Georgia Department of Education

GaDOE is announcing the release of a first-of-its-kind state resource designed to strengthen school safety by connecting student support systems with behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM).

The new resource was developed by GaDOE’s Office of Whole Child Supports in partnership with the United States Secret Service – National Threat Assessment Center, the National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and with input from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.

For families and communities, implementation will mean schools are better equipped to notice concerns early, respond in appropriate ways, and connect students with support before situations become more serious.

Read the press release:
https://gadoe.org/press-releases/georgia-becomes-first-state-to-release-school-safety-resource-aligning-student-supports-and-threat-assessment/

Announcing the 2027 Georgia Teacher of the Year: Charm Mapp, an eighth-grade math teacher at Clifton Ridge Middle School in Jones County!

State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced the selection at a banquet held tonight at the Georgia Aquarium to celebrate all District Teachers of the Year.

“Charm Mapp makes mathematics come alive for her students through her classroom number talks and hands-on instruction,” Superintendent Woods said. “I can’t wait to see how she advocates for students, teachers, and schools throughout her time as Georgia Teacher of the Year. I offer my sincere congratulations to all of our District Teachers of the Year and our outstanding group of top ten finalists, all of whom showcase the very best our public schools have to offer. I look forward to continuing to work closely with each of them as members of my Teacher Advisory Council.”

As Georgia Teacher of the Year, Mapp will serve as an advocate for public education in Georgia, speaking to the public about the teaching profession and serving as an ex-officio member of the State Board of Education. She will also participate in the competitive selection process for the 2027 National Teacher of the Year.

Meet Charm: https://url.gadoe.org/nkmtc

From classrooms to careers, Georgia students are building skills for the future.

The new Top State for Talent Map showcases innovative career pathways, strong business partnerships, and work-based learning opportunities, helping students gain real-world experience in high-demand fields across the state. 📍

Explore the map and see how Georgia is preparing students for life after high school: https://url.gadoe.org/3dghr.

Every day in school matters.

Georgia has been selected as one of six states to participate in a new national partnership focused on reducing chronic absenteeism and supporting student success. We're proud of the progress made so far and excited to continue building on that momentum.

Learn more: https://url.gadoe.org/ylbzm

Georgia's work to strengthen the educator pipeline is gaining national attention. 🎉

GaDOE has been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Education's Learning Agenda initiative, a national effort to identify and share successful state-led education strategies. Georgia, for its work supporting teacher recruitment and retention through initiatives such as Teach in the Peach. 🍑

Through partnerships, innovative pathways, and statewide initiatives such as Educator Signing Day, Georgia continues to invest in future educators and support schools across the state.

More: https://url.gadoe.org/trgpr

🎨🎭🎶 BIG news for Georgia students and fine arts education!

Yesterday, Governor Kemp signed SB 556 into law, expanding HOPE Scholarship rigor recognition to include qualifying advanced fine arts coursework in dance, music, theatre, and visual art.

This legislation supports students pursuing rigorous fine arts pathways while strengthening connections to Georgia’s growing creative industries. Thank you to the educators whose feedback helped inspire this effort and to our state leaders for supporting opportunities that prepare students for life.

“This is a game changer for Georgia’s students!” — GMEA President Andy Esserwein

More: https://url.gadoe.org/1qp83

Before it became a press release, it started as a handwritten note. 🌱

This Teacher Appreciation Month, Superintendent Woods wrote a personal letter to Georgia educators recognizing teachers as “the roots of our success” and thanking them for helping students grow, thrive, and prepare for life.

Read the full release: https://url.gadoe.org/bytuc.