PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA EDUCATORS
SPECIAL EDITION 2023
Welcome to
An Association of Educators for Educators
Advocacy | Coaching & PL | Grants & Scholarships | Legal Protection | Teacher Pipeline | More
PAGE Financial Awards Help You Excel: In Your Career Through PAGE Foundation Scholarships
Could you benefit from up to $1,500 in support of continuing education and career growth? Awarded annually to teachers pursuing advanced degrees, paraprofessionals studying to become teachers, and educator-pathway college students, scholarships are open to all PAGE members. • Up to $27,000 in scholarships available annually • More than $600,000 awarded since program inception • Learn more on pages 12 – 15 and at www.pageinc.org
In Your Classroom
Through PAGE Educator Grants Would $500 make a positive difference for you and your students? Each school year, PAGE Educator Grants enable members throughout the state to acquire additional resources for students, classrooms, and digital learning needs. • $100,000 in cumulative funds awarded each school year • Funds issued as reimbursement grants of up to $500 per recipient • Details on pages 8 – 11 and at www.pageinc.org
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CONTENTS
4 WELCOME TO PAGE! 8 PAGE EDUCATOR GRANTS
Awarding $100,000 Annually to Members Like You
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA EDUCATORS
SPECIAL EDITION 2023
EDITORIAL STAFF Craig Harper Ramona Mills Executive Director
Executive Editor/Writer
Dolly Purvis Writer/Photographer
PAGE One Official Publication of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators
Vol. 44 No. 4
10 PAGE SCHOLARSHIPS
More than $600,000 Awarded to Date
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.
16 PERSONALIZED SERVICE
32 ADVOCATING FOR YOU
26 ONE-ON-ONE COACHING
36 TEACHER PIPELINE; RECOGNITIONS;
Meet Your Membership Services Team
Providing the Help You Need When You Need It.
Meet Your PAGE Advocacy Team
STUDENT PROGRAMS 42 PAGE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING Helping You Excel
28 WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED Unmatched Legal & Liability Coverage
48 NEARLY 50 YEARS OF SERVICE 50 GREAT INFORMATION TO KNOW Special Edition 2023
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WELCOME TO PAGE: An Association of Educators for Educators
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n association of educators for educators, you are the reason PAGE exists. As a new member, you now have access to the comprehensive benefits available to more than 94,000 of your fellow educators throughout the state. While the peace of mind that comes with exceptional legal services for career protection is a primary benefit (pages 28 – 31), the many additional rewards of PAGE membership go much deeper. In this special edition of PAGE One magazine, you’ll learn about the full range of benefits, services, and financial awards available to you as a member. Membership Services (pp 16 – 24): You’re busy – every day – doing great work both inside and outside the classroom. Amid demanding schedules and competing priorities, the many benefits available to you as a PAGE member may not be immediately evident. Whether your goal is to learn more, participate more, or simply know who to speak with about issues as they arise, your team of Membership Services Representatives (MSRs) are here to assist. This group of PAGE experts – all former Georgia educators, and each specializing in a specific geographic region within the state – are dedicated to helping you receive the most from your membership. Turn to pages 16 – 24 to learn more about your membership team, meet each MSR, and access contact information.
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Legislative Services (pp 32 – 33): Strong, principled advocacy for Georgia educators and public education drives the work of your PAGE Legislative Services staff. This highly respected policy team provides influential representation of educator voices at the Georgia Capitol and with state agencies, including the Georgia Department of Education, the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia, and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. PAGE representatives are present whenever and wherever decisions are made that affect Georgia public education and your career. Learn more and meet your advocacy team on pages 32 – 33. One-on-One Coaching (pp 26 – 27): As a member of PAGE, you have access to more benefits and services than any other Georgia educator association. One unique benefit is professional support through the association’s one-on-one coaching program. If, at any time in your career as a Georgia educator, you feel overwhelmed, discouraged, uncertain, and in need of professional support, PAGE Coaching is here to help by pairing you with a highly experienced veteran educator to assist in identifying solutions to professional challenges. And, because PAGE Coaching is completely confidential, you’ll be able to address even the most difficult and sensitive topics. On pages 26 – 27, you’ll meet the team, hear about a few members who’ve had great success with the program, and find the information you need to contact a PAGE coach and start benefiting from this service. Professional Learning (pp 42 – 45): Great educators continue to learn throughout their careers. PAGE believes in the power of professional learning to enhance an educator’s capacity to lead in the classroom, school, district, and community. PAGE offers several in-person academies founded on the themes of engagement and equity. Participants love the learning and relationship building they experience in the PAGE Engage! series. Virtual learning opportunities are also available. There’s considerable value in these experiences, and no cost to PAGE members to participate. We encourage you to invest in yourself and your growth in the profession. Learn more about PAGE Professional Learning on pages 42 – 45. Grants & Scholarships (pp 8 – 15): Your PAGE membership also comes with financial opportunities available exclusively to members. When you’re seeking funding for innovative, enrichment activities or programs to propel your students to the next level, you’ll want to Special Edition 2023
apply for a PAGE Educator Grant. Each year, PAGE awards $100,000 in individual $500 grants to fund these endeavors (pages 8 – 11). And, when you’re ready to pursue additional academic credentials to boost your career, consider applying for a PAGE Foundation Scholarship (pages 12 – 15). To date, PAGE has invested more than $600,000 in financial assistance to help individual members further their education goals. Achievement Recognition, Teacher Pipeline, and Student Programs (pp 36 – 41): You can be a STAR with PAGE! The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia’s highest-achieving high school seniors and the educators most instrumental in their academic development. The STAR program has honored more than 29,500 students and their teachers since its inception (pages 38 – 39). PAGE also promotes education as a career to boost Georgia’s teacher pipeline through the Future Georgia Educators program. Thousands of middle and high school students exploring education as a career participate in school-based clubs and attend special events on college campuses (pages 36 – 37). And, PAGE also administers annual academic competitions for students – and guidance for the educators sponsoring these rewarding experiences – throughout the state (pages 40 – 41). Your PAGE membership delivers all this and more. This professional association of educators for educators supports you as an individual educator, your school or district as a significant force in your community, and the profession as a whole because teachers do work that truly matters. Thank you for choosing PAGE. We look forward to serving you throughout your career. n
Craig Harper, PAGE Executive Director
B.J. Jenkins, PAGE Director of Membership
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Protection AdvocAcy Growth 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. 6 | PAGE One
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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. Special Edition 2023
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PAGE EDUCATOR GRANTS: Awarding $100,000 Annually to Members Like You Make Plans to Apply!
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ducators are experts at helping students excel. At PAGE, we’re experts at helping members excel in the classroom and beyond. The PAGE Educator Grant program awards $100,000 annually in cumulative funds to members throughout the state. As a new PAGE member, you’re now eligible to apply! Many of the innovative supplies and resources to enhance an educator’s effectiveness with students and help propel them to new heights of confidence and achievement are often beyond financial reach. In response, PAGE created a program designed to provide recipients with funds to support goals for students as well as further their individual goals as a Georgia educator. “PAGE consistently listens to members and their needs,” says PAGE Executive Director Craig Harper. “When there is an ability to meet those needs in a meaningful way, PAGE does its best to follow through. PAGE Educator Grants help members in the classroom and with professional pursuits while also serving as a thank you for the incredible work PAGE members do every day.” This year’s applications are open through Sunday, Oct. 22. Each school year, the Educator Grant program will follow a fall semester application timeline. We encourage you to apply. On the following pages, you’ll see how a few previous winners have utilized their awards.
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FAST FACTS • $100,000 in cumulative funds • This year’s applications are awarded each school year open through Sunday, Oct. 22 • Funds issued as reimbursement grants of up to $500 • Learn more about the proper recipient gram at www.pageinc.org
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Lauren Cramer, Carroll County “I used my PAGE Educator Grant to purchase a set of lab coats for my students to use when they perform labs and experiments in class. Their faces lit up and some of the other teachers said that since we have had the lab coats, they have never seen students more excited to come to science class. It has really enhanced the learning experience and paved the road for more success in my classroom. It has made them see that what they are doing is important.”
Malena Bisanti, Fulton County “We used our PAGE Educator Grant to buy nine foot peddlers for students to Read & Ride in the school media center. The peddlers give students the opportunity to be active while reading, which will help increase physical activity and decrease stress. A lot of kids need to be active during the school day and the peddlers allow them to be active while still learning. One of my third grade students said, ‘You can work out your legs while you work out your brain!’”
Christopher Andrews, Richmond County “The PAGE Educator Grant tremendously aided our band students as they performed at the large group performance evaluation this year. We were able to buy the supplies we needed like reeds, valve oil, tambourines, drumsticks and more. Our school had been participating in these evaluations for decades, but we had never earned a superior rating until these past two years. It was the first time in Hephzibah High School history that we received a superior rating and having these items really helped. The kids were thankful. It allowed us to get better quality supplies for them, so they were very excited.” Special Edition 2023
Casey Elias, Jasper County “As a Future Farmers of America advisor, we do different contests throughout the year. I used my PAGE Educator Grant to buy study materials to help with career development events. Having it all packaged together saves us a lot of time. Now, our kids don’t have to make their own flashcards, which took more time than it would to actually study. Now they can spend more time learning the material and less time researching it.” PAGE One | 9
Loren Frick, Georgia School for the Deaf “My students are deaf and hard of hearing and use American Sign Language. While making math videos, instead of turning around to write on the board, I purchased a clear glass board along with an easel stand to remove two obstacles: (1) I can write in front of me, and sign at the same time. (2) When using sign language for directional signs such as ‘move the decimal the left’, the viewpoint of the presenter and the viewer are opposite. When editing, I use the mirror format to flip the video and make the signing viewpoint correct for the viewer as well as the math work legible in the video!”
Ben Pitchford, Colquitt County “The items purchased with the PAGE Grant are directly benefitting students who are struggling with social-emotional needs. We have created calm-down kits to use with students in Pre-K through 1st grade who need emotional support. The kits include tactile devices and weighted stuffed animals that help students better regulate their emotions. Our students are able to personalize their calm down kits so that the kits include the items that work best for each, student.”
Vilencia Leslie, Burke County “My speech/language therapy materials that were purchased through the PAGE Educator Grant will be used to further enhance each student’s ability in meeting his/her communication goals and objectives. An SLP’s IEP companion book was also purchased that will allow me to explore and establish other goals and objectives addressed. It is my hope that these materials will be applicable to the student’s specific communication disorder. I also plan to use these materials to enrich school administrators’, teachers’, and parents’ knowledge in understanding ways to elicit the targeted communication responses. This opportunity will assist the students’ ability in maintaining and/or carrying over the concepts/skills addressed in meeting their communication needs. Thank you, PAGE, for awarding me this opportunity to purchase these materials.” 10 | PAGE One
Ashley Wicker, Ware County “I used my PAGE Educator Grant to purchase a digital microscope that hooks up to our Promethean board. In order for students to know what they are looking at, they need to be able to see the microorganisms and that’s hard with a traditional microscope. With this one, they can use it individually or they can hook it up to the board so that everyone can see.” Special Edition 2023
Inga Cashon, Tattnall County Chad Sorrells, Stephens County “Students love doing labs. Seeing chemical and physical changes helps students realize what is going on and the chemical reactions that are taking place. I used my PAGE Educator Grant to purchase chemicals for hands-on experiments. The grant allowed us to do more of these types of experiments.”
“With the wonderful support of the PAGE Educator Grant, I was able to purchase a set of Keva Planks — wooden blocks that can be used to design structural engineering projects and to solve STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) activities. Students are able to build marble coasters, structures, and complete design challenges that can be differentiated based on grade and learning level. The Keva Planks can be used in all 6th through 8th grade STEM classes at North Tattnall Middle School and are reusable as well!”
Melissa Wood, Henry County “The PAGE Educator Grant was very helpful with our paired unit on glaze chemistry – so much so that we are continuing with the study for the next school year. We went from having 12 colors to having 120 – a broad range of glazes and colors we can use – for very little money. Students learned that mixing just a little bit of clear or white would get them what they wanted. Rather than having to buy a pint of a new color, they can just make whatever color they want.” n
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PAGE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS:
You Invest Your Time & Talent in the Great Work You Do. The PAGE Foundation Invests in You. Make Plans to Apply!
