Snellville Middle Educator Named 2013 'Master Teacher'

State officials announced this week that 13 Gwinnett County teachers, including a Snellville educator, have been named "Master Teachers."

A total of 58 educators were named "Master Teachers" this year, according to a statement by Gov. Nathan Deal.

Michael Kelly, a science teacher at Snellville Middle School, is one of those named.

"I am proud of Georgia’s Master Teachers for their tireless efforts to enrich the minds and lives of our students and for their ongoing work toward reaching our state’s goal of providing a high-quality teacher in every classroom," Deal said in a press release.

Teachers earn ‘Master Teacher’ certification based on classroom performance on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test, documented student growth and exemplary professional practices, officials said.

The "Master Teacher" designation is good for seven years, and those teachers may automatically renew their teaching certificates as long as they continue to qualify.