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Margaret Ciccarelli engages with the media at the state capitol. Margaret Ciccarelli joined PAGE staff in 2003. An educator’s daughter, she followed in her mother’s UGA footsteps before attending Mercer Law School. While in her final year at Mercer, she enrolled in an education law course, and when a PAGE attorney and lobbyist position was advertised by the school’s career services department, she quickly applied. Mentored by Jill Hay and PAGE staff attorneys, Ciccarelli fielded questions and concerns from PAGE members encountering myriad legal problems. She valued the opportunity to provide educators with legal assistance and familiarize herself with state law, board of education rules, and other legal tools. At the time, PAGE Legal encompassed what are now separate legal and legislative departments. From the 2004 legislative session onward, Ciccarelli worked directly under Director Tom Wommack at the state Capitol. Under Wommack’s tutelage, she learned to check the hopper, review bills, deliver testimony, and trade information. She became the writer of PAGE’s daily Capitol Report  and relished demystifying legal and legislative jargon to effectively communicate legislative news to busy educators. In conjunction with Wommack’s retirement, the legal and legislative departments were divided, and Executive Director Allene Magill named Ciccarelli as Director of Legislative Affairs. Ciccarelli soon hired Legislative Specialist Josh Stephens. Together, they expanded PAGE’s Capitol reporting, making it a daily must-read for educators, legislators, and lobbyists. Ciccarelli and Stephens also expanded the PAGE Legislative Task Force, now the PAGE Legislative Advisory Committee, and initiated annual surveys of PAGE members, sharing findings with policymakers and news media and shedding light on the opinions and experiences of Georgia educators. As the team grew to include Legislative Policy Analyst Claire Suggs and Legislative Communications Specialist Robert Aycock, the four united to further advance the work through enhanced communication with PAGE members, media, and policymakers. The team also transitioned the annual PAGE Day on Capitol Hill event from an evening gathering at the Freight Depot to a daytime event at the State Capitol with an advocacy-driven agenda that includes policy briefings, advocacy coaching, and direct educator engagement with lawmakers. PAGE Legislative now offers webinars, animated videos, and studies illuminating the motivations and challenges of Georgia educators. With her sights set on advancing the association’s core values, Ciccarelli is committed to strengthening public education, growing PAGE membership, and navigating the ever-evolving political landscape to support PAGE members and staff and help them bring their best to their roles. Ciccarelli continues to advise PAGE members, provide legal training in schools, and publish the Capitol Report—more than 1,000 cumulatively, to date. Her work week includes delivering presentations to elected officials, providing comments to media outlets, mentoring young educators and advocates, editing PAGE reports, visiting rural schools, meeting with advocacy professionals in neighboring states, and collaborating with agency and association leaders.     With her sights set on advancing the association’s core values, Ciccarelli is committed to strengthening public education, growing PAGE membership, and navigating the ever-evolving political landscape to support PAGE members and staff and help them bring their best to their roles.

