Georgia CommonsHouse · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
HR 870: Thomas, Jade; one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year; commend
Last action March 31, 2025 · House Read and Adopted
A House resolution commends Jade Thomas, a Lake Joy Elementary School teacher, for being named one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Introduced version, the latest the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
This resolution is a ceremonial honor from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It recognizes Jade Thomas, a fourth grade English language arts and social studies teacher at Lake Joy Elementary School, for being selected as one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year award. The resolution highlights her teaching accomplishments, her prior service in the United States Marine Corps, and her role co-founding her school's Military Kids Club. It directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for her.
What the bill does
- Formally commends Jade Thomas for being named one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year.
- States the House's official recognition of her work as a fourth grade teacher at Lake Joy Elementary School.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Jade Thomas.
- Expresses the House's best wishes for her continued success, without creating any new law, funding, or program.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names Jade Thomas, a teacher at Lake Joy Elementary School, and involves the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who must prepare the commemorative copy. It has no broader legal effect on other Georgians.
Why it matters
This is a symbolic honor rather than a policy change, so it does not alter any Georgia law, create funding, or impose requirements. Its practical effect is limited to publicly recognizing Jade Thomas's teaching achievements and military background.
Key provisions
- The resolution's preamble (the 'WHEREAS' clauses) describes Jade Thomas's role as a fourth grade teacher and her recognition as a 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year finalist.
- The operative resolving clause states the House commends her and wishes her continued success.
- A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to provide her a copy of the resolution.
From the bill
“the members of this body commend Jade Thomas, one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year, and express their most sincere best wishes for continued success.”
Status timeline
- House Read and Adopted (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Bethany Ballard (R, HD-147)
- Noel Williams, Jr. (R, HD-148)
- Shaw Blackmon (R, HD-146)
- Anissa Jones (D, HD-143)
- Robert Dickey (R, HD-134)
Topics
- Georgia Teacher of the Year
- education honors
- Lake Joy Elementary School
- legislative commendation