July 7, 2026 — Through a partnership with the University of West Georgia, educators within Cobb Schools are able to earn advanced degrees at no cost of their own. 

Since the launch of the Georgia's BEST program, well over 500 Cobb teachers and staff members have graduated. 

This year, 74 Cobb educators completed their doctorate degrees and presented their capstone projects in front of a panel of leaders from Cobb Schools and the University of West Georgia.

“I've always wanted to get my doctorate, but really, I have a daughter. I'm paying for college, and I was like, it was out of reach. Having this opportunity was huge, and I definitely think I am a greater asset to Cobb now that I've gone through this program,” said Walton High School teacher Tobie Hendricks.

To successfully defend their Capstone projects, these Cobb educators spent months researching their assigned topics.

The topics were intentionally aligned with each educator’s background and district role, giving them the opportunity to apply their research in ways that could strengthen classroom instruction and support student success across Cobb.

“It really has helped me to see how the instruction and the decisions that we're making in our classroom, how we can even look at it on a bigger scale and improve student instruction in our district, and also to help make sure that we're meeting all the students’ needs,” said Dowell Elementary School 2nd-grade teacher Lindsey Tackett. 

Along with these teachers finding personal and professional growth, they did so without paying any money of their own. 

“It’s amazing that we have such a wonderful district and superintendent who really cares about helping his teachers be the best that they can be, and he's putting his money where his mouth is. And we really appreciate his support through all of this,” said Eastside Elementary 5th-grade teacher Elisabeth Gibbon.

Georgia’s BEST made an advanced degree possible for many educators who recognized its value but once thought the opportunity was out of reach.

What this means for Cobb Schools and the more than 100,000 students is that more educators are advancing their own learning and ensuring that Cobb continues to provide the best possible learning environment. 

“I do firmly believe that Cobb is the best place to teach, lead, and learn," said Compton Elementary teacher Emily Robinson.

To learn more about Georgia's BEST and how Cobb teachers can apply, you can click HERE to learn more.