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ach year, the PAGE Foundation awards scholarships to members seeking to expand their knowledge and career opportunities through higher education.
The Foundation has provided more than $600,000 in scholarship funds to individual members since program inception. These awards take the form of financial assistance to certified educators for pursuit of advanced degrees and certifications, as well as to high school and college students who want to enter the teaching profession. Certified educator scholarship recipients are chosen based on their academic performance and service to public education as well as two written essays. Awards, which vary in amount according to the specific scholarship awarded, are payable to the recipient’s college or university. Recipients must be current PAGE members, have a 3.0 or higher GPA, and agree to teach in Georgia for three years. Funds can be
Lydia Atubeh
PAGE DeKalb Scholarship Visual Arts Teacher, DeKalb Early College Academy, DeKalb County School District; Scholarship Applied at Indiana University – Bloomington “Obtaining the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (Art Education) from Indiana University – Bloomington smoothly aligns with my career goals. The PAGE Foundation scholarship is helping those goals become a reality. I am dedicated to adding value through my research in the program to the curriculum of Visual Arts education within my school district, state, and national levels of education. The doctoral program and scholarship support are equipping me with the knowledge and skills necessary to continue working towards those goals.”
used to pursue graduate degrees in education, a specific content area, new certification or endorsement.They can also be used for required coursework to enhance a teacher’s qualifications. Some scholarships are specifically for parapros, support personnel, or college students who have been accepted into an education program. Others are available to high school seniors planning to pursue a career in teaching. The 2024 application process will begin toward the end of this semester with applications being available on the PAGE website before Christmas. Due dates will be noted on the applications. Visit www.pageinc.org to learn more and apply. As you make plans today to apply, take a look at what PAGE Foundation 2023 winners have to say about the program and how they’re benefitting from the awards.
Molly R. Bowden
PAGE Professional Scholarship Digital Learning Coach, Newton County School System; Scholarship Applied at Kennesaw State University “As a lifelong learner and educator, I believe I can stand as an example to teachers both veteran and just getting started. I am in my 28th year teaching and am looking forward to starting a brand-new position as a digital learning coach, fully utilizing all that my degree offers now, having completed many instructional technology classes, and in the future once my dissertation is finished. The PAGE Foundation scholarship allows me to finish strong, with a remarkable group of educators supporting me across the finish line!”
Skylar Bridges
PAGE S. Marvin Griffin Scholarship Scholarship Applied at University of North Georgia “PAGE has allowed me as a first-generation college student to attend school another year. With a single mom and no money for college, PAGE has now given me the opportunity to become closer to my dream of teaching elementary school. I feel supported and grateful for PAGE and its scholarship committee and donors.” 12 | PAGE One
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Danielle Cox
PAGE Support Personnel Scholarship Special Education Paraprofessional, Mulberry Elementary School, Gwinnett County Public Schools; Scholarship Applied at Georgia State University “Receiving this PAGE scholarship is important to me because graduating with minimal debt is ideal for me as a single mom to four children. This scholarship will contribute to my education as I finish my degree in May 2024. My professional goal is to get a special education teaching job in 2024. I have been a paraprofessional for 12 school years, and I am looking forward to year 13 to be my last year as a paraprofessional. I am ready to have my own classroom.”
Alison Dunaway
PAGE Professional Scholarship Sixth-grade ELA Teacher, Franklin County Middle School, Franklin County School System; Scholarship Applied at Brenau University “Receiving a PAGE Foundation scholarship is important as it will help me continue to grow as an educator for both my students and myself. Thank you for this opportunity to help further my education!”
Jennifer Foil
PAGE Professional Scholarship Seventh-grade Social Studies Teacher, Webb Bridge Middle School, Fulton County School System; Scholarship Applied at Georgia College “I am so grateful to receive scholarship money from PAGE to help pay some of my tuition for a specialist degree in Teacher Leadership. This degree is teaching me the skills I need to lead my school community in growing our service-learning and establishing a culture committed to creating responsible citizens.
Tamera Johnson
PAGE Undergraduate Scholarship Scholarship Applied at Kennesaw State University “This PAGE Foundation scholarship is important to me because it has given me the financial comfortability that I need. Because of this scholarship, I have less of a financial worry about my living situation and school expenses that will come within the semester. I believe it will contribute to my professional goals by allowing me to focus more on my academics. I’m so ecstatic to be receiving this award. Being a first-generation college student can be challenging, but hitting milestones like this make it all worthwhile.”
Joely Elizabeth Lord
PAGE S. Marvin Griffin Scholarship Scholarship Applied at University of Georgia “Receiving this scholarship is such a blessing! It allows me to further pursue my dream of becoming an educator! I have been blessed to attend the University of Georgia, and this scholarship will be a great help in pursuing my bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees in education. I am forever grateful for the work PAGE does for all its educators and for the potential they have seen in me as a future educator!” Special Edition 2023
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Matthew Meeks
PAGE Betty J. Phillips Scholarship Scholarship Applied at Middle Georgia State University “This scholarship not only offers me financial support for my professional growth but also reaffirms that teaching is my calling. This scholarship also shows how the PAGE Foundation supports Georgia’s next generation of educators.”
Kelly Monroe
PAGE Professional Scholarship Reading Teacher, River Trail Middle School, Fulton County School System; Scholarship Applied at Brenau University “As a member of PAGE since I was a student at the University of North Georgia, I understand and appreciate the critical role PAGE has in supporting Georgia’s teachers. The scholarships PAGE offers are yet another value available to Georgia’s educators. This scholarship will be of great assistance to me as I am paying for the entirety of my doctorate out of pocket. As a recipient of the Professional Scholarship, I am even more committed to the good work PAGE delivers in support of our educators.”
Addison Orr
PAGE Dr. Alton Crews Future Georgia Educators Scholarship Scholarship Applied at Berry College “Receiving the Future Georgia Educators Scholarship has been such a blessing that will allow me to attend Berry College to become an elementary school teacher. This scholarship will help me gain classroom and professional experience that I will take with me in my future classroom.”
Kathleen Sneed Petka
PAGE Professional Scholarship Art Teacher, Walton High School, Cobb County School District; Scholarship Applied at Kennesaw State University “Being a recipient of this wonderful scholarship is beyond important to me as I have trusted PAGE with my needs for over 20 years. I am fortunate to have a supportive organization that appreciates lifelong learners and values education so highly. I am thrilled that I was selected and am extremely thankful for this opportunity.”
Armoray La’Shay Roberts
PAGE Dr. Allene Magill Support Personnel Scholarship Special Needs Paraprofessional, Seminole County Elementary School, Seminole County School District; Scholarship Applied at Thomas University “I really believe that teaching is the path that God has called me into at this time of my life. There is such a great need for teachers everywhere. I plan on teaching at the school in the community where I have taught as a special needs paraprofessional for eight years. I am so grateful to be a scholarship recipient because it will contribute to the completion of my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Thomas University. Thanks so much to the PAGE Foundation!”
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Cameron Smith
PAGE John Robert & Barbara Moore Lindsey Scholarship Scholarship Applied at Georgia Southern University “Receiving this scholarship greatly relieves some of the stress on my senior year. My HOPE money will run out in the fall, so this is such a blessing for my last semester, Spring 2024! I am truly honored.”
LaQuisha Mishae Smith
PAGE Charles “Coach” Cooper Scholarship Honors Biology Teacher, Elite Scholars Academy, Clayton County Schools; Scholarship Applied at University of West Georgia “This scholarship will help me further my education by assisting with college fees. I will use this degree to expand my teaching practices and better serve my students. Thank you again for this awesome award. I am appreciative!”
Anne Vickery Stocks
PAGE Professional Scholarship Teacher, State Bridge Crossing Elementary School, Fulton County School System; Scholarship Applied at University of West Georgia “The PAGE Scholarship greatly contributes to my goal of becoming a school library media specialist. This financial investment will allow me to become a positive influence on the education community. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with students, teachers, and other stakeholders.”
Ashley P. Watkins
PAGE Jack Christmas Scholarship Kindergarten Teacher, Double Churches Elementary School, Muscogee County Schools; Scholarship Applied at Valdosta State University “I am honored to be selected as a PAGE Foundation scholarship recipient. This takes away some of the financial burden that pursuing an advanced degree incurs. The scholarship will help me afford additional certificate endorsements.”
Michael Yeager
PAGE Professional Scholarship Teacher, East Forsyth High School, Forsyth County Schools; Scholarship Applied at University of West Georgia “I am proud to receive the PAGE Foundation Scholarship as it represents that my passion and energy for teaching are strong, and to continue to grow in my leadership to support other teachers and to adapt to current effective practices in the classroom to serve every student. As I always tell my students, it’s not what I teach, it’s what you carry forward that matters.”
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Personalized Service for Educators by Educators: Your PAGE Membership Services Representatives
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Wouldn’t it be excellent if there were a PAGE expert who lives and works in your area and is available to help you maximize your membership by answering questions, highlighting benefits and services of which you may not be aware, and connecting you directly with PAGE staff throughout the association? Wouldn’t it also be wonderful if this expert had first-hand knowledge of the daily joys and challenges of work as a Georgia educator? Great news! Your PAGE Membership Services Representative (MSR) is all this and more. As part of Georgia’s largest educator association, you have a PAGE MSR dedicated specifically to serving you and the fellow members in your area of the state. All PAGE MSRs are former Georgia educators, knowledgeable about PAGE programs and initiatives and able to either directly provide what you need – or refer you to someone on staff who can. Perhaps, for example, a situation arises in your classroom, school, or district that concerns you. You’re thinking it may be something to discuss with a PAGE attorney (pages 28 – 31), but you are hesitant about when or how to take that action. In such cases, your PAGE MSR is your first point of contact. Maybe you would like to apply for a PAGE Educator Grant (pages 8 – 11) or PAGE Foundation Scholarship (pages 12 – 15) and you’re not sure how to initiate the process. Your PAGE MSR can provide you with information, point you to available resources, and connect you directly with program-specific staff members. Or, maybe you’ve come to a crossroads in your career. You’re feeling stalled, stagnant, and unsure of what’s next on the horizon for you. You’re weighing options but aren’t quite sure which would serve you best. If you’re considering growing your experience and expanding your resume through PAGE professional learning (pages 42 – 45), your MSR can talk with you about available courses as well as the benefits of each and how to register. If you’re considering accessing professional support through PAGE Coaching (pages 26 – 27), your MSR can share details about the program and how to get started. If you’d like to become more involved in PAGE advocacy (pages 32 – 33) with policymakers on legislation impacting Georgia educators, your MSR can provide insight into the many ways you can do so. These are just a few examples of the many personalized services that your PAGE MSR can provide. Additional helps include: Special Edition 2023
• Creating, verifying, or updating your information in the PAGE portal to ensure accuracy, currency, and coverage. • Assisting you with navigating the self-service membership portal (page 25) to check these factors on your own. • Scheduling a PAGE attorney to present the Code of Ethics at your school or district office. • Presenting during faculty meetings, new teacher orientations, and professional development sessions. • Providing information about FGE (Future Georgia Educators; pages 36 – 37), PAGE STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition; pages 38 – 39), and all PAGE programs and benefits. • Presenting about PAGE, the teaching profession, and what to expect as a Georgia educator to high school education pathway and univerity students. • Celebrating and recognizing PAGE Educator Grant and Scholarship recipients. • Recommending individual members as subject matter experts for consideration of inclusion in topic-specific PAGE One magazine articles. • Connecting you with your school’s PAGE building contact. On the following pages, you’ll find everything you need to know about the PAGE MSR team and how to connect. We encourage you to get to know your district’s MSR and take advantage of the wealth of information and services that your dedicated PAGE expert can provide. PAGE One | 17
Your PAGE MSR Team Kathy Arena karena@pageinc.org Kathy has served PAGE members since 2014, dedicating her time and talents to members within 16 school systems and the College of Education at Augusta University. She is a graduate of Evans High School and Augusta College where she earned her Education Specialist degree in Early Childhood Education. Kathy is married and has two children. She is a resident of Evans, Georgia, in the Central Savannah River Area. She is an avid reader and animal lover. Kathy and her husband John enjoy traveling and being grandparents. Serving members in Burke, Clarke, Columbia, Elbert, Glascock, Greene, Hancock, Jefferson, Lincoln, McDuffie, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Richmond, Taliaferro, Warren, and Wilkes
Diann Branch dbranch@pageinc.org Diann proudly serves PAGE members in northeast Georgia. After working in public education for 30 years, she transitioned to her role as PAGE MSR in 2015. During her time as a School Counselor, Diann was named State Counselor of the Year for Georgia by GSCA and a Top 10 Counselor for the Nation by ASCA. A graduate of Lowndes High School, she attended Valdosta State University, University of Georgia, and Georgia State University. Diann and her husband Bob live in Cumming, Georgia. They love their family passionately and are dedicated to their church. Serving members in Banks, Barrow, Commerce City, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Gainesville City, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Jefferson City, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White
Jo Breedlove-Johnson jbreedlove@pageinc.org A Georgia educator for more than 30 years, two-time Teacher of the Year, and a career-long PAGE member, Jo is a graduate of Mercer University and thankful for the positive influences of her family of educators. Her desire to spread the word about the great value PAGE provides led her to become a consultant and then MSR beginning in 2011. Jo thrives on time spent sharing with educators and school personnel about the many benefits of PAGE membership. A resident of Cumming, Georgia, Jo is married, enjoys antiquing, travel to the mountains and beach, and most of all loves the special moments with her grandchildren. Serving members in Cherokee and Fulton counties (with the exception of Atlanta Public Schools whose members are served by MSR Gina Tucker) 18 | PAGE One
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Peggy Brown pbrown@pageinc.org Peggy has served as a PAGE MSR since 2015. One of the things she loves most about her work is connecting members with experts at PAGE who can provide needed assistance. Peggy graduated from University of Georgia and taught for 17 years at Loganville Elementary and Youth Middle School in Walton County. Prior to her role with PAGE, she served as the school’s building contact for the association. Peggy is married with three children and three grandchildren. A resident of Monroe, Georgia, she enjoys time with family and trips to the mountains. She’s also an avid beekeeper. Serving members in Baldwin, Butts, Henry, Jasper, Jones, Newton, Monroe, Morgan, Putnam, Rockdale, Social Circle City, and Walton
Laura Clements lclements@pageinc.org Laura is a Tift County, Georgia native. She is a graduate of Tift County High School, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, and Brewton Parker College. Laura’s career as PAGE MSR began in 2013. She loves traversing her 23-county district, meeting and assisting PAGE Members. She currently lives in Fitzgerald with her husband and two sons. Laura is an active Hurricanes Baseball Booster and past PTO President. She enjoys traveling, rooting for the Braves, and watching her children play sports. Serving members in Appling, Bacon, Ben Hill, Bleckley, Coffee, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Dublin City, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Pulaski, Telfair, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Washington, Wheeler, Wilcox, and Wilkinson
Michele Dechman mdechman@pageinc.org Michele has served as a PAGE MSR since 2022. Following a 30-year career in public schools, she continues to be an advocate for teachers. Michele loves visiting schools, making connections with educators, and sharing the many benefits of PAGE membership. Michele, who lives in Thomasville, Georgia received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida State University and her specialist degree from Valdosta State University. She is married to an educator and has one son attending Kennesaw State University. In her free time, Michele enjoys watching sports, reading fiction, and getting creative with canvas paintings. Serving members in Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Pelham City, Quitman, Randolph, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell, Thomas, Thomasville City, Webster, and Worth
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Bob Heaberlin bheaberlin@pageinc.org Prior to becoming a PAGE MSR in 2022, Dr. Bob served in K-12 and Higher Education for 50 years as classroom teacher, principal, coach, graduate professor, and later, Chief Administrative Officer at UWG Newnan. He received his BS Ed. from Ohio University, an M. Ed from Francis Marion College, an Ed. S from West Georgia College, and a Doctorate of Education from UGA. In 2011, Dr. Bob was named NAESP National Distinguished Middle School Principal from Georgia and in 2012, he was selected as AMLE National Educator of the Year. Dr. Bob and his wife reside in Coweta County, Georgia where they’re active in the community. Their son Lee is athletic director and an assistant principal at East Coweta High School. Serving members in Bremen City, Carroll, Carrollton City, Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Haralson, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Thomaston-Upson, and Troup
Hayley Gilreath hgilreath@pageinc.org After more than 30 years as a Georgia educator, Hayley began serving northwest Georgia members as a PAGE MSR in 2021. She’s also a member of the PAGE Coaching team. Hayley is a graduate of Berry College, University of West Georgia, and Lincoln University where she earned her degrees in early childhood, special education, and leadership. Married with one son, Hayley lives in Calhoun, Georgia. She also works as an adjunct instructor at NWGA RESA supporting special education TAPP candidates. Hayley enjoys cross stitching, canning produce from her garden, and spending time on her back porch with family and friends Serving members in Bartow, Calhoun City, Cartersville City, Catoosa, Chattooga, Chickamauga City, Dade, Dalton City, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Murray, Pickens, Polk, Rome City, Trion City, Walker, and Whitfield
B.J. Jenkins bjjenkins@pageinc.org In 1998, BJ joined PAGE as a MSR serving twenty-two school systems. Traveling around the district afforded her opportunities to speak with educators from throughout the state. Though much information was shared, the recurring theme was the need for assistance. Believing everyone needs a support system, BJ strives to ensure that all educators have the tools necessary for success in the profession. A graduate of Emanuel County Institute and the University of West Georgia, BJ lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and daughter. Serving members in Cobb, Marietta City, Griffin-Spalding, and Paulding; B.J. also serves as PAGE Director of Membership
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Joey Kirkland jkirkland@pageinc.org Joey is a retired Georgia educator with 30 years of experience as teacher, athletic coach, principal, and director of student services. He has worked for PAGE since 2015, proudly serving Middle Georgia Educators. Joey graduated from Lyons Senior High School and went on to graduate from Georgia Southern University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. He then gained his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University in 2003. Joey has three amazing and successful children – Brian, Tyler, and Kayla. In his spare time, he enjoys antiquing, cheering on the UGA Football Team (Go Dawgs!), and spending quality time with family and friends. Serving members in Bibb, Chattahoochee, Crawford, Harris, Houston, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Peach, Schley, Talbot, and Taylor
Larrell Oliver loliver@pageinc.org Larrell is a Burke County, Georgia native. She is a graduate of Burke County High School and Albany State University. Larrell’s career as a PAGE MSR began in 2020 after being an educator and basketball coach for 15 years. She enjoys building relationships with educators in both the DeKalb County School District and the City Schools of Decatur. Larrell is a wife and mother to three kids who each participate in multiple sports. She enjoys watching sports and traveling with her family. Serving members in DeKalb and Decatur City
Joy Robinson jrobinson@pageinc.org Following a 15-year career as a Georgia elementary school teacher, Joy joined PAGE staff in 2022 as an MSR serving educators in the southcentral and southwest areas of the state. Originally from New York, Joy moved to South Georgia after high school and graduated from Valdosta State University. A previous member of the PAGE Board of Directors, she has participated in several PAGE professional learning initiatives, and is currently a PAGE coach. Joy is committed to building relationships and supporting teachers throughout her region. Serving members in Atkinson, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Camden, Charlton, Clinch, Cook, Echols, Glynn, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Valdosta City, and Ware
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Laurie Provost lprovost@pageinc.org Laurie has been a PAGE MSR since 2015. She is a past director of operations, a comptroller, and Georgia public school teacher. Laurie received a business management degree from the University of New Hampshire, later attending University of Georgia and Granite State University earning her behavioral science degree. She holds a masters in education from the University of Phoenix. A resident of Dacula, Georgia, Laurie is passionate about serving PAGE members. Laurie’s daughter is a student at Georgia Southern and her son is a recent graduate of Georgia Tech. Laurie enjoys time with her children, traveling, swimming, and outdoor sports. Serving members in Gwinnett and Buford City
Gina Tucker gtucker@pageinc.org Since 2018, Gina has worked as PAGE MSR to educators in Atlanta Public Schools and Clayton County Schools. She is a native of Sandersville, Georgia and a graduate of Washington County High School, University of West Georgia, and Walden University where she earned a BS and an M.Ed. in middle grades education. She spent 17 years instructing students in elementary and middle school settings. Gina has two lovely children and has been married 21 years. Gina is passionate about promoting an environment that values education and teamwork as well as helping individuals reach their full potential. Serving members in Atlanta Public Schools and Clayton County
Linda Woods lwoods@pageinc.org Linda began working with PAGE in 2003 after more than 30 years in education – first as a classroom teacher and later as an administrator, receiving honors as a Georgia Outstanding Assistant Principal and Georgia Distinguished Principal. Linda received her BS, Masters, and Ed Specialist degrees from Georgia Southern University. She has two children and seven grandchildren – including one in the United States Air Force, two presently attending Georgia universities, and four in grades 1 – 12 public schools. She enjoys reading, going to the beach, spending time with family, and being active in her church in Glennville, Georgia, where she resides. Serving members in Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Jenkins, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Savannah-Chatham, Screven, Tattnall, Toombs, Vidalia City, and Wayne 22 | PAGE One
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Wherever You Are in Georgia, Your PAGE MSR is Nearby.
Here’s a Glimpse of a Few MSRs Visiting with Members Throughout the State.
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Jo Breedlove-Johnson District 3A jbreedlove@pageinc.org Hayley Gilreath District 7 hgilreath@pageinc.org
Dade
Catoosa
Walker Chickamauga City
Gina Tucker District 4B gtucker@pageinc.org
Floyd Rome City
9
Gilmer
Habersham White Lumpkin
Pickens
3A Cobb Marietta City
Paulding
Gwinnett Buford City
APS Fulton
Franklin
Jackson Commerce City Jefferson City
Madison
Hart
Barrow
Cherokee
5
Banks
Hall Gainesville City
Forsyth
7
Bartow Cartersville City
Laurie Provost District 3B lprovost@pageinc.org
Stephens
Dawson
Polk
Larrell Lewis-Oliver District 4A loliver@pageinc.org
3B Elbert
Clayton DeKalb Decatur City
4B
B.J. Jenkins Director of Membership Services, District 5, and Spalding County bjjenkins@pageinc.org
Diann Branch District 9 dbranch@pageinc.org
Rabun
Union Murray
Whitfield Dalton City
Gordon Calhoun City
Chattooga
Towns
Fannin
Clarke
4A
Oglethorpe
Oconee
Wilkes
Lincoln
10
Spalding Haralson Bremen City
6 Bob Heaberlin District 6 bheaberlin@pageinc.org
Greene
Walton Social Circle City
Douglas Rockdale
Carroll Carrollton City
Hancock
Richmond
Glascock
Coweta
Pike
Lamar
Meriwether
Jefferson
Putnam
Jasper
Butts
Troup
McDuffie
Henry
Fayette Heard
Kathy Arena District 10 karena@pageinc.org
Columbia Warren
Morgan
Newton
Taliaferro
Burke
Baldwin Monroe
Peggy Brown District 11 pbrown@pageinc.org
Jones
Upson
11 Jenkins
Washington Harris
Joey Kirkland District 12 jkirkland@pageinc.org
Screven
Bibb Crawford
Talbot
Peach
Taylor
Muscogee
Emanuel
Wilkinson Johnson
Twiggs
Bulloch
Candler Houston Macon
Marion
Chattahoochee
Schley
13
Treutlen Evans
Toombs
12
Pulaski
Bryan
Montgomery
Dodge
Dooly
Effingham
Laurens
Bleckley
Tattnall
Chatham
Linda Woods District 1 lwoods@pageinc.org
Wheeler Liberty
Wilcox
Telfair
Crisp
Stewart
Webster
Sumter Turner
Long
Jeff Davis
Ben Hill
Appling
Wayne
McIntosh
1
Quitman Randolph
Michele Dechman District 2 mdechman@pageinc.org
Clay
Terrell
Calhoun
Early
Bacon
Coffee
Worth
Dougherty
Baker
Tift Mitchell Pelham City
Miller
2
Irwin
Lee
Pierce Atkinson
Berrien
Colquitt
Ware
Cook
Seminole Decatur
Brantley
Glynn
Laura Clements District 13 lclements@pageinc.org
Lanier Grady
Thomas Thomasville City
Brooks
Clinch
Lowndes Valdosta City Echols
Camden
Charlton
8
Joy Robinson District 8 jrobinson@pageinc.org
Contact Your Membership Services Representative DISTRICT 1 Linda Woods lwoods@pageinc.org
DISTRICT 4B Gina Tucker gtucker@pageinc.org
DISTRICT 9 Diann Branch dbranch@pageinc.org
DISTRICT 2 Michele Dechman mdechman@pageinc.org
DISTRICT 5 & SPALDING COUNTY BJ Jenkins Director of Membership Services bjjenkins@pageinc.org
DISTRICT 10 Kathy Arena karena@pageinc.org
DISTRICT 3A Jo Breedlove-Johnson jbreedlove@pageinc.org DISTRICT 3B Laurie Provost lprovost@pageinc.org DISTRICT 4A Larrell Lewis-Oliver loliver@pageinc.org 24 | PAGE One
DISTRICT 6 Bob Heaberlin bheaberlin@pageinc.org DISTRICT 7 Hayley Gilreath hgilreath@pageinc.org DISTRICT 8 Joy Robinson jrobinson@pageinc.org
DISTRICT 11 Peggy Brown pbrown@pageinc.org DISTRICT 12 Joey Kirkland jkirkland@pageinc.org DISTRICT 13 Laura Clements lclements@pageinc.org Special Edition 2023
KEEP YOUR INFORMATION CURRENT WITH PAGE
Keeping pace with your needs, PAGE has streamlined the system for renewing, and updating your member profile. Visit https://members.pageinc.org or scan the QR code below to create an account and access this easy-to-use portal.
