Georgia Department of Education

10/13/2026

Kids, Classrooms, and Common Sense. 🍎

The Georgia Department of Education has announced its 2027 legislative priorities, focused on helping students succeed and giving educators the time and support they need to teach effectively.

The priorities call for strengthening literacy and mathematics, expanding student opportunities, supporting school safety, and investing in educator compensation—including expanding teacher salary step increases beyond 21 years of service.

Learn more: https://url.gadoe.org/109j9

10/10/2026

🚒 Fire Prevention Week reminds us that safety is everyone's responsibility.

Schools, families, and community partners all play a role in helping students understand how to prevent emergencies and respond safely when they occur.

As Fire Prevention Week comes to a close, we want to thank Georgia's firefighters, emergency responders, and school safety partners for helping keep students safe.

10/10/2026

🏆 Last year, Anaisha Taran of Sugar Hill Elementary School earned first place in the elementary division of Georgia's Cybersecurity Awareness Poster Contest!

Her artwork promoted safe and responsible online behavior while showing that cybersecurity awareness starts early.

How would YOU help Build a Cyber Strong America?

Enter this year's contest: https://url.gadoe.org/tx40x

10/07/2026

Congratulations to Lyman Hall Elementary School and Waldo Pafford Elementary School on earning the John Hancock Student Signature Award! Superintendent Woods joined fourth graders to celebrate their cursive writing skills and present the schools with their awards.

During the visit, students also received 250th anniversary pocket Constitutions to help them explore our nation’s founding documents and the history behind the words.

Congratulations to the students and teachers at both schools!

Learn more and see all 630 John Hancock Award recipients: https://gadoe.org/press-releases/georgia-department-of-education-celebrates-constitution-week-recognizes-630-john-hancock-award-schools/

10/07/2026

Celebrating Georgia Pre-K Week at Pearson Elementary School! Superintendent Woods stopped by to visit some of the school’s youngest learners and celebrate the start of their educational journey.

10/07/2026

Congratulations to Lanier County Elementary School for earning the John Hancock Student Signature Award! Superintendent Woods visited to present the school’s banner and celebrate third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students learning to sign their names in cursive.

During the visit, fourth graders also received special 250th anniversary editions of the U.S. Constitution, connecting their cursive writing skills with the opportunity to read and learn from our nation’s founding documents.

Congratulations to the students and teachers who made this recognition possible!

Learn more and see all 630 John Hancock Award recipients: https://gadoe.org/press-releases/georgia-department-of-education-celebrates-constitution-week-recognizes-630-john-hancock-award-schools/

What an amazing day at Lanier County Elementary School!

Today, State School Superintendent Richard Woods presented our school with the John Hancock Banner in recognition of our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders learning to write their names in cursive! We are so proud of their hard work and the teachers who helped them reach this milestone.

Superintendent Woods also presented our 4th grade students with a special book celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country—a wonderful keepsake to help them learn about our nation’s history!

Thank you, Superintendent Woods, for visiting our school and celebrating with us. It was a special day for our Bulldog family!

10/06/2026

🏆 Happy National Coaches Day!

Before serving as Georgia's State School Superintendent, Richard Woods spent years as a teacher and coach, working with students in football, baseball, middle school girls' basketball, golf, and cross-country.

He knows firsthand that educators make an impact far beyond the classroom. Coaches help students develop teamwork, confidence, leadership, perseverance, and lessons that last long after the season ends.

Today, we thank the coaches across Georgia who give their time, energy, and encouragement to help students grow and succeed — in competition, in the classroom, and in life.

10/05/2026

🍎 Happy World Teachers' Day!

Teachers inspire curiosity, build confidence, and help students discover their strengths. Today, we celebrate the educators who make a lasting difference in students' lives.

As we work to make Georgia the #1 state for teachers to teach, we're grateful to the educators who choose to serve in Georgia classrooms.

Learn more about Teach in the Peach: https://teachinthepeach.org/.

10/05/2026

The Georgia Department of Education is partnering with The Home Depot to introduce students to skilled-trade career opportunities. 🛠️

Through Path to Pro Skills Explorers, middle and high school students can explore construction, electrical work, plumbing, and other skilled trades using free, hands-on resources aligned with Georgia’s Career Pathways.

The partnership gives students another opportunity to build real-world skills and see a clear path from the classroom to a high-demand career.

Learn more: https://url.gadoe.org/wme5v