MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER ERIC THOMAS TO SERVE AS GUEST SPEAKER FOR FREE FOOTBALL CAMP FOR STUDENTS IN ATLANTA


When:           Saturday, July 14, 2012
                     10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

ATLANTA -- Two social studies teachers at Atlanta's Inman Middle School have earned the distinction of Master Teacher.

Sara Looman and Mark Washington are the only Atlanta Public Schools teachers to earn the Master Teacher certification this year.

"Both Ms. Looman and Mr. Washington have earned the position of grade-level chair for our 6th and 7th grades, respectively," Inman Middle School principal Paula Herrema said in a statement. "It is their passion that readily exudes to the students, resulting in achievement and growth for the young people who are fortunate enough to be in their classes."

Master Teacher certification, which is valid for seven years, is granted to teachers who demonstrate "excellence in the classroom through gains in student achievement." To qualify, a teacher must have three years of experience and show evidence of student progress and achievement.

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Police Department has named a new LGBT liaison officer to serve the department.

Officer Kristin Knight was appointed to her position last week by Chief George Turner.

"I'm looking forward to this wonderful and challenging opportunity to serve as a link between the LGBT community and the brave men and women of the Atlanta Police Department," Knight said after she was appointed. "As a proud member of both the gay community and the APD, I will take great pride and care in ensuring we continue our mutual respect and understanding."

Knight joined APD in 2005, working as a patrol officer downtown and in Midtown. Last year, the Connecticut native joined the Community Liaison Unit. She originally moved south to attend Clark Atlanta University and is now completing her bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Saint Leo University.