FALL 2024 • VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 3
GAE Day at the Capitol, page 25
EDUCATION’S FRONTLINE the people • the politics • the profession 20 GET TO KNOW YOUR 2024-25 GAE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 26 GAE ELECTION REPORT AND 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION INFORMATION
NEA Member * Exclusive
As an NEA member, did you know you receive $1,000 of term life insurance at no cost to you? You’re already enrolled in the NEA® Complimentary Life Insurance Plan, but it’s a good time to make sure you’ve selected a beneficiary. When you do, you can have some peace of mind that your loved ones will receive their benefit in a time of need. This unique benefit helps ensure educators like you have additional coverage beyond what may be provided through your district. It’s just one of the many ways your union membership works hard for you. A trusted and valuable benefit
Scan the code or go to neamb.com/mycomp for a quick and easy path to update your beneficiary information.
* Must maintain NEA membership. This coverage is offered to Active, Reserve and Staff members, as well as to Life and Retired members who are actively employed in education. DT121124
CONTENTS FALL 2024 Volume 22 Issue 3
4. PRESIDENT’S LETTER — GAE PRESIDENT LISA MORGAN 5. KNOW AND TELL Spelling Bee: 2024-25 Deadlines and Dates, Becoming a Bee Volunteer; GAE-Retired Lynda Wolfe Smith; Rights at Night; Upcoming Events, NEA Foundation Grant deadlines; Updating your membership record; Join Facebook Live; Not Getting GAE Emails?; 2025 Read Across America; GAE Scholarships and Grants; GAE’s New Employees; GAE Fall Conference pictorial; and much more.
26. GAE REPORT ON THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTION
We’re the faces on education’s front line. ®
We exist to support, protect, and strengthen those who nurture Georgia’s children. After all, our education program can be only as good as our educators. For us, standing up for public education means standing up for you.
30. GAE 2025 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES 31. NEA MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM 32. LEGAL NEWS
FALL 2024 Volume 22 Issue 3 Lisa Morgan PRESIDENT Dr. Sharon Doe VICE-PRESIDENT Carly Shaw SECRETARY-TREASURER Dr. Craig Carter EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kevin Pearson EDITOR/COMMUNICATIONS
16. GAE MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS ON…
“Know your rights. Protect your rights.”
Aspiring Educators Chapter at Young Harris College and Clinton Vicks, president of the Dougherty County Association of Educators.
35. “OUR TRS
COMMITMENT” by TRS Executive Director L.C. “Buster” Evans, Ed.D. 35. “EMPOWERING EDUCATION LEADERS: A Toolkit for Safe, Ethical, and Equitable AI Integration” 36. GAE RETIRED Topics Include: “Project 2025: What Next,” “We Can Do This,” and “What Will We Do Now?,” “Respect is More Than ‘Yes Ma’am’ and ‘No Sir’.” 39. GAE ELECTION TIMELINE CALENDAR 40. GAE ELECTION NOMINATION NOTICES FOR: NEA Delegates to the 2025 NEA RA and GAE- Retired Delegates to the 2025 GAE Spring RA.
Postmaster ISSN:1543-8724 KNOW is published quarterly as a service to all members of the Georgia Association of Educators, 100 Crescent Center Parkway, Suite 500, Tucker, GA 30084, 678-837-1100, know@gae.org. Periodicals’ postage paid at Tucker, Georgia, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster! Please send changes to: GAE, 100 Crescent Center Parkway, Suite 500, Tucker, GA 30084-7050. Advertisers Advertising contents should be addressed to the Editor. Advertising rates are available upon request. Advertising is printed as a service to readers and publication does not imply Association endorsement. The Association reserves the right to refuse any advertising.
20. GET TO KNOW YOUR 2024-25 GAE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 24. GAE 2025 GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY PREVIEW 25. GAE DAY AT THE CAPITOL
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PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Dear Colleagues, I heard a quote from a senior college football player who was addressing the underclassmen. He said, “the days are long, but the years are short.” This resonated with me because it describes perfectly how it feels to be an educator. Some of the days seem much longer than others, but I am constantly amazed by how quickly the years seem to fly. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was beginning my first year at Midway Primary School, yet that was over twenty years ago. My first group of babies are now 28 and 29 years old. How can they be only a couple of years younger than I was when they were five and six? As I think about the challenges of this year, I continue to be in awe of you and your passion for our students. Despite so many long days, you continue to be educators when so many are no longer in our professions. I can point to some se days that seemed endless, but all of the years certainly feel short. If like me, you have a few short years left or if you have only a few short years since you started, I hope the joys will always outweigh the long days for you. And like that football player encouraged the other players, I hope you will enjoy the journey even during the long days. As you begin your holiday break, I’m sure you’ll find that these days will be short and seem to fly by. I want to encourage you to slow down these days and fill them with the memories that will sustain you through the long days ahead. Take a long walk on a beach, mountain, or just down the street. Enjoy the sunrise
Lisa Morgan, GAE President, 2020-Present
Lisa Morgan is the current President of the Georgia Association of Educators, a state affiliate of the National Education Association. Before her election as state president of Georgia’s pre-eminent statewide professional association for educators, she taught pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade in schools in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties.
(or sunset). Read a new (or old) book. Listen to your favorite music — sing along at the top of your voice as you drive or close your eyes and let the music carry you away from your home. I hope you will give yourself the gift of peace and most importantly the gift of being present with your loved ones. As always, thank you for all you do for our students, colleagues, and GAE!
