher clarity, making space for relationships that deepen understanding and keep students engaged.

“The biggest thing that helps me build relationships with students is all the time that I can spend just talking to them, not necessarily about school things, but about FALL 2025

their interests, and what they’re doing this weekend,” Kinsaul says.

Kinsaul also credits much of her success to the creative freedom she’s been given over the years.

“I’ve had an administration that has let me run with my creativity, let me run with passion projects, and said, ‘wow,’ before they said ‘how,’” she adds.

She has turned that autonomy into a classroom culture where high expectations meet hands-on fun. From plant sales to quirky FFA fundraisers, there’s always something on the calendar to keep everyone motivated.

Kinsaul didn’t always plan to become a teacher. Imagining a very different career path, she earned a bachelor’s degree in

animal science and a master’s in agricultural leadership from the University of Georgia. But then one summer experience sparked her desire to teach – and she never looked back.

While working at a ranch camp in Wyoming while on summer break, she discovered how much she loved helping kids connect with animals, the land, and each other.

“I fell in love with the chaos of it,” she says. “The kids, the animals, the learning — it all came together. I knew then this was what I was supposed to do.”

As Georgia Teacher of the Year, Kinsaul plans to focus on issues where she currently has expertise: advocacy and career education.

PAGE ONE | 15

She also hopes to impress upon educators statewide that career readiness is taught in every classroom.

“All teachers are providing students with career skills,” Kinsaul asserts. “Kindergarten and first-grade teachers are teaching students how to interact with each other and resolve conflict, which is a huge career skill. Math teachers are giving students base knowledge that they’re going to be able to build upon and that they will use in their careers. We’re all career tech teachers; we’re all preparing students for a career in some way.”

As Georgia Teacher of the Year, Kinsaul plans to focus on issues where she currently has expertise: advocacy and career education.

“I’ve been preparing for this role for my entire career, because a huge portion of what I do is work with the community, sitting on boards and advocating for different agricultural issues throughout our community and throughout the state,” Kinsaul explains. “I’m excited to get to advocate for education because now I’m able to throw those two things in the same ring.”

Her work has earned recognition beyond the barn. In addition to being named Georgia Teacher of the Year, Kinsaul received the prestigious national 2025 Milken Educator Award, the Young Alumni Achievement Award from UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and, together with her husband Jason, the 2019 Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Award for Excellence in Agriculture, where they placed among the national top 10.

Still, it’s the students who matter most to Kinsaul.

“When I see a student who didn’t think they had anything to contribute transform into a leader, that’s everything to me,” she says. n

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2016-2025 March/April 2019

Taking the Pas sion

educ ation

for Teaching Beyond the Cla ssroom

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comm unity

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August/September 2020

A Most Unusual Time

PAGE and Georgia Educators Innovate in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

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CATORS

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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCI

WINTER 2023

TEACHERS HELPING TEACHERS

TEACHERS HELPINGMTEENTORING ACHERS: POWERFUL IVES POWERFTU RA LNMSEFONRTMOSRLIN G TRANSFORMS LIVES

Grants rships & | Scholaati l Assembly Generably ons Open Now Georgial Ass plic the Ap to nt cy Gra oca | Adv tive em isla Leg era ALSO: e Advocacy to the Gen

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1/5/23 3:02 PM

A strong mentorship progra and veteran teachers alike in m can positively impact new This impact extends to stude extraordinary and lasting ways. nts, families, and school comm unities.

PAGE.indd 991

By Scotty Brewington Teaching is highly reward

ing — and highly challen ging.

New teachers have a lot to overcome: There are lessons to plan, names to memorize, school and dist rict procedures to navigate, clas srooms to manage, and relationships to build. Som e of this is referred to in college textbooks. In rea lity, most is learned on the job.

Veteran teachers face obs tacles also: There is everevolving technology to ma ster and a steady supply of new information to integra te into lesson plans.

Established classroom rou tines and approaches can become stale, and the pas sion that originally brough t 24 | PAGE One

educators to the profession can wane, contributing to teacher burnout.

A strong mentorship pro gram can positively imp act new and veteran teacher s alike in extraordinary and lasting ways. This impact extends to students, fam ilies, and school communities.

In mentor relationships, newer teachers rely on other teachers to bridge the gap both professionally and personally between what they learned in school and what they’re encountering in the classroom. These colleag ues serve as a trustworthy, non -judgmental support syst em to get them through the learning curve of their firs t year teaching or first year in a new school system.

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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA EDUCATORS

FALL 2024

ess c c u S ls e u F g SPOTLIGHT ON in h PAGE Coac eed N u o Y lp e H e h t g

by ProvidinLITERACY . it d e e N u o Y n e h W • Legislation • Training • Implementation tion President

