May 15, 2025—Now in its second year, Cobb's one-of-a-kind partnership with the University of West Georgia (UWG)—Georgia's BEST—is already making a lasting difference in Cobb classrooms. At a time when Georgia’s educator workforce faces rising turnover and persistent vacancies, the success of Georgia's BEST is undeniable.

"We are the only district in the country that can say we have solved the teacher recruitment and retention problem," said Superintendent Chris Ragsdale. "Through Georgia’s BEST, every Cobb teacher has the opportunity for a higher ed degree that gives a one-million-dollar benefit, at no cost to them." 

The teacher turnover in Georgia is close to 11%, with over 3,000 vacancies reported at the start of the recent school year. This is not the case in Cobb, which boasts an incredible 99% retention rate. Georgia’s BEST is one reason for this.

"Thanks to being able to provide the best pay in the state, Cobb is able to attract the best and the brightest. And with programs like Georgia's BEST, we are able to keep them," Superintendent Ragsdale explained. 

At the May Board of Education meeting, Chief Strategy Officer John Floresta confirmed this by announcing that all of Cobb's Georgia's BEST graduates have signed contracts to continue teaching in the District. "It's hard to beat 100%," Mr. Floresta said. 

Recruitment and retention savings are clear, but the greatest impact is felt in the classroom, with students and the teachers who guide them.

"In more than ten years on the Board of one of the highest-achieving districts in the state, I’ve heard more about the benefits of Georgia’s BEST than anything we’ve ever done. If your budget is a reflection of your priorities, I’m proud to say we show our teachers how much they are valued," said Board Chair David Chastain.

Other districts have taken note and are lining up to follow Cobb’s lead. But the foundation of the program—the vision, the investment, and the opportunity—began here.

"One of the things Superintendent Ragsdale said when we started this program was that he hoped it would become a model for the state," said Mike Dishman, Dean of the College of Education at UWG. "I believe we are on our way to that. We have seen this idea catch fire with other districts and universities building partnerships."

The Georgia’s BEST program is truly "by Cobb, for Cobb." From the beginning, Cobb educators helped design the coursework, and many Cobb educators lead the classes, which are practical, personalized, and rooted in the realities of today’s classrooms.

What makes Georgia’s BEST unique is that the District decides which advanced degree options will be offered based on Cobb's most critical needs. The program has been transformative and life-changing for more than 600 students.

"I would like to sincerely thank the Cobb County School Board for believing in us and making this investment. It has changed my life," said one grateful Georgia's BEST student. 

"Because of your support, I earned a degree with no student debt," another graduate said emotionally. "That changed not just my career, but my family’s future."

While the stories are personal, the results are universal—students are benefiting from better instruction, schools are retaining top talent, and educators across the state have another reason to choose Cobb.

Georgia’s BEST isn’t just a program. It’s a promise to Cobb students and their teachers. A promise that Cobb Schools will continue to be a school district of excellence where all students—and their teachers—succeed. Georgia’s BEST is leaving a legacy from the classroom to the community, and Cobb is proud to lead the way.

"I am proud of the fact that one-fifth of our students will graduate with no student loan debt. I believe that we are on our way to the day when we can truly say, 'Do you remember when Georgia educators had to pay for their own graduate degrees?'" concluded Dean Dishman with a smile.