Lisa Morgan Member and President Georgia Association of Educators
Notice to GAE Members: Georgia Association of Educators annual membership dues include the following refundable contributions: Georgia Association of Educators Foundation — $3 for Active Certified members and $1.50 for Active Education Support members. GAE Foundation contributions fund educational scholarships and grants to members and potential educators and are tax deductible as charitable contributions. Georgia Association of Educators Fund for Public Education (GAE-FPE) — $6 for Active Certified members and $3 for Active Education Support members. GAE-FPE contributions are used for political purposes and are not tax deductible. GAE Foundation and GAE-FPE contributions are voluntary and members have the right to a refund of these contributions. Send your request for refund of GAE Foundation and/or GAE-FPE contributions in writing to GAE Membership Processing at the address shown: GAE Membership Processing; Suite 500; 100 Crescent Center Parkway; Tucker; Georgia 30084-7050. NEA, GAE, and local association membership dues are not deductible as charitable contributions. Six percent (6%) of GAE membership dues is attributable to lobbying expenses and is not tax deductible. 4 | KNOW • Volume 22 Issue 2
{ KNOW & TELL AROUND THE ORGANIZATION THE FLIGHT PATH
GAE SPELLING BEE VOLUNTEER FORM Have you heard the buzz? As a GAE member, you can become involved in the GAE State Spelling Bee process.
OF GEORGIA’S SPELLING BEE GAE SPELLING BEE DEADLINES AND DATES
positive and visible experience throughout the state, please fill out and submit this form to have the GAE Region Consultant for your area contact you about becoming involved and the position responsibilities. Interested? Click below to be contacted by your GAE Region Bee Consultant about volunteering. https://tinyurl.com/Bee-Volunteer- Form GAE-Retired member Lynda Wolfe Smith was featured in the August issue of NEA Today for NEA Retired. She was interviewed for the article. “The Power of the Senior Vote.” You can read the article at https://online.flippingbook.com/ view/998431322/ .
While we hope you are involved at your school and system level, you also can volunteer to be a judge, pronouncer and/or aide at the all-important region and state levels. If you are interested in becoming a part of GAE’s most
December 31, 2024 DEADLINE — School Spelling Bees and Home School
Association Bees can begin upon registration with Scripps and should be completed by December 31, 2024. Please plan alternate dates for inclement weather. January 30, 2025 DEADLINE — System Spelling Bees Home School Multi-Association Spell-Off
Please plan alternate dates for inclement weather. ALERT! Complete and submit the digital Region Qualifier Form(s) or download, complete and mail the form to your Region Spelling Bee Consultant at www.gae.org/spellingbee by 10:00 a.m. — GAE Regions 1– 9 & Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) Bees (Alternate weather date March 1, 2025) REMEMBER! In case of inclement weather in your area on the date of your Region Spelling Bee, please contact your Region Consultant PRIOR to attending. March 15, 2025 11:00 a.m. — GAE State Spelling Bee Georgia State University — Student Center Atlanta, GA May/June, 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee Visit: gae.org/spellingbee for more information February 7, 2025. February 22, 2025
UPCOMING EVENTS
NCSEA Collective Bargaining/ Financial Forum Wednesday-Saturday, February 26-March 1, 2025 NCSEA Collective Bargaining/ Financial Forum Friday — Saturday, March 7-9, 2025 Aspiring Educators Meeting
Christmas Holidays GAE offices closed December 20–Jan. 6 Opening of 2025 Georgia General Assembly Monday, January 13, 2025 Aspiring Educators Meeting Thursday, January 9, 2025 GAE Board of Directors Meeting January 10-11, 2025 District Three Meeting Wednesday, January 15, 2025 District Four Meeting Thursday, January 16, 2025 Minority and Women’s Leadership Conference January 25-26, 2025
District Two Meeting Monday, January 22, 2025 GAE Rights at Night Tuesday, January 28, 2025 District One Meeting Thursday, January 30, 2025 NEA Super Week February 10-15, 2025 Aspiring Educators Meeting Thursday, February 13, 2025 GAE Day at the Capitol Thursday, February 20, 2025 GAE District Two Meeting Monday, February 24, 2025 GAE Rights at Night Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Thursday, March 13, 2025 GAE Board of Directors Meeting March 14-15, 2025
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{ KNOW & TELL AROUND THE ORGANIZATION RED FOR ED WEDNESDAYS Save the dates and please join us for rEd for ED Wednesdays. What are rEd for ED Wednesdays? Every Wednesday we ask that you please wear RED in a show of solidarity among educators and education support professionals not only throughout Georgia, but throughout the nation.
In addition, please take pics and selfies and post them and send to getinvolved@gae.org. Use hashtag #Redfored.
JOIN GAE FOR RIGHTS AT NIGHT VIA ZOOM Rights at Night are our monthly virtual seminars designed to help our members understand their rights and responsibilities as educators in Georgia. Have you missed any previous sessions? Past sessions can be viewed on the GAE Youtube channel. Visit gae.org/rightsatnight for information on upcoming seminars.
Remember though, it’s not about the R or the D , but the E – EDUCATION! For logo usage, contact getinvolved@gae.org.
R E D
6 | KNOW • Volume 22 Issue 2
Are you unable to retire because your
PSERS* pension is inadequate? Share how your inadequate PSERS pension affects you. Share your PSERS story! Email TS.GAE.Retired@gmail.com * P ublic S chool E mployees R etirement S ystem Impacts bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, and maintenance employees.
Join GAE-Retired now as a member or as a
Pre-Retired subscriber! The lifetime enrollment fee includes joining both the GAE-Retired and NEA-Retired organizations! GAE-Retired and NEA-Retired are the ONLY retiree organizations affiliated with GAE and NEA . Membership option--Make monthly payments: Pay your lifetime membership enrollment fee of $450 for certified or $270 for ESPs divided monthly now through August 31, 2025 . For more information including enrollment forms: tinyurl.com/RetiredGAE.
