Four local teachers have gained Master Teacher certification, a honor bestowed by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission based on gains in student achievement.

Carla G. Fowler from Jefferson City Schools, Margaret Strickland from White County, Teresa Nichols Conowal from Dawson County and Erin Porter from Banks County were among the 112 newly certified master teachers.

There now are 466 master teachers in Georgia.

The program, championed by Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, provides statewide recognition to certified public school teachers who have at least three years of teaching experience and who consistently demonstrate instructional excellence through student achievement.

According to the commission, it "provides statewide recognition to certified public school teachers who have at least three years of teaching experience and who consistently demonstrate instructional excellence through student achievement.

"The Georgia Professional Standards Commission is proud to administer the Master Teacher certification program." said Kelly Henson, Executive Secretary of the PSC. "We congratulate these teachers for their dedication and consistent leadership."