Katie O'Shea, a fourth- grade teacher at Porterdale Elementary School, was recently awarded a $1,000 New Teacher Assistant Grant from Georgia Power. Georgia Power recognizes outstanding teachers with funds to purchase classroom supplies. Winning public school teachers are all graduates of state-approved teaching programs located at Georgia's public four-year colleges and universities. The winners receive a $1,000 grant, which they can use to purchase materials and supplied for their classrooms.

"I plan on buying supplies for more small-group centers and science-based materials for my students," said O'Shea, who said she is excited to be embarking on her career in the teaching profession.

"I have always wanted to be a teacher but it wasn't until I was coaching swim team that I realized how many different ‘light bulbs' I was taking part in lighting up. I realized that I am making a difference in children's lives but they are making a great impact on mine as well."

O'Shea, a recent graduate of Georgia College and State University, was one of only 44 new teachers awarded a teaching grant this year. Georgia Power has been awarding grants to new teachers since 2004. Candidates for the grants are submitted by the deans of the state's public teacher colleges.

Two hundred new teacher grants have been awarded across Georgia since 2004.