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July 22, 2026 – Principals

Below are your weekly updates and reminders from the Georgia Department of Education. Here are your links to the District Deadlines and To-Dos Dashboard and the Digest Archive.

New in the Principals’ Digest

Beginning with this edition, you’ll notice twonew features designed to keep you informed and connected. Our District Spotlight will highlight innovative work and best practices from school districts around the state. Inside GaDOE will share updates on agency initiatives, conferences, and other work that supports local schools and districts. We hope these new features help you stay informed, discover new ideas from districts across the state, and stay connected to the work happening across Georgia public education.

Teacher Policy Fellowship Application Open – Share with Your Teachers

Applications are now open for GaDOE’s Teacher Policy Fellowship (TPF), a unique professional learning opportunity designed to introduce classroom teachers to public education policy and policymaking. During this nine-month program, fellows will gain knowledge and information on policy design and implementation through seminars, conversations, and projects. The TPF uses a blended virtual and face-to-face learning approach so Fellows can continue teaching in their classrooms. Applications are due August 28.

Free Resource: Parent ProTech

GaDOE is pleased to continue offering districts access to Parent ProTech, a comprehensive digital wellness and online safety platform designed to support educators, students, parents, and caregivers as they navigate today’s technology-rich environment. Parent ProTech provides districts with resources, training, and practical guidance on topics such as online safety, social media, artificial intelligence (AI), digital citizenship, screen time, mental wellness, and responsible technology use. The platform includes resources for educators and school leaders, as well as parent-facing tools that help strengthen family engagement and support student wellbeing.

District Spotlight

This week we’re highlighting the Houston County School District, which launched a new Academy of Innovation as part of their participation in GaDOE’s Innovative Learning Models Pilot. The Academy of Innovation is a new, hybrid model which will allow students — including those who may have otherwise been served by private or home school — to participate in virtual education with an in-person innovation Lab each week. Through project-based learning, collaboration, and real-world problem solving, students will have opportunities to apply what they’re learning in meaningful ways.

Inside GaDOE

Superintendent Woods and GaDOE staff appreciated the opportunity to connect with district and school leaders at the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders Summer Conference this month. In addition to opportunities to meet with leaders from across the state, GaDOE staff shared updates on topics including the implementation of literacy legislation and the new Work-Based Learning Diploma — slides from the agency update presented by Director of External Affairs Matt Cardoza and Deputy Superintendents Dr. April Aldridge and Dr. Barbara Wall are linked below.

Superintendent Woods and Chief of Staff Christy Todd also joined education leaders from across the country at the Council of Chief State School Officers Summer Leadership Convening, where they discussed emerging issues and promising practices shaping K-12 education. As always, we look forward to bringing back ideas and resources that can support Georgia’s schools.

Finally, don’t forget to explore the Professional Learning Catalog (also linked below) for upcoming GaDOE conferences, trainings, and events.