Three Liberty County teachers have earned master teacher certification this year. Kimberly Boucher and Jewelene Marie Hunter of Liberty Elementary School, and Melinda Joy Kennedy of Midway Middle School are among 131 educators statewide to receive the designation in 2009-10 based on appreciable gains in student achievement, according to a release from the governor’s office.

“There are now 599 master teachers in Georgia who have demonstrated their expertise in helping our children achieve at higher levels,” said Gov. Sonny Perdue. “They are masters at inspiring students to learn, and I am proud to recognize their tireless efforts and collective success in improving student achievement.”

Georgia’s Master Teacher Certification Program is coordinated by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. It provides statewide recognition to certified public school teachers in Georgia who have at least three years of teaching experience and who consistently demonstrate instructional excellence through student achievement.

Master teachers are eligible to automatically renew their teaching certificates as long as they continue to qualify for the status.

For more information on the master teacher program, go to www.gamasterteachers.org or e-mail to masterteachers@gapsc.com.