ATLANTA — Teachers in Thomas and Grady schools systems are among 112 teachers who have earned the “Master Teacher” certification, a designation based on appreciable gains in student achievement.

Gov. Sonny Perdue named Thomas County Schools teachers Leanne B. Culbreth and Carol Sprague, and Grady County School System teacher Angela L. Copeland, to the list.

“There are now 466 Master Teachers in Georgia who have demonstrated their expertise in helping our children achieve at higher levels,” Perdue said. “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 is coordinated by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC). The program provides statewide recognition to certified public school teachers in who have at least three years of teaching experience and who consistently demonstrate instructional excellence through student achievement.

Master Teachers are eligible to automatically renew their teaching certificates as long as they continue to qualify for Master Teacher status.

“The Georgia Professional Standards Commission is proud to administer the Master Teacher certification program,” said Kelly Henson, PSC executive secretary. “We congratulate these teachers for their dedication and consistent leadership.”

For more information about the Master Teacher program, visit http://www.gamasterteachers.org or send an e-mail to MasterTeachers@gapsc.com.