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Please fill out and submit an update form even if your information hasn’t changed.
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{ KNOW & TELL AROUND THE ORGANIZATION
WONDERING WHY YOU’RE NOT GETTING GAE EMAILS? FIRST, thank you for being a member of the
However, it is very easy to opt yourself back into the process by simply clicking on https://tinyurl. com/opt-in-GAE-email. This will bring up a field to re-submit your name and email. It will then send you a confirmation email with a link to opt yourself back in. It’s that simple. UP-TO-DATE HOME ADDRESSES AND CELL NUMBERS Just as important as it is to have up-to-date emails, the same goes for mailing addresses and cell numbers. On occasion GAE does send out communication via postcard or letter. In fact, your new membership year information, which includes your new membership card, is mailed to you each August. Many members move through the year for various reasons but forget to update their record with us. This also impacts the mailing of our legal organ, KNOW Magazine. Twice a year the magazine is mailed to everyone, per our GAE Constitution. Although it is always available digitally at https://www.gae.org/know, we want to ensure
preeminent education organization in Georgia, the Georgia Association of Educators. Your membership with GAE signals your dedication to your profession and the students you work with every day. It indicates your desire to OPT-IN to receiving the information that affects your profession and when necessary take action to ensure your voice — that of the practitioner — is heard. it is vital to this process to know that if you have opted-out of a previous email because of a topic not of interest to you at that time, you, unfortunately, have opted-out of our email system all together and cannot receive other emails that may be of interest to you. In addition, if you have forwarded an email originally sent to you and one or more of those persons chooses opt-out on that email, it inadvertently opts you, the forwarder of that email, out of the system. So, if you have suddenly noticed you are not receiving any emails, one of these two situations has occurred.
your magazine and annual membership packets are received. To update your GAE records, please click https://www.gae.org/update to make any changes to your address or cell number. GAE is only as effective as its members are informed. Stay engaged in the conversation. So, please opt back in and update your profile information as soon as you can. And once again, thank you for being a member of GAE!
8 | KNOW • Volume 22 Issue 2
READ ACROSS AMERICA PROGRAM, MARCH 2, 2025 Update on changes to the Read Across America program for the 2024-2025 school year. Key Things for Local Leaders and Staff to Know • Effective August 31, 2019, NEA no longer has a • Focus of the program is on diverse books, and content will be driven by the Read Across America (print) Activity Calendar and digital version found at readacrossamerica.org. • Local leaders should promote and encourage Local leaders, staff, and Members to use the RAA Activity Calendar as their guide in planning RAA events. A copy of the print 2024-2025 calendar may be ordered at: readacrossamerica.org. Also, on the new web site, you’ll find a logo standards and usage guide. Find more resources at: readacrossamerica.org • Affiliates and Members may still conduct Seuss- themed events, so long as they meet the above restrictions. Seuss-related materials purchased through retailers may still be used at events.
licensing agreement with Dr. Seuss Enterprises. As a result, NEA Affiliates and Members may no longer use the old RAA logo with the Cat in the Hat leaning over U.S. map and the official mascot suits provided by Costume Specialties may no longer be used. • A new Read Across America logo has been developed and is now available at: readacrossamerica.org. Web sites, social media, and other digital and print communications should be updated with the new logo.
Caption h
Are you wanting to do something innovative in your educational setting but lack funding? Apply for a GAE Foundation Best Practicies Grant! now online: Application for 2024-25 GAE
Are you embarking on a career in education, continuing your professional growth, or seeking an advanced degree?
suggestions for different age groups and provides ideas for applying lessons from the books to the classroom. Kicking off this school year, the book for August 2019 was All Are Welcome Here, written by Alexandra Penfold . “ No mat- ter how you start your day, what you wear, when you play. Or if you come from far away. All are welcome here.” The lively picture book sends a clear message that our public schools are places where every child is welcome. The calendar suggests hosting a community-building back-to- school event that opens opportunities for talking about individual differences, diversity, and how we can learn from each other. Lubna and Pebble, written by Wendy Meddour, the June 2020 book, explores the wrenching world of refugees where a little girl’s only friend is a treasured pebble she found on the beach where she landed with her father after fleeing war at home. Pebble listens to her stories; its smoothness comforts her when she’s scared. But one day, Lubna realizes that a Scholarships available for: USE BOOKS FEATURED IN THE CALENDAR ANY TIME OF THE YEAR
County, Va. Bauer, who is the past chair of NEA’s Read Across America Advisory Committee, adds that even if a book is featured in a particular month, it can be shared any time dur- ing the year. “Students in fourth grade hear the word ‘refugee’ but don’t have a good understanding of what that might mean. This book will help with their understanding,” she says. “I also have my students collect money using the ‘Trick or Treat for UNICEF’ program. This book will be another way to allow my students to understand where the UNICEF money goes and who it helps.” MIDDLE GRADE AND YOUNG ADULT BOOKS FEATURE DIVERSE THEMES AND CHARACTERS The Hero Next Door, featured in the Read Across America calendar in the middle-grade section, reminds students that not all heroes wear capes. They can look just like them. They can even be them. “The New Kid could have been my superhero name,” writes middle-grade novelist Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkov-
now online: Application for 2024-25 GAE Foundation Scholarships
Foundation Best Practices Grant All GAE certified and educational support professional members are eligible.
