Dr. Adrienne Simmons Board Member District IV | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Dr. Adrienne Simmons Board Member District IV | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Amy Levengood, an 8th-grade language arts teacher at Trickum Middle School, has been selected for the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Teacher Policy Fellowship. This program offers classroom teachers a chance to learn about educational policy and policymaking.
The fellowship spans nine months and provides participants with insights into policy design and implementation. Fellows will identify key stakeholders, build relationships with decision-makers at both local and state levels, and explore education-based legislation.
"Truthfully, it’s a surreal feeling, especially since I was chosen from hundreds of applicants across the whole state. It is an honor to represent Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) at the state level through this program," Levengood stated.
The program combines online and in-person learning, allowing educators to maintain their classroom responsibilities. Levengood will also travel to Washington, D.C., to study federal education policy. At the conclusion of the program, she will present a policy proposal for expert feedback.
Levengood's interest in how education policy impacts her classroom inspired her application for this opportunity. "I believe it is crucial to bridge the gap between the classroom and policymaking. This fellowship will empower me to be an advocate for myself, the many teachers in my family, and the numerous amazing teachers I have met (and will meet) over the course of my career," she explained. "Furthermore, I want to learn more about decision-making processes that affect me each and every day."
Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort of the Teacher Policy Fellowship will open in September 2025.
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