Left to right: Dr. Betsy Bockman; Springdale Park Elementary School Principal Terry Harness; and Emily Boatright, interim principal of Inman Middle School.
By: Alicia Sands Lurry
Dr. Betsy Bockman is an educator who “changes lives” and “never gives up.”
And now Dr. Bockman, the interim principal of Henry W. Grady High School, is also the recipient of the first Lifetime Achievement Award in Education and Business from the Educational Advisory Foundation (EAF).
Joined earlier this month by colleagues, community leaders and APS leadership during a special luncheon at the Piedmont Driving Club, Dr. Bockman was recognized for her lifetime of dedication and service to improve the quality of education in Atlanta Public Schools.
Cindy Howell, EFA president, described Dr. Bockman as an extraordinary leader.
“We need more leaders like Dr. Bockman in Atlanta,” Howell said in a statement. “I consider myself very fortunate to have worked under her leadership at Garden Hills [Elementary School]. Dr. Bockman has changed the lives of countless students and teachers who have had the privilege to know her. She will always remain my hero for the courage that she demonstrated during times of extreme personal difficulty. She never gives up.”
Dr. Bockman said she is honored to receive the award.
“I have been fortunate to serve in different roles in 10 different schools in my career, which has been the best professional development possible,” she said. “I always try to bring out the best in the adults and students around me. It has been a great journey.”
Dr. Betsy Bockman is joined by Board Member Matt Westmoreland (first from left) and several APS colleagues during a special luncheon honoring her as a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
Known for her effective leadership style, compassion and integrity, Dr. Bockman has served as principal at several Atlanta Public Schools, including Inman Middle and Morningside and Garden Hills elementary schools. Over the course of her education career, Dr. Bockman has also worked as a physical education teacher and high school coach.
Dr. Bockman holds a doctorate of philosophy in educational studies and urban education from Emory University. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education from Georgia Southern College, followed by her educational specialist and master’s degrees from the University of Georgia.
As a nonprofit organization, EAF places highly skilled tutors in Atlanta Public Schools to support student success in literacy and math. EAF also gives students the tools, confidence, and repetition needed to make greater strides toward reaching grade-level literacy proficiency.