Following the unexpected passing of Executive Director Allene Magill in February 2018, the PAGE Board of Directors appointed Craig Harper to the role.  Prior to his appointment, Harper had been serving as the director of communications with additional administrative responsibilities supporting Magill and other PAGE service areas. Magill and Harper had worked closely together in the district where she was superintendent before her selection as PAGE executive director. Harper’s school district background spanned organizational administration, human resources, policy, legal liaison, professional learning, safety, communications, and media relations. PAGE’s membership, services, and staff had expanded significantly during Magill’s tenure, which began in 2003. She trusted that Harper’s experience paralleled PAGE’s future leadership needs and would serve as a smooth transition following her anticipated retirement. Since Harper assumed leadership, PAGE and the public education sector have endured extraordinary trials. Chief among them was the COVID-19 global pandemic, which placed immense strain on educators. As a result, requests for legal services increased significantly, with members needing guidance on health and workplace safety, the transition to virtual instruction, staffing difficulties, and other pressing matters tied to membership support. During his tenure as executive director, Harper has placed particular emphasis on enhanced individual member benefit, in addition to foundational legal representation and liability coverage. E very PAGE member should know that their association provides meaningful benefits that bring value to their professional experience well-beyond legal services. “Every PAGE member should know that their association provides meaningful benefits that bring value to their professional experience well-beyond legal services,” says Harper. “PAGE members benefit from our advocacy with the legislature and other educator-related state agencies, professional learning, coaching, grants, scholarships, and recognition. “My goal is that membership is an active relationship, taking advantage of all that PAGE offers, rather than being viewed as a passive insurance plan activated only when something related to employment or certification needs to be addressed.” Two significant member benefits Harper has initiated during his tenure are one-to-one professional coaching and an educator grant program that awards up to $100,000 annually in cumulative funds to members. PAGE Coaching assists members facing professional challenges that occur outside of legal assistance for which knowledgeable, professional guidance can make a difference. A cohort of highly experienced coaches is available for confidential consultation. PAGE coaches have served as teachers, curriculum directors, special education directors, instructional support teachers, human resources directors, counselors, social workers, federal programs directors, and superintendents. The PAGE Educator Grant program distributes up to $100,000 each school year in the form of individual $500 awards to members. The grants fund additional resources for classrooms, professional learning, and special projects for which school or other funding sources are unavailable. In the five years since the program’s inception, PAGE has given away nearly a half-million dollars. Other enhanced member supports include an additional full-time advocacy position, virtual and in-person professional learning sessions, increased monetary awards at all recognition levels of the STAR (Student and Teacher Achievement Recognition) program, and support of teacher pipeline initiatives through FGE (Future Georgia Educators) and the Georgia Department of Education’s Teach in the Peach efforts. “It’s my honor to serve PAGE and our members, especially during this milestone anniversary,” says Harper. “Besides our longstanding commitment to our core services, PAGE will continue to initiate new benefits and services that meet the needs and challenges of Georgia’s professional educators.”

Lamar Scott, second from right, joined other PAGE members serving cool treats on a hot summer day. LAMAR SCOTT Lamar Scott’s journey with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) began as a new teacher in 1982, drawn by the organization’s affordability and commitment to education. By 1990, he had joined the PAGE Board of Directors and served in various roles, including district representative, president, and treasurer. Lamar remains an active board member as treasurer and is the longest-serving board member in PAGE history.   Lamar's involvement with PAGE started in his home county of Elbert, where he served as a building representative and local officer. His early experiences influenced his leadership, including teaching Sunday school and serving as an officer in an educational association during his university days. This foundation supported his long-standing commitment to PAGE, where he felt a deeper connection to education in Georgia. He appreciated PAGE’s focus on both students and teachers.   Over his tenure, Lamar witnessed and contributed to PAGE’s growth, which included influencing legislation and guiding the organization through the changing nature of education without losing sight of its mission. He took pride in PAGE’s grassroots beginnings and evolution into a leading education organization. Lamar celebrated PAGE’s ability to adapt to challenges, such as societal changes and technological advances, while maintaining its core values.   One of his most cherished memories involves the sense of family within PAGE, particularly highlighted during statewide conferences that fostered learning and networking among educators. Despite the changes brought by technology and the challenges of the COVID era, Lamar values the personal connections that form the heart of educational communities.   Lamar hopes his legacy will reflect his dedication to enhancing PAGE's role in supporting Georgia’s educators and students, honoring the motto “Kids Are Our Business.” His service aims to ensure that PAGE remains a vital, effective advocate for public education, opposing legislation diverting public funds to private schools and maintaining a strong, supportive network for teachers statewide.