ich, editor of The Hero Next Door, a collec- tion of middle-grade short stories from some of the best known diverse books authors. “School after school, classroom after classroom, playground after play- ground … I’d swoop in, hoping to dazzle and impress, save the day somehow. Each time I hoped to get it exactly right; each time I got it so, so wrong.” When she was the new kid again in sixth grade, Rhuday-Perkovich’s mother asked the principal to make sure she’d have classes with other educational support professionals high school seniors
certified educators aspiring educators
new boy in the “world of tents” might need Pebble more than she does. “ Lubna and Pebble is one of the books that I am looking forward to sharing,” says Carol Bauer, a fourth-grade teacher at Bethel El- ementary School in York
ILLUSTRATION: SUZANNE KAUFMAN Deadline for grant applications: March 31 Notification of awards: May 31 more info: GAE.org/grants
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{ KNOW & TELL AROUND THE ORGANIIZATIION
NEW EMPLOYEES
Jeremy Nelson has joined GAE as a Senior Accountant/Benefits Specialist on the GAE Finance team. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and USAF Veteran. Jeremy is a proven leader with a demonstrated history of optimizing financial processes to drive business success. In his role, he will work closely with the CFO to manage complex financial projects, focusing on efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. Originally from Jamaica, he now resides in Dunwoody with his wife of over three decades. He also has two adult daughters. Jeremy is looking forward to making significant contributions to the GAE mission.
Before starting her career at GAE, Danielle Johnson was a Sheriff Processing Technician in the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office for 15 years. She started as a bonding technician and then was promoted to Record Retention Technician/Court Liaison, which was where she developed a love for the judiciary and law. Outside of work, Danielle is the stepmother of an 8-year-old son and a 19-year-old daughter. She is also a fur mom of two adorable (and spoiled) dogs, Madison Giselle and Dolly Lolita. She is a music lover (she has way too many favorite artists to name, but is a huge Beyoncé), and also enjoys watching anime and professional wrestling, along with playing video games (she is a big kid at heart). After graduating from Stone Mountain High School, Danielle majored in psychology at Georgia Perimeter College and also studied criminal justice at Strayer University for two years.
If GAE’s new executive assistant Cedric Washington Jr. looks familiar, that is because he is joining GAE staff for his second go-round. He originally came to GAE in December 2021. Both of Cedric’s parents are educators and have instilled in him the importance of being of service and giving back. Washington has spent much of his career in customer service roles, servicing insurance members and established corporate offices in the city of Atlanta. He has an extensive history in data reporting, strategic organizing and team building. When he isn’t working for our members, you may find Cedric reading or traveling to his hometown of Tampa, Florida, where his family resides. Enjoying the beach and fun in the sun are his favorite things to do.
Makesha Muhammad , featured in the summer issue, was promoted to chief financial officer.
10 | KNOW • Volume 22 Issue 2
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{ KNOW & TELL AROUND THE ORGANIZATION
2024 GAE FALL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
The 2024 GAE Fall Leadership Conference was one for the books! One hundred twenty GAE members spent two days learning and networking in Atlanta, Georgia. Christine Sampson-Clark, NEA Executive Committee member, served as the keynote speaker. Sampson-Clark congratulated GAE for the past three years as being number one in the nation for substantial membership growth. She stressed the importance of the future of public education and how it related to the November election. “Let’s be perfectly clear, the only way that public education survives is with the election of a pro-public education candidates,” said Sampson-Clark.
12 | KNOW • Volume 22 Issue 2
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{ KNOW & TELL AROUND THE ORGANIZATION 2024 GAE FALL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
GAE Legislative Honor Roll recipients attend the fall conference to accept their awards.
Rep. Lydia Glaize
Sen. Jason Esteves
Rep. Rhonda Taylor
Rep. Sam Park
Rep. Doreen Carter
Sen. Sally Harrell
Rep. Demetrius Douglas
14 | KNOW • Volume 22 Issue 2
GAE welcomed more than 50 students at Fort Valley State University to GAE and the opportunities it provides Aspiring Educators to get involved. GAE
and NEA Director Demetrius Dove was joined by GAE UniServ Director Skylar Nunley, NEA Aspiring Educator Chair Hannah StClair, and NEA AE Organizer Michele
O’Neill. They discussed education advocacy, and identified leaders to head up the new chapter FVSU is forming.
A panel of distinguished experts spoke with students majoring in Education from Middle Georgia State University at Heritage Elementary in Bibb County. The panel was made up of teachers from various Bibb County District Schools as well as the GAE UniServ Director (Wanda Lynn) for the Bibb County School District. Panelists were all alumni of MGA. The event was coordinated by Holly Huynh, the Director of Talent Management @ Acquisitions for the Bibb County School District.
GAE President Lisa Morgan installs new officers in the Troup County Association of Educators .
Incoming officers
Lisa Morgan with incoming and outgoing officers.
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{ MEMBER SPOTLIGHT LIFELONG LEARNER, VOICE FOR OTHERS: CLINTON VICKS LEADS DOUGHERTY COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS
The former teacher with the New York City Board of Education summed those factors up as, “Continuous experiences that I had as a teacher in my school system where I knew for a fact if I had access to my union as well as a visible strong teacher-union presence, I would not have had the experience that I was dealing with.”