rdy, PAGE Founda

By Dr. Hayward Co egic Partnerships rat St of r and Directo my two grandsons memories is taking st de fon my of e On dlers. I learned nevns, especially as tod s on weekend excursio asked or the thing y the s by the question his car in sat y all er to be surprised usu oldest grandson on in his car seat We they focused on. My the younger one sat ile wh on the are at an exciting time in our left the ting❝ Sit . car seat on the of row the second state when all arrows seem to be the right – both in be able to see him youngest for me to ne pro s wa pointing in the same direction He r. rro right positioned the mi ing in the rearview in e at peopleregarding gu and what he was do ton literacy. This can mean his t ou ing and stick able to see to turning around sitioned him to be excellent things for our students po o als It . us on d the cars behin . Without fail, up cluster and gauges r and teachers. nt ste me clu tru nt ins me car tru the ins he would look at the that he had getting buckled in, ed gas?” Knowing – Amy Denty, Literacy Director, ne u yo do a, dp sure that I de ma and ask, “Gran lly era Georgia Department of Education of walking, I gen , ion cas oc On . up an aversion to a lot m l when I picked the look at the had a full tank of fue I needed gas, I would if ed ask son nd unaware I s wa I t after my gra tha sy bu I had been so gauge and realize low. s running waPLUS: PAGE COACHING | SCHOLARSHIPSha | GEORGIA TEACHER OF THE YEAR t or ve are just starting ou u yo er eth s wh rs, educato As you will sometime PAGE One Fall 2024 Cover 081524.indd 1 8/19/24 5:58 PM ey for many years, rn mjou co ur to yo ed on ed ne en s be rce ou res the – l on fue on the first day of find yourself low rney begins excitedly plete the trip. The jou r to keep that excitement up for the avo school and we ende ens. The challenges ppens. School happ ha e Lif ys. da 0 18 y and fulfillment, next erg en r ou of us can zap t, not sure how to of life and school ou ed rn bu e that we are listening ear, low leading us to realiz a of situation, in need lar cu rti pa a le nd ha on fuel. educator associat and most trusted As Georgia’s larges orm, protect, and inf e-on-one promany services that es vid pro GE participants with on PA Georgia’s chiltion, , lead, and inspire e program provides ge, skills, and ch Th led tea ow to . kn ers ing the mb ach ne me empower port as they ho the role of PAGE Co sup l at’s na Th nts and meet l? sio de fue fes stu the ve is of ser dren. And what fessional coaching y to effectively pro sar e ces on ne nGE Coaching ies e-o PA ilit on , r, ab ing yea ir role. In so do GE and available Now, in its second expectations for the need to overcome challenges and fit – exclusive to PA the ne be y er sar mb ces me ne e a uniqu the support the fuel members ers – that provides emmas provides to all PAGE memb ize, and resolve dil the profession. erg in en reain et, rem res . to to refuel in order the joy of teaching on ach cro en t tha ues PAGE One | 15 and problematic iss

What it all means for Georgia Educators.

❝

ssional “One-on-one profe ue member coaching is a uniq des the support benefit that provi in order to necessary to refuel and resolve reset, re-energize, blematic dilemmas and pro ch on the joy of a o cr en t a th es su is teaching.”

Fall 2024

54 | PAGE ONE

FALL 2025

EDUCATORS TION OF GEORGIA SIONAL ASSOCIA

WINTER 2025

PROFES

Safety and Security in Georgia Schools By the PAGE Legislative Team: Marg aret Ciccarelli, Josh Stephens, and Robert Aycock , with contributions by guest writers Char lotte Flores, Brannon Parks, and Meli nda Pippen-Miller

I

n 2023, the Georgia General Assem bly approved the Safe Schools Act, a bill spon sored under the leadership of Gov. Brian P. Kem p. The bill, supported by PAGE, mandates the creation of a school safety and anti-gang endo rsement for eligible certificated professional perso nnel. It also requires public schools in Georgia to subm it school safety plans to the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and conduct intruder alert drills, allow ing parents to opt their children out if desired.

Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie, and two students, Christian Angulo and Mason Schermer horn, at Apalachee High School in Barrow County. On Sept. 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene drast ically impacted teachers, students, and some scho ol buildings across Southern and Eastern Geor gia.

The following set of articles (page s 28–51) highlight the importance of school safet y plans in preventing and mitigating disasters, how schools should respond to incidents, how schools can recov er after an event, and how individual eduKemp and legislators provided $109 milli on in cators and staff can get invol ved in their school’s additional school safety funding and added it as safety plan. You’ll hear from several Georgia a line item in the FY 2025 budget to ensure con- educators and school employees – including an tinued funding in future years. Lawm akers previ- Apalachee High Scho ol teacher, a Barrow Counously provided school safety funding in the form ty Schools administrator, school ment ITH: Wcated of one-time ION healt ATPAG oreh ES RSts. advo ls,alM for annu- professionals, andththe NVEgran siona ofesrecip alizeCO ient of Geord funding in partnership with the tal Heal Prfirst en M ol ho Geor Sc gia , gia’s or Scho at ol Safety and Anti-Gang Endorsement. uc School Boar e HS heciatio Asso alac n, Ed the Georgia School You’ll also learn An Apds about the Ready Georgia Seal of Superintendents Association, and the Georgia Preparedness, the HC Watch program, and more.

Association of Educational Leaders.

We encour- In the closing segment, you’ll find school safety age PAGE members to thank legislators for their opinions from PAGE mem bers who responded support to keep students and teachers safe. to the 2024 PAGE legislative survey.

School safety has been a pressing issue in GeorThank you for the great work you gia for some time. It was a concern do every for policy- day in Georgia’s scho ols and communities to makers and advocates before Sept. 4, 2024, when keep students safe. We hope you find these artia student took the lives of two teach ers, Richard cles helpful.

Winter 2025 PAGE One | 27

FALL 2025

PAGE ONE | 55

JOIN. RENEW

W. UPDATE. Keeping pace with your needs, PAGE has streamlined the system for joining, renewing, and updating your member profile.

