Lee Henderson, Newstalk 105.9 WVGA:

GEORGIA GRADUATING FEWER TEACHERS

Data from a Georgia education commission shows fewer people are pursuing careers as teachers. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports more than 12,400 people earned teaching certificates during the 2007-08 school year, according to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The number dropped to about 8,520 two years later and has been roughly the same since then.

Southwest Georgia Regional Education Service Agency director Tim Helms says there’s a significant need for teacher in the science, technology, engineering and math fields, as well principals and educators from minority backgrounds. Republican State Rep. Amy Carter says aside from pay, some teachers leave the profession because of quality of life issues and lack of support from school administrators.

GBI PROBES DAWSON SHOOTING

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Police officials are probing the shooting of two people in Dawson. According to the report though wounded one of the victims was able to drive to the local McDonald’s seeking help for themselves and the second victim. There was no word on the extent of their injuries at last report.