By Shandra Hill Smith Early in his teaching career, Clinton Vicks recognized the importance of being part of a teachers union, though at the time he opted out of joining one. He vowed not to repeat that decision, and while working for nearly seven years in his hometown of Putney, a suburb of Albany in Dougherty County, Georgia, Vicks made it a priority to connect with the local champion for teachers in his area — the local chapter of the Georgia Association of Educators. “GAE has been prominent from day one when I reached out to them when I was attempting to separate from the school system and being told that I was not going to be able to be released from my contract,” said Vicks, who joined GAE in 2017 when he began working as a teacher in Dougherty County. Vicks turned his attention to leading the county’s GAE chapter — the Dougherty County Association of Educators. Vicks has served as president of the Dougherty County Board of Education in 2024-2025. “I’m always going to be a teacher. I teach people of all ages because I’m a life learner. Venue and location doesn’t limit my ability to be able to teach and impact, so I’ll always be a teacher.” 16 | KNOW • Volume 22 Issue 2
These experiences, Vicks added, include “unprofessionalism when it comes to direct communication from
administration to teachers and lack of morale amongst teachers and staff due to the culture that is established by the academic leader within the academic community.” Other experiences he said
Clinton Vicks
he faced are a “lack of opportunity for upward
mobility and professional development as a teacher directly related to the student population as well as the workforce in our immediate area” and issues with “tone and word choice from administrators to teachers.” Vicks shared of a time that he’s “experienced a principal using profanity when talking to me. I’ve had a principal point their finger at me in front of another district-level administrator. I’ve been called in the office and accused of not being a team player — just things that would break and chip down at morale of any teacher that was maybe new or not strong in their abilities as a teacher,” he said. “I’ve had situations where disagreements have maybe risen between myself and another teacher in a toxic work environment just because of the energy and the morale and the culture established within that building.” The owner of The Vicks Estate, Farm & Fishery, a boutique farm-to-table bed and breakfast, Vicks was born and raised in the Albany area, where some of his family members — five generations strong — are pillars in the community.
He said his cousin, Gladys Ward McCullough Sapp, wrote the alma mater for Albany State University. His aunt, Christine Bennett Brown, he shared, is a charter member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority at Albany State University; and each of his three brothers graduated from Albany State. A Howard University graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in communications and culture, Vicks received his master’s degree in education, with a concentration in educational leadership and management, from Albany State University. During his two-year term, he plans to propose to association members that the term of president be increased from two to three years, as he believes more than two years in this position are needed to make “necessary changes.” “I’m always going to be a teacher,” he added. “I teach people of all ages because I’m a life learner.” He pointed out that in 1999, then a college student, he taught students older than him through Turner Job Corps Center in Albany. “Venue and location doesn’t limit my ability to be able to teach and impact, so I’ll always be a teacher.”
{ MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
“SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY:” Young Harris College Chapter of Aspiring Educators Finds Success in Helping Others By Shandra Hill Smith A focus on “serving the local community” by at Blue Ridge “joined the cause to help the children impacted by the hurricane.”
Educator, is a Young Harris senior majoring in elementary education. She also is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, Alpha Chi Honor Society, and the Dorcas Honor Society, and is a resident assistant on campus. The Young Harris AE chapter, Vautrot shared, began in 2021 with the support of Skylar Nunley, UniServ Director for Aspiring Educators. “It has been an amazing and rewarding experience to watch the chapter grow and do great things in the name of education,” she said. Krebs, whose parents were educators at Young Harris, finds working with college students to be “extremely rewarding,” she said. “This project has really accentuated their care and compassion for all children,” Krebs added. “It has been a great honor to serve as AE adviser and professor. I am overwhelmed with pride for all they have accomplished and excited to see how they change the world one child at a time.”
Vautrot acknowledged Dr. Sandra Page, co-adviser of the Young Harris College AE chapter with being integral to the collection and delivery of contributions. She said Page also was the adviser responsible for initiating the drive. Now in its third year on the Young Harris campus, the AE chapter has a current membership of 47, and the group works to grow that number through outreach to education majors during their freshman year by encouraging participation in the group. It has taken part in many other activities, including providing care packages to Young Harris College students. “Our chapter is still growing,” said Rebecca Harris, Young Harris AE chapter president. “I can’t wait to see all of the amazing things we do to advocate for the education profession.” Harris, a Georgia Association of Educators Aspiring
advocating “for children and teaching” has spelled success for the Young Harris College chapter of GAE Aspiring Educators. Its work to serve the local community has expanded to the group assisting individuals in Northeast Tennessee who were impacted by Hurricane Helene in late September 2024. Young Harris AE collected children’s books, backpacks “and items requested to go in the backpacks” for children in Northeast Tennessee impacted by the hurricane, according to Dr. L. Diane Vautrot, chair, Department of Education at Young Harris College in Young Harris, Georgia. Vautrot and Dr. Susan Krebs are advisers for the AE chapter, of which Young Harris College student Rebecca Harris serves as chapter president. Krebs, a native of Young Harris, is field and clinical placements coordinator and an assistant professor of education at the college. The collections, Vautrot said, were distributed by Coalition for Kids and Appalachian Association for Children’s Early Development to children in Cocke, Unicoi, Carter, Johnson, Washington and Greene counties in East Tennessee. The group also coordinated with Phi Sigma Kappa for the book donation and for a toy drive. Vautrot said school resource officers from Union County also collected coats that the groups were able to provide to students. “The initiative quickly grew to include churches and service organizations across North Georgia,” Vautrot added. She also said in addition to Young Harris College, Union County Schools, Towns County Schools, other education agencies and systems, including Gilmer County Schools, Habersham County Schools, Clay County Schools and University of North Georgia
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KNOW Your 2024-25
GAE Board of Directors
Lisa Morgan, President | lisa.morgan@gae.org | 770-715-6883
DISTRICT ONE DIRECTORS
