Catherine Hampton, a fourth-grade teacher at Hamilton Crossing Elementary School, now sits on the Georgia Department of Education’s 2023-2024 Teacher Policy Fellowship.
She was one of only 20 educators from across Georgia selected this week.
According to the Georgia Department of Education, the Teacher Policy Fellowship is a unique nine-month professional learning opportunity designed to introduce classroom teachers to the field of public education policy and policymaking. The fellowship uses a blended virtual and face-to-face learning approach so fellows can continue teaching in their classrooms while participating in the program. Throughout the program, fellows will gain knowledge and information on policy design and implementation at the state level.
“I applied with a written application and essay about current legislation I felt was important to educators in Georgia,” said Hampton. “Following that, I was contacted to participate in a phone interview with the Georgia Department of Education. I was elated to be chosen and grateful for the opportunity to become a part of educational change and innovation in Georgia. My fellowship will end with a capstone project presented to Georgia Department of Education members, current legislators, and cohort members. I am anxious to understand the processes that shape educational legislation and to represent teacher voice in the process.”