Three Murray County teachers earned Master Teacher certifications this year, bringing the total statewide to almost 600 and the tally for Murray to five.
The certifications announced by Gov. Sonny Perdue’s office named Rebecca Goss, Lisa Gribble and Dustin Strickland.
They are the only teachers in Northwest Georgia to earn certificates this year awarded by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, which has overseen the program since 2006. The certification is granted based on student achievement, and requirements include data showing high levels of peer and parent interaction.
Mrs. Gribble, a seventh-grade math teacher at Gladden Middle School with seven years of experience, and Mrs. Goss, a seventh-grade science teacher with five years, worked together on their certifications, much as they do in the classroom.
“Lisa and I actually had talked about it and she got the ball rolling,” said Mrs. Goss. “We had the same students for the data that they needed, so we kind of split the work.”
Teaming up on the paperwork was easy, “but to get the (student) scores takes planning and dedication,” Mrs. Gribble said.
“It was an honor to me and an honor to my kids as well because they are the ones who got the scores,” she said.
Mr. Strickland, fifth-grade science and social studies teacher at Springplace Elementary, said the certification validates the work he and his fellow master teachers do.
“It was really encouraging to be recognize by my peers and the state for doing a good job,” he said.
Superintendent Dr. Vickie Reed said the three standouts deserve the recognition.
“These three teachers who were honored this year have had outstanding student test scores,” Dr. Reed said. “We’re extremely excited because we, too, believe these are master teachers.”