PAGE founder Paul Copeland, right, accepts an award for his service to the organization. Paul Copeland founded the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) in 1975. He and several key leaders were crucial to its establishment and growth. Beginning his educational career in DeKalb County, Georgia, Paul was deeply involved with local educator organizations. However, he grew concerned with the increasing influence of the predominant national organization and its push towards mandatory dues for local and state chapters, as well as a focus on unionization. Paul felt those positions contradicted the needs and values of many local educators.   PAUL COPELAND In response, Paul spearheaded the creation of PAGE, aiming to offer an independent, Georgia-focused professional alternative that prioritized the work of educators on behalf of students. This move came after significant efforts to maintain autonomy within the local educator organization in DeKalb, which was affiliated with a national association, were rejected. By collaborating with fellow educators and drawing inspiration from successful independent educational organizations in other states, Paul set the groundwork for what PAGE would become.   Paul's leadership and vision were fundamental during the early and often precarious years of PAGE. His background, growing up on a farm in rural Alabama, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a "get it done" attitude—traits that proved invaluable as he navigated the challenges of establishing a new organization. He was instrumental in forming the interim board, which included dedicated educators like Lillian Cantrell, Allene McCreary, Dave Nichols, and Jesse Dixon, and securing the early operational structure of PAGE.   Under his guidance, PAGE quickly positioned itself as a significant voice for educators in Georgia, advocating for teacher rights without resorting to strikes or other tactics common in more traditional national educator associations. This approach not only helped attract members but also established PAGE as a leader in education advocacy, particularly through its legal support services and ongoing professional development initiatives.   Paul Copeland’s legacy as PAGE’s founder is marked by his commitment to creating an organization that truly served Georgia educators, and, by extension, their students. His efforts laid the foundation for PAGE's ongoing work to influence educational policy, support educators with professional resources, and uphold a philosophy that emphasizes collaboration and a focus on students. His son, Bud Copeland, reflects on Paul’s impact with pride, noting his father’s dedication to education and his strategic yet heartfelt approach to building PAGE during a transformative time in educational history.

The street in front of DeKalb County's Henderson Mill Elementary School is named in honor of PAGE founder Lillian Cantrell. Few people epitomize PAGE like Lillian Cantrell. Not only was Lillian one of the organization's founding members, but she also served as its first elected president in 1975. She then stepped up two more times to complete the terms of the people who followed her in 1976 and 1977.   Lillian was an educator for 47 years. As principal of Henderson Mill Elementary School in DeKalb County Schools at the time of PAGE’s founding, Lillian’s enthusiasm for the organization spread to many of her staff members who also got involved in supporting recruitment to grow the organization.   LILLIAN CANTRELL Lillian was born in Dalton, Georgia, attended West Georgia College, and graduated from the University of Georgia with a Specialist Degree in Education. She enjoyed traveling and was part of a group of American educators making one of the first bus trips into the Soviet Union in 1960. During that trip, the bus was stopped at night on the Czechoslovakian border by heavily armed Russian soldiers who searched the passengers' belongings before allowing them to continue their journey. The experience instilled in her a deep commitment to the principles of  freedom and independence.   That same year, Lillian was offered a contract to teach in Dalton Public Schools with the stipulation that she join the local chapter of an educator association and its national organization. To the superintendent’s surprise, she would not sign the contract under those conditions. He relented on the stipulation and Lillian signed the contract.   By the end the 1960's the country was rocked by labor practices that altered the educational landscape. Lillian had moved to Atlanta and was working in DeKalb County Schools as principal and was a member of a national association for its liability insurance. She was alarmed when she heard that the national association was pushing to create a unified dues structure for Georgia teachers. This change meant that members were required to pay dues to the local unit, the state association, and the national association to maintain membership. Member educators were given no options. Lillian turned to DeKalb County Schools Personnel Director Paul Copeland, who had hired her, for support.   By 1974, the issue of unified dues was headed for a vote. The two DeKalb administrators went to DeKalb Superintendent Jim Hinson with their concerns that something had to be done. They recognized the difficulty that teachers would face if the dominant national organization required unified dues. He knew teachers needed the liability insurance, but they would not want to be forced to strike or take part in collective bargaining against their will.   Paul had been a very active member of the state affiliate since 1957. He and Lillian saw that the organization’s focus was moving away from children to a mindset consistent with organized labor. Promises were being made to secure better pay for teachers, but it would be through walkouts, threats, sick-outs, confrontation, and ultimatums.   Paul and Lillian, along with a few other educators, joined forces to find a way forward. Paul was determined to personally do everything he could to organize another education association that would allow educators the freedom to choose.   