Introduction
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is seeking applications for 2025 – 2026 Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year. DECAL will select a winner from a public school system and a winner from a private childcare center. The winners will serve as ambassadors for Georgia’s Pre-K Program.
Eligibility
To be considered for this honor, the teacher who is applying must meet the following qualifications:
- Employed as a full-time Georgia’s Pre-K lead teacher during the 2024-2025 school year.
- Taught as a full-time lead teacher in a Georgia’s Pre-K classroom for a minimum of three years prior to the current school year.
- Meets Georgia’s Pre-K lead teacher credential/certification requirements and is enrolled in the Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS).
- Plans to continue as a lead teacher in a Georgia’s Pre-K classroom during the 2025-2026 school year.
- Employed by a Georgia’s Pre-K Program provider in good standing with all programs administered by DECAL (Pre-K, Child Care Services, Childcare and Parent Services [CAPS] and Nutrition Services).
- Willing to serve as an ambassador for Georgia’s Pre-K Program. Duties may include but are not limited to public speaking, representing Georgia’s Pre-K at meetings, and modeling effective classroom practices.
- Willing and able to travel as needed – including some overnight stays.
- Willing to participate in a classroom evaluation and interview if chosen as a finalist.
Grant Application Guidelines
Click "Apply" to begin the application. If you do not have a SurveyMonkey Apply account already, you will be need to register for one. Once you have a SurveyMonkey Apply account and are in the application, please click on "Instructions" for more information.
The application must be completed entirely and accurately to be eligible for the award.
Applications must be submitted by Monday, March 17th, 5:00 PM EDT. Direct any questions to Devon Porter at Devon.Porter@decal.ga.gov or 404-591-0795.
2025-2026 Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teacher of the Year
Introduction
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is seeking applications for 2025 – 2026 Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year. DECAL will select a winner from a public school system and a winner from a private childcare center. The winners will serve as ambassadors for Georgia’s Pre-K Program.
Eligibility
To be considered for this honor, the teacher who is applying must meet the following qualifications:
- Employed as a full-time Georgia’s Pre-K lead teacher during the 2024-2025 school year.
- Taught as a full-time lead teacher in a Georgia’s Pre-K classroom for a minimum of three years prior to the current school year.
- Meets Georgia’s Pre-K lead teacher credential/certification requirements and is enrolled in the Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS).
- Plans to continue as a lead teacher in a Georgia’s Pre-K classroom during the 2025-2026 school year.
- Employed by a Georgia’s Pre-K Program provider in good standing with all programs administered by DECAL (Pre-K, Child Care Services, Childcare and Parent Services [CAPS] and Nutrition Services).
- Willing to serve as an ambassador for Georgia’s Pre-K Program. Duties may include but are not limited to public speaking, representing Georgia’s Pre-K at meetings, and modeling effective classroom practices.
- Willing and able to travel as needed – including some overnight stays.
- Willing to participate in a classroom evaluation and interview if chosen as a finalist.
Grant Application Guidelines
Click "Apply" to begin the application. If you do not have a SurveyMonkey Apply account already, you will be need to register for one. Once you have a SurveyMonkey Apply account and are in the application, please click on "Instructions" for more information.
The application must be completed entirely and accurately to be eligible for the award.
Applications must be submitted by Monday, March 17th, 5:00 PM EDT. Direct any questions to Devon Porter at Devon.Porter@decal.ga.gov or 404-591-0795.