Amanda Pugh

Georgia Teachers Initiative Grant Winner

Ms. Pugh of Apalachee High School of Barrow County Schools received $2,500 to implement “Mock Disaster Simulation: Real-World Training in Law & Public Safety.” This hands-on initiative will allow students in the Law & Public Safety Pathway to apply personal and public safety skills through a large-scale, student-led disaster response simulation. Developed in collaboration with local fire departments, GEMA, and public safety professionals, the project includes online FEMA coursework, guest speakers, and a capstone disaster drill that mirrors real-world emergency response. Funding will be used to purchase individual CERT bags, PPE, wound-packing trainers, and simulation equipment, including tarps, patient cards, and a camera to document the event. Designed to increase student engagement, workforce readiness, and ownership of learning, the project provides a replicable, career-connected learning experience aligned with GFPE’s definition of innovation.

The role of innovation in my classroom is creating activities that focus on student-based projects to enhance learning. This project will not only culminate student learning within the classroom, but the skills are also great lifesaving skills beyond the walls of the school. We will collaborate with various local and state public safety agencies in this project. Innovation in my classroom is engaging students in hands-on lab experiences that will help them commit their skills to memory. This grant will give students the opportunity to demonstrate their hands-on skills and allow them to participate in a collaborative community learning experience.

- Amanda Pugh

Amanda Pugh

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