The DeKalb local affiliate conducted a vote on unified dues in 1974. The measure was defeated 114 to 68 so it pulled out of the state affiliate which left DeKalb educators without a parent organization. Paul saw a need for educators to have the freedom to choose one’s professional organization and so he envisioned an alternative. His vision was to “establish an association of Georgia educators that would promote professionalism and oppose interruption of the education of children in Georgia schools. “   Lillian was “all-in” with Paul's plan. She saw the benefit of establishing an organization that would provide teachers with liability insurance coverage much like school administrators received through the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL).   Following a robust telephone campaign to educators throughout Georgia, school superintendents and other educators were invited to attend a special gathering during the DEA’s annual banquet in April 1975 featuring a guest speaker from the National Association of Professional Educators.   Those in attendance agreed to form a new state organization and elected Paul to serve as interim president and chairman to get it going, with Lillian on the first board of directors. Over the next several months, Paul, Lillian, and the rest of the board worked tirelessly to put the pieces in place to form the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE).   On May 17, 1975, PAGE was legally incorporated. The next week, the group met at Henderson Mill Elementary School, where Lillian was principal, and committees were formed and a schedule of meetings arranged. The group then began addressing the task of recruiting members.   Later in the year, Lillian became the first elected president of the organization. She recalled those next years as a time of immense toil and struggle. She assumed the responsibility for articulating the PAGE philosophy. Working with Atlanta educator Fred Rheney, they articulated the basic PAGE principles: Teachers should have the freedom to join any organization Teachers should be able to contact their board of education without restrictions Students should be free from the threat of educator strikes that would disrupt their learning. Meetings continued to be held at Henderson Mill Elementary School until office space was found. Lillian’s Henderson Mill teachers faithfully volunteered to help with administrative work and mailings after hours.   The presidents that followed Lillian had to resign early due to personal reasons, and Lillian stepped in for the next two years to carry the organization forward. In 1977, Alan Gravitt was the third PAGE president.   By 1979, Lillian, along with Paul, had spent much time, energy, and money to build the association. Membership had climbed to 1,000 and Lillian was ready to turn the reins over to others.   She remained on the PAGE Board of Directors for some time.  Lillian served as principal of Henderson Mill for 22 years, and the name of the road in front of the school was changed to Lillian Cantrell Lane in her honor. She retired from education in 1995 after 47 years in the profession. She passed away in 2013 at the age of 85.

Leslie Mills, right, served on the PAGE Board of Directors from 2006 to 2016 and was the 2014-2015 PAGE President. Leslie Mills enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades as a classroom mathematics teacher and 18 years as a First District RESA (Regional Educational Service Agency) mathematics consultant. Throughout her career, Leslie’s involvement with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) became integral to her work.    Leslie first connected with PAGE as a senior at Georgia Southern College in 1974-75, where joining a teacher organization was a prerequisite for student teaching. Over the years, her involvement deepened significantly—she became a PAGE building representative and later served on its Board of Directors from 2006 to 2016, including a term as PAGE President in 2014-2015.   LESLIE MILLS Her motivation to join PAGE stemmed from its stance as an independent non-partisan professional organization dedicated to educators' welfare under the motto  “Kids Are Our Business.”  Initially attracted by its liability coverage, Leslie appreciated PAGE's homegrown, Georgia-centric approach, which resonated with her professional values and regional pride. Leslie’s tenure at PAGE was marked by pivotal moments that enhanced its influence and outreach. Around 2010, she identified a growing need for training instructional coaches as school districts began creating these roles. Responding to this, PAGE collaborated with First District RESA to offer professional learning sessions led by nationally renowned speakers, providing valuable training and support to instructional coaches throughout southeast Georgia. This initiative not only bolstered PAGE's membership but also reinforced its commitment to professional development across the state.   Challenges during her tenure included refining the selection process for PAGE's Board of Directors. The organization transitioned from a less formal nomination system to a rigorous selection process involving applications, resumes, and interviews to ensure the highest quality leadership.   Leslie's favorite memories with PAGE include events like the PAGE Summer Conference at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta, where the professional atmosphere was notably enhanced by hiring a professional moderator, which epitomized PAGE's growth and professionalization. As for PAGE's evolution, Leslie noted its initial perception as mainly a liability insurance provider, but recognized its significant expansion into professional learning. She recognizes that despite recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on in-person visibility and the mode of operation, there remain opportunities for PAGE to further increase its in-person engagements, particularly in rural areas where educators highly value face-to-face interactions and tailored support.   Leslie's legacy wish for PAGE is to continue bridging the gap between the organization and rural educators, ensuring that their specific needs are addressed efficiently. She highlights the importance of PAGE’s ability to serve educators dealing with increasingly diverse student populations, including those who speak English as a second language.   Her vision for PAGE’s future includes maintaining a strong presence in local communities, fostering direct and impactful relationships with educators, and prioritizing professional learning that meets the evolving needs of teachers and students alike.