Visit www.members.pageinc.org or scan the QR code below to create an account and access this new, easy-to-use portal.

It’s Now Simpler Than Ever To: ENSURE THAT YOUR MEMBERSHIP REMAINS CURRENT If you transfer from a school system where you are on payroll deduction, you’ll need to provide PAGE with this new information in order to maintain membership and prevent a lapse in coverage and benefits.

STAY IN-THE-KNOW BY KEEPING YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION UPDATED Review your contact information, updating if needed, to ensure accuracy. Providing a personal email rather than a work email address is preferred as some school system filters will prevent receipt of messages.

CHANGE FROM STUDENT MEMBERSHIP TO PROFESSIONAL When transitioning from student to teacher, ensure continued coverage by also transitioning your membership to professional.

And you’ll receive your first year at half price!

Visit www.members.pageinc.org or scan the QR code to access the portal.

PAGE Has You Protection Advocacy • $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

58 | PAGE ONE

• 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

FALL 2025

Covered.

Growth

Economy

• Growth-focused professional learning opportunities throughout the state

• Your best value: » Less than $15 monthly for certified personnel » Less than $8 monthly for support staff

• One-on-one coaching enables you to overcome professional challenges

• 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

• More benefits than any other Georgia educator association

• 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

• Future Georgia Educators initiatives support Georgia’s teacher pipeline • PAGE One magazine, educator resource materials, and more to keep you informed

Now celebrating 50 years of service, PAGE is the state’s largest and most trusted educator association 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.

Scan the QR code or visit www.pageinc.org/membership to learn more.

*Coverages are subject to industry standard exclusions.

For specifics of coverage and exclusions, visit the selfservice member portal at www.members.pageinc.org.

FALL 2025

PAGE ONE | 59

Teaching, Coaching, and Now Advocating:

Brockington Joins the PAGE Board “Winning on the field is great, but winning in the classroom — and in life — matters more.”

W

hen Colt Brockington set out from his hometown of Jesup for the College of Coastal Georgia, his goal was to become a pharmacist. Amid his plan to achieve that goal, however, he found that he had a very different calling.

“I knew what my plan was,” he says, “but I was getting bored with pharmacy tech. It was the same thing every day, and I couldn’t see myself doing it for 30 years.”

So, if not pharmacy, then what? He knew he had an interest in teaching. But could he see himself teaching for 30 years? The answer came during his first practicum at a middle school in Brunswick.

“It was a small group setting called a READ180 program, a class of nine kids,” Brockington explains. “They were in 8th grade but reading at a first or second-grade level. When I saw their faces light up, I started building on the relationships. They just needed somebody to believe in them.”

From that moment on, there was no question that he could teach for 30 years – and love doing so.

Brockington graduated from Coastal Georgia in 2017 with a Bachelor of Biological Sciences degree and a concentration in secondary education. He returned to Wayne County as a high school physics teacher and coach, establishing himself as a mentor and role model.

Colt Brockington

“When I saw their faces light up, I started building As head softball coach, he led the Lady Jackets to three consecutive region titles, a state runner-up finish, and another trip on the relationships. They to the elite eight. just needed somebody to For Brockington, academics have always come first. To ensure his players’ success off the field, he implemented study halls, monitored grades weekly, and built a culture of excellence that believe in them.”

He later completed a Master of Education from Valdosta State University (2023) and acquired a specialist degree from Georgia Southwestern State University (2025).

continues today.

60 | PAGE ONE

FALL 2025

“The teacher who is going to replace me in physics was a student in my first physics class. That’s a cool, full-circle moment.”

“I made it clear, ‘you’re a student first, then an athlete,’” he says. “One year, our entire roster had all A’s and B’s — no C’s — through the whole season. That made me prouder than any trophy. Winning on the field is great, but winning in the classroom — and in life — matters more.”

He’s been named Wayne County High’s Teacher of the Year, the school’s PAGE STAR Teacher twice. He’s also the recipient of the Milken Educator Award, a prestigious national recognition.

This school year, he became assistant principal. As he shifts to administration, Brockington takes special pride in his replacement.

“The teacher who is going to replace me in physics was a student in my first physics class,” he says. “That’s a cool, full-circle moment.”

A PAGE member since college, Brockington joined the Board of Directors in July, just after he and his wife welcomed their first child, a boy. He credits former PAGE president and fellow Jesup native Amy Denty for encouraging him to apply.

He also recalls how a PAGE Code of Ethics presentation not only prompted him to enroll as a PAGE member but also shaped his understanding of how educators should conduct themselves.

“A representative came to Coastal Georgia and explained what PAGE was from the ethics and legal sides,” Brockington says. “I heard the examples, and it helped me understand that even though something might not legally be wrong, it might not be the best practice when working with kids every day. That intrigued me, and I immediately joined with no hesitation.”

Particularly looking ahead to PAGE Day on Capitol Hill, Brockington is eager to advocate for teachers and equitable education, and support policies like limiting unnecessary personal technology in classrooms.

“I want to empower teachers and make sure every student, no matter their background, feels supported,” he adds. n

FALL 2025

PAGE ONE | 61

A Voice for Southwest Georgia:

Sherrie Hubbard Brings Her Heart and Advocacy to the PAGE Board “I want to make sure that we are present and accounted for in all areas, in all aspects.”

