“Jim Puckett” Outstanding Educator Award
Each year, GAEL provides members the opportunity to nominate fellow members for the Outstanding Educator Award. Winners are recognized at the Summer GAEL Conference annually. The honor goes to individuals who personify the leadership qualities modeled by GAEL’s third executive director Dr. Jim Puckett.
Nomination Criteria include:
- Current membership in GAEL and in one or more GAEL affiliates for a minimum of three years. (Current Presidents of GAEL and GAEL affiliates are not eligible during their term of office.)
- An employee for at least one full year in the school district from which he/she is nominated.
- Possess a record of service for the profession of educational leadership that is considered exemplary.
- Exhibit leadership characteristics that are considered a positive role model for others.
“H.M. Fulbright” Distinguished Service Award
The award is presented annually to a GAEL member who has shown significant achievement in the field of educational leadership and who has made important contributions to GAEL. The honor goes to individuals who personify the leadership qualities modeled by GAEL’s first president and executive director Dr. H. M. Fulbright. Winners are recognized at the Summer GAEL Conference annually. The 2021 winner is Dexter Mills, retired Executive Director of Northwest Georgia RESA.
“Allene Magill” Award for Distinguished Public Service
The award will be presented annually at the Winter GAEL Conference or as appropriate to individuals that serve in the public arena that have demonstrated significant support for public education. The 2022 recipient is State Representative Chris Erwin.
“John Yates” Scholarship Award
Each year, GAEL awards two $750.00 scholarships to GAEL members currently enrolled in a college or university leadership preparation/development degree program. Winners are recognized at the Summer GAEL Conference annually.
2023 John Yates Scholarship Information Form
2023 John Yates Scholarship Application
“Jimmy Stokes” GAEL Service Awards
Since 2007, the GAEL Exemplary Service Awards have been presented annually at the Winter GAEL Conference.
Each GAEL affiliate selects a recipient for the award. The award honors long-time outstanding service by GAEL members not only to the GAEL affiliate organizations but to also GAEL.
The recipients are recognized in the Winter GAEL Program and announced at the Sunday evening session of the Winter GAEL Conference or during each affiliate’s business meeting. A plaque is also presented to each recipient.
“Hubert ‘Skip’ Yow, Jr.” Award for Education Advocacy
The Hubert “Skip” Yow, Jr. Award for Education Advocacy recognizes individuals that demonstrate a commitment to quality public education in Georgia and whose public activities have shown dedication and effective leadership in promoting effective policy, legislation, and perceptions regarding public education in our great state. Governor Brian Kemp was the inaugural honoree for this award at the Summer GAEL Conference in 2019.
