Gov. Nathan Deal announced the names of 86 Georgia teachers, including three from Effingham County, who have earned the “Master Teacher” certification, based on demonstrated excellence in student achievement and student growth for 2011.

“I am proud of Georgia’s Master Teachers for their tireless efforts to enrich the minds and lives of our students and for their ongoing work toward reaching our state’s goal of providing a high-quality teacher in every classroom,” Deal said. “Georgia continues to make tremendous strides in improving educational opportunities for our students, and I am unwavering in my support of the critical link between effective teachers and student achievement.”

Honored from Effingham County were Christine Holt of South Effingham Middle School, Paul Robert Petit of South Effingham Elementary School and Trish Thompson of Effingham County Middle School.

Georgia’s Master Teacher Certification Program was established in 2005 and is coordinated by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC). Based on classroom performance on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT), documentation of student growth and exemplary professional practices, superior teachers are designated as “Master Teachers” for a period of seven years.

“The 2011 Master Teachers join a group of Georgia’s highly skilled and dedicated educators who share a passion for teaching and student learning,” said Kelly Henson, executive secretary for PSC. “The Professional Standards Commission, along with their schools and communities, recognize and celebrate their accomplishments.”

Master Teachers are eligible to automatically renew their teaching certificates as long as they continue to qualify for Master Teacher status.

For more information on the Master Teacher program, visit www.gamasterteachers.org or send an email to MasterTeachers@gapsc.com.