It is a designation based on appreciable gains in student achievement. Smokey Road Middle School Spanish teacher Kimberly Paige Galt was one of only 131 teachers across the state, and the only teacher in Coweta County, to be named a 2010 Georgia Master Teacher.
The names of the 131 teachers statewide that earned the certification were announced June 25 by Gov. Sonny Perdue.
“There are now 599 Master Teachers in Georgia who have demonstrated their expertise in helping our children achieve at higher levels,” Gov. Sonny Perdue said June 25. “They are masters at inspiring students to learn, and I am proud to recognize their tireless efforts and collective success in improving student achievement.”
Smokey Road Principal Laurie Barron described Galt as an exemplary teacher, one whose efforts extend far beyond the Spanish classes she teaches.
Those efforts include working with students on career choices, coaching and mentoring students. Barron said Galt went through the Master Teacher process to challenge herself.
“She’s very motivated and she does more than she has to,” Barron said. An example of that motivation is combining math and Spanish in her classroom. “She is very interested in taking care of the whole child and the whole school. We’re very proud of her.”
The Georgia Master Teacher Certification Program provides statewide recognition to certified public school teachers in Georgia who have at least three years of teaching experience and who consistently demonstrate instructional excellence through student achievement.
The initiative was supported by Gov. Perdue during the 2005 legislation session and became effective in 2006. The program is coordinated by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC).
Master Teachers are eligible to automatically renew their teaching certificates as long as they continue to qualify for Master Teacher status.
“The Georgia Professional Standards Commission is proud to administer the Master Teacher certification program.” said Kelly Henson, Executive Secretary of the PSC. “We congratulate these teachers for their dedication and consistent leadership.”
For more information on the Master Teacher program visit http: www.gamasterteachers.org or email MasterTeachers@gapsc.com.
