Heather Bui, a kindergarten teacher at Oconee County’s Dove Creek Elementary school, has been chosen by the Georgia Department of Education as one of 20 teachers from across the state to take part in the state’s Teacher Policy Fellowship. Michelle Mickens, who teaches in Oglethorpe County, is also on the list. The Teacher Policy Fellowship is a nine-month professional learning opportunity designed to introduce classroom teachers to the field of public education policy and policymaking.
From Oconee Co Schools…
Heather Bui, a kindergarten teacher at Dove Creek Elementary, has been chosen by the Georgia Department of Education as one of 20 teachers from across the state to participate in its 2023-2024 Teacher Policy Fellowship.
The Teacher Policy Fellowship is a unique nine-month professional learning opportunity designed to introduce classroom teachers to the field of public education policy and policymaking. The fellowship uses a blended virtual and face-to-face learning approach so fellows can continue teaching in their classrooms while participating in the program. Throughout the program, fellows will gain knowledge and information on policy design and implementation at the state level.
“One of the most important steps we can take to improve Georgia’s public education landscape is investing in our teachers, including providing supports and opportunities for them to grow as professionals and give teachers a greater voice in policy decisions and discussions,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “The Teacher Policy Fellowship is an opportunity for the Georgia Department of Education to work directly with teachers to support the development of student-focused educational policy.”
Fellows will participate in conversations, seminars, and projects to broaden their understanding of the stakeholders involved in policymaking and examine the landscape in which leaders craft education policy. They will hear from policymakers, legislators, decision-makers, and experts from GaDOE and other public education policy agencies, and will use evidence-based research to create a policy proposal that policymakers could implement.
2023-2024 Teacher Policy Fellowship Participants
Veena Black, DeKalb County Schools
Tisha Boyd, Clayton County Public Schools
Heather Bui, Oconee County Schools
Stefnie Crites, Carrollton City Schools
Katlynn Cross, Peach County Schools
Kelli Dorminey, Thomas County Schools
Christie Drago, Cherokee County School District
Amy Garner, Colquitt County School District
Christine Geske-Stewart, Jones County School System
Nikki Hampton, Bartow County School System
Tara Hill, Houston County School District
Ryan Jones, Warren County School System
Mary Ashley McCue, Baldwin County Schools
Michelle Mickens, Oglethorpe County Schools
Tiffany Moriarty, Wayne County School System
Trish Morrison, Cobb County School District
Sheena Orange, Dodge County Schools
Christopher Sampson, Franklin County Schools
Michelle Spears, Fayette County Public Schools
Dr. Samuel Sykes, Coweta County School System