Current role: Kindergarten Teacher and President of the Georgia Association of Educators Other current positions in GAE or local: Chair of the GAE Fund for Public Education and President of the GAE Foundation Reason you are involved in GAE: I joined my local because the former President was featured in an article in the AJC highlighting the local’s work with literacy and providing books to students in low-
Shelley D. Buck | 0SBu0ckOKGA@gmail.com
Current role: Teacher, Pickens High School Other current positions in GAE or local: President, Pickens Association of Educators Reason you are involved in GAE: I was recruited by Dr. Dorothy Welch and fellow members of the Polk Co. Association of Educators; I could see how GAE supported Polk Co. teachers during a very difficult period in Polk Co. Hobbies: Traveling! Living in the North Georgia
income schools. I became involved in the local because my mentor at my school passed the materials to me and told me I should be the building rep. Twenty years later, I’m involved because GAE is the only organization in Georgia that represents ALL educators and speaks up about issues for our colleagues, students, and public education. I believe in public education because public education believed in me and GAE provides us all the opportunity to become involved and ensure public education remains for the next generation of students. Hobbies: Reading, watching all Alabama Crimson Tide sports, yelling “Roll Tide!” Dr. Sharon Doe, Vice President | sharon.doe@gae.org Current role: Physics Teacher Other current positions in GAE or local: Richmond County Association of Educators, GAE Vice President, RCAE Secretary
Mountains makes every day off feel like a vacation, so I visit the apple houses, go on hikes to waterfalls, or take drives through the countryside. I also love a good road trip to different states and learning about different cultures. Anything else members should know about you? I love being in the classroom. This is why I am always working to improve my skills and advocating for the profession. Wendy Morgan | wendy.morgan@gae.org Current role: HS Art 912 and Fine Arts Lead, Catoosa
Other current positions in GAE or local: Executive Director Eval, DEI committee, Legislative Day (decade), plus 1 more Reason you are involved in GAE: To advocate for students who love the Fine Arts Hobbies: Metalsmithing, stained glass and fundraising Anything else members should know about you? I collect artifacts representing our school population as a way to link all students into AP Art History.
Reason you are involved in GAE: I firmly believe in public education and in GAE’s commitment to support, protect, and strengthen educators in Georgia. Hobbies: Reading, listening to music, trying new recipes
Anything else members should know about you? I am capable, competent, compassionate, courageous, and completely committed to supporting, protecting, strengthening, and empowering educators in Georgia, regardless of our background, skill set, job title, level of education, or years of experience. Carly Shaw, Secretary-Treasurer | carly.shaw@gae.org
Tiffany Robbins | tiffany.robbins@gae.org
Current role: Seventh grade ELA teacher Other current positions in GAE or local: Cherokee Education Association Local President, Resolutions Committee for NEA Reason you are involved in GAE: I love teaching and want to protect all people involved in education. Hobbies: Reading
Current role: Eighth grade Physical Science teacher Other current positions in GAE or local: Member of the Houston Association of Educators Reason you are involved in GAE: I love the profession I was called to enter and am very thankful to be a member of an organization created by and for Educators. The Georgia Association of Educators fights for equality and respect in the workplace for all Educators. I am extremely proud to be a member of an organization that will “go to bat” for our students
DISTRICT TWO DIRECTORS
Sonya Allicock | sonya.allicock@gae.org
and the Educators who work with students every day. I am thrilled that GAE is an organization that recognizes and supports ALL Educators, including but not limited to Retired Educators, Education Support Professionals (bus drivers, custodians, lunchroom staff, office staff, maintenance, bookkeepers, media specialists, technology departments and many more), Pre-K through 12 Teachers, college professors, and Aspiring Educators. In addition, to be a member of the largest Labor Union in the nation and have the unique connection of local, state and national affiliations is what truly makes my membership matter. Last but not least, I would like to thank the members of GAE for the honor of serving you as your GAE Secretary-Treasurer. Hobbies: I love spending time with my family, and exercising to improve my health. Anything else members should know about you? #TeamGAE #Membershipmatters
Current role: Seventh grade Teacher Interrelated/ELA Other current positions in GAE or local: Organization of DeKalb Educators, District 2 Director
Reason you are involved in GAE: The reason I became involved with GAE was so that I could provide strong leadership and support for my fellow teachers so that they can provide the best education possible for our children. Hobbies: Horticulture, traveling, watching movies and spending quality time with my famil.y Anything else members should know about you? I have a passion for education and how it empowers our youth and creates strong leaders.
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Demetrius Nelson | demetrius.nelson@gae.org
Sumter Alton | sumter.alton@gae.org | sumteralton@gmail.com Current role: Classroom Teacher (AP Physics) Other current positions in GAE or local: Rockdale Association of Educators
Current role: Seventh grade Mathematics Teacher Other current positions in GAE or local: Cobb County Association of Educators — Association Representative Reason you are involved in GAE: So my rights and the rights of other fellow educators and ESPs are protected and advocated for. To advance the needle on what we need and deserve as public servants. Hobbies: Singing, karaoke, board games, Netflix, foodie experiences, dancing.
Reason you are involved in GAE: Education is one of the last truly universal public goods in this country. Everyone in my family, including my English teacher mom, has relied on schools for our dignity and our income. If we want a future we can thrive in, it starts with education. Hobbies: Music, guitar, film, hiking, science fiction
Anything else members should know about you? Please reach out to me if you need more support and keep me informed of your local events and causes. I’m here for you! Dana Poole | dana.poole@gae.org | danapoole0915@gmail.com Current role: ESP — Sped Bus Mgr. Other current positions in GAE or local: Gwinnett County Association of Educators, Vice President and Organizing Chair Reason you are involved in GAE: To fight for the rights of ESPs and fellow educators
Jeff Corkill | jeff.corkill@gae.org
Current role: World History Teacher, Tucker High School Reason you are involved in GAE: Everyone should be in a union! Hobbies: Travel, brewing beer, guitar, Legos
Hobbies: Reading, cooking, gardening, knitting, sewing, and jewelry making. I also enjoy sporting events and I am a car enthusiast (Thanks to my Dad). Anything else members should know about you? What
Alison Cundiff | alison.cundiff@gae.org
Current role: Middle School Teacher Other current positions in GAE or local: President of the Gwinnett County Association of Educators Reason you are involved in GAE: Knowing I haven't been alone in imagining something better for Georgia’s public education system has made all the difference for me as an educator. Joining GAE saved my love of teaching. Hobbies: Art, sewing, riling my students by deliberately using youth slang incorrectly, gardening.
matters to you matters to me!
