Carrie Rowe Named Chattooga County School District Teacher Of The Year

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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Georgia Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Ban Personal Devices in High Schools

Georgia lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would expand the state’s restrictions on student cell phone use, potentially banning personal devices in high schools statewide.

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