A Statement from PAGE Executive Director Craig Harper
March 21, 2025
“The US Department of Education provides guidance, resources, student protections, and oversight to state departments of education and our nation’s schools. The practical effect of President Trump’s executive order is unclear other than the stated intent to redirect the department’s functions and funding and allow more authority at the state level . PAGE continues to evaluate the effects of the order on Georgia’s students, educators, and schools. PAGE members have communicated varied opinions about the ongoing role of USED, and in addition to our own legal and legislative analysis, our members have asked a number of questions regarding the impact of the federal order. PAGE will share this information with Georgia’s congressional delegation in an effort to ensure continuity of service for Georgia’s children and families and those who serve them in our classrooms.”
PAGE Focuses on Legislative Priorities at Capitol
PAGE Legislative Priorities are created and approved by members every year. While the priorities reflect areas of PAGE advocacy focus during the legislative session for which they are generated, PAGE also strongly supports and continuously advocates for policies benefiting educators, students, and public education, including raising educator salaries and promoting strong retirement and healthcare benefits for Georgia educators.
PAGE Congratulates Columbus High School, the 2025
PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon State Champions
PAGE Proudly Supports Teach in the Peach
2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year Christy Todd (left), who recently assumed a new role at the Georgia Department of Education supporting teacher recruitment and retention efforts, joins PAGE in celebrating Teach in the Peach at the Feb. 18, 2025 press conference announcing the initiative. Executive Director Craig Harper (third from right), Future Georgia Educators Coordinator and College Services Representative Mary Ruth Ray (second from right), BJ Jenkins, Director of Membership Services (right), and Hayward Cordy, Director of Strategic Partnerships and President of the PAGE Foundation (not pictured) were on hand for announcement.
PAGE is honored to be a Gold Level Sponsor of Teach in the Peach, a newly launched initiative aimed at making Georgia the #1 state for teachers to teach. This investment in educators and strengthening the profession supports the PAGE effort to attract, retain, and empower outstanding teachers throughout the state.
The official GaDOE teacher recruitment website, Teach in the Peach, aims to attract, recognize, and retain excellent Georgia educators and was created with input from more than 250 current and aspiring teachers. The site provides valuable resources, including:
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Insights into the benefits of teaching in Georgia
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Information about personalized certification pathways
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An interactive, statewide job map
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A career fit quiz for individuals seeking their best path in education
Riverwatch Is PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades State Champions
Congratulations to Riverwatch Middle School! Representing Forsyth County Schools, this outstanding team triumphed over fierce competition to claim the coveted PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades State Championship trophy and medals. PAGE also celebrates the achievement of the state runner-up, Howard Middle School from Atlanta Public Schools. Shoutout to the other top finishers: Third Place: Beacon Hill Middle School (City of Decatur Schools); Fourth Place: River Trail Middle School (Fulton County Schools); Fifth Place: Richards Middle School (Muscogee County School District); Sixth Place: North Gwinnett Middle School (Gwinnett County Public Schools); Seventh Place: Stallings Island Middle School (Columbia County School District); and Eighth Place: Lost Mountain Middle School (Cobb County School District).
What are the benefits of joining PAGE?
Protection. Advocacy. Growth. Economy.
Professional Association of Georgia Educators is the state's largest association for educators, serving teachers, paraprofessionals, support personnel, and students. We provide the best in membership, legislative and legal support. PAGE offers educators coaching and professional learning that enhances competence, confidence and leadership skills and students opportunities to learn and grow in the craft of teaching and to achieve academically and have those achievements recognized.
LEGAL PROTECTION
$1 million liability coverage*, $10,000 legal defense coverage*, and one-on-one guidance from our expert legal team.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Personalized coaching provides strategies to overcome challenges; professional learning offers growth-focused learning to help you thrive.
TEACHER PIPELINE
High school programs encourage exploration of the profession. College modules prepare teacher candidates. Member services and supports enrich your career.
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
Your voice with legislators and policymakers. Advocacy includes educator pay, Teachers Retirement System (TRS), school funding, and school safety.
GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS
More than $125,000 awarded annually to support professional growth as a Georgia educator and provide classroom resources.
TEACHER AND STUDENT PROGRAMS
Honoring educators and students through STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) and supporting academics through student competitions.
*Coverage is limited to activities performed in a professional capacity, i.e., those duties required as a school or district employee.