W

hen Sherrie Hubbard took her seat at her first PAGE board meeting, she knew why she was there.

“My whole goal is to be the voice and ears for my district,” she says, “to make sure we’re heard, make sure we hear things, so we can then get the information to the schools and districts.”

Hubbard, a native of Albany, Georgia, and the K-5 social studies coordinator for her district, was recently elected to her position on the board. With nearly two decades of service in education, she brings experience and a fierce loyalty to her region’s teachers and students.

“I love children and I love teachers,” she says. “As an educator, you go into your classroom and think everybody’s doing what you’re doing, but you’re secluded because you’re just in your room. In my current position, I’m able to see the amazing educators across the district. I get to meet some wonderful people throughout the state.”

Back in Dougherty County, her leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“I am delighted to congratulate Mrs. Sherrie Hubbard on her election to the PAGE Board of Directors,” says Dougherty County School System Superintendent Kenneth Dyer.

“Throughout her tenure as our social studies coordinator, Mrs. Hubbard has demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence. Her deep understanding of curriculum development, coupled with her passion for supporting students and educators, positions her perfectly as a strong voice for Georgia’s teachers and schools.”

Sherrie Hubbard

Hubbard brings to the PAGE Board of Directors a particular passion for “I am confident that her expertise and dedication will bring valuable insights to the board and help advance educational opportunities throughout our state,” Dyer continues. “This ensuring that rural educators position is well-deserved recognition of her outstanding are not overlooked. contributions to public education.”

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FALL 2025

“I love children and I love teachers.”

Hubbard with her son, Juwuan, at the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement booth during the annual GCSS Conference in Athens Hubbard’s journey to become an educator followed an atypical trajectory. After working for the Department of Family and Children’s Services in Albany and Atlanta, she applied for a substitute teaching position at Pebblebrook High School in Cobb County. When the call came, she was ready.

After returning to Albany, a friend suggested she drop off her résumé at a local school.

“When I went that day, the principal was out of the building,” she recalls. “I left my résumé, and about an hour later, she called me and said, ‘Can you start tomorrow?’”

Hubbard immediately accepted and has enjoyed the journey since that day.

That was 19 years ago. During her career as an educator, Hubbard has taught elementary, middle, and high school, served as an instructional coach, and now works at the district level.

Along the way, Hubbard pursued her own education. A 1994 graduate of Albany’s Monroe Comprehensive High School, she earned her undergraduate degree in English from Albany State University, a master’s from Troy University, and her teaching certification at Albany State.

FALL 2025

Hubbard reading to kindergarten students during Read Across America Week For Hubbard, joining PAGE was another turning point.

“When I became a paraprofessional, I actually joined the other organization,” she shares.

A familiar face changed her mind.

After learning more about PAGE benefits from Barbara Collier, her high school English teacher and local PAGE representative, Hubbard recognized the value of being a PAGE member. She joined – and never looked back.

Hubbard brings to the PAGE Board of Directors a particular passion for ensuring that rural educators are not overlooked.

“Southwest Georgia … we are so rural and tucked away,” she says, “that our voices are not always heard. I want to make sure that we are present and accounted for in all areas, in all aspects. And I just said to myself, if not me, then who?”

Hubbard is married with three children — ages 29, 23, and 19 — and has a grandchild on the way. n

PAGE ONE | 63

Deborah Lucas: How One Educator’s Journey Fuels Her Passion for Teaching “People with disabilities are often overlooked.

I wanted to be someone who saw them and helped others see them too.”

W

hen Deborah Lucas walks into her special education classroom each morning at Gwinnett County Public Schools’ Cedar Hill Elementary, she brings more than just lesson plans — she brings a calling. With multiple degrees and a personal story that reshapes purpose, Lucas is the kind of educator whose impact echoes far beyond the school bell’s ring.

Her greatest reward doesn’t come from a screen or syllabus—it comes from moments of connection like when she received an invitation to attend one of her former 5th-grader’s high school graduation.

“I was just so touched that she did that,” says Lucas. “I was blown away.”

Did she go?

“Of course, I went,” she says with a smile.

In her newly elected position on the PAGE board of directors, Lucas is extending her reach beyond the classroom.

She considers PAGE a necessary, comprehensive safety net and resource for educators and school staff, citing its legal services, legislative advocacy, professional development, and scholarships as examples of much-needed services.

Deborah Lucas

“The great work of the PAGE legal team, the lobbyists, and all the people working behind the scenes to make sure educators are treated with dignity is very much needed” Lucas shares.

“It means everything. Teachers need someone in their corner.”

“My job as an educator is to discover a student’s path for She’s very enthusiastic about her role as a PAGE board member. “I was so excited when they contacted me,” she learning and walk that path recalls. “Being able to be in the room where decisions are with the student.” made means a lot to me.”

64 | PAGE ONE

FALL 2025

“My belief is that God left me here for a reason.

That reason is to work with His children.”

Lucas currently teaches 4th and 5th-grade students with learning disabilities. For 12 years, she taught younger students with severe / profound disabilities. Prior to Gwinnett, she worked for Clayton County Public Schools and DeKalb County School District.

“My job as an educator is to discover a student’s path for learning and walk that path with the student,” she says. “I knew I wanted to work with kids who are misunderstood.

People with disabilities are often overlooked. I wanted to be someone who saw them and helped others see them too.”

