Amanda Holt Woodell ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue Friday announced the names of 131 teachers who have earned the “Master Teacher” certification this year, a designation based on appreciable gains in student achievement.

Thomas County Central High School teacher Amanda Woodell was among those selected from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Selection as a Master Teacher highlights an educator who is contributing to student achievement through exemplary teaching practices, and has the skills, knowledge and aptitudes to serve as a model for other classroom teachers.

“There are now 599 Mas ter Teacher s in Georgia who have demonstrated their expertise in helping our children achieve at higher levels,” said Governor Perdue. “They are masters at inspiring students to learn, and I am proud to recognize their tireless efforts and collective success in improving student achievement.”

Georgia’s Master Teacher Certification Program was championed by Governor Perdue during the 2005 legislation session and is coordinated by the Georgia Professional Standards Commiss (PSC). It provides statewide recognition to certified public school teachers in Georgia who have at least three years of teaching experience and who consistently demonstrate instructional excellence through student achievement.

“The Georgia Professional Standards Commission is proud to administer the Master Teacher certification program.” said Kelly Henson, Executive Secretary of the PSC. “We congratulate these teachers for their dedication and consistent leadership.” The Georgia General Assembly passed legislation (Ga. Code Section 20-2-205) in 2005 authorizing the Professional Standards Commission (PSC) to establish the Georgia Master Teacher Certification Program. The purpose of the legislation is to provide the statewide recognition to Georgia public school teachers who consistently demonstrate excellence through gains in student achievement. For more information about the Master Teacher program, visit www.gamasterteachers.org/MasterTeacher.aspx.

Amanda is married to Scott Woodell and has two children, Rylan (6) and Ava (3). She is the daughter of Jimmy and Ruby Holt of Colquitt.