By Hannah Watson (Watson is a senior at Kennesaw State University)
- Georgia’s four-year graduation rate increased to 84.4%, which had never occurred since 2011
- Georgia teachers raised the state’s graduation rate by using relationship-building and motivational behavior in the classroom and by participating in programs that support at-risk students
- Teachers prepare students to be “college-and career-ready” by presenting relevant and “life-changing” content to students
HAMPTON, Ga.— When Richard Postell was named the Henry County 2023 Teacher of the Year inside the McDonough Performing Arts Center on Oct. 5, 2023, he wasn’t only thinking about his new honor. As he accepted a bouquet of fresh flowers and Henry County Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis called him the “champion of champions,” the echo of a bigger issue blared in the back of his mind.
Amidst bright purple and gold lights and cheers from an enthusiastic crowd, Postell reflected on his mission to ensure the success of all students, including the many “bubble students” who fall short of graduating.
“I accept the honor,” Postell said. “It’s a huge honor. However, I don’t teach just for the sake of educating. It doesn’t suit me well as a teacher to know that a student didn’t achieve the greatness within themselves.”
However, Postell is not alone. According to the Georgia Department of Education, he is one of many teachers whose efforts helped to raise Georgia’s four-year high school graduation rate to 84.4%, an unprecedented high in the state’s educational history since it began using an “adjusted cohort calculation system” in 2011.
“Let’s Get This Success”
Postell, a Dutchtown High School economics teacher with 20…
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