November 10, 2026 — Nearly 100 Cobb educators have reached a major milestone, earning their doctoral degrees through a partnership with the University of West Georgia that allows Cobb Schools educators to pursue advanced degrees at no cost to them.

Since its launch in 2023, Georgia's BEST has enrolled 1,576 educators, with 824 graduates and 752 continuing their journey toward advanced degrees.

This October, 99 doctoral candidates successfully defended their capstone projects in front of Cobb and UWG leadership. 

These doctoral candidates researched topics within the district with the goal of making Cobb Schools an even better place to teach, lead, and learn.

"What we learned with our research is that STEM certification does improve the milestone scores for our 5th grade students across the county, and that has lit a fire under me to actually improve and be a better teacher and continue some of these amazing STEM techniques that we do in the classroom," said Hayes Elementary STEM Lab teacher, Virginia Buttram.

Each educator who enrolled in Georgia's BEST had a unique reason for pursuing an advanced degree. Whether motivated by school improvement, student growth, personal goals, or family motivation, these doctoral candidates sought to make Cobb Schools an even better place for students and families.

"I live in the community that I work in, and strong schools are strong communities, and I wanted to be a part of that," said Varner Elementary STEM Specialist, Sarah Sturch.

"My parents have both passed, but they would be very proud. My dad had a 5th grade education, my mom had to drop out early, my siblings did not finish high school. To be able to make it to this, I thought that my specialist would probably be the end because I'm in my 29th year of teaching, but when Cobb allowed this opportunity, I applied and got it. And I'm proud I did it," said Lassiter Associate Director of Bands Jeff Harper.

Georgia's BEST removes the financial burden of pursuing an advanced degree for participating educators. The program also benefits Cobb Schools as educators strengthen their skills and improve their schools while continuing to teach students.

"I've always wanted to go back to school and get my doctorate, but the finances wouldn't allow me to, so I guess I just kept hope alive and hope came alive," said East Cobb Middle School Counselor, Katoria Williams.

Through Georgia's BEST, Cobb Schools continues to grow the best educators in Georgia, which in turn helps create the best learning environment possible.

"You gain resources, you gain knowledge, you gain connections. Everything that you need to help students in a more impactful way is through this program. And that's why we need this," said Hollydale Elementary Discovery Lab Specialist Jonathan McCoy.

To learn more about Georgia's BEST, click HERE.