DISTRICT THREE DIRECTORS
Tyler Bennett | tyler.bennett@gae.org
Current role: Middle Grades Alternative Center Teacher Other current positions in GAE or local: Committee Member on the Resolutions and Legislative Committees for GAE; Vice President and Member of Ware County’s Local Association of Educators Reason you are involved in GAE: The late Stephen Covey, an educator and author, famously said, “Be a light, not a judge. Be a model, not a critic. Be a part
Anything else members should know about you? I am a fervent believer in the importance of winning collective bargaining rights in Georgia, because the dignity of every person who works in our school systems is worth fighting for. Patricia Glenn Miller | patricia.glenn-miller@gae.org Current role: Transition Research Teacher
of the solution, not the problem.” I hope that my involvement in and support of GAE is one where I make a positive difference for our students, our schools, and our people in Georgia. Most importantly, I am involved because I believe that GAE is an organization that truly wants what is best and what is needed for educators and for students in our great state! Hobbies: I am passionate about learning new things and reading, with a love for landscaping and gardening in my free time. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at the beach, traveling to new places and restaurants, visiting historical gardens, and enjoying the outdoors. GAE Board of Directors 2024-25 Meeting Schedule • January 10-11, 2025 • March 14–15, 2025 • April 25, 2025 (Spring RA) • June 4-6, 2025 (Board Retreat) • Access to the meeting will be for observance only. • Members must register FOR ALL
Other current positions in GAE or local: Paulding County Association of Educators Treasurer Reason you are involved in GAE: I want to make a difference for students and educators. Hobbies: Spending time with family Anything else members should know about you? Public education is worthy of our time and effort because it affects the world.
Deborah Jones | deborah.jones@gae.org
Current role: President of the local Organization of DeKalb Educators Other current positions in GAE or local: Board of Directors Reason you are involved in GAE: GAE is the premiere educational association in the state. Without GAE, the educators wouldn’t have anybody advocating for them! Hobbies: Reading, stage plays, hanging out with my grandson!
SESSIONS at the same time by 5 pm before the meeting begins. Membership will be verified so please use your full name (not just initials) on the registration. • Regular Board meeting times are Friday night from 7 pm to approximately 10 pm and Saturday from 9 am until business is completed. NOTE: If meetings enter Executive Session, all observers will be placed in the waiting room until ES is over. www.gae.org/know | 21
The following are the instructions for members interested in observing upcoming GAE Board of Directors Meetings. Links will be posted in the calendar listings on the website prior to the meetings.
Your 2024–25 GAE Board of Directors Sterling Brantley | sterling.brantley@gae.org Current role: 8th/9th SpEd Math Teacher and School Bus Driver Other current positions in GAE or local: Colquitt County, Local President and District 3 Director Reason you are involved in GAE: Advocating for fellow educators Hobbies: Reading, travel, and cooking Anything else members should know about you? I'm a 30-year veteran educator. Jalin Murphy | jalin.murphy@gae.org Current role: Teacher
Vernetta “Nicki” Rivers | vernetta.rivers@gae.org Current role: Teacher
Other current positions in GAE or local: District Four Director, GAE building representative, member recruiter. Reason you are involved in GAE: To enrich the lives of students through empowering and advocating for teachers so that teachers can continue to hold their heads up, knowing that their voices are heard and their concerns matter Hobbies: Music, Visual Arts
Anything else members should know about you? In addition to teaching, I work to enrich students through music and expose them to the arts. I also personally mentor students beyond the classroom.
Other current positions in GAE or local: Muscogee County Association of Educators, District 3, Board of Directors Reason you are involved in GAE: I’m involved in GAE to expand my legislative knowledge, to be a part of the legislative change I want to see in education, to gain leadership experience at the district and state levels, and to continue to learn and grow as a citizen and educator.
ESP DIRECTOR AT-LARGE
Ernest McCord | ernest.mccord@gae.org
Current role: Bus Driver, Clayton County Education Association Other current positions in GAE or local: Board of Directors Reason you are involved in GAE: To be a voice for ESPs Hobbies: Working on home improvement projects and enjoying Falcons football Anything else members should know about you? Clayton County Education Association Executive Board member and AR
Hobbies: My hobbies include reading, writing, watching, and discussing all forms of literary artwork. From suspense and mystery novels to playing the piano and watching horror films, I love all forms of storytelling. Anything else members should know about you? I always have an open-door, open-communication policy!
DISTRICT FOUR DIRECTORS
ADMINISTRATOR DIRECTOR (ALTERNATE) AT-LARGE
Stephanie Berry | stephanie.berry@gae.org
Current role: Elementary Special Education Teacher Other current positions in GAE or local: President of Glynn County Association of Educators Reason you are involved in GAE: I am involved in GAE because GAE gives me a voice. I am a part of a national, state, and local organization. We are “stronger together.” Hobbies: spending time with family, traveling, reading, advocating and being a voice for others
Carla Hull | carla.hull@gae.org
Current role: Asst Principal Other current positions in GAE or local: Newton Co. Schools Reason you are involved in GAE: It’s a great organization that supports public education! Hobbies: Watching Reality TV, lol! Anything else members should know about you? I am extremely passionate about education and those who work tirelessly to ensure students receive a fair opportunity in education.
