Compensation for National Board Certified Teachers in Georgia

We the undersigned petition for continued compensation for current National Board Certified Teachers in the state of Georgia. Upon attaining National Board Certification, we were granted a salary increase amounting to 10\% of our base pay for a ten-year period.

Governor Perdue, you are a gentleman of integrity and a friend of education. We therefore would remind you of your comments in the State of the Budget Address (2003):

"What can we not do without, even when times are lean? Georgia is a state that understands [that] investment in education is the cornerstone of economic development and our future quality of life. Let's work together and show the people of Georgia that their trust in us is well placed. Tough times test our character. Let's represent the true character of our state. Let's produce a budget that tells the story of a Georgia that is compassionate and confident ... Bold and optimistic ... A Georgia that sustains its principles in good times and bad."

As recently as 13 January 2009 in your Proposals to Transform Education and Improve Economic Environment, you renewed your commitment to education by proposing the creation of a new merit pay program that will identify and reward teachers who increase student achievement.

Governor, the program is already in place. Your National Board Certified teachers endured a rigorous process to attain certification by being judged by their peers all over our great nation. Certification is not automatic. A minority of teachers who endure the process actually achieve certification. Before, during, and long after the process we are committed to educating our young people with the best strategies. We voluntarily mentor other teachers and share our techniques and our dedication. Your Georgia NBCTs raise student achievement scores. Now it is your turn to honor your promise to award well-deserved compensation.

Remember your assertion that increasing student achievement remains our number one priority.

Remember your teachers with National Board Certification.

God bless you, Governor Perdue, and God bless Georgia.