As a way to examine what is working in Georgia schools and to reward staff for their accomplishments each year, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education completed its 15th Annual Bus Trip Across Georgia, which was attended this year by State Representative Amy Carter.

The route through schools in the southern part of the state began Oct. 23 and came to an end two days later at Bleckley County Elementary School in Cochran. The southern tour included five other schools. A northern route of seven schools was conducted Sept. 25-27. Since the tour began in 1993, more than 2,000 visitors have toured more than 200 schools across the state, according to a press release.

Like other schools on the tour, each with their own unique programs and styles, the Bleckley County Elementary School dazzled the visitors with its outdoor learning area, use of data to make decisions and innovative team-teaching techniques.

Steve Dolinger, president of the non-profit, non-partisan organization that works to influence Georgia leaders to improve student achievement, stated in a press release, “Public education in Georgia is moving forward. The schools we visit are indicators of that. By taking influencers and future teachers into the schools and classrooms, we provide an opportunity to see and share what is working.”

Bus Tour Coordinator, Dorie Griggs, stated that Carter is the only legislator who has participated fully in the bus tour since she has been coordinating the event, according to a press release.

“The Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education bus tour was an incredible experience for me,” Carter said. “As a classroom teacher I witnessed creative and exciting ideas from other teachers. As a legislator I was able to hear the concerns of teachers from different areas of the state and share some solutions to their issues.”

For more information about the tour, call 404-223-2464 or visit www.gpee.org/.