ATLANTA— State Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan (D- Austell) was presented with a legislative leadership award by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) during its 2009 national conference on July 18, in Atlanta, Ga.
NBPTS is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan and nongovernmental organization that advances the quality of teaching and learning by developing professional standards for accomplished teaching; creating and administering National Board Certification, a voluntary system to certify teachers who meet those standards; and integrating certified teachers into educational reform efforts.
“Representative Morgan stood up for effective teaching this year in the state of Georgia,” said Wil Parker, regional outreach director, NBPTS.
Despite data indicating that National Board Certification improves student learning, teacher performance and teacher retention, funding and recognition for the program was slated for elimination during the 2009 Georgia legislative session.
“Representative Morgan played a pivotal role in helping us maintain the program in the state in an extremely difficult budget climate,” Parker added.
For Morgan, who has been active in education reform measures in the state, it was an easy call to support National Board Certification.
“If a teacher wants to become a better teacher, then I believe we have a responsibility to support them,” said Rep. Morgan. “That type of track record speaks for itself.”
* A picture of Representative Alisha Morgan receiving the legislative award from NBPTS advocates Wil Parker and Andy Lord at the award ceremony is attached for your convenience. *
###
Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan represents the citizens of District 39, which includes portions of Cobb County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2002, and currently serves on the Children & Youth, Education, Governmental Affairs, and Health & Human Services Committees.