Juliana Naleway, right, with Dr. Allene Magill, then PAGE Executive Director. Juliana Naleway dedicated three decades of her career to the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), contributing significantly to its development and outreach efforts, especially through the STAR program. Juliana was hired in 1989 by Executive Director Jack Acree to provide administrative support as PAGE continued to grow membership. Executive Director Barbara Christmas added the STAR program, which recognizes the top academic seniors in Georgia’s high schools, and established the PAGE Foundation, which administers STAR as well as numerous scholarship funds. Juliana’s planning and organizational abilities allowed her to enhance her responsibilities with STAR. Her role evolved as she worked alongside Mr. Harris Mynatt to administer and develop the STAR program, which became an important platform for sharing PAGE's services for educators and students statewide.   JULIANA NALEWAY One of PAGE's significant milestones during Juliana’s tenure was the expansion of its membership, which increased from around 16,000 members when she started to more than 90,000 when she retired. She credits the strategic marketing and outreach efforts, particularly under Tim Callahan’s leadership as the director of communications and membership. He utilized his national experience to boost PAGE’s profile and membership through effective communication and engagement strategies.   The organization enhanced its visibility and appeal through PAGE One magazine, impactful presentations on professional ethics by PAGE attorneys, and regional membership services representatives. Reflecting on her time with PAGE, Juliana’s favorite memories include her involvement with the STAR program, particularly organizing the state STAR Banquet, an event that brought together educators and students in celebration of their achievements.   As for the legacy she wishes to impart, Juliana hopes to be remembered for her role in supporting and enhancing the work of the leaders for whom she worked, epitomizing her commitment to making a positive impact on education in Georgia. Juliana said her approach to work was greatly influenced by her mother's political engagement in Staten Island, New York, which shaped her understanding and execution of effective business and organizational skills.

Gayle Wooten was the long-serving PAGE "Director of Everything." Gayle Wooten’s connection to the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) spans more than three decades, reflecting a career deeply committed to promoting professionalism in education. Starting as a middle grades teacher, she rose through various leadership roles including special education director, principal, and superintendent. Her advocacy for PAGE began early, representing the organization’s professionalism and effectiveness in attracting new members and navigating through educational reforms and challenges. GAYLE WOOTEN Her initial involvement with PAGE was encouraged by her colleagues, recognizing her ability to communicate and embody the organization's values effectively. As she transitioned into roles such as Human Resources at PAGE, she continued to leverage her extensive network and deep understanding of the educational landscape in Georgia, significantly contributing to PAGE’s growth.   During her career with PAGE, its membership and influence expanded notably. Among the initiatives were the successful acquisition of the STAR program under Executive Director Barbara Christmas’s leadership, which became a significant outreach and promotional tool for PAGE, as well as expanded professional learning and legal presentations by Executive Director Allene Magill.   Reflecting on her years of service, Wooten views her time at PAGE as a highlight of her career, valuing the opportunity to influence and support educators throughout Georgia. Her legacy at PAGE is characterized by a deep commitment to fostering a professional environment that respects and elevates educators, a mission she pursued tirelessly throughout her extensive tenure.

