September 12, 2025 – Principals

Below are your weekly updates and reminders from the Georgia Department of Education. Click here for the District Deadlines and To-Dos Dashboard.

Governor’s Workforce Summit

You’re invited to join us for Governor Brian Kemp’s third annual Governor’s Workforce Summit – an essential gathering of education leaders, industry partners, and workforce professionals joining together to advance Georgia’s position as the #1 state for business.

The summit will be held October 20-21, 2025 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Teacher Policy Fellowship Application Due Date Extended – Share with Your Teachers

The deadline for applications to the 2025-26 Teacher Policy Fellowship has been extended to Friday, September 19. This unique professional learning opportunity is designed to introduce classroom teachers to public education policy and policymaking. During the nine-month program, fellows will gain knowledge and information on policy design and implementation through seminars, conversations, and projects.

Reminder: Georgia RISE Award Nominations Open Through September 30

The 2025 Georgia Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award nomination window opened August 11 and will close September 30, 2025. District superintendents and principals may nominate a full- or part-time classified school employee who provides exemplary service to students in pre-kindergarten through high school.

Full- or part-time classified employees in the following job categories are eligible for consideration:

  • Clerical and Administrative Services
  • Custodial and Maintenance Services
  • Food and Nutrition Services
  • Health and Student Services
  • Paraprofessional
  • Security Services
  • Skilled Trades
  • Technical Services
  • Transportation Services

Reminder: U.S. Senate Youth Program Applications Open Through September 30

The 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program application window opened August 11 and will close September 30, 2025. High school juniors or seniors may apply, provided they meet all program qualifications outlined by the U.S. Senate Youth Program. The application, program criteria, and informational brochures are all available via the webpage linked below.