ATLANTA – Continuing its implementation of the statewide education initiative to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of using energy wisely and efficiently, Georgia Power today announced the selection of Betsy Bates as the energy education coordinator in Georgia Power-served schools in DeKalb, Fulton, Newton and Rockdale counties.

“I am pleased to welcome Betsy to our team of nearly a dozen education coordinators around the state,” said Amy Hutchins, Georgia Power’s education and training manager.  “Betsy will provide locally focused guidance and assistance while partnering with area schools to develop classroom experiences for children that highlight the crucial role energy plays in our daily lives.” 

Beginning this fall, Bates will work with third-, fifth- and eighth-grade students in local school systems to deliver energy efficiency messages through “in-class field trips,” using hands-on activities, Web-based learning, and educational/career awareness events. 

A focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects in Georgia schools will also be emphasized, as well as awareness around careers in the electric utility industry.  The program is designed to help create well-informed future energy purchasers and cover topics relevant to the industry.

A graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, Betsy received her Master of Education in science from Samford University.  

Prior to coming to Georgia Power, Bates was a fourth-grade teacher at Ison Springs Elementary School in Sandy Springs.

“I am proud to have the opportunity to work with educators and students in this community to build a strong foundation and understanding of the importance of using energy wisely,” said Bates.  “Teaching young students how to make smart energy choices will positively benefit our local communities and state.”

 
Georgia Power is collaborating with the State Board of Education, educators and other stakeholders on curriculum development and deployment of its new energy education program. Classroom activities will teach specific curricular principles relating to energy efficiency that have been integrated in the required learning objectives.  These objectives can and will be part of the national science “common core” standards and congruent with Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS).

The company is also partnering with Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers, Inc., (GYSTC).  Having served over 1.7 million Georgia students, GYSTC provides quality programs for teachers of STEM subjects that improve the teaching and learning process at the K-8 levels. Their programs change students’ conceptions and inspire an appreciation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects.  

This new learning initiative, the company’s latest foray into focusing on education, is a significant step but not a departure from the over 100 years of support the company has provided being a “Citizen Wherever We Serve.”  From supporting Junior Achievement to providing new teacher assistance grants to sponsoring camps aimed at giving students hands-on experience about the importance of math and science in energy and environmental careers, the company has been an active partner in developing future leaders.

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation’s largest generators of electricity.  The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates below the national average.  Georgia Power serves 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties.