Since 2002, the Path2College 529 Plan has offered Georgia parents a way to plan for their children’s college education. Grandparents, relatives and friends can also open accounts as gifts or contribute to existing accounts.  You can even open an account for yourself.

Contributions to the plan are eligible for a Georgia income tax deduction up to $2,000 each year for each beneficiary, regardless of income. (Please note that a transfer of funds from another state’s 529 plan is not eligible for the Georgia income tax deduction.  Recapture provisions apply.)  Withdrawals for tuition, books, fees and certain room and board expenses are federal and Georgia income tax-free.

The plan offers multiple investment options with varying degrees of risk allowing you to select the option(s) that best meet your savings objectives. When you set up the account, carefully consider which option is best for you. If you find that you aren’t comfortable with the investment option, you can change your approach once per calendar year.

When students set off for college, funds can be used at private and public schools nationwide and even at many schools abroad.

Open an account with as little as $25. Consider establishing payroll deduction – a convenient and flexible method to help achieve your college savings goals. You can contribute from your paycheck as little as $15 per pay period.  You can stop, start or change your deduction amount at any time.

To start setting savings goals or open a new account, visit the Path2College 529 Plan, or call 1-877-424-4377.

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Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in the Path2College 529 Plan. Visit www.path2college529.com for a Disclosure Booklet containing this and other information. Please read it carefully.

Before investing in a 529 plan, you should consider whether the state you or your beneficiary reside in or have taxable income in has a 529 plan that offers favorable state income tax or other benefits that are only available if you invest in that state’s 529 plan.

Account value for the Investment Options is not guaranteed and will fluctuate based upon a number of factors, including general market conditions.

TIAA‐CREF Tuition Financing, Inc., Program Manager.

C19522

Governor Nathan Deal has announced the names of 58 Georgia teachers who have earned the “Master Teacher” certification, based on demonstrated excellence in student achievement and student growth for 2013.

Georgia’s Master Teacher Certification Program was established in 2005 and is coordinated by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). Based on classroom performance on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT), documentation of student growth and exemplary professional practices, superior teachers are designated as “Master Teachers” for a period of seven years.

“The 2013 Master Teachers join a group of Georgia’s highly skilled and dedicated educators who share a passion for teaching and student learning,” said Kelly Henson, Executive Secretary for GaPSC. “The Professional Standards Commission, along with their schools and communities, recognize and celebrate their accomplishments.”

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

For more information on the Master Teacher program, please visit its website or send an email to MasterTeachers@gapsc.com.

Visit Gov. Deal’s website to see the list of teachers who have earned the “Master Teacher” Certification in 2013.