It’s Now Simpler Than Ever To: ENSURE THAT YOUR MEMBERSHIP REMAINS CURRENT
STAY IN-THE-KNOW BY KEEPING YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION UPDATED
CHANGE FROM STUDENT MEMBERSHIP TO PROFESSIONAL
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.
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 https://members.pageinc.org or scan the QR code below to access the portal.
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Providing the Support You Need When You Need It: This is PAGE Coaching
• Are you experiencing burnout and in need of support, resources, and strategies? PAGE Coaching can help. • Do you need insight to help refine classroom management plans or effectively counter disruptive behavior? PAGE Coaching can help. • Seeking proven strategies for dealing with parental complaints or concerns? PAGE Coaching can help. • Would you like information and assistance as you address challenging situations with students, peers, or administrators? PAGE Coaching can help. • Could you benefit from insight and encouragement as you consider growth opportunities and next-level career development? PAGE Coaching can help. If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, you’ll want to take advantage of an exceptional benefit of PAGE membership – confidential one-on-one professional coaching.
And, because PAGE Coaching is completely confidential, you’ll be able to address even the most difficult and sensitive topics.
A unique, personalized service by educators for educators, PAGE Coaching is an exclusive members-only benefit available to you for as long as you maintain your PAGE membership.
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.
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Coaches meet virtually with individual members to determine the foundational issues which need to be addressed, and then make informed, confidential recommendations for improvement. PAGE coaches work with individual members to: • Recognize strengths • Endorse effort and growth • Empower individuals to take appropriate actions • Understand perspectives of both the educator and the organization • Develop a healthy work/life balance • Create sustainable results PAGE coaches are trained to: • Listen for contextual clues • Help with discovering and removing barriers • Assist in identifying / clarifying present realities in order to set attainable goals • Help the educator align individual goals with school/district goals
From a member who recently completed PAGE Coaching: “The PAGE coaching experience has been a tremendous asset to me. The guidance and wisdom shared has benefited me regarding instruction, communication, and relationship skills, especially with coworkers and administration. I cannot thank my coach enough. Not only was she professional, but she was also supportive and uplifting during a time when I needed it most. I appreciate and recommend this service to anyone struggling in education.” From a few PAGE coaches: “After completing the sessions, a member indicated that, as a result of the support provided by PAGE Coaching, she will remain in the education profession rather than leave as she had been contemplating doing.” “While participating in PAGE Coaching, a member was able to prepare for upcoming job interviews. With support from the PAGE Coach, the member successfully interviewed and was offered a teaching position in the preferred grade level of choice.” “I worked very closely with a member who was questioning whether teaching was a path for her after a dismal first year. She was very pleased with the PAGE coaching experience, conveying that the greatest benefit was the ‘realistic helpful guidance’ she received through participation in the program.”
• Ask questions to help individual educators discover his or her own resolutions • Provide effective feedback and refinements
PAGE Coaches Are Ready to Serve You
• Work with the educator to develop a plan of action
Ready to benefit from PAGE One-on-One Coaching? Get started today. It’s simple, confidential, and available to you for the entirety of your membership.
PAGE Coaching supports and empowers you by providing the assistance you need when you need it. It’s confidential, available throughout the state, and most importantly, it works! n Special Edition 2023
To get started, complete the request form at https://bit.ly/PAGECoachingRequestForm.
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We’ve Got You Covered: Unmatched Legal & Liability Protection Are Now Yours as a PAGE Member
hroughout your career as a Georgia educator, you’ll experience great joy and satisfaction. Few professions have so much potential for positive impact and personal fulfillment. Yet, as with any profession, challenges will arise as well. As a PAGE member, you have access to excel-
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lent resources to assist with numerous types of challenges: PAGE professional development (pages 42-45) when you need to learn and grow as an educator; the PAGE advocacy team (pages 32-33) when you need help with matters of education-related legislation or state agency policy; PAGE Ed-
Special Edition 2023
ucator Grants (pages 8-11) when you need additional funding for your classroom; and Foundation Scholarships (pages 12-15) when you need financial assistance for an advanced degree. Yet, your most valuable member benefit, should you ever encounter legal issues related to your duties as an educator, is the unparalleled legal coverage provided by PAGE. Now, and for as long as you maintain your PAGE membership† you’re covered by the best legal protection and professional liability insurance available. And, you have access to PAGE attorneys for legal guidance at all points along the way. Situations requiring legal expertise have a tendency to escalate quickly, and failure to consult an attorney promptly could have a long-lasting negative impact on your current and future employment. That’s why calling PAGE as soon as possible is always your best option. Each year, hundreds of members benefit from successful resolution of their legal situations†† by PAGE attorneys. In the event you are ever: • Uncertain of your rights as a contracted employee. Call PAGE. • Approached by your employer about removing any of your contractually guaranteed rights. Call PAGE. • Concerned about potential ethics violations. Call PAGE. • Notified of investigation by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Call PAGE.
PAGE works in a positive, professional, and confidential manner on legal issues, and we do so without fanfare or publicity in order to avoid exposure that could damage an educator’s case and/or reputation. PAGE is committed to keeping your legal issues confidential. We encourage you to visit the PAGE website at www. pageinc.org, choose the Legal tab, and then select the Liability Insurance icon to view details of coverage per membership type. You can also access the full PAGE liability and protection plan policies by logging in to the self-service member portal at https://members.pageinc.org/. On the following pages, you’ll meet the six in-house PAGE attorneys who serve members daily. With more than 75 years combined education and employment law experience, these legal experts, together with dozens of PAGE network attorneys throughout the state, are committed to providing every PAGE member with the very best in legal guidance and representation. n
Should you ever find yourself in need of profession-related legal assistance or guidance, make the PAGE Legal Department your first call: 770-216-8555 (option 1)
• Subpoenaed to appear in court on a work-related issue. Call PAGE. • Named in a lawsuit by a parent or student. Call PAGE. • Contacted by police for questioning about an alleged work-related crime. Call PAGE. • Unsure of how to proceed with any profession-related legal issues that arise. • Call the PAGE Legal Team. †It is essential to keep your membership current to ensure continued coverage. If you are enrolled via payroll deduction, always look at your paystubs to make sure your PAGE dues are being deducted. If you pay by recurring credit card charge, visit https://members.pageinc. org/ often to ensure that an accurate, unexpired card number is on file. ††Coverage is for activities performed in your professional capacity, i.e., those duties required of you as an employee of your school or school district. There is no coverage for activities outside your professional capacity, such as those performed on a volunteer basis or conducted in a private business or private professional endeavor. Find full details of PAGE liability and protection plan policies by logging in to the self-service member portal at https://members.pageinc.org/. Special Edition 2023
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More than 75 Years Combined Education & Employment Law Experience: All Working for You Lauren Atkinson Lauren has served as a PAGE in-house attorney since 2018. She is a graduate of Elon University, in Elon, North Carolina, and received her law degree from Mercer Law School in Macon, Georgia. Prior to attending law school, Lauren was a middle school educator in Atlanta Public Schools. Lauren is a native of Frederick, Maryland, and has lived in Georgia since 2012. She currently resides in Stockbridge, Georgia, with her husband, their daughter, and their standard poodle named Arthur. When she is not helping Georgia educators, she enjoys exercising, cooking, trying new restaurants with her husband and spending time with family.
Sean DeVetter Sean DeVetter joined PAGE as an in-house attorney in 2008. Born and raised in Georgia, Sean attended public school in Newton County. Sean comes from a family of educators who instilled a fundamental belief in the importance of education. Sean earned his undergrad and master’s degrees from Emory University and earned a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law. Sean resides in Coastal Georgia with his wife and two children.
Tina Folsom Tina joined the PAGE in-house legal team in 2022 to further her commitment to helping Georgia educators with employment, certification, and criminal legal matters. She has worked in education law for 24 years, including 16 years as a PAGE network attorney. Tina received her bachelor’s and juris doctorate degrees from Mercer University. She also holds a master’s in higher education administration from Florida State University. Tina is married with two adult children. She is a leader in her Valdosta / Lowndes County community, serving on several boards of directors for various organizations. Tina is also active in her church, an avid reader, tennis player, and lover of the arts.
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Matthew Pence Matthew joined PAGE as a staff attorney in 2012. Prior to law school, he was a high school social studies teacher in North Carolina. Matthew grew up in a small town and is a proud product of its public schools. His favorite teachers were Mrs. Hazel Cox, his third-grade teacher who kept him from falling through the cracks, and Mrs. Jeanette Martin, his high school English teacher who instilled in him a passion for literature. He graduated with a degree in history from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He received his law degree from Emory University School of Law. In his spare time, he can be found running, swimming, exploring, and reading.
Jill Hay Jill was hired by PAGE in 1994 as the first staff attorney in the organization’s history. In addition to representing PAGE members, she is also PAGE General Counsel, and Director of Legal Services and Human Resources. She finds great satisfaction in helping educators through tough situations so that they can focus on teaching and learning and making a difference in the lives of students. Jill has been a part of enormous growth in the association, not only in the number of members (there were approximately 24,000 when she was hired) but also in the programs and benefits provided. Originally from Tallahassee, Florida, Jill obtained her law degree from Florida State University and a B.S. in Corporate Finance and Investment Management from the University of Alabama. She currently resides in Atlanta with her husband and has three grown children.
Leonard Williams Leonard has been in-house counsel with PAGE since 2002. Leonard practiced bankruptcy law prior to joining the PAGE family. A native of Orlando, Florida, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University, a master’s from Florida State University, and a law degree from Georgia State University. When not assisting PAGE members, Leonard enjoys reading, traveling, classic cars, and is an avid sports fan. He has a long-time girlfriend and currently resides in Decatur, Georgia. Active in his community, Leonard is a member of several civic and social organizations in the metro-Atlanta area.
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Advocating for you: Meet Your PAGE Advocacy Team
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work/life balance, and preparing for your future, there’s one critical aspect that may not immediately come to mind: state policy.
As you consider the factors that impact your ability to effectively serve students while growing in your profession, caring for your family, cultivating
State policy greatly influences your work – from compensation and retirement benefits to testing, evaluation, curriculum, class size, rules of conduct, and so much more. Changes in one or more of these areas can dramatically alter your
n your role as a Georgia educator, advocating for students is one of the important ways you look out for them. At PAGE, advocating for Georgia educators is one of the many important ways we look out for you.
work both inside and outside the classroom. And, the lawmakers responsible for education budget and policy decisions often have little-to-no insight into your day-to-day realities as educators. This is why you need a team of legislative and education policy experts advocating on the issues and topics that matter to you. As a PAGE member, this is exactly what you have.
