The Georgia Department of Education is welcoming 20 teachers to participate in its 2023-2024 Teacher Policy Fellowship, and Rising Starr Middle 8th grade Georgia Studies teacher Michelle Spears will join the prestigious group.

The Teacher Policy Fellowship is a unique nine-month professional learning opportunity designed to introduce classroom teachers to the field of public education policy and policymaking. The fellowship uses a blended virtual and face-to-face learning approach so fellows can continue teaching in their classrooms while participating in the program. Throughout the program, fellows will gain knowledge and information on policy design and implementation at the state level.

“One of the most important steps we can take to improve Georgia’s public education landscape is investing in our teachers, including providing supports and opportunities for them to grow as professionals and give teachers a greater voice in policy decisions and discussions,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “The Teacher Policy Fellowship is an opportunity for the Georgia Department of Education to work directly with teachers to support the development of student-focused educational policy.”

Fellows will participate in conversations, seminars, and projects to broaden their understanding of the stakeholders involved in policymaking and examine the landscape in which leaders craft education policy. They will hear from policymakers, legislators, decision-makers, and experts from GaDOE and other public education policy agencies, and will use evidence-based research to create a policy proposal that policymakers could implement.