NAESP National Distinguished
Elementary Principal of the Year
Amy Duke
Bibb County Schools
About Us
Vision
Georgia Achieves Excellence through Successful Principals
Mission
GAESP’s mission is to equip leaders with research based practices that advance student learning. Our organization will provide opportunities for networking, professional learning, and legislative advocacy.
Beliefs
- All children can and will learn.
- Elementary Schools provide the foundation for future education.
- The principal is the instructional leader.
- High expectations are essential.
- Education is a collaborative effort involving schools, families, and community.
- Communication is the key to success
GAESP Constitution/Bylaws 2010 
Letter from the President
I am deeply honored to serve as the president of the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals. As an active member of our organization for the past ten years, I value the relationships I have made, the knowledge I have gained, and the shared commitment of each and every member to continuously improving and supporting public elementary schools. I am continually amazed at the incredible group of people who work tirelessly for the children of Georgia.
As we look towards the new school year, we are facing some of the largest challenges in public education ever seen. From furlough days, budget crisis, higher expectations, and new standards, our school communities are struggling to find the light at the end of this long dark tunnel. Now, more than ever it is time for school administrators to rise up and lead the way to a brighter future for our students, our faculties, and our schools!
Martin Luther King once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Our challenge does not come in identifying the difficulties we face, but instead on reflecting on beliefs, creating plans of action, and building support for our students, our faculties, and our schools.
This year, I challenge each of you to Be the Difference for your students, your faculty, your schools, and your communities. Be the first person to share a quick smile and warm welcome to each and every student that walks into your school. Work diligently to build trust and open communication to ensure your teachers feel encouraged as they implement the CCGPS and strive to create engaging learning environments that support students facing challenging rigorous standards. Share the good things going on in your schools with your community and legislative representatives. You are your school’s best cheerleader, so grab your pom-poms and megaphones and share the great news with anyone who will listen!
This challenge does not come without a great deal of support. As members of the Georgia Association of Elementary Principals, you are not alone; you are an invaluable member of a vast network of knowledgeable, dedicated and highly regarded administrators across our state and nation. Whether you need the latest research, news from the Gold Dome or Capitol Hill, professional development, collaboration for a project, support for a problem, or someone to celebrate an accomplishment, GAESP is there for you. I encourage each of you to get involved in your local district meetings and help make our organization even stronger. There is strength in numbers and we need each one of you to help us lift a voice for our children and schools.
Remember, you are the difference for your students, your faculties, and your schools. I wish you much success this year!
Sincerely,
Julie Raschen, GAESP President
2012-2013 GAESP Board of Directors
GAESP Executive Committee Listing
GAESP Board of Directors Listing