Your PAGE advocacy team develops, communicates about, and advocates for policies at the state and federal levels that support Georgia educators and enable them to thrive professionally. Though their most visible work happens during each session of the Georgia General Assembly, the team advocates on behalf of members year-round. Guided by direct member input, and in collaboration with the PAGE Legislative Advisory Committee (see page 34), your advocacy team: n Attends each education-focused legislative and agency meeting n Tracks and analyzes all education-focused bills n Engages with lawmakers to
• Raise awareness of the issues members tell us matter most to them • Express concerns or support of proposed legislation based on member-driven legislative priorities • Recommend changes to benefit Georgia educators n Testifies at hearings and speaks with the media n Reports to members on all legislative and agency meetings and
developments
n Provides members with policy resources and advocacy tools n Hosts member events such as webinars and the annual PAGE
Day on Capitol Hill advocacy opportunity (see page 35)
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Your PAGE Advocacy Team Members Margaret Ciccarelli Director of Legislative Services mciccarelli@pageinc.org As Director of Legislative Services, Margaret Ciccarelli leads your PAGE advocacy team. Managing one full-time team member as well as contracted experts on education budget and policy, Margaret has served PAGE members since 2003. She attended public school in Statesboro, Georgia, and is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Mercer Law School. Margaret now lives in Decatur with her husband and their three children – all of whom attend public schools. The proud daughter of a life-long professional educator, Margaret is committed to providing the best in advocacy and legislative services to PAGE members. Josh Stephens Legislative Services Specialist jstephens@pageinc.org Legislative Specialist Josh Stephens is a Georgia native with strong ties to public education. Growing up in Madison Georgia, Josh’s mother served for many years on the Morgan County Board of Education. Josh completed his undergraduate studies at Augusta University before moving to Atlanta to earn his Master of Public Policy from Georgia State University. He and his wife Graci recently bought their first home in Covington Georgia. A passionate advocate for Georgia educators, Josh has served PAGE members since 2012.
Learn more about PAGE Advocacy, analysis, and resources at www.pagelegislative.org. Stay up-to-date on education policy and PAGE advocacy activity by subscribing to the PAGE Capitol Report. https:// bit.ly/3XBKuvF
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YOUR PAGE Legislative Advisory Committee
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our PAGE Legislative Advisory Committee (LAC) consists of members representing each of the association’s 15 membership districts (page 26). The LAC also includes legacy members who have consistently demonstrated a commitment to the work of the committee. The LAC meets annually at the PAGE office in early September to develop the association’s legislative priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Committee members also serve as subject-matter experts for the legislative department throughout the year – especially during the Georgia legislative session that typically runs from the third Monday in January to early/mid-April.
engagement with legislators during the annual PAGE Day on Capitol Hill (facing page), LAC members now have the option to attend virtual meetings with lawmakers, state education agency representatives, and other special guests throughout the year.
As part of a recent redesign of the committee, formerly known as the Legislative Task Force, members now have an opportunity for enhanced participation in the association’s interaction with policymakers. In addition to in-person
We encourage LAC members and all PAGE members to develop relationships with their state House member and state Senator. These relationships are vital to the success of your association’s efforts at the Capitol as policy-
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makers rely on educators – the experts – for information on education policies that shape Georgia public education. Members interested in serving on the LAC and contributing to your association’s state legislative efforts should contact Josh Stephens at jstephens@ pageinc.org to request an application. As seats on the committee become available, the PAGE legislative team will contact applicants to schedule a virtual interview. Those selected to join the committee serve at least one two-year term with an option to return for a second two-year term. All members of the committee attend the early September meeting at the PAGE office in Atlanta. It is during this meeting that the next legislative session’s priorities are developed. For those who must travel more than 60 miles to attend the meeting, PAGE will reimburse travel expenses and provide hotel rooms. n Special Edition 2023
PAGE Day on Capitol Hill Your Opportunity to Advocate with Lawmakers
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ach February, you’re invited to join fellow members at the state Capitol for a day of education-focused advocacy on the issues that matter to you. Following an on-site breakfast, attendees hear from legislators and policymakers as well as PAGE advocates and others during the morning session. All participants then have an opportunity to engage in individual advocacy and direct dialogue with legislators. The event culminates in a lunch buffet and keynote address. Keynote presenters in recent years have included Gov. Brian Kemp (top left at podium) and State School Superintendent Richard Woods (bottom right at podium). The 2024 event takes place Feb. 20. Watch your PAGE email and social media platforms for additional details. Questions? Contact PAGE Legislative Specialist Josh Stephens: jstephens@pageinc.org. We’ll see you at the Capitol! n
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Paying it Forward: Future Georgia Educators
Everyone at the FGE Day at Georgia Gwinnett College posed for a group photo.
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eligible to join PAGE for $5 annually. This membership provides legal and liability insurance for their field experiences with younger students and a subscription to PAGE One magazine.
As an FGE chapter advisor at a high school or middle school, you will elevate the profile of the craft of teaching and help expand the teacher pipeline. Plus, your high school students who are enrolled in education pathway classes are
Once the chapter is up and running, it’s time to explore FGE Days, the flagship events PAGE hosts for students. PAGE partners with colleges of education to present the popular FGE Days on campuses throughout the state where students participate in fun and informative professional learning, networking, and college fairs. Each FGE Day also
The happy faces of students who took home awards from FGE state competition.
2023 Georgia Teacher of the Year, PAGE member Michael Kobito, participated in several FGE events during his tenure. He always made time to interact directly with students.
he Future Georgia Educators (FGE) program is dedicated to helping identify, recruit, prepare, and retain the next generation of Georgia teachers. And, it’s your opportunity to give back to your profession, helping high school students as they begin their journey to becoming like you – a dedicated educator.
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features a Knowledge Bowl, and the winners are eligible to compete at the state competition in February. At the state competition, students are also invited to participate in other events like essay, impromptu speaking, prepared speech, and job application. After a pandemic-induced lull, FGE Days roared back last school year posting its second-highest overall attendance in its history with a total of more than 1,750 high school students present. This school year, PAGE hopes to exceed that number as it hosts a dozen FGE Days* throughout the state: • Oct. 4 Georgia State University (Atlanta) • Oct. 5 Augusta University (Augusta) • Oct. 18 Columbus State University (Columbus) • Oct. 19 Georgia Southwestern State University (Americus) • Oct. 31 North Georgia College (Dahlonega) • Nov. 1 Clayton State College (Morrow) • Nov. 2 Georgia Southern University (Statesboro) • Nov. 10 Georgia Gwinnett College (Lawrenceville)
A group of students give each other high fives after placing in the state FGE Competition.
• Feb. 8 University of West Georgia (Carrollton) • Feb. 13 Valdosta State University (Valdosta) • March 14 University (Macon)
• Jan. 31 Dalton State University (Dalton)
To learn more about how you can become an FGE advisor, visit www.pageinc.org and select the Student Programs tab. n
• Feb. 1 University of Georgia (Athens)
*Scheduled as of this publication’s printing.
Your FGE Coordinator: Mary Ruth Ray maryruth@pageinc.org Mary Ruth is the Future Georgia Educators (FGE) Coordinator and College Services Representative. In her role, she seeks innovative ways to expand the teacher pipeline in Georgia while maintaining a fun learning environment for students. A former Georgia educator, she has served PAGE members since 1998. After the award ceremony at the FGE state compeition.
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PAGE STAR:
Celebrating Educators Most Instrumental in Development of Georgia’s HighestAchieving High School Seniors
Each year’s STAR competition is capped with a banquet when the PAGE State STAR Teacher and Student are announced.
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arning designation as a PAGE STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Teacher is one of the most anticipated awards at Georgia high schools. STAR teachers come from all grade levels and content – including those who have retired since teaching the student. STAR Students choose their STAR Teachers – educators whom the students consider most instrumental in their academic development – annually as part of the program. PAGE and the PAGE Foundation have overseen STAR, which began 38 | PAGE One
in 1958, for nearly 30 years. To date, more than 29,500 educators and students have been honored as STARs. Many educators receive STAR Teacher recognition several times during their careers. Math teacher Kay Barnes of Meriwether County’s Flint River Academy currently holds the record at 30 STAR Teacher honors. Every accredited high school in Georgia is eligible to name its local winners. More than 170 civic organizations and businesses partner with PAGE to present the awards in this preeminent recogni-
tion program. To obtain a nomination, students must have the highest score on any single SAT taken through November of their senior year and be in the top 10 percent or among the top 10 students of their class, based on grade point average. Once selected, local STAR students choose STAR teachers from among the educators who taught them from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. After the STARs at each school have been recognized, 12 region sponsors invite the system winners from their area to Special Edition 2023
Tito Alofe, second from left, a senior at Starr’s Mill High School in Fayette County, is the 2023 State PAGE STAR student. He named Starr’s Mill educator John Campbell, second from right, as his STAR Teacher. With them are PAGE Foundation President Hayward Cordy, left, and PAGE Executive Director Craig Harper.
a celebration when each region’s STAR student and teacher are announced. In late April each year, these region winners gather in Atlanta where a panel of judges interview them – assessing their scholarship, extracurricular activities, academic ability, leadership, initiative, and more. The state winners and runners-up, as determined by the panel, are announced at a gala banquet – which all local winners are invited to attend – that evening. In 2023, state and region winners garnered the following: • State STAR Student: $5,000 scholarship from the PAGE Foundation and an engraved glass bowl • State STAR Teacher: $2,500 cash award from the Frances Wood Wilson Foundation and an engraved glass bowl • State runner-up STAR Student: $1,000 scholarship from the PAGE Foundation and an engraved vase • State runner-up STAR Teacher: $500 cash award from the Mozelle Christian Endowment and an engraved vase • Region Winners: Hand-blown glass star “STAR is one of the highlights of the year for me and for everyone at PAGE,” said Executive Director Craig Harper. “These students are the state’s brightest and best, and their STAR teachers are masters of their craft and leaders in their schools and communities.” To learn more, visit www.pageinc.org, choose Student Programs, and select STAR. n Special Edition 2023
Harper recognizes math teacher Kay Barnes who currently holds a record 30 STAR Teacher honors!
Your PAGE STAR Coordinator: Veronica Sims star@pageinc.org Veronica has been with PAGE since 1988. She is the association’s longest-serving staff member and is currently the primary liaison for the PAGE Foundation and coordinator of the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program. A native of Decatur, Georgia, she is married, mother of one daughter and one son, and an avid gardener and seamstress. PAGE One | 39
PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon: Expanding Student Academic Horizons
Elite Scholars Academy shows off all their GAD hardware.
Elite Scholars Academy Coach Jack Smith, left, congratulates his team for winning the GAD state title.
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or more than 35 years, PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon (GAD) has focused on developing students to be well-rounded individuals.
GAD helps educators open the door to academic achievement for all students. In addition to individual competition, teams – composed of students at three levels of academic expertise based on grade point average and the school’s size – vie for titles and for the right to compete at the United States Academic Decathlon national finals with opportunities to advance to both in-person and online competition. Each nine-member team consists of three Honor students (GPA 3.8 to 4.0), three Scholastic students (GPA 3.2 to 3.799), and three Varsity students (GPA 0.0 to 3.1999). Many coaches have reported that their students’ grade point averages improved following participation in the Georgia Academic Decathlon, and many teams witness their students moving into higher GPA categories. The competition is centered annually around specific themes with students competing in 10 events. PAGE partners with Kennesaw State University to administer the program. Some schools offer GAD as an academic course of study, and others offer the program as an extracurricular activity. Students in gifted programs may undertake the GAD curriculum as a directed study. GAD competitors are evaluated through comprehensive tests in seven areas – economics, mathematics, literature, science, social science, music, and art – and their communication skills are measured in speech (prepared and impromptu), interview, and essay. Competition also includes a Super Quiz – the only public 40 | PAGE One
Students participate in the GAD Super Quiz at Kennesaw State University.
