Catoosa County’s Ceren Stone, a teacher at Cloud Springs Elementary, has completed graduation requirements for the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Teacher Academy. She was a member of a group of teachers who participated in the two-year academy designed to enhance the skills of teachers with fewer than four years experi-ence who show great promise.

Elementary, middle and high school teachers from across the state were endorsed by their district leaders for positions in the academy. Funded by PAGE, the academy provided the educators with a series of learning opportunities over the two-year period. Teachers attended eight two-day working sessions and four PAGE conferences throughout the two years.

Dr. Ann Stucke, PAGE director for Teacher Academy and Professional Learning Insti-tutes, coordinated the academy. “This program gave exceptional new teachers further op-portunities to excel. We highlighted the areas of professional learning that research sug-gests novice teachers will most benefit from and anticipate that these teachers will build lasting professional networks across the state,” she said.

“The graduates have worked very hard to implemented changes in their teaching prac-tices and have been successful. They have helped their students to achieve and have shared what they learned with fellow educators in their schools. Many presented at our 2009 PAGE Summer Conference. PAGE looks forward to a continued working relationship with the graduates through its Graduate Teacher Academy.”

During the academy, the teachers received instruction in a variety of areas such as use of technology, teacher leadership, data analysis, the Georgia Performance Standards and reali-ties in the classroom. Nationally recognized speakers who are also published authors served as the faculty. The faculty presented authentic, problem centered instruction which fosters collaboration and continuous professional growth.