Three graduates receive Georgia Power New Teacher Assistant Grant

Three graduates of the University of Georgia College of Education have been selected to receive the 2015 Georgia Power New Teacher Assistance Grant in the amount of $1,000 each to help them purchase books, computers and other supplies for their classrooms.

Currently in its 12th year, the Georgia Power grant program has helped more than 300 first-year teachers enhance their classrooms with much-needed funds and materials.

This year, the company recognized three graduates of UGA's College of Education:

• Ashley Jarrett: Nominated by Julie Luft, the Athletic Association Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Jarrett graduated from COE in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in science education. Today, she is a 9th grade biology teacher at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Ga. As an undergraduate, Jarrett was an active member of Delta Zeta Sorority and participated in the Global LEAD Leadership study abroad program in South Africa.
• Zachary Kroll: Nominated by Ryan Smith, an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Kroll graduated from the university in 2015 with a master's degree in math education. He currently teaches geometry at Centennial High School in Roswell, Ga., where he also coaches the school's junior varsity soccer team. During his time at UGA, Kroll was named to the Dean's List and spoke at the 7th Annual State of Education in Georgia Conference. As part of his graduate assistantship with the College's Teach to Learn partnership, Kroll supervised and developed activities for Clarke Middle School's MathCounts program.
• Erin Wedereit: Nominated by Hilary Hughes, an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Theory and Practice, Wedereit graduated from the College in 2015 with a bachelor' s degree in middle grades education. She currently teaches 8th grade language arts at Grovetown Middle School in Columbia County where she designs lesson plans geared towards the developmental needs of all students. In 2014, Wedereit presented at the Association for Middle Level Education's annual conference and has volunteered at several schools and afterschool programs.

To qualify for the grant, candidates must be in the top 25 percent of their class academically and demonstrate a high aptitude for teaching. Recipients of the Georgia Power New Teacher Assistance Grant include pre-K, elementary, middle and high school teachers.