PAGE was formed in 1975 when the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) and its national organization, the NEA, took a major step toward becoming a teachers union by mandating "unified dues." This meant that membership in the local, state and national organization was mandated, not optional.
Many educators throughout Georgia were uncomfortable with the concept of forced "unified dues" and were opposed to the militancy of teacher unions nationwide. They were equally uncomfortable with the NEA’s aggressive political partisanship and the organization’s wide-ranging social agenda on issues unrelated to education. Georgia educators joined PAGE as an alternative to teacher unionism. From fewer than 100 members in 1975, PAGE has grown to more than 65,000 and continues to be the fastest-growing education association in Georgia.
PAGE's philosophy puts the educational interests of students first and foremost. Members work every day to make Georgia a better place for students to learn and for teachers to teach. That simple, affirmative message has not only led to the phenomenal growth of PAGE, it has also brought the support of the business community and governmental leaders. PAGE is held in high esteem by both groups who share our positive message of "putting kids first."