Timothy Lyons | timothy.lyonsl@gae.org
Current role: Eighth grade Language Arts Teacher Other current positions in GAE or local: Richmond County Association of Educators, State Member Organizer, Local Membership Chair: Reason you are involved in GAE: I am involved in GAE to help build a stronger voice for educators around the state and nation to inform all educators that they matter. Hobbies: Shopping, traveling, listening to music,
ASPIRING EDUCATORS DIRECTORS
Karmen Lemuel | karmen.lemuel@gae.org
Current role: Aspiring Educator, Georgia Southern University Other current positions in GAE or local: Aspiring Educator President of GAE, Aspiring Educator Director, Aspiring Educator President of Georgia Southern. Reason you are involved in GAE: As an Aspiring Educator, I want to motivate and encourage other Aspiring Educators throughout the state of Georgia to use their voice. Also, I strive to increase Aspiring
hanging out with family and friends! Michelle Reeves | michelle.reeves@gae.org Current role: ESP
Other current positions in GAE or local: Richmond County Association of Educators, Former RCAE building rep, former RCAE membership chair, former RCAE event planning committee chair. Reason you are involved in GAE: GAE advocates for things that are in the best interest of educators and children. GAE helped me improve my leadership skills. Hobbies: Reading and traveling
Educator membership! Education majors should start early in being members of GAE. We are the next generation and we want to continue the legacy of GAE by fighting for public schools and educator rights! Hobbies: I love color sheets, working out, and I am a big foodie!! Anything else members should know about you? I am in my junior year at Georgia Southern University, studying Elementary Education!
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Aniyah Payne | aniyah.payne@gae.org
Brenda Montgomery | brenda.montgomery@gae.org bmontgomery54@bellsouth.net Current role: Retired teacher
Current role: Aspiring Educator, Clark Atlanta University Other current positions in GAE or local: At Large Member Reason you are involved in GAE: I want to change the lives of the children in the future. Hobbies: Anything Creative! Painting, sewing, arts and crafts.
Other current positions in GAE or local: Served as Secretary, Treasurer, and Board of Directors Retired at Large Reason you are involved in GAE: Being an advocate for strong schools and public education. Hobbies: Reading, cooking, all things Fort Valley State University, traveling, and being with family and friends. Anything else members should know about you? I have
Donye Wright | donye.wright@gae.org
a passion for GAE/GAE-RETIRED. It is also great to know that along with other members of this organization we share the same goals and ideas and will stand united in solidarity!
Current role: Aspiring Educator/Student Teacher, Clayton State University Other current positions in GAE or local: GAE AE VP Reason you are involved in GAE: I’m involved with GAE because I want to be around like-minded people who can help me on my journey to becoming an educator. Hobbies: Going to the park with my dog, spending time with my family and friends, trying new restaurants, and teaching Anything else members should know about you? I am a
NEA DIRECTOR FOR ASPIRING EDUCATORS
Demetrius Dove | demetrius.dove@gae.org Current role: Student Teacher, Clark Atlanta University Reason you are involved in GAE: To advocate for public education and unionism early in my career Hobbies: Watching basketball and writing
dog mom of two lovely girls, Tiny and Tili.
RETIRED DIRECTORS AT-LARGE
Vivian Brooks | vivian.brooks@gae.org Current role: Retired teacher
Other current positions in GAE or local: At Large GAE Retired Board of Directors, GAE Retired Legislative Committee Rapid Response Team Chair Reason you are involved in GAE: To support Public Education, teacher rights, and student rights Hobbies: Reading, cooking, bird watching, walking, and visiting museums
NEA DIRECTORS Jeff Hubbard | CobbCAE@gmail.com Current role: President, Cobb County Association of Educators Reason you are involved in GAE: GAE is the ONLY organization that truly speaks up, speaks out, and speaks for children and education employees. We are the only true advocates for public education in Georgia. Hobbies: College athletics, roller coasters, Current role: 5th grade ELA teacher, Seminole County Other current positions in GAE or local: NEA Director, Executive Board Member, GAE Cadre member Reason you are involved in GAE: I’m involved in GAE because I believe that all children deserve an appropriate education. I’m involved because I know what I do every day has to be protected and GAE is the only organization that protects educators. GAE supports, educates and advocates for students and
Anything else members should know about you? I retired from the Houston County School System. I taught Special Education for 31 years. As a retired teacher, I have maintained a love for teaching and advocating for public education. I enjoy learning new things and am a lifelong learner. Sandra Hawthorne | sandra.hawthorne@gae.org Current role: GAE-Retired Director At-Large, Harris Association of Educators Other current positions in GAE or local: Retired Director-at-Large
historical sites Martissa Moore | martissa.moore@gae.org
Reason you are involved in GAE: The reason I’m still involved with GAE is because GAE keeps one KNOWING; with GAE its a continuous cycle: knowing growing, and as retired educators WE are also the faces on the “frontline” Hobbies: There are not enough hours in the day when you are a servant leader. I still enjoy going to school
reading, dressing in costumes, and making crafts, with the primary grades. I’m very active with many ministries at church, civic and community activities, and the one activity that keeps me very busy is my first grandchild, my 22-month-old grandson! I love being a “Grammee!” Anything else members should know about you? I’m a firm believer in “each one teach one,” “Educate to Empower.” “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” –John Lewis
educators in the state of Georgia. Hobbies: Singing, reading, baking and advocating for teachers and students. Anything else members should know about you? I am honored to serve our members in Georgia on the local, state and national levels.
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