ATLANTA – State Representative Alisha Morgan (D-Austell) was recently presented with the Friend of Mathematics Award by the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (GCTM) at their 53rd annual Georgia Mathematics Conference.
“I am thrilled to receive such a high honor from the GCTM,” said Rep. Morgan. “Knowing that this award is not given often, I’m humbled and count this as one of the highest honors I’ve received during my time in public service. Touring the state and talking to thousands of teachers from across Georgia reinforced for me how critical a partnership is among legislators and educators in our public education system. I remain a cheerleader for passionate, hardworking educators who want so much for our students to succeed. I appreciate the work GCTM has been doing to ensure our mathematics teachers are well prepared to implement Common Core. My hat is off to our educators who are Caring, creating Opportunities for all students to learn regardless of their backgrounds, providing a Rigorous education with the highest of Expectations for all of our students.”
The “Friend of Mathematics” award is not given annually, and is only presented when an individual makes a difference across the state by supporting teachers of mathematics.
This summer, Rep. Morgan was asked by the GCTM to speak at each of the eight three-day academies that were held throughout the state. These three-day summer academies were intended to help teachers of mathematics assure the success of their students under the Common Core of Georgia Performance Standards. On the first day of training, each academy was focused on the Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practices and ended with a one-hour closing session on the topic of “Equity,” which was led by Rep. Morgan. During her speeches, Rep. Morgan reminded teachers that Common Core promotes Caring, Opportunities, Rigorous education, and Expectations for all students.
Every October, the GTCM hold a Georgia Mathematics Conference at the Rock Eagle 4-H Camp with approximately 2,000 teachers in attendance. This year’s conference was held October 17-19. The awards ceremony took place on October 18, at which time the GCTM publicly thanked Rep. Morgan for her participation during GCTM’s summer academies.
The Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics is an affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The organization is made up of classroom teachers from pre-school to graduate school in addition to non-teachers who just share an interest in mathematics education in the state of Georgia. Their mission is to promote a high quality mathematics education for all students, encourage an active interest in mathematics and in mathematics education, promote ongoing professional development for mathematics education, and promote and reward excellence in the teaching of mathematics in the state of Georgia. The objectives of the GCTM are to encourage an active interest in mathematics and to act as an advocate for the improvement of mathematics education at all levels.
For more information on GCTM, please click here.
Since 2003, Alisha Thomas Morgan has represented Georgia’s 39th House District, serving Cobb County. She is the first African-American to serve in the Georgia House of Representatives from Cobb County and currently serves on the Children & Youth, Education, Governmental Affairs, and Health & Human Services committees. Rep. Morgan may be reached at 404-656-0109 or by e-mail at Alisha.Morgan@house.ga.gov.
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