In This Issue

PAGE appreciates the opportunity to deliver relevant and interesting content to our members through PAGE One magazine. Among other topics, this issue provides insight into how districts throughout Georgia are preparing to address pandemic learning loss, how fellow educators are using their PAGE grants, and how PAGE lobbyists impacted education-focused legislation during the 2021 session of the General Assembly.

As this challenging school year comes to a close and we all think about student experiences, educators are developing plans to make sure students who have struggled or fallen behind will have opportunities to overcome learning loss. Our feature article highlights districts throughout the state that are addressing these issues in many ways, including some interventions that began during the year, some that provide summer support, and how all are committed to ensuring student success. PAGE President Lindsey Martin reflects on this year and how Georgia educators have unquestionably demonstrated kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to meeting students’ needs.

In these pages, you’ll learn how a few of the 220 recipients of a $500 PAGE Educator Grant are using their award to benefit students. More than 1,000 applications were submitted for this latest round of grants. The instructional challenges of virtual and hybrid teaching and resources to help educators be more effective and efficient were a consistent theme with applicants. It’s clear from reading these proposals that educators have been creative and innovative in their approach to best connect with students.

PAGE members are well represented by the dedicated board members nominated and elected from each of our 15 membership services districts. You’ll enjoy getting to know Melanie Lockett, our newest board member from District 6, a K-12 language arts specialist in Griffin-Spalding County Schools. Ms. Lockett’s association with PAGE began as a college student at Georgia Southern University.

An unfortunate reality of responding to student challenges outside of school is the possibility of being subpoenaed to appear in a court proceeding. In this issue’s legal column, PAGE staff attorney Matthew Pence offers insight into the essential steps to take if you’re subpoenaed.

Student initiatives play a significant role in PAGE’s work to encourage high school students to pursue an education career, support learning through academic competitions, and honor Georgia’s top students and their most influential teachers. In this most unusual year, participation in Future Georgia Educators, STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition), Georgia Academic Bowl, and Georgia Academic Decathlon continued in spite of the challenges of virtual events.

We hope you enjoy this issue of PAGE One. Thanks for all you do every day to ensure that students learn, thrive, and prepare for their future. 