#GeorgiaEducation | AM 1180 Radio

April 2, 2026

Chattooga High Student Earns State Recognition For Award-Winning Welding Sculpture

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Chattooga High School is recognizing Abbigail Smith for an outstanding achievement after her award-winning welding sculpture was honored at the state level.

Abbigail, along with Superintendent Michelle Helie, CTAE Director Angie Culbert, and Welding Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor Carter Woodall, attended the State Board of Education meeting on March 26, 2026, where her sculpture was showcased.

Smith earned the silver medal in Welding Sculpture at the SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference, an accomplishment that highlights her talent, creativity, and dedication to welding.

School leaders praised Abbigail’s success and also recognized the educators and administrators who continue to support student achievement and career-focused education at Chattooga High School.

Congratulations to Abbigail Smith on this impressive honor and statewide recognition.

March 26, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia DOE Expands Career Pathway Options To Match High-Demand Jobs

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The Georgia Department of Education is modernizing its Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) structure, reducing the number of career clusters from 17 to 14 to better align with today’s workforce needs.

State leaders say the updated framework keeps all 152 state-approved pathways in place while improving connections between high school coursework, college programs, and in-demand careers across Georgia.

Among the key changes is a stronger focus on high-demand industries to help build a more prepared workforce. The state is also introducing the “Construction for Geometry” option starting in the 2025–2026 school year, allowing students to earn math credit through the Carpentry Pathway.

Officials say the updates are part of Georgia’s “Top State for Talent” initiative, aimed at ensuring students graduate ready for enrollment, employment, enlistment, or entrepreneurship.

March 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Lumsden Highlights Education Investments in Proposed FY 2027 Budget

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State Rep. Eddie Lumsden of Armuchee says education remains the largest area of state spending in the Georgia House’s proposed FY 2027 budget, with major investments focused on early literacy, student screenings, pre-K expansion, and additional support for economically disadvantaged students.

March 15, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Trion City Schools receives GAEL Vision Award for Educator Development

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Trion City Schools has been recognized with the 2025–2026 GAEL Vision Award, an honor that highlights school districts across Georgia that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting and encouraging professional development for educators.

March 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Carrie Rowe Named Chattooga County School District Teacher Of The Year

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Leroy Massey Elementary School is celebrating one of its own after Mrs. Carrie Rowe was named Chattooga County School District Teacher of the Year.

School officials shared the announcement on social media, congratulating Rowe and thanking her for her dedication to students and the school community. Leroy Massey Elementary said they are grateful for her continued commitment to supporting students, fellow educators, and the community.

District Teacher of the Year honors are awarded to educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership within their schools, and a strong commitment to student success.

March 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga High School Earns State Industry Certification in Construction and Metal Works

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Chattooga High School has earned industry certification in both its construction and metal works programs through the Georgia Department of Education, continuing a tradition of recognition for excellence in career and technical education.

March 2, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia House Passes Student Teacher Promotion Act to Provide Grants and Signing Bonuses

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Georgia State Superintendent of Schools Richard Woods

The Georgia House has passed HB 310, known as the Student Teacher Promotion Act, a measure designed to support future educators and strengthen Georgia’s teacher pipeline.

March 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Highlands College and Kennesaw State University Expand Transfer Pathways

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Georgia Highlands College (GHC) and Kennesaw State University (KSU) are expanding their LINK partnership, a collaborative initiative to create seamless transfer pathways and expand academic opportunities for students.

February 28, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

House Panel Advances Bill Protecting Duty-Free Lunch, Planning Time for Georgia Educators

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The Georgia Association of Educators says a House subcommittee has passed HB 1244, legislation aimed at protecting educators’ right to a duty-free lunch and a planning period during the school day.

According to the GAE, the bill would prohibit school districts from waiving duty-free lunch and planning periods except in “extreme emergencies” or when a teacher voluntarily agrees to give up that time in exchange for additional compensation.

Supporters say the measure is intended to reinforce professional working conditions and ensure educators have dedicated time to prepare lessons and recharge during the school day. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Akbar Ali.

GAE President Lisa Morgan, a kindergarten teacher, addressed the subcommittee in support of the proposal prior to the vote. The association noted that another educators’ organization urged the committee to send the bill to a study committee shortly before the measure was approved.

HB 1244 now moves forward in the legislative process as lawmakers continue debate under the Gold Dome.

February 19, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

DECAL Seeks Applications for Georgia’s Pre-K Teachers of the Year

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The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Georgia Pre-K Teachers of the Year program.