Dear colleagues,

 

This year, the Georgia Council on Literacy will recognize a Literacy Teacher of the Year from each of our 16 RESAs.  From these 16 regional winners, one Georgia Literacy Teacher of the Year will be recognized this fall.  The intent of this competition is to honor outstanding literacy teachers who have demonstrated success in classroom-level student growth and who can articulate the connection between their practice and those outcomes.

 

Who can apply? 

Any Kindergarten through 3rd Grade teacher in a Georgia public school can apply.

 

What are the criteria?

The Georgia Literacy Teacher of the Year should be able to describe the following:

  • How did your students grow from beginning of year to end of year based on an approved universal screener?
  • How did you effectively use data to guide your instruction and interventions with your students?
  • How do you show a commitment to improving literacy outcomes for your students?

 

Why should I apply?

  • Each RESA Teacher of the Year will receive the following:
    • $1,500 award*
    • $500 for classroom supplies
    • Recognition at a statewide event in the fall
  • The State Literacy Teacher of the Year will also receive admission and travel costs to literacy-focused instructional conference**

*Cash awards are subject to all applicable taxes.

**Conference must be approved by the Literacy Teacher of the Year Committee

 

How do I apply?

  • Review and analyze your classroom screener data.
  • Complete the online application by clicking here.
  • All applications must include literacy screener data demonstrating student growth. (Link and directions are included in the application.)

 

When is the deadline?

All applications must be submitted by June 15, 2026.

 

For more information or guidance on the application process, please reach out to our RESA Let’s Read Georgia or Growing Readers Coaches or CSI Structured Literacy Coaches or contact Ms. Janice Owens at jowens@griffinresa.net or 770.229.3247 ext. 208.

 

Ready to apply?  Click here!

 

Note: If your staff have questions, they may contact Ms. Janice Owens, Griffin RESA Director of Curriculum & Instruction, at jowens@griffinresa.net or 770.229.3247 ext. 208.