Lucas and her school’s rubber duck attend summer Professional Learning

That clarity did not come easily. At 17, Lucas survived a devastating car accident — an event that forced her to confront intense physical recovery.

The memory of that pivotal moment is the foundation of her mission: to teach with empathy, expectation, and excellence.

“My belief is that God left me here for a reason,” Lucas shares, reflecting on her early brush with mortality. “That reason is to work with His children.”

To pursue her calling, she obtained a bachelor’s degree from Brenau University and a master’s of education in special education from Kaplan University. She added coursework for a specialist degree and a doctorate to enhance her skills in the classroom. Before studying education, Lucas earned a degree in information systems technology.

Endorsed in dyslexia education, Lucas is a proponent of using Orton-Gillingham-based strategies — a structured, multisensory approach to teaching reading — across all classrooms, not just in special education.

Many of her students struggle with reading, and she has become a passionate advocate for phonics instruction, especially for children with dyslexia.

This passion for literacy aligns with Georgia’s statewide initiative for improved reading outcomes, and Lucas takes pride in her students’ gains.

Outside the classroom, Lucas finds joy in simple things.

She and her husband are empty nesters with two daughters living in California. They particularly enjoy watching movies together, both at the theater and at home. n FALL 2025

Lucas dressed as a butterfly for Book Character Day PAGE ONE | 65

PAGE Foundation Awards 2025 Scholarships T

he PAGE Foundation provides opportunities that empower educators to further their careers, pursue advanced degrees, and achieve professional aspirations.

This year, the PAGE Foundation awarded 20 scholarships to dedicated applicants throughout Georgia. Since the program began, the PAGE Foundation has disbursed more than

$650,000 in scholarship funding. These awards benefit a diverse group of recipients – from first-year college students to doctoral candidates – enhancing their opportunities for growth. PAGE congratulates this year’s scholarship recipients and expresses gratitude for their dedication to serving the students and families of Georgia.

Jodi Bailey

PAGE Professional Scholarship Reading Specialist and EIP Teacher, Morgan County Elementary School, Morgan County Schools | Scholarship applied at American College of Education | Pursuing Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy “Receiving the PAGE Foundation scholarship is deeply meaningful to me because it acknowledges my dedication to literacy education and my commitment to serving students in rural Georgia. This support eases the financial burden of earning a doctorate degree and allows me to stay focused on being an instructional leader.”

Paige Burns

PAGE Professional Scholarship 8th-grade ELA Teacher, Harris County Carver Middle School, Harris County School District | Scholarship applied at University of West Georgia | Pursuing Ed.S. in Secondary Education ELA “I began this degree program to grow professionally and personally to become a better teacher. After just a few classes, I am inspired by my assignments, professors, and classmates in many ways that will benefit my students. This scholarship is a source of encouragement - a way of knowing that others believe in me also, and knowing this will motivate me to do my best.”

Haley Buxton

PAGE Support Personnel Scholarship Kindergarten Paraprofessional, Johnson County Elementary School, Johnson County School District | Scholarship applied at Georgia Southwestern State University | Elementary Education Major “I am a wife and mother of two. Going back to college this late in life has been very stressful for my family. This scholarship has helped relieve some of that stress. Thank you so much for this opportunity!”

Nikki Cantrell

PAGE Jack Christmas Scholarship EIP Teacher, Mountain View Elementary School, Gilmer County Schools | Scholarship applied at Reinhardt University | Pursuing M.A.T. in Elementary Education “Receiving a PAGE Foundation scholarship helps my family tremendously! The scholarship will help cover some of the expenses tied to returning to school and obtaining my MAT. I am so grateful for the support of PAGE as I work towards obtaining skills and expertise that I can bring back to my classroom.”

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Abby Carlson

PAGE Charles “Coach” Cooper Scholarship Computer Science Teacher, Needwood Middle School, Glynn County Schools | Scholarship applied at Brenau University| Pursuing M.A.T. in Middle Grades Math and Science “Receiving the PAGE Foundation scholarship is an incredible honor that provides both financial support and encouragement as I continue my journey to become a stronger computer science teacher at Needwood Middle. This scholarship allows me to focus more deeply on developing engaging instruction that prepares students for the digital world. I am deeply grateful for the investment in my growth and future impact as an educator.”

Randall Cummings

PAGE Dr. Allene Magill Support Personnel Scholarship Computer Lab Paraprofessional, Van Wert Elementary School, Polk County School District | Scholarship applied at Grand Canyon University | Early Childhood Education Major “Working with students and making an impact in their lives means so much to me. Receiving this scholarship from PAGE is a vital part of helping me reach my goal of graduating with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. The children are our future, and we must do our best to give them the best education we can.”

Kayla Dutton

PAGE S. Marvin Griffin Scholarship Student, Truett McConnell University | Scholarship applied at Truett McConnell University | Elementary Education Major “Receiving the PAGE Foundation scholarship is important to me because it allows me to pursue my dream of being a teacher. Thoughtfully writing the essays and gathering recommendation letters prepares me for the interview process to get a teaching job in a few short months.”

Justin Harrison

PAGE Professional Scholarship School Counselor, Colquitt County High School, Colquitt County Schools | Scholarship applied at Valdosta State University | Pursuing Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership and Educational Leadership “Receiving a PAGE Foundation scholarship is important to me because it helps alleviate financial burdens as I continue advancing my education and leadership in Georgia public schools. This support directly contributes to my professional goal of becoming a more effective and impactful educational leader, better equipped to serve students, families, and educators across my community.”