At a meeting for PAGE coaches, Dr. Hayward Cordy, left, speaks with Executive Director Craig Harper. Hayward Cordy’s connection to the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) spans more than 25 years, reflecting a career deeply committed to education. Starting as a special education teacher in Jenkins County, Cordy's career evolved through various roles including principal, superintendent in multiple counties, and ultimately, director at Oconee RESA. His significant engagement with PAGE began when he shifted from another association due to a mismatch in values and joined PAGE. Cordy served on the PAGE Board of Directors from 2000 until 2018, and as its president in 2018-2019. He joined the PAGE staff full-time in 2023 as PAGE Foundation president and PAGE director of strategic partnerships.​ ​ DR. HAYWARD CORDY As a PAGE member, Cordy was instrumental in advocating for the association in Johnson County. His leadership and example facilitated PAGE's acceptance and growth within the district, countering misconceptions about its demographic and administrative orientation.   Cordy emphasized the importance of being part of an organization that not only offers networking and professional development but also aligns with his educational philosophy and beliefs. He witnessed and contributed to PAGE's significant growth, overcoming economic downturns by maintaining affordable dues while offering excellent membership benefits, and embracing diversity within leadership and membership.   During his affiliation with PAGE, the organization has been a strong advocate for promoting excellence in education through initiatives like the STAR program, teacher scholarships, and by being a supportive partner in educational endeavors throughout Georgia. One of Cordy’s cherished memories is the personal connections made through PAGE. He remembers making a pound cake, a favorite of former Executive Director Allene Magill, for every meeting he attended.  He says things as simple as sharing a pound cake with colleagues is a symbol of the familial and supportive atmosphere within PAGE.   Cordy envisions PAGE’s continued development to ensure it remains a valuable and trusted resource and advocate for educators statewide. He believes his legacy will reflect his commitment to impacting lives through education and his role in fostering an environment where educators are supported and children receive equitable, quality education regardless of their circumstances.

Ever have one of these? You can thank Tom Wommack. Tom Wommack's long and varied career in education culminated with significant contributions to the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). His work with PAGE reflected his dedication to improving and supporting educators and education in Georgia. Starting as a math teacher and coach at Vidalia High School in 1960, Wommack's journey led him through various educational roles, including serving as a superintendent and a regional director for the Georgia Department of Education before joining PAGE in 1991.  TOM WOMMACK Tom’s tenure at PAGE began after an invitation from Executive Director Jack Acree to serve as the director of legal services. He later became responsible for legislative advocacy efforts. His work at PAGE until his retirement in 2012 involved major legislative achievements and growth in the organization’s influence and membership.    One of the pivotal legislative efforts Wommack led was the defense of the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) of Georgia, ensuring its funds were protected against legislative attempts to divert them. Additionally, he was instrumental in the passage of the educator license plate bill, which provided financial support to educators facing legal or injury-related expenses.    Under the leadership of Executive Director Barbara Christmas, whom Wommack noted as a personal friend and outstanding leader, PAGE sponsored several programs, including the STAR program, middle grades Academic Bowl, and high school Academic Decathlon. These initiatives underlined PAGE’s commitment to recognizing and promoting student and educator achievement statewide.    Reflecting on his years with PAGE, Wommack valued the professional and personal relationships built within the organization, noting the collective efforts to enhance public education in Georgia. He was also deeply involved in PAGE's advocacy, enjoying a productive working relationship with legislative leaders like Rep. Tom Murphy, which helped PAGE effectively navigate educational policy debates.    Wommack hopes his legacy at PAGE will be remembered for his dedication to the organization's growth and his commitment to serving its members and advancing education in Georgia. He expressed profound satisfaction in contributing to an organization that benefits educators and fosters professional development.  Tom passed away in early 2025.

