Rep. Phil Olaleye Receives 2025 Torchbearer for Education Award by Professional Association of Georgia Educators

ATLANTA - State Representative Phil Olaleye (D-Atlanta) recently was presented with a 2025 Torchbearer for Education Award by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). Rep. Olaleye was recognized for sponsoring House Bill 310, the Student Teacher Promotion Act, during the 2025 legislative session.

"I am deeply honored to receive a PAGE 2025 Torchbearer for Education Award," said Rep. Olaleye. "Georgia has an ongoing teacher shortage that must be addressed. While student teaching provides prospective educators with invaluable experience, it can also present hardships to financially struggling students. HB 310 seeks to support future educators and further bolster Georgia's teacher pipeline."

HB 310, the Student Teacher Promotion Act, would address the affordability of teacher preparation by providing public schools and school systems with grants of up to $7,500 for student teachers participating in the required student teaching component of their teacher education programs. Under the bill, student teachers would be required to apply for stipends, and all grants would be subject to legislative appropriation.

This award is intended to highlight policymakers whose work benefits and supports Georgia students, educators and public education.

For more information on PAGE, please click here.

Representative Phil Olaleye represents the citizens of District 59, which includes a portion of Fulton County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves on the Education, Governmental Affairs and Information and Audits committees.

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