Christian Johnson

PAGE Professional Scholarship EIP Teacher, Ellijay Elementary School, Gilmer County Schools | Scholarship applied at Columbus State University | Pursuing Ed.S. in Elementary Education “Receiving a PAGE Foundation scholarship allows me to continue my education to become the teacher my students need and deserve through improving my instructional practices. My goal as an educator is to provide a safe, comfortable, and academically challenging environment for all students in which all students are set up for success and gain confidence in themselves. As a recipient of a PAGE Professional scholarship, I have the opportunity to enhance my understanding of student learning processes and improve my instructional practices to better serve students of all backgrounds and abilities.”

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PAGE Foundation Awards 2025 Scholarships Grace Kelly

PAGE Jack Christmas Scholarship Teacher, Rockbridge Elementary School, Gwinnett County Public Schools | Scholarship applied at Georgia Southern University | Pursuing M.A.T. in Elementary Education “The PAGE Foundation scholarship is important because it helps me focus on the work and my ’why.’

Financial barriers affect many students, and I feel so fortunate to be a PAGE Foundation scholarship recipient. By alleviating some of the financial burden that comes with higher education, this scholarship will contribute to my professional goals by reducing my stress so that I can keep my eye on the prize!“

Kim King

PAGE Professional Scholarship Kindergarten through 5th grade Math Instructional Coach and Professional Learning Coordinator, Lowndes County Schools | Scholarship applied at Valdosta State University | Pursuing Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership with a Tier 1 Certificate “The PAGE Foundation scholarship is very important to me because paying for college while trying to raise small children is very difficult. My family has sacrificed a lot to help me afford to go back to school and accomplish my educational goals, so the scholarship will help alleviate the stress of paying for my tuition this fall to finish my degree.”

Elissa Lotter

PAGE Professional Scholarship Kindergarten Teacher, Hazel Grove Elementary School, Habersham County Schools | Scholarship applied at Georgia College and State University | Pursuing M.Ed. in Elementary Education “My passion for teaching is fulfilled through your generosity. This scholarship allows me to pursue my graduate degree to better serve children in my classroom and my broader community. There is no greater love than selfless giving to others, and I am so blessed to have a scholarship that allows me to give back, furthering my lifelong goals of learning and service.”

Blanca Molina Vazquez

PAGE Marcia T. Clanton Future Educator Scholarship Putnam County High School graduate | Scholarship applied at Georgia Military College | Future Educator “Receiving the PAGE scholarship is important to me because it will help me achieve my associate degree in early childhood education. With your support, I will have the opportunity to grow in my career and make a lasting impact in the lives of young children.”

Cam Neal

PAGE Professional Scholarship 5th-grade Teacher, Haw Creek Elementary School, Forsyth County Schools | Scholarship applied at University of North Georgia | Pursuing M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction “Receiving this scholarship supports me in bettering myself within the field of curriculum and instruction. Long-term, I will be able to use my degree to reach my students more effectively with the latest instructional tools and practices. Ultimately, I hope to help create curriculum within my community.”

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Maddie Owens

PAGE S. Marvin Griffin Scholarship Student, Berry College | Scholarship applied at Berry College | Elementary Education Major “Receiving a PAGE Foundation scholarship is important to me because it represents both recognition of my academic dedication and a vital support system in my pursuit of higher education. This scholarship will ease the financial burdens, allowing me to focus more on my studies and leadership development.

By connecting me with a network of mentors and fellow scholars, it will also enhance my professional growth and prepare me to make a meaningful impact in my community.”

Lin Pham

PAGE Professional Scholarship ELA Teacher, North Gwinnett High School, Gwinnett County Public Schools | Scholarship applied at University of West Georgia | Pursuing Ed.S. in Secondary Education in English “Receiving the PAGE Foundation scholarship is both an honor and an opportunity to grow as a teacher.

This support will allow me to focus on my coursework as I achieve my goal toward becoming an instructional leader who advocates for multilingual learners. I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and helping create classrooms where all my students feel seen and supported.”

Abby Shoemake

PAGE Undergraduate Scholarship Student, Berry College | Scholarship applied at Berry College | Elementary Education Major “This scholarship is important to me because it promotes the success of future educators like myself. This scholarship allows me to pursue educational opportunities without financial worry for this upcoming semester. Studying to become a teacher has been a rewarding journey, and I am incredibly thankful to have PAGE by my side.”

Phyllis Silverio

PAGE Professional Scholarship ESL Teacher, Alpharetta Elementary School, Fulton County Schools | Scholarship applied at Augusta University | Pursuing Ed.S. in Advanced Education Studies “I feel honored to receive this scholarship. It provides financial assistance allowing me to focus on my studies while pursuing my Ed.S. With this support, I will be prepared to contribute to the success of my students and school community. Thank you to the PAGE Foundation Scholarship Program.”

Maddie Swancy

PAGE Dr. Alton Crews Future Georgia Educators Scholarship Sonoraville High School graduate | Scholarship applied at Dalton State University | Future Educator “Receiving the PAGE Foundation scholarship is important to me because it will allow me to focus on my future career without the stress of financial expenses. I am excited to use this opportunity to grow as a student and future educator. I want to thank you for your generous support and for allowing me the opportunity to achieve my educational goals.”

Stacy Thompson

PAGE Professional Scholarship 7th-grade Science Teacher, Pepperell Middle School, Floyd County Schools | Scholarship applied at Augusta University | Pursuing Ed.S. in Middle Grades Education “I am honored and grateful to receive a PAGE Professional Scholarship to further my education. Beyond the impact this advanced degree will have on my own classroom, I desire to coach, mentor, and guide new and future teachers to become experts and difference makers in the field of education. My experience coupled with the enhancement in my research, curriculum design, and innovation skills acquired through this degree will prepare me to be a leader in the future of Georgia’s education system.”

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Legal

Personal Cell Phone Use While on School Grounds “Your cell phone is your personal phone and should be reserved for personal use at an acceptable time and place.”

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Your cell phone is your personal phone and should be reserved for personal use at an acceptable time and place.

M

odern smartphones place ever-expanding technological capabilities in the palm of your hand. But there are some pitfallsassociated with the use of smartphones, particularly the use of personal cell phones in an educational setting. This article addresses the questions most frequently asked of PAGE attorneys regarding use of personal cell phones while on school property and includes suggestions on how to avoid the most common mistakes.

PROTECT YOUR PHONE When on school grounds, it is highly recommended that you keep your cell phone with you or locked in a drawer or filing cabinet. Do not leave your phone on your desk where it may be taken or opened. Similarly, never allow students to have or use your phone. Numerous PSC cases and employment actions result from educators allowing students to use their personal cell phones. We’ve heard of students taking the opportunity to access teachers’ personal photos, personal messages, send messages from teachers’ social media apps, send emails from teachers’ personal and school emails, and gain access to numbers stored in teachers’ phones. There is no acceptable reason for your phone to be out of your possession, and it certainly should not be in the hands of a student.

documents, and photos to their school computers through their cell phones.

You should never use a school computer as a charging station for your phone. If you must charge your phone, do it by plugging it into an electrical outlet that is always in view. Refrain from storing school documents, photos, or information anywhere on your personal device, other than your school email.

ACCEPTABLE TIME AND PLACE Your cell phone is your personal phone and should be reserved for personal use at an acceptable time and place. You should not use your cell phone while you are monitoring children. Remember, your cell phones are documenting your actions through a digital time stamp of calls, texts, and social media posts. If an accident occurs during a time in which an educator was supposed to be monitoring

children, a plaintiff ’s attorney may use time stamp data to prove that the educator was engaged in personal conduct and not appropriately supervising students.

MAKING RECORDINGS WITH YOUR CELL PHONE The PAGE legal team is regularly asked about teachers’ abilities to make recordings with their cell phones. This usually takes the form of recording other employees or recording students. Many educators know that Georgia is a oneparty recording state.1 That means, in a conversation between two adults, as long as one of the adults knows the conversation is being recorded, the recording is legal. Numerous school districts have policies that do not allow you to record another employee without their consent. In those districts, should you record someone without their knowledge, you

DON’T TRANSFER INFORMATION TO A SCHOOL DEVICE Data sharing from your personal device to a computer or other software app makes the transition of information quick and easy, but it’s essential to keep in mind that there are often unintended consequences to these data transfers.

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would be in violation of district policy and subject to punishment, up to and including termination.

Georgia law does not allow you to record a minor without a parent’s or judge’s permission.2 Likewise, the Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the educational records of children and may also preclude you from recording a child on your personal device.3 PAGE attorneys answer numerous questions regarding audio and video recordings of children.

You should never make a recording of a student without the written permission of your administration. If you have unruly students and want to video their behavior to show parents or administration, confirm by email with your administrator that you have permission to do so. Many teachers know their schools have parents sign photo release waivers.

These waivers are for the district. They do not grant blanket permission to individuals to record students. You should never take a photo of a child in your classroom and post it on your personal social media. In most cases, districts have policies regarding recording and distribution of photos of students. These policies should be followed verbatim. If you are in doubt, before taking a photo or making a recording, secure the written permission of your administration.

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OPEN RECORDS PAGE attorneys often answer the question, “if I have my school email on my personal device, does the district have the authority to search my phone?” The answer is no; the district does not automatically have the right to search your phone because you have your school email on your personal device. However, if you conduct school business on your phone, send text messages or personal emails about students or work-related matters, you may subject your personal device, in a limited capacity, to search and discovery under the Georgia Open Records Act.4 The Act states, “‘Public record’ means all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, computer based or generated information, data, data fields, or similar material prepared and maintained or received by an agency or by a private person or entity in the performance of a service or function for or on behalf of an agency or when such documents have been transferred to a private person or entity by an agency for storage or future governmental use.”5 It does not matter whether this information is on a public device, like a personal computer, or a private device, like your personal cell phone or personal computer. All the above is subject to the Open Records Act. Should you ever be asked to turn over a personal device for search, for matters related to the Open

Records Act, or for any reason, you should call the PAGE legal department and speak with an attorney before handing over your device. Once you’ve provided your device to your district or law enforcement, there is a presumption that you consented to a search of your device.