Academic Decathlon event – in which students collaboratively answer questions based on the seven test areas. Georgia’s representatives at the 2023 national competition were Elite Scholars Academy (Clayton County), who also won the state championship, and Columbus High School (Muscogee County). Armuchee High School (Floyd County), Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe High School (Catoosa County), and Villa Rica High School (Carroll County) represented the state in the national online competitions.
Volunteers help make GAD a highlight of the academic year, and you are invited to join us! Look for a call for volunteers on the PAGE website and social media. To learn more about Georgia Academic Decathlon, visit www.pageinc.org, choose Student Programs, and select Georgia Academic Decathlon. n Special Edition 2023
PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades: Developing Student Success
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AGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades gives educators and students an opportunity to shine and also improve skills and practices that are key to enabling success: • Creating good work/study habits • Broadening individual horizons of information • Exhibiting poise and confidence • Developing teamwork and good citizenship qualities • Instilling an appreciation for the pursuit of knowledge On an early Saturday morning each January, these skills are put to the test when all eyes in the Georgia quiz bowl circuit turn toward Georgia College. There, a theater full of middle schoolers await the moment when they will dazzle those gathered with their knowledge. On the table at the back of the stage sits a coveted piece of hardware: the PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades state championship trophy. To get a seat in that theater, teams of five and alternates qualify based on their performances in a series of regional events PAGE hosts throughout the state. The competition is simple: Answer a toss-up question to get a chance at the bonus question and more points. Provide
Students fist bump after giving a correct answer.
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South Forsyth won the 2023 PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades state title.
an incorrect answer and give opponents the chance to acquire those points. On the other hand, the questions – from history, literature, math, geography, and a host of other academic disciplines – are not that simple. They test the limits of a middle school student’s depth of learning. Last school year, 26 teams qualified for state. The morning featured a round-robin format while the afternoon was an eight-team, double-elimination competition to determine the order of finish. South Forsyth Middle School (Forsyth County) eventually emerged as
As a PAGE member, you can be part of this vibrant program as a volunteer. Look for a call for volunteers on the PAGE website and social media in late fall and early winter. And if you are a middle school educator interested in coaching a team, contact Michelle Crawford (below) for more information. the winner, followed in order by River Trail Middle School (Fulton County), North Gwinnett Middle School (Gwinnett County), Riverwatch Middle School (Forsyth County), David T. Howard Middle School (Atlanta City), Jefferson Middle School (Jefferson City), and Westminster (an independent school). To learn more about PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades, visit www. pageinc.org, select the Student Programs tab, and choose Academic Bowl. n
Your PAGE State Academic Bowl Coordinator & PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon State Director: Michelle Crawford academicbowl@pageinc.org Michelle has served PAGE members since 1998. She has been PAGE State Academic Bowl Coordinator since 2001 and state director of PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon since 2017. Michelle is a graduate of Douglas County High School and LaGrange College where she earned her degree in speech, communications, and theatre. Married with two adult children, she lives near Young Harris Georgia, where she and her husband are building a winery. She is also an avid fiber artist, plays in a community handbell choir, and is active in her parish where she volunteers and sings in the Compline Choir. PAGE One | 41
PAGE Professional Learning: Helping You Excel
hen you excel, your students excel. PAGE Professional Learning is here to help you as you help others.
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staff to help them learn new information, understand how to use it, and transfer it to any situation where solid thinking and wise decision making are required.
Your work impacts lives and, ultimately, changes the world. And when the world changes, students need teachers, coaches, administrators, and support
Although most people may not immediately think of teachers as students, teachers are indeed learners. In fact, the concept of lifelong learning may be more
42 | PAGE One
evident in great teachers’ practices than in any other sector or role. PAGE realizes this and has consistently designed professional learning opportunities for educators that help teachers and others hone their craft and achieve career goals. In recent years, delivery models for teaching and learning have shifted. Special Edition 2023
PAGE is responding to your evolving needs as a Georgia educator through in-person and online learning experiences that address the issues that matter most to you.
All PAGE PL courses – both in-person and online – are included in the cost of your membership. No fee to register. All materials included. In-Person Learning Experiences: • PAGE Engage!: Strengthening the teacher pipeline and supporting prospective teachers, early career educators, veteran professionals, and others who make Georgia a great place to teach, learn, and work is one of the benefits of this course. PAGE Engage! is open to teachers, academic and instructional coaches, college professors, and pre-service college of education students. • EAP: Slated for upcoming semesters, PAGE is facilitating cohorts of The Exceptional Assistant Principal course (EAP) which serves as excellent preparation for a principalship. And, in line with one of PAGE’s longstanding principles – that we learn best together – participants are encouraged to attend along with a small team of teachers who want to enhance their capacity to lead through innovative approaches. • TPI: The Transformational Principal Institute (TPI) parallels the format and structure of the EAP and focuses on ways that leaders can transform schools into dynamic learning environments where students thrive alongside teachers who strive to excel. Special Edition 2023
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The best recommendations come from those with direct knowledge of the benefits of PAGE Professional Learning. A college professor writes of PAGE Engage!: “Our [teacher] candidates are truly better teachers because of the strategies [shared by the facilitators]. The sessions promote active engagement and are customized to meet the needs of the group. Furthermore, both presenters take time to get to know our candidates on a personal level and are willing to offer advice as they prepare for interviews and complete job applications. We appreciate the continued support of PAGE and the valuable professional learning and services provided by the organization. We are looking forward to many more successful PAGE Engage! cohorts.”
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Online Learning Experiences: Similarly, PAGE is making inroads with online learning, and upcoming sessions will build on the successes of two cohorts of educators who helped pilot this relatively new initiative. Rather than delivering content, PAGE is seeking to create learning courses that recognize time constraints and other pressures that educators must manage. At least two of these online courses – Uplift! and Impact 101 – will be available for the first time to PAGE members during the 2023-2024 school year.
Uplift! cohorts will actively reinforce the important message that teachers make a huge difference in students’ lives. Uplift! content offers thoughtfully curated words of hope, sincere statements of gratitude, and meaningful reflections on possibility and potential – for the educator and for those they serve. These sessions will be almost totally asynchronous, involve zero travel or time
away from the classroom or school, and provide each participant with the ability to choose how much or how little time she/he chooses to spend in the course. Uplift! is a great way to remind yourself why you pursued the noble field of education as a career choice.
PAGE received numerous positive responses on the Impact 101 pilot. Here’s a sampling: “Feedback concerning my project has been RICH! I am grateful for this forum to exchange ideas and opportunities.” “This is a great way for educators to get ideas from someone that isn’t in their immediate sphere.”
Impact 101 will also be released this year and will be PAGE’s first participant-driven PL course. Each educator will use the framework embedded in course posts to focus on something they want to make happen. Instead of course facilitators delivering information, participants determine the intended results of their time in the course. One person might be working on how to change what happens in their departmental meetings, while another might want to create a new way to structure parent night at their school. Someone else might need to figure out the best way to provide generous feedback to colleagues whose classes they visit. The possibilities are endless.
“Allowed me to collaborate with others…and provided the needed feedback and encouragement to ‘stay the course’.” “Thank you all for bringing the focus back on what is important, and not getting lost in the ‘details’ of every day.” It’s clear that there is considerable value in both in-person and online PAGE Professional Learning. And, there is no cost to PAGE members to participate. We encourage you to invest in yourself by taking advantage of this free benefit available to you. Watch your PAGE email and social media platforms for announcements and links to registration. Learn more at www.pageinc.org. n
Your PAGE Director of Innovation and Learning: David Reynolds Serving PAGE members since 2008, David previously worked in Clayton, Forsyth, and Dalton City school districts, beginning his career as an Industrial Arts teacher. David and his wife met in college and have been married since 1981. Their only child, now a physician, was a PAGE STAR student during his senior year of high school. David produces a podcast, Lead. Learn. Change., which is also the title of his first book, from which all sales proceeds are designated to a PAGE Foundation scholarship fund that supports paraprofessionals who are on the path to becoming teachers. Special Edition 2023
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Your PAGE Board of Directors
A
s a PAGE member, you have access to grants, scholarships, coaching, legal services, legislative advocacy, an ever-evolving professional learning curriculum, and so much more. Beyond this, you have a fellow Georgia educator from your area of the state who volunteers his/her time to serve you: your Board District Director. Your District Director is one of 13 elected representatives who, alongside five officers (President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Past President) and two retired Georgia educators, together compose the PAGE Board of Directors. District Directors are active members of PAGE and work in the area they represent. Each member of your Board of Directors: n Serves as a voluntary, unpaid represen-
tative of the members in her/his Georgia district
n Is chief PAGE advocate at the local and
regional level
n Articulates member needs and concerns,
responds to member inquiries, and refers to appropriate PAGE staff
n Provides
oversight, support, and feedback regarding PAGE efforts to foster exceptional levels of professionalism in the classroom and school/district leadership while keeping at the forefront the association’s mission and purpose to support educators and advocate for public education
n Takes action and makes decisions as a
matter of consensus.
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n Contributes to PAGE advocacy work and
events such as PAGE Day on Capitol Hill
n Participates
in PAGE programs and events such as: • PAGE Student/Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) • Future Georgia Educators (FGE) • PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades • PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon (GAD)
n Serves as representative in agency work
groups/task forces/study committees
n Attends and/or provides testimony to the
Georgia General Assembly, State Board of Education, and public hearings
Your PAGE Board of Directors meets at least quarterly with additional meetings as needed as well as special sessions such as PAGE Day on Capitol Hill. Nominations for District Directors and Officers are made by a nominating committee after an interview process of those who have been recommended or expressed interest in serving. District Directors and Officers are then elected for a three-year term through an annual online business meeting of the association by a majority vote of members. The two retired Georgia educators who serve on the Board are appointed by the President and approved by the Board for a three-year term. Each year, there are several District Directors with expiring terms that are up for election. To express interest, please contact your Membership Services Representative (pages 22 – 24) or Foundation President Dr. Hayward Cordy: hcordy@pageinc.org. n
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PAGE Officers & Directors 2023-2024
Khrista Henry President
Dr. Susan Mullins Secretary
Daerzio Harris President-Elect
Dr. Oatanisha Dawson Past President
Lamar Scott Treasurer
Mary Case District 3
Lance James District 7
Jennie M. Persinger District 9
Ha
be
rsh
am
9th
7th
Dr. Shannon Watkins District 5
3rdd
5thh
4
Clark e
Oc
th
on
ee
District 10 To Be Filled
10
th
Mc Du
Ro
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da
le
ffie
6th
11th Bibb
12th
13th
1st Evans
Montgo
District 6 To Be Filled
ee
ch
oo
ah
att
Ch
mery
Rochelle Lofstrand District 4 (Atlanta, Decatur City, DeKalb)
Bivins Miller District 1
2nd
Sem
ino le
Andrea Bridges District 8
8th
TaKera Harris District 12
District 13 To Be Filled Amy Carter District 11
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Dr. Brecca Pope District 2
Vickie Hammond Retired Members
Dr. Sheryl Holmes Retired Members
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Your Independent Educator Association: Nearly Five Decades of Service to Georgia Educators
he Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) was established in May 1975 to offer all Georgia educators an independent, non-partisan association free of national affiliation, political endorsements, and positions on non-education issues. From its inception, the PAGE commitment has been to be a Georgia-focused association of educators for educators. From a roster of just 432 diverse educators from many roles and backgrounds that first year, PAGE steadily grew from its metro Atlanta base to include membership from all over the state. At the end of its first decade, membership was about 9,500. Then, in response to expanded services, sup-
48 | PAGE One
port, and recruitment, PAGE experienced rapid increases over the next 10 years to reach 32,500 members. Today, at more than 94,000 members, PAGE is overwhelmingly the state’s largest educator association providing the most comprehensive benefits. PAGE also is the largest independent educator association in the United States. In 2025, PAGE will celebrate 50 years of serving educators and advocating for teachers, students, and public education. The organization’s existence and growth weren’t assured when it welcomed its first members. Founding Member and President Paul Copeland noted in a 20-year retrospective article in PAGE One magazine that starting a new association
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from nothing faced many challenges in recruiting members. Among the top issues were going against the status quo of the dominate nationally affiliated organization, a perception that an alternative association would lessen educators’ voice in Georgia, and that PAGE was a metro Atlanta organization. Through the determined effort of those early leaders and members, the association continued outreach throughout Georgia with its mission to support and advocate for teachers in a positive way to build professional capacity, support public education, and grow the profession. PAGE services and staff increased with membership. An in-house Legal Department became an important resource for members to gain critical support for employment-related issues and professional guidance (pages 28-31). The association added a Legislative Department to more actively engage lawmakers and representatives of state agencies (pages 3233). Membership Services Representatives were hired to provide regional support and build relationships with members and school districts in their area (pages 20-25). As PAGE membership grew, the association sought ways to encourage learning, provide scholarships, and grow the teacher pipeline. The PAGE Foundation was founded and began awarding scholarships (pages 12-15) to encourage educators
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to pursue advanced degrees. That focus also resulted in establishing or administering several student programs – Academic Bowl, Georgia Academic Decathlon, and STAR (Student Teacher Academic Recognition). College students were added to membership. Future Georgia Educators (FGE) was initiated to encourage high school students to join the ranks of educators as a career. Each of these initiatives continues as major parts of PAGE’s work (pages 36-41). Professional Learning began to assist educators in many areas, from certification test preparation and early career support to leadership development (pages 42-45). PAGE continues to seek new ways to provide individual benefit to members. During the pandemic, PAGE began offering $100,000 each year in Educator Grants (pages 8-11). And, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, PAGE Coaching offers confidential one-on-one guidance to members experiencing challenging career issues (pages 18-19). From its inception and into its future, PAGE has and will continue to strive to represent and support educators and the profession in a positive and encouraging manner so that students, schools, and communities are learning focused. PAGE has always been an association of educators for educators – and it always will be. Welcome to PAGE! n
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GREAT INFORMATION TO KNOW
Legal Rights & Responsibilities of Georgia Educators It’s essential to be aware of your legal rights and responsibilities as a Georgia educator. PAGE General Counsel Jill Hay shares this great information to know… Contracts Educators must have a signed contract of employment to teach in a Georgia school system. Contracts are binding agreements between an educator and the state or local employer. A contract can be terminated by: • Mutual agreement, which means by resignation of the employee and acceptance of the resignation by the employer; or • Dismissal from employment for cause.
