Extra Yard for teachers

Athletics

Georgia State Announces 2024 Extra Yard for Teachers Honoree

ATLANTA-- Georgia State Athletics proudly announces The Atlanta SMART Academy as the 2024 Extra Yard for Teachers honoree. 

To kick off the 2024 Extra Yard for Teachers Week, beginning Sept. 14, Georgia State will officially honor the Atlanta SMART Academy during the home football game against Vanderbilt. The game, set to kick off at 7:00 p.m. at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium, will feature a special recognition ceremony for The Atlanta SMART Academy, celebrating its innovative approach to middle-grades education.

Extra Yard for Teachers, a program initiated by the College Football Playoff Foundation, is dedicated to uplifting the teaching profession. The foundation's mission is to inspire and empower educators through a multifaceted approach that includes providing essential resources, recognition, recruitment, and professional development.

"Atlanta SMART Academy is proud to announce that we have been awarded the Extra Yard for Teachers Grant,"  Atlanta SMART Academy executive director Patrice Meadows said. "This generous funding will empower our educators with the support and training they need to continue making a positive impact on the lives of our students. Through this grant, our teachers will receive professional development focused on implementing project-based learning strategies, enhancing their ability to foster critical and creative thinking in the classroom."

The Atlanta SMART Academy is being celebrated for its groundbreaking educational model that blends STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with the performing arts. This unique integration creates a dynamic learning environment for students in southwest Atlanta. The academy's holistic approach is designed to address the diverse needs of its students, preparing them for success in more advanced academic settings.

The Atlanta SMART Academy's innovative strategy focuses on improving academic performance and closing achievement gaps, particularly in reading and math. By combining rigorous academic instruction with artistic enrichment, the academy not only enhances student learning outcomes but also fosters a more engaging and well-rounded educational experience.

"By equipping our teachers with these invaluable tools, we are moving lives forward—ensuring that every student at Atlanta SMART Academy is challenged, inspired, and prepared for a bright future," Meadows said. "This grant not only reinforces our commitment to academic excellence but also strengthens our mission to cultivate a community of solutionists who are ready to lead and innovate in a rapidly changing world. We are deeply grateful for the support of the Extra Yard for Teachers program, the Sunbelt Conference and Georgia State University and we look forward to the transformative impact this will have on our teachers, school community and our students." 
 
Join us in cheering on the Panthers and recognizing the Atlanta SMART Academy on Sept. 14 at 7:00 p.m.
 
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