As always, should you have questions about cell phone use in the workplace or any other questions about work-related rights and duties, PAGE attorneys are here to help. Contact the PAGE legal department by calling 770-216-8555 (and select option 1) or send an email to legal@pageinc.org. n O.C.G.A. 16-11-66 O.C.G.A. 16-11-66 3 34 CFR Part 99 4 O.C.G.A. 50-18-70; O.C.G.A. 50-18-71 5 O.C.G.A. 50-18-70 (b)(2) 1 2

Sean DeVetter is a PAGE staff attorney and the son of educators. He graduated from Emory University and Georgia State University College of Law and has served PAGE members for 15 years.

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WHEN YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PAGE HAS ANSWERS.

Need help navigating your PAGE membership or benefits? Your PAGE Membership Services Representative (MSR) can help!

Not sure who your MSR is? To look up your MSR, visit the PAGE website at www.pageinc.org/membership-team.

There you will find a list of PAGE MSRs, the counties and districts they serve, and links to contact them. You can also use the PAGE MSR Locator. Simply click on the button at the top of the Membership Team page, enter your school district into the search bar, and your MSR will appear!

Scan the QR code for instant access to MSR contact information.

President Dr. Brecca Pope

Past President Daerzio Harris

District 1

Colt Brockington

Treasurer Lamar Scott

District 2

Sherrie Hubbard

Secretary Dr. Susan Mullins

To Be Filled District 4

Serving members in Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Jenkins, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Screven, Tattnall, Toombs, and Wayne counties

Serving members in Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Quitman, Randolph, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Webster, and Worth counties

District 3

District 5

Serving members in Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Murray, Pickens, Walker, and Whitfield counties

Serving members in Fulton and Gwinnett counties

Serving members in Cherokee, Cobb, Haralson, Paulding, and Polk counties

District 10

District 6

District 8

Deborah Lucas

Dr. Shannon Watkins

Andrea Bridges

Serving members in Carroll, Coweta Douglas, Fayette, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, and Upson counties

Serving members in Atkinson, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Camden, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, and Ware counties

District 9

District 12

Serving members in Banks, Barrow, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White counties

Serving members in Bibb, Chattahoochee, Crawford, Harris, Houston, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Peach, Schley, Talbot, and Taylor counties

Directors Representing Retired Members

Vickie Hammond

Dr. Sheryl Holmes

Serving members in DeKalb County and Atlanta and Decatur cities

District 7

Serving members in Clarke, Columbia, Burke, Elbert, Glascock, Greene, Hancock, Jefferson, Lincoln, McDuffie, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Richmond, Taliaferro, Warren, and Wilkes counties

District 11

Ashley Beil

Jennie Persinger

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President-Elect Amy Carter

Serving members in Baldwin, Butts, Clayton, Henry, Jasper, Jones, Morgan, Newton, Putnam, Rockdale, and Walton counties

District 13 Serving members in Appling, Bacon, Ben Hill, Bleckley, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Pulaski, Telfair, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Washington, Wheeler, Wilkinson, and Wilcox counties

TaKera Harris

The PAGE Board of Directors is made up of five Officers (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 office in the district which such member represents.

Nominations for District Directors and Officers are made by a nominating committee at the February board meeting after an interview process of those who have been recommended or expressed interest in serving.

District Directors and Officers are then elected for a three-year term via the annual online business 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 threeyear term.

The Board of Directors meets four times a year in November, February, April, and June.

Each year, there are four or five 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 55 of this issue and on our website at www.pageinc.org) or Dr. Hayward Cordy (hcordy@ pageinc.org).

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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA EDUCATOR S

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.

For advertising rates and opportunities, contact Sherry Gasaway of New South Publishing: 678-689-8303 or sgasaway@nspmag.com

Contributions/gifts to the PAGE Foundation are deductible as charitable contributions by federal law. Costs for PAGE advocacy on behalf of members are not deductible.

PAGE estimates that seven percent of the nondeductible portion of dues is allocated to advocacy.

PAGE One (ISSN 1523-6188) ©copyright 2025 is mailed to all PAGE members, selected higher education units, and other schoolrelated professionals. An annual subscription is included in PAGE membership dues.

The

A subscription for others is $10 annually. Periodicals class nonprofit postage paid at Atlanta, GA, and additional mailing offices. (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 2025.

Team

Ramona Mills

Abbey Williams

PAGE Communications Director; PAGE One Executive Editor / Writer

PAGE Communications Specialist; PAGE One Production Coordinator

Passionate about clear, engaging communications, Ramona is an alumna of UCLA who honed her craft in the film industry before founding a Georgia-based 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 a nationally lauded magazine, branding campaign, and crisis communications package. In 2019, Ramona joined PAGE staff as Communications Director. In 2022, she led the awardwinning redesign of PAGE One. In addition to her work, Ramona enjoys outdoor activities, creative arts, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

A recent graduate of Kennesaw State University, Abbey has been with PAGE since 2023.

As Communications Specialist, Abbey contributes to multiple creative projects while also managing social media. In her work with PAGE One, she creates production schedules, tracks progress, and ensures timely delivery.

Prior to joining PAGE staff, Abbey contracted with various clients, non-profits, and businesses, developing innovative initiatives and strategies to take their communications and marketing campaigns to the next level. In her spare time, Abbey’s interests include hiking, camping, seeking adventures, and crafting.

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

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PAGE ONE | 75

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IN ACADEMIC YEAR 2024, A TOTAL OF 1,114 STUDENTS OBTAINED EITHER INITIAL OR UPGRADED CERTIFICATION THROUGH GEORGIA PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMISSION (GAPSC).

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