From the Presidents: PAGE Presidents Share Significance of Service During 50th Year

Pope (left), Executive Director Craig Harper (center), and Harris (right) at the 50th Anniversary Gala

Since the term of office for the PAGE president follows the academic calendar rather than the annual calendar, two presidents enjoyed the privilege of leading the association during its 50th year. Daerzio Harris served during the 2024- 2025 school year term, and Brecca Pope is serving during 2025-2026.

“It’s meaningful and humbling to serve during this special time of celebration and reflection,” says Harris. “PAGE has such a rich history of supporting educators, advocating for teachers and students, and providing professional learning.”

Pope agrees. “There is a deep sense of pride to lead during our 50th anniversary because we have an opportunity to highlight PAGE’s decades of service as we continue to provide the important services and benefits that make PAGE such a vital organization for our members.”

Harris and Pope share significant appreciation for the legacy of leadership that preceded them. They have observed how past presidents fulfilled their responsibilities and the ongoing leadership from long-time board officers who are former presidents.

“They continue to lead by example through active engagement on the board and by volunteering and participating in PAGE activities,” notes Pope.

Harris highlights that the selection and induction process for board service is conducted by two of those dedicated leaders, Treasurer Lamar Scott and Retired Representative Vickie Hammond. “They do a great job of making sure that incoming board members are aware of and support PAGE’s core values,” he says. Those values include staying focused on educators and their needs rather than issues outside of education, and remaining non-partisan in advocacy and messaging.

“PAGE is an association founded by educators for educators, and that’s still so true in our 50th year and going forward.”

—DR. BRECCA POPE.

Both presidents note that they have taken their responsibility to uphold the association’s tradition of leadership because they want PAGE to continue as a dynamic, member-focused association that adapts and responds to member needs.

“PAGE is an association founded by educators for educators, and that’s still so true in our 50th year and going forward,” says Pope.

Addressing relationship-building and networking opportunities from board service, Harris and Pope note that those aspects have been among the most rewarding, professionally and personally. Because PAGE Board of Directors members represent 13 different regions of Georgia, plus five officers and two at-large positions, the board provides ample interactions with fellow educators experiencing what is happening throughout Georgia from different perspectives.

“The relationships and connections we share have meant that I have other educators outside my immediate area to discuss issues and hear about how they are meeting the needs of students and addressing the challenges we face,” says Pope. “I can call any of my fellow board members any time to get ideas, or encouragement, or to support them.”

Harris agrees and notes that, because of encouragement from board members and PAGE staff, he decided to pursue leadership beyond the classroom. He now serves as an assistant principal, is pursuing a doctorate, and is an adjunct professor in a college of education. He was also nominated and served as a member of a state task force that researched and developed a report on teacher burnout.

Similarly, Pope observes that board service improved her professional practice, which encouraged her to pursue greater leadership roles in her district, where she is currently an assistant superintendent.

Board relationships go beyond the professional, as well. Harris and Pope share that the board members care about one another’s joys and concerns of daily life.

“Developing these real connections has been a meaningful additional benefit,” says Pope.

As PAGE enters its next 50 years, both presidents see a bright future and are proud to be part of moving the association forward.

“It is my goal and hope that PAGE continues to influence policy and practice at every level to inform districts and leaders with data and insight that they need to support educators to innovate in their systems and to inspire the next generation of teachers and leaders to see education as a calling and see it as a cause and career worth investigating,”

—DAERZIO HARRIS

“It is my goal and hope that PAGE continues to influence policy and practice at every level to inform districts and leaders with data and insight that they need to support educators to innovate in their systems and to inspire the next generation of teachers and leaders to see education as a calling and see it as a cause and career worth investigating,” says Harris.

“I have a deep sense of gratitude when I think about this being the 50th anniversary,” notes Pope. “I feel very indebted to and thankful for the educators before me, to those past presidents, the PAGE staff, those founding members who had the vision for what PAGE is and what it could be. They laid everything out for future generations and made it so valuable and so strong that it could be everlasting. I find what is very unique and very special about PAGE is that it originated from a love of education, a love of children, and a desire to make the experience for children in Georgia better all the time. PAGE makes us stronger as a profession because we’re making education better for children.”