Dr. Diane Ray presents to a group of students at the Bagwell College of Education at Kennesaw State University. Diane Ray's involvement with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) spanned decades, contributing significantly to its growth and impact. Her journey with PAGE began in 1987 when she was recommended by a well-respected colleague to join the association. As a principal and educator in Cobb County, Diane witnessed the passion and dedication of PAGE members who were committed to improving education in Georgia. This resonated with her mission of helping teachers and students succeed. Throughout her career, Diane’s engagement with PAGE deepened. She joined the PAGE Board of Directors in the 1990s and served as president in 2004. Her involvement spanned an era of transformation in services and membership growth. One significant development was the shift from contracted member service consultants, who were primarily retired educators, to full-time member service representatives (MSRs). This change enabled PAGE to strengthen its relationships with educators throughout the state, increasing membership significantly. Diane joined the PAGE staff in 2005 and retired in 2023. While with PAGE, she led various professional learning efforts, including the Teacher Academy program, and outreach to college of education students as a college services representative (CSR).   Diane highlighted several initiatives key to PAGE's growth, including the expansion of professional learning programs, which enabled educators to engage in training within their regions instead of traveling to Atlanta. The collaboration with Georgia’s Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESAs) was instrumental in understanding and meeting the specific needs of educators throughout the state. Diane oversaw the development of PAGE’s leadership conferences, which were offered to PAGE members in the early 2000s. The conferences attracted educators from throughout the state and provided a platform for professional development.   DR. DIANE RAY PAGE’s advocacy efforts were another area of importance during Diane’s tenure. She recalled rallying educators to push for legislative changes and PAGE’s introduction of its "Day on the Hill" each February at the Georgia Capitol allowing teachers to engage with lawmakers during the legislative session. Diane also emphasized the importance of PAGE's legal services, which expanded to six full-time attorneys over time, ensuring that educators had access to timely professional legal advice and ethical guidance.   One of PAGE’s biggest accomplishments during Diane’s time as a member, board member, and staff member, was the growth of membership, reaching 95,000 members by the time she retired in 2023. She was also proud of PAGE's role in supporting student programs, such as the Georgia Academic Bowl and STAR program, which foster academic excellence. ​ Challenges during Diane’s tenure included the adoption of new technology and ensuring its effective implementation across the organization. However, with a committed team, PAGE successfully navigated these hurdles, continuing to provide valuable services to educators. Diane attributed PAGE's success to the dedication of its employees, noting that the organization was always responsive to the evolving needs of educators in all areas of service in Georgia’s schools, as well as students pursuing careers in education.  Reflecting on her service with PAGE, Diane emphasized the importance of teamwork, recognizing the collective efforts of PAGE’s staff in driving the organization's achievements. For her, PAGE was the perfect culmination of a long and fulfilling career in education. ​

As told to her daughter Jo Breedlove-Johnson ALLENE McCREARY Allene McCreary, one of the founding members of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), helped shape the organization’s ethos and strategic direction. Starting as a high school English teacher in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1953, Allene transitioned to teaching elementary levels and moved to Georgia in the late 1960s. By the early 1970s, she was teaching in DeKalb County at Henderson Mill Elementary School, a place she and other key figures informally considered "the secret home of PAGE."   Her formal involvement with PAGE began through the encouragement of Lillian Cantrell, principal at Henderson Mill. Allene was instrumental in PAGE's early organizational and recruitment efforts, including putting together many mailings to educators throughout Georgia. This foundational work was crucial in establishing PAGE's initial membership and influence.   Allene’s leadership was characterized by her ability to connect with educators across all  levels of education, from fellow teachers to top state officials, without losing sight of the grassroots nature of the organization. She was particularly noted for her dedication to ensuring that teachers' perspectives were represented in PAGE, emphasizing that the organization should always operate with teachers' interests at heart.   Her contributions were not just in leadership but also in nurturing the inclusive and ethical standards that would come to define PAGE. Allene, alongside other founders, secured initial funding and set high standards of integrity and service, which have sustained PAGE's reputation and impact over the decades.   Her legacy in PAGE is seen in the organization’s continued commitment to supporting educators as dedicated professionals and advocating for educational excellence in Georgia.