Jon Burns, Georgia State Representative | Georgia State House of Representatives
Jon Burns, Georgia State Representative | Georgia State House of Representatives
Speaker Jon Burns of Georgia celebrated National Literacy Month by highlighting the state's impressive strides in education, particularly in the area of literacy initiatives. Speaker Burns engaged with students at Springfield and Ebenezer Elementary Schools, where he read popular stories to the children, emphasizing the importance of early learning for future success.
In a press release, Speaker Burns highlighted Georgia's commitment to education, stating, "We know that a quality education at an early age is a critical factor to success later in life. That's why we continue to devote more resources to our educational system." The state of Georgia allocates over $15 billion annually to education, which includes funding for public schools, technical colleges, and the university system. This significant investment accounts for about half of the state's budget.
One notable achievement in Georgia's education system is the increase in average teacher pay. Georgia now boasts the highest average teacher pay in the southeast, with teachers earning an average of $61,000 per year. This increase in compensation reflects the state's recognition of the vital role teachers play in shaping the future.
Efforts to enhance literacy in Georgia include the establishment of the Georgia Council on Literacy and the implementation of the Georgia Early Literacy Act. The Georgia Council on Literacy, established through Senate Bill 211 sponsored by Senator Billy Hickman, focuses on promoting literacy across the state. The Georgia Early Literacy Act, introduced through House Bill 538 sponsored by Representative Bethany Ballard, aims to provide evidence-based literacy instruction training for specific teachers.
Furthermore, Governor Brian Kemp has collaborated with the General Assembly to prioritize education and boost teacher pay. Since taking office in 2019, Governor Kemp has increased teacher pay by $7,000. These efforts demonstrate Georgia's commitment to attracting and retaining highly qualified educators.
In addition to the focus on literacy initiatives, Georgia recently announced the GEORGIA MATCH initiative. This program aims to provide personalized information to approximately 120,000 high school seniors about their eligibility for admission to various public colleges and universities in the state. Through this initiative, Governor Kemp hopes to make Georgia one of the largest direct admissions initiatives at the state level in the country.
Georgia's dedication to education has yielded positive results. According to a report by GPB, Georgia's high school students achieved an average ACT score of 21.6, surpassing the national average of 19.8. This marks the sixth consecutive year where Georgia's average ACT score has exceeded the national average, highlighting the state's consistent academic performance.
Speaker Jon Burns' emphasis on literacy initiatives and Georgia's significant investment in education during National Literacy Month showcases the state's commitment to providing quality education and ensuring the success of its students.
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