2001-2004
AAFT began as a GSU initiative that was funded by the Metro Atlanta P-16 Council, a consortium of university, business and school system representatives along with the Georgia Association of Educators. This program focused solely on secondary education issues and topics, though curriculum touched upon teaching any subject. These first academies were for six full days, culminating in a closing ceremony on Saturday afternoon. GSU professors and doctoral students served as instructors.

2004
The Atlanta Public School System (APS) launches a pilot academy with 34 students from its teaching magnet school Booker T. Washington
This program was funded by PRISM and focused upon teaching high school science and mathematics. Classes were taught by teams of an APS Master Teacher paired with a Georgia State faculty member.

2005
GSU and APS merged to create a single 3-week academy focused on instructional strategies for the teaching of mathematics and science
Funding was provided by NSF PRISM and PRISM satellite grants.

 

2006-2008

With the success of the GSU/APS partnership, a second year curriculum is established for students who want to return for a second summer experience.

 

• Over 240 students have completed AAFT since 2004.
• On average, 75% of the participants attend APS schools and 25% of the participants attend schools in other metro Atlanta school districts