Georgia Department of Education Website
Data Requests & Contact

September 3, 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.

Required Reporting – Georgia Early Literacy

Required reporting for K-3rd grade universal reading and dyslexia screening is due October 1. For more information, please see the guidance document linked below.

Notice Regarding Calls Claiming State Board Affiliation

GaDOE has received reports that an individual identifying herself as Pamela Moore has contacted multiple schools and claimed to represent the Georgia State Board of Education. The calls have reportedly included requests to speak with school principals.

Please note that no individual by that name is employed by the Department or affiliated with the State Board of Education. This individual is not authorized to represent GaDOE or the State Board.

School and district personnel should not provide the caller with student, employee or other sensitive information. Schools receiving such a call are encouraged to document the date and time, telephone number, statements made and information requested; notify their district administration; and report any threatening, fraudulent or otherwise concerning conduct to local law enforcement.

Georgia Leadership Development Learning Series

The Georgia Leadership Development Learning Series supports the professional growth of aspiring and current school and district leaders through practical, research-based learning experiences. Participants will strengthen their leadership knowledge, reflect on current practices, and develop action steps they can immediately apply within their schools and districts. The series is organized around four essential leadership domains: Strategic Leadership, including vision, planning, and continuous improvement; Organizational Leadership, focusing on effective systems, operations, and resource management; Leading for a Positive Culture, emphasizing relationships, communication, collaboration, and trust; and Leading for Learning, centered on instructional leadership, educator growth, and improved outcomes for all students.

  • Additional Information: Event Flyer
  • Contact: esdsupport@doe.k12.ga.us

Certified Teacher Induction Program (CTIP) Newsletter

The Educator Support and Development Division is pleased to announce the first GaDOE Certified Teacher Induction Program (CTIP) Newsletter! This issue features Lumpkin County Schools, a 2024 CTIP Certified District, along with CTIP updates and resources to support high-quality teacher induction.

Be sure to subscribe for future editions and register for our upcoming webinar, Recruit. Retain. Grow. Building High-Impact Teacher Induction Programs, to learn practical strategies for strengthening your district’s teacher induction program: CTIP Webinar Registration

We hope you’ll join us as we continue supporting high-impact teacher induction programs across Georgia!

Parent ProTech September Family Share

Your child’s online activity can sometimes be a window into their emotional well-being. This month’s Parent ProTech video, “What Does Teen Depression Look Like Now?”, offers practical tips for recognizing changes in behavior and supporting healthy digital habits at home.

Access your district’s ready-to-share family message and Parent ProTech sign-up link through the Family Messaging Calendar. Thank you for helping support Georgia families throughout the school year.

  • Additional Information: GA District Links
  • Contact: Russell Paine, russell.paine@doe.k12.ga.us

Reminder: Help Shape Georgia’s Special Education Teacher Retention Strategy

GaDOE is gathering feedback from current special education teachers to better understand the resources, supports, and conditions that contribute to teacher retention. Results will inform Georgia’s participation in the U.S. Department of Education Human Capital Learning Agenda. District and school administrators are encouraged to share the survey with current special education teachers.

  • Additional Information: Survey
  • Contact: Celeste Martin, celeste.martin@doe.k12.ga.us
  • Deadline: September 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

District Spotlight

Rome City Schools is launching Wolf P.U.P. (Play. Understand. Prepare.), a free bilingual early-learning program for three-year-olds and their parents. Beginning in September, families will meet weekly at Elm Street Elementary for activities focused on early literacy, language and communication skills, while parents learn practical strategies they can use to support learning at home. The program is designed to strengthen school readiness, encourage meaningful parent involvement in children’s early education, and help families prepare for the transition to prekindergarten.

Inside GaDOE

This week 2027 Georgia Teacher of the Year Charm Mapp and GaDOE Chief of Staff Christy Todd participated in the Trilith Foundation’s Flourishing Summit. The conversation centered on what it means to truly flourish, not simply survive or succeed, and how we can create educational environments where both students and educators can thrive. The panel explored the whole child, including how students think, feel, and experience learning. Mapp presented an interactive number talk demonstrating how creating space for students to think differently, take risks, and make mistakes can help them flourish. Todd highlighted state-level efforts through the Office of Whole Child Supports to make wellness an intentional part of education. The conversation also highlighted support from the Georgia Foundation for Public Education, through its PEACH Education Tax Credit, and the Trilith Foundation, including its partnership with the Georgia Teacher of the Year program, to help educators and students flourish.

Book a speaking engagement with Charm Mapp here. And don’t forget to explore the Professional Learning Catalog for upcoming GaDOE conferences, trainings, and events.