different school system, the time needed to become tenured in the new system is shortened to one year plus the acceptance of a second-consecutive contract; or if the employer failed to notify the employee of nonrenewal of contract for the second-consecutive year by May 15. A school system can choose to non-renew the contract of a non-tenured teacher by sending written notification of non-renewal by May 15. Upon the request of a non-renewed employee, state law requires local systems give a written explanation for the reasons of non-renewal.
Resigning without the employer’s consent constitutes breach of contract and abandonment of position. In such cases, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission may sanction one’s teaching certificate and the school system may pursue legal action for breach of contract or seek liquidated damages — if permitted by the contract.
Charter and Strategic Waiver systems/schools can be exempt from the state law that affords an educator tenure. If an educator teaches in one of these districts, he or she should consult their board policies to see if the district still retains the right to tenure.
Tenured and Non-Tenured Employees
An educator may have his or her contract terminated or suspended for the following reasons: incompetency; insubordination; willful neglect of duties; immorality; inciting, encouraging or counseling students to violate any valid state law, municipal ordinance or policy or rule of the local board of education; reducing staff due to loss of students or cancellation of programs; failure to secure and maintain necessary educational training; or any other good and sufficient cause. A suspension without pay must be preceded by formal charges and a hearing. A temporary relief from duties is always given with pay and occurs when the educator’s alleged conduct is of such a nature that his or her continued presence in the classroom or administrative office is indefensible. In the case of
Contracts have a one-year term; there is no guarantee that you will be offered a new contract. That situation changes if the educator has signed four consecutive, full-year, full-time teaching contracts in the same school system; or if the employer has failed to notify the employee of nonrenewal of contract for the fourth year by May 15. Once the employee has signed a fourth, full-year, full-time consecutive contract by the same employer, he or she enjoys “tenure,” which means that the school system must renew your contract year after year, unless good cause for non-renewal can be shown. If a tenured employee transfers to a 50 | PAGE One
Termination and Suspension
temporary relief from duties, a hearing to adjudicate the charges must be made available to the educator within 10 working days after he or she has been relieved from duty. Insubordination is the willful nonadherence to a reasonable direct order issued by a proper authority. More often than not, insubordination and willful neglect of duty go hand in hand. School Board Records Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Law, all state, county, and municipal records (except exempted records) are open for inspection by any Georgia citizen. The person in charge of the records has up to three business days to determine whether a requested record is accessible under the law. Records not subject to public disclosure include the following: • Records that reveal a public school employee’s home address, home phone number, Social Security number, insurance, or medical information. • Performance evaluation records. (Performance evaluations shall not be transferred to another employer or potential employer unless authorized in writing by the person who was evaluated.); and • Confidential evaluations/references submitted in connection with the hiring of an employee. The right of privacy extends only to freedom from unnecessary public scrutiny. It does not protect a legitimate inquiry into the operation of a government and those employed by it. n Special Edition 2023
GREAT INFORMATION TO KNOW
Handle IEP Documents and Child Abuse Reporting with Extreme Care One of the most important areas of school law in Georgia is the Professional Standard Commission’s implementation and interpretation of the Code of Ethics for Educators. The Code of Ethics defines the required professional behavior of educators. All educators in Georgia, from paraprofessionals to superintendents, hold a license issued to them by the PSC. Failure to follow the Code of Ethics can result in the PSC issuing sanctions against an educator’s certificate. The following guidance, shared by PAGE staff attorney Matthew Pence, is great information to know… The Code of Ethics consists of 10 standards of conduct. It is imperative for educators to maintain familiarity with all 10 standards. While some unethical conduct is very clear (i.e., don’t become romantically involved with a student), there are seemingly murkier areas where educators often have the right intentions, but those intentions lead to the wrong results. Two areas that pose potential minefields for educators are handling Individualized Education Program documents and mandated reporting of child abuse. Individualized Education Program Documents An IEP document is a federally mandated document for children with special needs and/or learning disabilities. Generally, an IEP document identifies the student and his/her disability, and it includes accommodations that the school must implement in order for the child to be successful. IEPs are governed by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. There are several mistakes in the IEP process that may result in a sanction from the PSC. First, drafting, revising, updating, or amending an IEP requires an IEP meeting. This meeting involves the parent(s), student, special education teacher, regular education teacher, and administrator. At the end of the meeting, each person involved signs off on the IEP. Do not sign an IEP document without having an IEP meeting with everyone in the room at the same time. Sporadic contact, such as phone calls to parents regarding the IEP, emails among faculty members about the IEP, or discussing the case outside of the IEP meeting, does not constitute the actual IEP meeting. No educator should sign her/ his name unless she/he was actually in the meeting with all of the others present. Such action, in the eyes of the PSC, constitutes dishonest conduct under Standard 4. Moreover — and this should come as no surprise — there is no reason to sign someone else’s name to an IEP. This also is considered unethical conduct under Standard 4. Failure to implement the IEP does not always constitute unethical conduct; however, it could result in the parent filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. For example, if the IEP mandates that a student must have all assessments read aloud to him/her, then this must happen, even if the student indicates that he/she wishes to waive the Special Edition 2023
right. While this may not be considered unethical conduct, it could result in adverse employment action, such as a reprimand, termination, or non-renewal. Required Reporting of Child Abuse Georgia law mandates that all school employees are required reporters of child abuse. Ethically, this is codified as Standard 8. If you suspect that a child has been abused, you must report your suspicions in writing within 24 hours. Most school systems in Georgia require that an educator submit this report to someone at the school, such as a school counselor or administrator. Some school systems require educators to report directly to the Department of Family and Children Services. Regardless, it is important for all educators to familiarize themselves with the reporting procedures of their respective district at the beginning of the school year. Failure to report child abuse often results in the PSC issuing severe sanctions, particularly when a child has been harmed after the educator became aware of the abuse. Because of the criminal component of the reporting statute, several Georgia educators have been arrested for failure to report. Educators who file mandated reports should also keep thorough documentation regarding the report. All PAGE members confronted with questions about ethics should contact the PAGE Legal Department for guidance. Call 770-216-8555 | 800-334-6861 (and select option 1). n PAGE One | 51
GREAT INFORMATION TO KNOW
Tips for Heading Off Legal Problems As the new school year begins, there is always a combination of excitement and apprehension. What if you get a student who occasionally exhibits violent behavior? What if a parent is overly protective of his or her child and would not hesitate to file a lawsuit against you for the slightest slipup on your part? Or, what if you have a new principal who scrutinizes and second-guesses everything you do? Below, PAGE General Counsel Jill Hay, shares great information to know… To help you avoid legal problems, follow this advice: • Report suspected child abuse in writing within 24 hours of the time you first have reason to believe that a student in your care has been abused. Keep a copy of that report for your records. In most Georgia school districts, you are to report the suspected abuse to a designated authority in your school. (However, some districts have you report directly to DFCS.) Check your school’s written policy. “Child abuse” means physical injury or death inflicted upon a child by a parent or caretaker by other than accidental means; neglect or exploitation of a child by a parent or caretaker; emotional or sexual abuse of a child; or sexual exploitation of a child. • Report all incidents of bullying in writing as soon as possible: physical, mental, or cyber. Keep a copy of that report for your records. • Do not permit a student to be alone with you in a closed area. Furthermore, do not drive a student home from an after-school event unless absolutely necessary, and even then, always have another person in the car with you. If at all possible, secure written permission from an administrator. • Force against a student may not be used unless it is absolutely necessary to defend yourself or protect someone else from injury. • Do not leave your class unattended, especially if a fight has started between students. In case of such emergencies, have a designated student in your class go to the front office for 52 | PAGE One
assistance. Teachers have a duty to exercise proper supervision over students in their classes and reasonable care to prevent injury to them. • Corporal punishment may only be administered by the principal or the principal’s designee and authorized by written policy adopted by the school board. Even if you are authorized to administer corporal punishment, strict guidelines must be followed. • Do not search a student’s body (i.e., “strip search”) even if you believe you have probable cause that warrants a search. In almost every case, strip searches of students are found to be a violation of students’ Fourth Amendment rights. • Do not change a young child’s underwear or diapers unless another adult is present. • Follow the chain of command if you have a complaint. First, go to your
immediate supervisor, and then move up the chain of command. • Do not tutor one of your students for compensation or solicit parents or students to purchase goods or services from you. • Keep accurate records and receipts in the collection and disbursement of school monies (for example, school clubs or athletic events). • Always maintain a professional relationship with students, even if they may be close to your age. Do not have a relationship with a student outside of school or school activities. This includes contacting students over social media. • Do not establish electronic relationships with students through email, text, or social media that do not relate directly to school. Any use of electronic communication with students should first be approved by your administrator. n Special Edition 2023
GREAT INFORMATION TO KNOW
Dealing with Teacher Evaluations All professionals expect to be held accountable for the quality of their work, and teachers are no exception. The implementation of the Teacher Keys Effectiveness System (TKES) as Georgia’s evaluation system for classroom teachers has generated much hype and uncertainty around teacher evaluations, which can be nerve-wracking if not downright scary. Is your future in the hands of students’ decisions and abilities (or inabilities)? Will a single test score determine your pay? Below, PAGE Future Georgia Educators (FGE) Coordinator Mary Ruth Ray explores the topic, sharing great information to know… • It’s rarely as bad as the hype. Humans can be excitable creatures. Rumors abound, truths get distorted and well, you know the rest. Do your best to tune out the gossip and distill the truths from the abundance of information floating around. TKES includes a mandatory orientation and familiarity component to introduce you to the process. Allow your supervisor and principal to set your mind at ease. They want you to succeed as much as you do. No administrator wants a “failing” teacher. They will eagerly spell out what they will be looking for and how to demonstrate it. • New teachers, in coordination with their administration, establish a Professional Learning Plan as part of the evaluation process. The plan may include your individual professional goals, school improvement goals, district improvement goals, or any other school/district-identified need. • View the evaluation as an opportunity for professional feedback, not a pass/fail exam. If you have a weak point (and who among us doesn’t?), you want that pointed out so that you can take steps to shore up that particular skill. After all, our students are the ultimate beneficiaries of our competencies. If your evaluator identifies an area for improvement, don’t panic. Discuss it and ask for advice on how to develop that skill. Ask your supervisor to recommend teachers who have expertise in that area with whom you can observe and confer. • Be sure you get credit for everything you do. TKES allows for teachers to provide evidence of a skill not obSpecial Edition 2023
served. If an evaluator identifies a “needs improvement” area because they did not see you meet a particular standard, you can provide artifacts after the observation that show that you met it. • Keep calm and carry on. While we certainly must be cognizant of what is required of us and meet those requirements, those who have been in education for decades realize that seasons come and seasons go. Changes come and can be both challenging and rewarding. Seek the advice of quality mentors, do what is required and enjoy the magic of teaching! n PAGE One | 53
GREAT INFORMATION TO KNOW
A Dozen Documents to Keep Your career as an educator will likely span many years and several locations. Insight into documentation that’s important to keep is great information to know… 1. College transcripts from every college you attended: K-12 systems often require that universities send an official transcript directly to them, but a student copy can assist you in completing applications and employment-related papers. 2. GACE, Praxis or Graduate Record Examination scores: Obtaining copies of test scores later can be time consuming and expensive. 3. Letters of recommendation: Letters of recommendation document your on-the-job performance and are important in determining future career opportunities. 4. Teaching contracts: A copy of each signed contract is important because it verifies your employment with a school system and your length of service. 5. Payroll records: Pay stubs and tax documents issued by your school system record your salary, as well as your tax deductions, retirement plan, Social Security contributions and insurance costs. 6. Sick leave: These records show how much remaining sick leave you have available before deductions are taken from your salary. In Georgia schools, two years of sick leave may be accumulated and used toward retirement upon completion of 28 years of service. 7. Evaluations and professional development plans: Retain all documents pertaining to your performance evaluations, responsibilities, and employment status, including commendations or recommendations. If you have formally disagreed with any part of an evaluation or professional development plan, attach a copy of your written response to the file. 8. Major correspondence from district administrators: Letters of appointments to committees and positions of leadership or recognition help keep your résumé strong and current. 9. Copies (or at least computer screen shots) of conference or workshop programs listing you as a presenter/ contributor: This résumé-boosting documentation will improve your accuracy and confidence in citing your participation.
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10. Activities, accomplishments, and awards: Keep a running list of in-service training, subject specialization, classes/subjects taught, extracurricular responsibilities, special skills and honors/awards. It will make updating your résumé a breeze. 11. Records of severe student matters and suspected child abuse: These records concern any major student problem that involves hearings and/or court proceedings. Report suspected child abuse in writing within 24 hours of the time you first have reason to believe that a student in your care has been abused. 12. PAGE membership: A current PAGE membership provides you with liability coverage and immediate access to legal advice. n
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GREAT INFORMATION TO KNOW
The ABCs of ‘Educationese’ Education vernacular is vast and ever-changing. This list of acronyms commonly used in education and education-related fields is great information to know… AASA: American Association of School Administrators ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder AP: Accommodation Plan (Section 504 Students) AP: Advanced Placement BEOG: Basic Education Opportunity Grant BST: Basic Skills Test CAP: Corrective Action Plan CBA: Curriculum-Based Assessment CCGPS: Common Core Georgia Performance Standards CCRPI: College and Career Readiness Performance Index CEC: Council for Exceptional Children CEU: Continuing Education Unit CIEA: Coalition of Independent Education Associations COE: Code of Ethics or College of Education CPI: Certified Personnel Information CRT: Criterion-Referenced Test CTAE: Career, Technical and Agricultural Education DFCS: Department of Family and Children Services DOE: Department of Education DOL: Department of Labor DPH: Department of Public Health EBD: Emotional/Behavioral Disorders ECE: Early Childhood Education EIP: Early Intervention Program ELL: English Language Learners EOCT: End of Course Test EOGT: End of Grade Test ESL: English as a Second Language ESOL: English to Speakers of Other Languages ESSA: Every Student Succeeds Act ESSER: Elementary & Secondary Emergency Education Relief (Funds) F & RP: Free and Reduced Price Policy
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FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education
H/H: Hospital/Homebound
PTO: Parent-Teacher Organization
FBA: Functional Behavior Assessment
HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
PTSA: Parent-Teacher-Student Association
HOPE: Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally
REP: Remedial Education Program
FERPA: Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act FFCRA: Families First Coronavirus Response Act FGE: Future Georgia Educators FIP: Formative Instructional Practices FTE: Full Time Equivalent GACE: Georgia Advisory Council on Education GACIS: Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors
QBE: Quality Basic Education
IAP: Individualized Accommodation Plan
RESA: Regional Educational Service Agency
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
RTI: Response to Intervention
IEP: Individualized Education Plan ILT: Instructional Lead Teacher ISS: In-School Suspension IT: Instructional Teacher
SAAC: Student Assessment Advisory Committee SBD: Severe Behavior Disorder SBOE: Georgia Board of Education SDD: Significant Developmental Delay
GACTE: Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education
ITV: Instructional Television
GACTE: Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
LAPS: Leader Assessment Performance Standard
SED: Severely Emotionally Disturbed
GAEL: Georgia Association of Educational Leaders
LBOE: Local Board of Education
SI: Speech/Language Impairment
GAESP: Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals
LD: Learning Disability LEP: Limited English Proficiency
SIA: Special Instructional Assistance
IU: Instructional Unit
SEBD: Severe Emotional Behavior Disorder SGM: Student Growth Model
SID: Severe Intellectual Disability
GAMSP: Georgia Association of Middle School Principals
LKES: Leader Keys Effectiveness System
GASCD: Georgia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
MEA: Migrant Education Agency
GASPA: Georgia Association of School Personnel Administrators
MIMH: Mildly Mentally Handicapped
SLDS: Student Longitudinal Data System
MoID: Moderately Intellectually Disabled
SLO: Student Learning Objective
NBPTS: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
SLP: Speech/Language Pathologist
GASSP: Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals GaTAPP: Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy GaTAPP: Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program GCASE: Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education GEER: Governor’s Emergency Educational Relief (Fund) GKAP: Georgia Kindergarten Assessment Program GMAS: Georgia Milestones Assessment System GPEE: Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education GPS: Georgia Performance Standards
LRE: Least Restrictive Environment MID: Mildly Intellectually Disabled
NRT: Norm-referenced Test NTE: National Teacher’s Examination OCGA: Official Code of Georgia Annotated (state law)
SIP: School Improvement Plan SIS: Student Information System SLD: Specific Learning Disability
SOE: Schools of Excellence SREB: Southern Regional Education Board SST: Student Support Team
ODD: Oppositional Defiant Disorder
STAR: Student Teacher Achievement Recognition
OHI: Other Health Impaired
STAR: Student Transition And Recovery
PAGE: Professional Association of Georgia Educators
TAP: Teaching As a Profession
PBIS: Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports PDP: Professional Development Plan PLU: Professional Learning Unit PSC: Professional Standards Commission
TAPS: Teacher Assessment Performance Standards TESOL: Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages TKES: Teacher Keys Effectiveness System TOTY: Teacher of the Year
GOSA: Governor’s Office of Student Achievement
PSERS: Public School Employees Retirement System
GSSA: Georgia School Superintendents Association
PSRS: Public School Recruitment Services
VAM: Value-Added Model
PTA: Parent-Teacher Association
YAP: Youth Apprenticeship Program
TRS: Teacher Retirement System
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GREAT INFORMATION TO KNOW
Partnering with You: Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs) Successfully educating Georgia’s children is a partnership between the school, home, community, and state. There are multiple partners at work at the forefront as well as behind the scenes to support your work. One such partner is the Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) network. PAGE Foundation President Dr. Hayward Cordy, former executive director of Oconee RESA, shares this great information to know… The goal of each RESA is to help local educators, schools, and districts meet educational needs through the sharing of services across school system lines. RESAs partner with other state agencies, including the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA), and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). Service areas to member districts include research and planning, staff development, curriculum and instruction, assessment and evaluation, technology, health, and school improvement. Through a wide array of services and interventions, RESAs work to ensure that high levels of engagement and learning for all students are embedded within daily practice and routine. Georgia’s RESA Network is a forward-thinking and knowledgeable
partner governed by local Boards of Control that are established by the Georgia General Assembly. This governance system enables local school systems and public colleges to determine, manage, evaluate, and partially fund the services they receive. Each system
There’s great value in getting to know your local RESA partner. Georgia RESAs provide exceptional professional development and career enrichment for Georgia educators. Services include: • Endorsements (Gifted, Reading, Math, Dyslexia, Science, Computer Science, STEM, MTSS, Coaching, Teacher Leader) • TKES/LKES Evaluation Program support and training • Special education support through Georgia Learning Resource Services Centers (GLRS) • Mental health training through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 56 | PAGE One
• Positive Behavioral Intervention Specialist (PBIS) support and training • Whole-child wraparound support services • Student Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) support and training • GaDOE Teacher Resource Link (TRL) training and support
determines their needed services within the overall framework. There are currently 16 RESAs that make up Georgia’s network: • Central Savannah River RESA • Chattahoochee-Flint RESA • Coastal Plains RESA • First District RESA • Griffin RESA • Heart of Georgia RESA • Metro RESA • Middle Georgia RESA • North Georgia RESA • Northeast Georgia RESA • Northwest Georgia RESA • Oconee RESA • Okefenokee RESA • Pioneer RESA • Southwest Georgia RESA • West Georgia RESA PAGE encourages all Georgia educators to get to know your local RESA partner. Learn more at https://www. georgiastandards.org/learning/Pages/ ETC-RESA/RESA.aspx. n Special Edition 2023
Make your voice heard. The PAGE Legislative team advocates for you with policymakers according to memberdeveloped legislative priorities. Join us Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024 for PAGE Day on Capitol Hill – an annual event that provides all participating members with an opportunity for direct advocacy with legislators. Whether or not you’re able to attend these events at the Capitol, we encourage you to keep in touch with lawmakers throughout the year. Look for email from PAGE announcing event registration as well as advocacy alerts detailing specific issues.
Enhance your craft. PAGE Coaching supports and empowers you by providing the assistance you need when you need it. It’s available in all areas of the state. It’s completely confidential. And, most importantly, it works. Learn more at www.pageinc.org/coaching. PAGE Professional Learning offers both in-person and virtual opportunities, each specifically designed to meet your needs. Watch your email for messages from PAGE about upcoming programs to enhance your craft.
Give back to the next generation. PAGE Student Programs provide excellent opportunities to volunteer. Whether you want to help with PAGE Future Georgia Educators (FGE), PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades, Georgia Academic Decathlon (GAD), or PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR), there’s a place for you at PAGE. For more information about PAGE Student Programs, visit www.pageinc.org/student-programs/.
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STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE LATEST FROM PAGE Help us keep in touch with you so you can get the most out of your membership •
Provide a personal email address* and keep it current to ensure you receive the latest information on PAGE Educator Grants, Coaching and PL opportunities, events, and other announcements. Visit www.members.pageinc.org to verify and update your information. Scan this QR code to update or verify your information.
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Contact membership@pageinc.org to confirm that you are signed up to receive PAGE One magazine.
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Subscribe to the PAGE Capitol Report to stay up-to-date on PAGE advocacy, education-focused legislation, and state agency action. Visit https://bit.ly/3XBKuvF to sign up. Scan this QR code to subscribe to PAGE Capitol Report.
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Coming Soon: Subscribe to PAGE blogs to read the latest from PAGE and education trends. Watch your PAGE email and social media for details.
Need more information? Contact your Membership Services Representative. (You can locate your representative on the map on page 24 or at www.pageinc.org.) *PAGE recommends a personal email address because some school system’s email filters reject external email.
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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
For your Membership Services Representative’s contact information, turn to page 24 of this issue or visit www.pageinc.org/membership.
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Professional Association of Georgia Educators
Professional Association of Georgia Educators 2971 Flowers Road South, Suite 151 Atlanta, Georgia 30341 www.pageinc.org